This document discusses winter water management practices on agricultural lands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley that benefit both waterfowl and water quality. It outlines Ducks Unlimited's mission to conserve wetlands and habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. The document provides details on USDA conservation programs and practices that support managing rice and soybean fields to retain winter rainfall. Statistics show that between 2005 and 2015, the number of rice and soybean acres managed for wildlife increased, with over 1.5 million private lands acres currently in the program. Partnerships among landowners, agencies, and organizations are key to further advancing these beneficial practices.

1. Winter Water Management
On Agricultural Lands in the MAV
A Win for Waterfowl and Water Quality
Scott Manley
Ducks Unlimited - Director of Conservation Programs

2. OUR MISSION
We conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats
for North America’s waterfowl.
These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

3. Priority Area Map

4. WORKING RICE LANDS

11. Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• 410 – Grade Stabilization Structure
• 449 – Irrigation Water Management
• 464 - Land Leveling
• 554 – Drainage Water Management
• 587 – Structure for Water Control
• 646 – Shallow Water Development
Conservation Stewardship Program
• ANM 12 – Shallow Water Habitat
• ANM 31 – Drainage Water Management
• ANM 44 – Retain Winter Rainfall
• ANM 45 – Manipulate Vegetation in Retained Water Fields
• ANM 46 – Extend Retention of Rainfall
• ANM 47 – Early Shorebird Habitat
• ANM 48 – Late Shorebird Habitat
• ANM 49 – Retain Water Between First and Ratoon Rice Crops
• WQL 27 – Drainage Water Management
• WQT 13 – Intermittent Flooding of Rice in Growing Season

12. 2005
• Rice Acres – 152,501
• Rice Acres Managed – 59,475
• 39%
• Soybean Acres – 175,391
• Soybeans Managed – 51,842
• 30%

13. 2015
• Rice Acres – 136,832
• Rice Acres Managed – 72,850
• 53%
• Soybean Acres – 207,068
• Soybeans Managed – 69,384
• 34%

14. TODAY’S NETWORK
1.5 MILLION ACRES
ON PRIVATE LANDS

17. Take Home Points
Working wetlands produce significant water quality benefits – the science is here.
 The next step is scale – both landscape and time – to demonstrate desired results.
 Private landowners and voluntary incentive-based conservation are key.
 Partnerships among landowners, federal/state agencies, and non-government
conservation organizations will achieve greatest progress.

18. THANK YOU !!
www.ducks.org/ricelands
smanley@ducks.org