POLICIES



POLICIES

The policies of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. are established from time to time by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee. Policy revisions are recommended to the Board by the Executive Committee. All active Officers, Directors, Trustees and volunteer leaders of the organization must be thoroughly familiar with these policies so that we present a consistent viewpoint to the general membership, governmental agencies, allied conservation groups, and the public.

I. GENERAL POLICIES

A Mission 5

B. Public Statements 5

C. Budgetary Policy 5

D. Communications with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico 6

E. Conflict of Interest 6

F. Organizational Code of Conduct for Directors, Staff and Volunteers 7

G. Conduct at Ducks Unlimited Events 10

H. Wetlands and Waterfowl Violation Policy 10

I. Confidential Information 11

J. Real Estate 11

K. Marsh Grants 11

L. Marsh Proposals 12

M. The Ducks Unlimited Magazine 12

N. The Puddler Magazine 12

O. Art and Artists 13

P. Staff Policies and Benefits 13

Q. The Ducks Unlimited Publications List and Video Library 13

I. GENERAL POLICIES

A. MISSION

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

Only those activities which contribute directly toward that end shall be undertaken by Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

It shall be the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to strive to see that all funds sent to Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico are judiciously expended to most efficiently fulfill the purposes, goals and objectives of Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Cooperative efforts with other conservation organizations shall be confined to those programs which directly aid Ducks Unlimited's programs.

Research activities which do not contribute directly toward accomplishment of that purpose shall be left to other organizations.

The members of Ducks Unlimited who are also members of other conservation organizations, which may have a wider scope of activities, may use this information as individuals, but in doing so they shall not speak nor act as representatives of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. unless specifically authorized to do so by the President.

B. PUBLIC STATEMENTS

THE PRESIDENT MAY DESIGNATE WHO WILL REPRESENT DUCKS UNLIMITED FOR SPECIFIC APPEARANCES BEFORE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, ALLIED CONSERVATION GROUPS, OR THE GENERAL PUBLIC; HOWEVER, THE PRESIDENT, ALL OFFICERS OR OTHER SPOKESMEN FOR DUCKS UNLIMITED CAN ONLY SPEAK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES OF DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. AS ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

C. BUDGETARY

Ducks Unlimited strives to maintain the optimum efficiency in operations, endeavoring to maximize conservation expenditures through contributions to Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ducks Unlimited de Mexico, and U.S. Habitat programs. Ducks Unlimited's goal is to spend at least 80% of all funds raised to fulfill our waterfowl conservation mission in North America.

D. COMMUNICATIONS WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA AND DUCKS UNLIMITED de MEXICO

ALL requests for information, inspection tours, dedication trips, reports and other materials and services involving Ducks Unlimited Canada and/or Ducks Unlimited de Mexico shall be channeled through, and coordinated by, the National Headquarters of Ducks Unlimited.

E. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

A Ducks Unlimited Director, Officer, Member of a Board of Directors’ Committee and a State Chairman owes a Duty of Loyalty to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Such persons shall at all times exercise their powers in the interest of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and not in their own interest or in the interest of others.

A conflict of interest may exist when the interests or concerns of any such person or such person's immediate family, or any party, group or organization to which such person has allegiance may compete or may be seen as competing with the interests or concerns of this organization or when there may be the use or appearance of use of a person’s official position within Ducks Unlimited in a way that might result in personal gain. Any possible or potential conflict of interest shall be disclosed by the person with the potential conflict of interest to the Board of Directors or the Committee on which they serve.

When any such conflict of interest is relevant to a matter requiring action by the Board of Directors, or any Committee on which the person serves, the interested person shall call it to the attention of the Board of Directors or the Committee, and such person shall not vote on the matter. Moreover, once the potential conflict of interest is declared, the person having a conflict shall retire from the room in which the Board or Committee is meeting and shall not participate in the deliberation or decision regarding the matter under consideration. However, that person shall provide the Board or Committee with any and all relevant information.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Board or Committee shall reflect that the conflict of interest was disclosed and that the interested person was not present during the discussion or vote and did not vote. When there is a doubt as to whether a conflict of interest exists, the matter shall be resolved by a vote of the Board of Directors or the relevant Committee, excluding the person concerning whose situation the doubt has arisen.

A copy of this Conflict of Interest Policy shall be furnished to each Ducks Unlimited Director, Officer, Member of a Board of Directors Committee, Member of a Board of Directors Ancillary Committee and State Chairman who is presently serving this organization, or who may hereafter assume such positions when they assume such a position. This policy shall be reviewed annually for the information and guidance of such persons. Any new persons assuming such positions shall be advised of the policy upon undertaking the duties of such position.

Each Ducks Unlimited Director, Officer, Member of a Board of Directors Committee and State Chairman shall annually acknowledge in writing that they have been advised of this Conflict of Interest Policy and will comply with its provisions.

F. ORGANIZATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DIRECTORS, STAFF

AND VOLUNTEERS

The Board of Directors defines the ethical values and desired behaviors within the organization through an Organizational Code of Conduct and Ducks Unlimited Policies. The Organizational Code of Conduct and Ducks Unlimited Policies provide insight and guidance to the expectations of Directors, Staff and Volunteers with regards to respect, integrity, confidentiality of organization information, accountability of actions, human rights, conservation issues, and the desired public image of Ducks Unlimited.

The Board of Directors influences ethical values and desired behaviors through the Organizational Code of Conduct, Ducks Unlimited Policies and the actions, behaviors and decisions of the Board of Directors as a whole and of its individual Directors. It is essential that Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers actions are consistent with stated values and are in the best interest of the organization. All Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers are required to read, understand and comply with this Organizational Code of Conduct.

Implementing an Organizational Code of Conduct is only effective when proper communication is made to those responsible for following that Code. Conducting training sessions or presentations on the Organizational Code of Conduct and other related issues would reinforce the organization’s values.

DU’s Vision and Values that tie into the Organizational Code of Conduct

Vision

• To maintain a high level of service and integrity in our relationships with supporters.

• To foster a culture that promotes learning in order to continually enhance the effectiveness of Ducks Unlimited programs and to constantly improve the way we conduct all aspects of our business.

• To ensure that our conservation programs are guided by sound science and based on the best available information.

• To be an innovative, credible and cost-effective organization, which generates financial, political and moral support from its members, the general public, the private business sector, other charitable organizations and governments.

• To deliver habitat programs that are landscape oriented and sensitive to regional waterfowl needs. To address emerging conservation issues affecting waterfowl habitat.

Values

• Ducks Unlimited uses financial and other resources entrusted to us in an efficient and effective manner with full accountability.

• Ducks Unlimited functions with fairness, integrity, sensitivity and commitment to a high level of service which is vital in our dealing with our supporters and in all our business relationships.

• Ducks Unlimited believes private landholders are vital to our mission; we recognize their contributions and the need to respect their individual interests and unique concerns in the implementation of our conservation programs.

• Ducks Unlimited supports waterfowl hunting, when conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner, as a legitimate and acceptable use of a renewable resource.

Ducks Unlimited’s Organizational Code of Conduct mandates:

Policies and Procedures

Knowledge of and compliance with Ducks Unlimited’s Policies is essential to obtain our vision and maintain our stated values.

Respect

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers treat each other with respect and dignity regardless of role or individual differences.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers maintain a safe and fair work environment.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers value our people in all capacities and their personal commitment to delivering quality services.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers encourage cooperation, learning and growth in all those who work with us.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers strive to understand and respond to the needs of those inside and outside of Ducks Unlimited.

Honesty and Integrity

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers are always fair and honest in our dealings even when others would not know of our actions.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers will not condone the breaches of conduct of others, which involve Ducks Unlimited.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers believe honesty includes not engaging in coercive or misleading practices or falsifying or wrongfully withholding information.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers do not place ourselves in situations in which our private interests could conflict directly or indirectly with our obligations to Ducks Unlimited as provided by Ducks Unlimited’s Conflict of Interest Policies.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers do not accept benefits from others such as gifts or entertainment of such a value that the situation could be seen as creating an obligation as provided by Ducks Unlimited’s Conflict of Interest Policies.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers do not act in ways, which may cause others to question their loyalty to Ducks Unlimited.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers insist upon honesty and integrity, not only with one another, but also with all stakeholders.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers provide truth in advertising.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers shall be truthful in all promotions and publish only accurate information about Ducks Unlimited operations.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers use Ducks Unlimited property responsibly and in the best interests of the organization and its reputation.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers do not use Ducks Unlimited funds to provide benefits such as inappropriate gifts or entertainment for others or ourselves as provided by Ducks Unlimited’s Conflict of Interest Policies.

Confidentiality and Discretion

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers exercise confidentiality and discretion in the use of information proprietary to Ducks Unlimited.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers avoid any conflict of interest, which may interfere with the best interests of Ducks Unlimited as provided by Ducks Unlimited’s Conflict of Interest Policies.

Laws and Regulations

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers respect the laws, customs and business practices of our country as well as other countries in which we operate, but do not compromise the principles embodied in this code.

• In interpreting the law, Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers adopt a course, which preserves integrity.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers will deal with parties with whom we contract in an intelligent and cooperative manner in accordance with contractual relations, written or implied.

Accountability

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers are responsible for our actions and accountable for their consequences.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers take personal responsibility for all issues over which we have control and the manner in which these are achieved.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers conduct ourselves at all times in a manner which will reflect well upon Ducks Unlimited as well as the conservation and charitable sectors.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers conduct business to maintain good will within the conservation sector, and to maintain and increase the good will and confidence of Volunteers, members and the general public.

Non-Discrimination

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers value and promote diversity at Ducks Unlimited with our Board Directors, Staff, Volunteers, members and the general public.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers will foster a non-discriminatory work and business environment to promote a climate of harmony and inclusiveness.

• Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers are responsible for ensuring their behavior is in adherence with Ducks Unlimited’s non-discrimination policy. All Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers are responsible for ensuring their behavior adheres to the policy when representing Ducks Unlimited.

When in Doubt: Self Test

The self-testing questions outlined below will help Board Directors, Staff and Volunteers identify whether or not an issue is in compliance with the Ducks Unlimited’s Organizational Code of Conduct. If you are still in doubt of any issue, you are encouraged to discuss the situation with either your supervisor/manager, or Ducks Unlimited’s General Counsel.

1. Would the action appear to be correct in the eyes of the Board of Directors, Staff, Volunteers, members and the general public? For example, how would it look in a newspaper article?

2. Is it consistent with Ducks Unlimited’s values?

3. Do you feel good about your answers?

4. Would you want to be treated the same way by those affected by the action?

G. CONDUCT AT DUCKS UNLIMITED EVENTS

All functions of Ducks Unlimited, whether of a voluntary nature or otherwise, including all fund-raising and other events conducted by Local Chapters, shall be conducted in such a way so as to uphold the integrity, high standards and traditions of Ducks Unlimited. All events and functions of Ducks Unlimited shall be conducted in good taste and in accordance with generally recognized and accepted standards of the community and shall contain nothing to unreasonably offend participants or guests. Any alleged violation of this policy, upon being reported by employees or members of Ducks Unlimited or participants or guests at such function, shall be immediately reviewed by Ducks Unlimited. Upon a finding of a violation of this policy, the individual, group and/or committee responsible thereof shall be appropriately censured, including a review of his or its official status with Ducks Unlimited.

H. WETLANDS AND WATERFOWL VIOLATION POLICY

It is the policy of the corporation that all Directors, Officers, State Trustees and National Delegates, Trustee Emeriti, Honorary Trustees, volunteer Committee Chairmen or volunteer Committee members shall comply with all waterfowl, waterfowl habitat, game, fish, hunting and fishing statutes, regulations and ordinances.

Any Director, Officer, State Trustee and National Delegate, Trustee Emeriti, Honorary Trustee, volunteer Committee Chairman or volunteer Committee member of the corporation who is found guilty of or pleads guilty or no contest to a violation of any statute, regulation or ordinance which exists pertaining to waterfowl, waterfowl habitat, game, fish, hunting or fishing shall be in violation of this policy and shall have their official status with the corporation immediately reviewed by the Personnel Policy Committee. If the Personnel Policy Committee determines that disciplinary action is appropriate, it shall determine the disciplinary action, which may include the removal of that person from their volunteer position, that should be taken for such violation and implement such disciplinary action. Any action to discipline a Director, Officer, State Trustee and National Delegate, Trustee Emeriti, Honorary Trustee, volunteer Committee Chairman or volunteer Committee member shall be by a positive vote of at least four (4) of the members of the Personnel Policy Committee.

I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

It is the responsibility of each Director, Trustee, National Officer, State Officer, Area Chairman, Committee and Chapter member, and volunteer who receives Ducks Unlimited membership lists and/or mailing labels, this Operating Manual and other information concerning the names, address and telephone number of Ducks Unlimited members, volunteers and employees to treat such material and the information contained therein as confidential and proprietary information of Ducks Unlimited, maintain its confidentiality and use it only for bona fide Ducks Unlimited activities. Under no circumstances may such lists, mailing labels and information be made public, sold, or given or provided to any organization, company or person for any purpose without the express written permission of the President of Ducks Unlimited.

J. REAL ESTATE

Purchasing Policy

Ducks Unlimited will acquire easement or title to real estate only when such an acquisition fulfills a Ducks Unlimited need. The Ducks Unlimited Land Review Committee headed by the Group Manager for Conservation Programs shall conduct the initial review of acceptability of all potential acquisitions. Upon their approval for acquisition and the concurrence of the Executive Vice President, potential acquisitions shall be reviewed by Conservation Programs and Finance Committees as appropriate. Acquisition shall proceed on approval of the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Gifts of Real Estate

Ducks Unlimited will accept gifts of real estate, including conservation easements, only when such a gift assists in the fulfillment of the Ducks Unlimited mission. Gifts of real estate are accepted to produce income through resale (trade lands) or to fulfill specific conservation objectives of Ducks Unlimited. As a rule, gifts of real estate for resale will be accepted only after a buyer has been identified and committed to the property. The Ducks Unlimited Land Review Committee headed by the Group Manager for Conservation Programs shall conduct the initial review of acceptability for all potential gifts. Upon approval of the Executive Vice President, gifts of real estate up to a value of $250,000 may be accepted with permission granted from the President without full Board of Directors action. Gifts of real estate with value over $250,000 will be accepted only after Board of Director approval as recommended by the Conservation Programs and Finance Committees, as appropriate. Gifts of conservation easements may be accepted to fulfill conservation priorities in areas designated by the Board of Directors, with permission granted from the President, without full Board of Directors action. All costs associated with Ducks Unlimited's acceptance of real estate gifts will be paid by the donor unless exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise.

K. MATCHING AID TO RESTORE STATE HABITAT ("MARSH") GRANTS POLICY

The amount of money made available to each state to fund MARSH projects is equal to 7.5% of the state’s net qualifying contributions plus any unused Operating Rebate from the previous year. The MARSH grant will, therefore, fluctuate as Ducks Unlimited’s income fluctuates in each state. Net qualifying contributions are the sum of Event Proceeds and Unrestricted Life Sponsors. MARSH is one of many income sources used to fund the conservation program.

L. MARSH PROPOSALS

MARSH project proposals are prepared by regional conservation staff in cooperation with the participating partner agencies. These proposals include the pertinent information regarding location (including geographic coordinates and a plat book or topographic map of the project area), legal description, ownership, management objectives, description of work, projected costs, and any supplementary support information pertinent to the project.

Projects that benefit other wildlife species, threatened or endangered species, unique habitats or ecosystems, or having high public visibility or interpretive values in addition to providing substantial waterfowl values will receive priority. These values should be identified in the project proposal. Ducks Unlimited believes that demonstrating how projects help to achieve multiple conservation goals is critical to the success of our program and that of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. For further information on MARSH proposals, contact the nearest regional office or the office of the Chief Biologist.

M. THE DUCKS UNLIMITED MAGAZINE

The Ducks Unlimited magazine is published six times each year by Ducks Unlimited, Inc. The publication covers all aspects of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. as well as other material of interest and concern and is circulated to over 610,000 subscribers.

It is mailed to all active members of the organization as a portion of their membership, to officers and staff members of federal, state, and private agencies, and selected news media.

The editorial policy of the magazine is directed by the Executive Vice President, in accordance with established policy of the Board of Directors and Presidential approval.

The Ducks Unlimited magazine carries commercial advertising published in accordance with accepted and approved standards of the publishing industry. Rate cards are available upon request.

N. THE PUDDLER MAGAZINE

The Puddler magazine is published four times a year by Ducks Unlimited, Inc. It is mailed to Junior Greenwing members (under 12 years old).

Puddler magazine is designed to nurture scientific understanding as well as respect and affection for North America's varied wetland habitat and the wildlife it supports. Features regularly cover waterfowl, natural history, wetlands ecology and wildlife biology. Children are encouraged to explore the natural world around them.

The editorial policy of the magazine is directed by the Executive Vice President, in accordance with established policy of the Board of Directors and Presidential approval.

O. ART AND ARTISTS

Two commonly asked questions are, "How does an artist submit subjects for consideration in the Ducks Unlimited magazine?" and "How does an artist receive consideration for Artist of the Year nomination?"

The Ducks Unlimited Magazine will consider any artwork depicting waterfowl or waterfowling. The artist should not send any original material. Satisfactory reproduction in the magazine can be achieved from good color transparencies (4 x 5 or larger). The greater the number of transparencies that can be submitted and kept on file, the greater the chances are that a particular piece of artwork will fit the magazine's editorial needs. If a piece of artwork is used in the Ducks Unlimited magazine, a credit line is included and all inquiries regarding the artwork are forwarded directly to the artist. Submissions should be sent to the attention of the Editor-in-Chief, Ducks Unlimited magazine, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, Tennessee 38120.

Qualifications for consideration of an artist as the annual "International Artist of the Year" have been formulated by the Event Merchandise Committee. These qualifications are:

1. Must be nationally recognized as an outstanding waterfowl artist.

2. Must have made significant contributions to Ducks Unlimited's national programs or to

other recognized worthy conservation efforts.

Additional details on the Ducks Unlimited "International Artist of the Year" program and National Art Program are available by writing the Field Operations Department at National Headquarters.

P. STAFF POLICIES AND BENEFITS

The Ducks Unlimited staff operates within the framework of operational policy guidelines formulated by the Personnel Policy Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Ducks Unlimited, Inc. provides its staff employees with employee benefits, formulated by the Personnel Policy Committee and approved by the Board. Additional information regarding these policies and benefits is available from National Headquarters.

The administration of these employee policies and benefits are the direct responsibility of the Executive Vice President, in accordance with the directive and recommendations of the Personnel Policy Committee, the President and the Board.

Q. THE DUCKS UNLIMITED PUBLICATIONS LIST AND VIDEO LIBRARY

Publications List

The following Publications List includes recurring Ducks Unlimited, Inc. publications, videos and other materials that may be ordered by volunteers and field staff. Please contact the appropriate regional office or department at National Headquarters to order. There is a charge for some items as noted on the list.

Video Library

National Headquarters maintains a library of videos available to Ducks Unlimited members, chapters and other community organizations. These videos are available on VHS. Titles currently available are listed under the Video Library section of the Publications List. Please contact your regional director at least two weeks before your event to arrange to purchase a copy. To receive credit for the cost of the video, please return it immediately following your event, and the charge will be reversed. By doing this, DU can provide videos to others and keep production costs to a minimum. VHS tapes cost $12 plus shipping unless otherwise noted on the list.

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