Using the slogan ?If you?re not there, you don?t care,? rally organizers brought together 4,000 to 5,000 environmentalists, conservationists, anglers and duck hunters from throughout the state for the rally, which sought to focus state lawmakers? attention on the need for funding to combat Minnesota's declining numbers of waterfowl, vanishing wetlands, and threats to clean water.

Many sponsoring groups, including the Friends of Minnesota Valley NWR, staffed information booths to answer questions and enlist new members. Minnesota Waterfowl Association reportedly added 400 people to its ranks.

Minneapolis Star tribune columnist Dennis Anderson was first to address the crowd, describing the state of the state's wetlands and waters as a ?crisis? that has energized the passions of environmentalists and sportsmen alike. Don Young, executive vice president of Ducks Unlimited, was cheered when he announced DU's pledged of $10 million this year to begin restoration of Minnesota's shallow lakes -- waters upon which the future of bluebills and other ducks depend. Dave Zentner, rally organizer and former national president of the Izaak Walton League told the crowd that the coalition behind the event ?would not go away" and would continue to press for, among other goals, an ambitious Minnesota duck recovery plan. Retired Minnesota Viking coach Bud Grant said that the impressive gathering was another example of conservation leadership by Minnesotans. Other speakers included Martha Brand, executive director of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy; Dave Minar, an organic dairy farmer from New Prague; Ray Hangge a co-founder of the Minnesota Waterfowl Association; Les Jones, executive director of that same group; and Mark Martel of Audubon Minnesota.

Several Fish and Wildlife Service staff attended the rally as private citizens. Because of the political-lobbying nature of the event, the Service did not formally participate in the event. Sponsoring groups included: Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Delta Waterfowl, Pheasants Forever, Fishing Minnesota, Trout Unlimited, Izaak Walton League, Audubon of Minnesota, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Federation, Land Stewardship Project, Trust for Public Land, Mercury Free Minnesota and others. Corporate sponsors included Gander Mtn, Cabella's, Hautman Brothers, Waste Management and numerous others.