of over $18.1 million. Through the Living Lakes Initiative, DU and its partners continue to focus efforts and resources on improving the ecological

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "of over $18.1 million. Through the Living Lakes Initiative, DU and its partners continue to focus efforts and resources on improving the ecological"

Susan Shields
5 years ago
Views:

2011 CONSERVATION SUMMARY Ducks Unlimited s conservation programs continue to thrive in Iowa thanks to dedicated supporters, partners and staff.

Most of these strategic, science-based investments were targeted in the Prairie Pothole Region of Iowa, which is one of DU s highest priority landscapes in North America.

Through the Living Lakes Initiative, DU and its partners continue to focus efforts and resources on improving the ecological Iowa State Report 2012 health and management of Iowa s shallow lakes and

3 million wetlands conservation partnership to help landowners restore habitat on their property enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

1 2011 CONSERVATION SUMMARY Ducks Unlimited s conservation programs continue to thrive in Iowa thanks to dedicated supporters, partners and staff was a year of significant program growth and accomplishments. DU and its partners invested $3,916,777 to protect, enhance and restore 3,216 acres of habitat in Iowa. Most of these strategic, science-based investments were targeted in the Prairie Pothole Region of Iowa, which is one of DU s highest priority landscapes in North America. Since 1986, DU and its DID YOU KNOW? partners have conserved Iowa had 16,702 adult and 2,661 70,679 acres across Iowa Greenwing members in 2011! with a total investment of over $18.1 million. Through the Living Lakes Initiative, DU and its partners continue to focus efforts and resources on improving the ecological Iowa State Report 2012 health and management of Iowa s shallow lakes and large wetland complexes. In 2011, DU and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service launched a new multi-year $9.3 million wetlands conservation partnership to help landowners restore habitat on their property enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Other conservation highlights included the addition of a new engineering staff member, Rick Verchota, P.E. Rick is stationed in Nora Springs, Iowa, and will help coordinate WRP delivery and other DU engineering efforts in Iowa. Together, DU and its partners accomplished great things in 2011, but significant work and conservation challenges lie ahead. Your continued support will elevate conservation programs in Iowa to the next level and achieve DU s vision of filling the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. LOST ISLAND LAKE/BARRINGER SLOUGH/BLUE-WING MARSH COMPLEX The Lost Island Lake/Barringer Slough/Blue-wing Marsh complex is comprised of more than 2,200 acres of lake, wetland and associated upland habitat, making it one of Iowa s top recreation and tourism destinations. In 2010 and 2011, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Palo Alto County Conservation Board, Lost Island Lake Protective Association, Ducks Unlimited and several local stakeholders completed a major renovation project that enhanced over 1,000 acres of wetland habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. This $1.3 million state-funded lake restoration will provide long-term ecological, recreational and economic benefits for Iowans. DU s engineering staff surveyed and designed a series of water control structures and fish barriers that will allow managers to effectively manage for productive habitat. During summer/fall 2011, DNR managers drew down water levels in Barringer Slough, DU Marsh and Blue-wing Marsh to eradicate rough fish and reestablish healthy aquatic plant communities. Weather permitting; all basins should return to full pool in fall 2012 with improved water quality excellent waterfowl habitat and enhanced recreational opportunities. Former dilapidated outlet structure at Barringer Slough New DU-designed Outlet Structure at Barringer Slough CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CONSERVATION... 1

DU AND NRCS LAUNCH WETLAND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP IN IOWA In 2011, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ducks Unlimited signed a $9.

This agreement extends through 2013 and includes planned restoration activities on more than 6,500 acres throughout the Prairie Pothole and Missouri River Valley Regions of Iowa.

2 DU AND NRCS LAUNCH WETLAND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP IN IOWA In 2011, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ducks Unlimited signed a $9.3 million cooperative agreement to coordinate and deliver the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in Iowa. This agreement extends through 2013 and includes planned restoration activities on more than 6,500 acres throughout the Prairie Pothole and Missouri River Valley Regions of Iowa. During 2011, partners restored over 1,700 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat on 29 different sites in 12 counties. DU and NRCS are gearing up for another busy restoration year in WRP is a voluntary incentive-based program authorized through the Farm Bill that provides financial and technical assistance to landowners to restore wetlands and associated uplands on their property. Wetlands protected and restored under WRP provide significant benefits not only to wildlife, but also the citizens of Iowa. Wetlands help reduce downstream flooding by acting like a sponge to absorb and slow runoff. Wetlands also improve water quality by recharging ground water and filtering contaminants from drinking water supplies. There is currently a waiting list of Iowa landowners interested in enrolling in WRP. Current funding levels limit the number Visit for information about WRP in Iowa TIM ACKARMAN BLUE-WINGED TEAL of applications that can be accepted each year. The agreement between DU and NRCS will help address this backlog and accelerate wetland conservation efforts across the state. DONOR HIGHLIGHT CHUCK & ELAINE LENZE Chuck and Elaine Lenze Chuck Lenze attended his first DU banquet more than 30 years ago and has been an active volunteer for the Mid-Iowa Chapter ever since. He believes that selling event tickets is a good way to network with people in the community, while helping promote DU s continental conservation mission. Chuck s wife Elaine is also an active committee member, helping organize their annual event and serving as chapter secretary. Elaine has developed a passion for the outdoors through her involvement with DU. The Lenzes have formed many lifelong friendships with fellow DU committee members, many of whom they vacation with today. Chuck and Elaine recently increased their commitment to habitat conservation and became Life Sponsors of DU s Living Lakes Initiative. Chuck grew up hunting waterfowl and pheasants in northern Iowa and has maintained a close connection to that area. By supporting Living Lakes, it has been a nice way to increase the quality and quantity of wetland habitat in Iowa and we feel like we re giving something back for others to enjoy, said Chuck. Thanks to generous supporters like the Lenzes, DU is able to maintain a strong science-based conservation program in Iowa. For more information about becoming a DU Major Sponsor, please contact: Adam Dehaan, Director of Development ; adehaan@ducks.org 2

IOWA COMPLETED PROJECTS 2005 TO 2011 Completed Project Acquisition WRP Prairie Pothole Region Projects completed since the launch of DU s LLI in 2005.

Rick obtained his Civil Engineering degree from Iowa State University and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Iowa.

Rick is a long-time DU supporter and has served as an active volunteer on a local DU Committee.

3 IOWA COMPLETED PROJECTS 2005 TO 2011 Completed Project Acquisition WRP Prairie Pothole Region Projects completed since the launch of DU s LLI in MEET YOUR IA CONSERVATION STAFF In November 2011, DU hired Rick Verchota, P.E., to assist DU s regional surveying, engineering and construction staff with Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and other habitat projects in Iowa. Rick obtained his Civil Engineering degree from Iowa State University and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Iowa. He recently retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation after holding various positions during a successful 24-year career. Rick is a long-time DU supporter and has served as an active volunteer on a local DU Committee. Rick enjoys spending time outdoors and in pursuit of his deer, turkey and waterfowl hunting interests. Please welcome him to the DU family! Please contact Rick if you re interested in WRP: rverchota@ducks.org/

NAWCA NEEDS FUNDING, YOUR VOICE CAN HELP Ducks Unlimited has provided a strong voice on public policy issues impacting wetlands and waterfowl conservation across North America for 75 years.

This program provides grants to partner groups private landowners, local companies, conservation organizations, and more who have matched the grant funds by raising money from non-federal sources.

4 NAWCA NEEDS FUNDING, YOUR VOICE CAN HELP Ducks Unlimited has provided a strong voice on public policy issues impacting wetlands and waterfowl conservation across North America for 75 years. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) is the most significant federal program that DU partners with to protect and conserve habitat for North America s migratory bird populations. This program provides grants to partner groups private landowners, local companies, conservation organizations, and more who have matched the grant funds by raising money from non-federal sources. These funds are then used to impact wetlands that are in need of restoration and enhancement, and competition for these funds means the match is typically two to three times the grant amount will be critical for NAWCA in two ways. First, NAWCA requires reauthorization every five years, with the current bill expiring in DU is seeking congressional support for bills in the Senate and the House that would reauthorize the program until This would allow the Congress to fund these wetland grants. Second, federal budgets are lean this year and funding for programs such as NAWCA are at risk. NAWCA brings in more money to the federal treasury than it costs. It also MALLARD HEN AND BROOD creates thousands of jobs each year, and creates business for hotels, restaurants, plant nurseries, construction companies and many others. This program is an incredibly valuable tool for natural resource protection in this country. It deserves strong, active support from DU supporters. Please help by visiting or by calling your Senators and House member to express your support for NAWCA PUT THE DUCK ON YOUR TRUCK VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Ducks Unlimited needs your help. The best way to promote healthy waterfowl populations is by volunteering with your local DU committee. Funds raised through local events are the foundation of the organization s conservation efforts. Your support also helps DU s policy team positively influence legislation important to waterfowl. BE A LEADER! BECOME A DU VOLUNTEER! For information on becoming a volunteer and to find local contacts, visit or contact your Regional Director(s): Mike Heller in Clarion, mheller@ducks.org/ Josh Finley in Boone, jfinley@ducks.org/ J.R. McCulley in Burlington, jrmcculley@ducks.org/ For information on how to purchase an Iowa DU organizational plate, contact the Iowa DOT at or by calling your localcounty treasurer s office River Road, Bismarck, ND

SUPPORTING THE VISION CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CONSERVATION SUCCESS By Dale Hall Ducks Unlimited CEO This year marks a very special time for Ducks Unlimited. On Jan.

Throughout this year, we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary, and we have a great deal to celebrate.

From our beginnings in Manitoba at Big Grass Marsh with a project impacting 100,000 acres, to our current partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts to conserve 1 billion acres in the vast boreal

During DU s first years, struggling farmers were DU s best partners; the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression were in full swing and significant acres of wetlands were being converted to farmland.

5 SUPPORTING THE VISION CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CONSERVATION SUCCESS By Dale Hall Ducks Unlimited CEO This year marks a very special time for Ducks Unlimited. On Jan. 29, 1937, the More Game Birds in America organization transitioned into what would become the greatest wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation organization in the world! Throughout this year, we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary, and we have a great deal to celebrate. DU CEO Dale Hall (left) and USFWS Acting Director Rowan Gould assist researchers with a duck banding project in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota. From our beginnings in Manitoba at Big Grass Marsh with a project impacting 100,000 acres, to our current partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts to conserve 1 billion acres in the vast boreal forests, our work has been based on the simple principle of cooperation with others. During DU s first years, struggling farmers were DU s best partners; the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression were in full swing and significant acres of wetlands were being converted to farmland. The partnership with farmers was based on water on the ground, ducks in the air, and immediately elevated DU s status as a group of people who wanted to roll up their sleeves and solve problems. The very first volunteers to answer the call were hunters. Hunters know that to have enough ducks to enjoy our passionate pursuit, there must be healthy habitats. In 1934, when the Depression had more people in bread lines and westward caravans than were employed, duck hunters lobbied Congress to require them to pay to go hunting! This was followed in 1937 by hunters and firearm and ammunition industries lobbying for a tax on these items used solely for conservation. This law is still in place today and supports state fish and wildlife agencies. Also in 1937, Ducks Unlimited Incorporated and Ducks Unlimited Canada were born. With DUC as the original mechanism to deliver projects on the ground in Canada, our partnership has been long and rich with science-based decisions and volunteer-driven passion. Until the 1980s, all DU s work was done in Canada. Then science unveiled the importance of migratory and wintering habitat. DUI has continued its partnership with DUC to conserve valuable nesting grounds, but has expanded to include projects in all 50 states. We are rapidly closing in on 13 million acres conserved in North America, with a target of 750 million to 1 billion more acres conserved in Canada s boreal forests. What an accomplishment to celebrate! But as we and our numerous partners celebrate these great successes, we must not rest on our accomplishments. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we still lose more acres than we are able to conserve each year in the U.S., and across North America the pressures to convert valuable waterfowl habitat to other uses is greater than ever. Our challenges are great, but with the continued dedication of our volunteers, members and staff, Ducks Unlimited WILL NOT FAIL! I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the next 12 months as we celebrate 75 years of phenomenal accomplishment. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DUCKS UNLIMITED! Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other 2525 River Road, Bismarck, ND wildlife and people. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office (Fax) 1

Illinois Conservation Report celebrating Ducks unlimited s 75th anniversary

Illinois Conservation Report celebrating Ducks unlimited s 75th anniversary Great Lakes / Atlantic Region Illinois 2012 Conservation Report celebrating Ducks unlimited s 75th anniversary DU AWARDED $5 MILLION GRANT FOR MIDDLE ILLINOIS RIVER The Illinois Clean Energy Community