Friday, March 29, 2024

Romines to organize Ducks Unlimited chapter

By Jessica Wettig

 

Randall Romines, Marion, is organizing a Ducks Unlimited chapter for Johnson County.

Ducks Unlimited is a national organization that specializes in conservation. They use a variety of methods including restoring, replanting, partnerships, and many other strategies.

The organization has a variety of programs for kids and adults.

Romines said the county hasn’t had a chapter in a very long time.

There’s an issue with the ducks not having proper wetlands to be in, he said. So, they have been migrating to the Ohio River. The wetlands need to be conserved in order for them to come back to the county.

For Johnson County, and surrounding counties, hunting is the “bread and butter” of our area. It feeds the economy for local businesses.

With the ducks migrating to other areas, people have to travel further to hunt. That takes away from the economy.

“We’re not going to be able to do anything if we can’t take care of the wetlands,” he said.

Romines said the area doesn’t have any funds right now to conserve the wetlands, and this organization will help solve that issue. Plans are being made for multiple raffles and fundraisers.

A meeting will be hosted Sept. 6 at Cazadores in Vienna. The jobs will be laid out for president, chairman, and other positions. Romines encourages anyone interested to attend, as they are looking for members. The positions are strictly volunteer positions.