Pennsylvania DUCKS UNLIMITED SECURES FUNDING FOR PYMATUNING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

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GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE Pennsylvania 2009 Conservation Report Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office DUCKS UNLIMITED SECURES FUNDING FOR PYMATUNING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

restoration and enhancement at Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

This well-known WMA contains some of Pennsylvania s largest and most productive wetlands which provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, including several

Originally developed in the early 1960 s, Pymatuning WMA came to be known as one of Pennsylvania s premier waterfowl areas, due in large part to the ability of wildlife biologists to

However, over the past 50 years, the system of dikes and water control structures that were so critical to the area s management have deteriorated.

which have little benefit to wildlife, to become dominant.

), and as a result, the habitat is not optimal for wildlife.

beneficial for waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife.

providing migration and wintering habitat for waterfowl.

1 GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE Pennsylvania 2009 Conservation Report Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office DUCKS UNLIMITED SECURES FUNDING FOR PYMATUNING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Ducks Unlimited (DU) has received a State Wildlife Grant of $63,000 from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for wetland restoration and enhancement at Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Pymatuning WMA is a 5,400-acre complex of wetland and upland habitat located in western Crawford County between Geneva Swamp and Pymatuning Reservoir in northwestern Pennsylavania. This well-known WMA contains some of Pennsylvania s largest and most productive wetlands which provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, including several endangered, threatened and special concern plant and animal species, as well as important educational and recreational opportunities. Originally developed in the early 1960 s, Pymatuning WMA came to be known as one of Pennsylvania s premier waterfowl areas, due in large part to the ability of wildlife biologists to manipulate water levels and optimize habitat for waterfowl. However, over the past 50 years, the system of dikes and water control structures that were so critical to the area s management have deteriorated. The inability to reliably manage water levels in these wetlands allowed aggressive species plant such as swamp loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus) and spatterdock (Nuphar luteum), which have little benefit to wildlife, to become dominant. Presently many wetlands at Pymatuning consist almost exclusively of open water covered with spatterdock interspersed with dense stands of swamp loosestrife and cattail (Typha sp.), and as a result, the habitat is not optimal for wildlife. The primary objective of this wetland enhancement and restoration effort is to rebuild the water control systems, in order to reestablish wetland vegetation communities that are beneficial for waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife. This project supports the primary goals of the Pennsylvania Waterfowl Management Plan to provide quality breeding habitat for waterfowl and other water birds, while secondarily providing migration and wintering habitat for waterfowl. To provide the scientific information needed to ensure successful management actions, the PGC has conducted research to determine the response of vegetation to water level manipulation. Results of this research indicate that, given a suitable seed bank, increased plant community diversity can be accomplished through drawdown and subsequent re-flooding, and water level management can enhance the production of foods (both plants and invertebrates) for wildlife species dependant on wetlands. DU s role will be to provide conservation engineering and design services necessary to implement the proposed habitat restoration and enhancement projects. Approximately 14.7 acres of wetland habitat will be restored through earthwork and installation of five water control structures. In addition, acres of wetland habitat will be enhanced by rehabilitating a nonfunctional water control structure to permit management of water levels. Waterfowl flying over improved habitat at Pymatuning WMA Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 1

HABITAT HAPPENINGS RELIANT ENERGY FUNDS WETLAND RESTORATION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY In November, 2008 Reliant Energy and Ducks Unlimited partnered with the U.

2 HABITAT HAPPENINGS RELIANT ENERGY FUNDS WETLAND RESTORATION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY In November, 2008 Reliant Energy and Ducks Unlimited partnered with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Mellon Foundation, and the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania to restore two acres of palustrine emergent wetlands along Tenmile Creek in the Ohio River Basin. Located in Amwell Township, Washington County, the Vitale project will serve to retain floodwaters and provide treatment for nonpoint source pollution, as well as enhanced wildlife habitat. Mallards and wood ducks as well as many other waterfowl species, will use the restored wetland habitat during their annual migration. Contractors hard at work on the Vitale project in Washington County NEW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ESTABLISHED IN PENNSYLVANIA It is likely that few people in the state have heard of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, but on December 30, 2008, Pennsylvania s newest national wildlife refuge was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cherry Valley is a 30,000-acre natural area located in Monroe and Northampton counties, which includes portions of Ross, Hamilton, Stroud and Smithfield townships plus the Delaware Water Gap. The valley contains several nationally significant ecosystems, including mid-atlantic calcareous fens, portions of the Kittatinny Ridge, pitch pine/scrub oak barrens, kettle hole bogs, caves and Cherry Creek itself. Many protected plants and animals reside in the Valley including federally listed threatened or endangered species. Cherry Valley is also a major avenue for migrating birds of prey, songbirds, waterfowl and bats. The Service has established an acquisition boundary for the refuge, encompassing 20,466 acres, within which the service is authorized to acquire property from willing landowners for incorporation into the refuge The designation of this newest refuge began in 2005 when U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-11) and Charles Dent (R-15) co-sponsored a bill that was passed by Congress authorizing the service to evaluate the biological value of the natural communities with-in the valley and to determine if the area merited protection as a national wildlife refuge. The findings of the study and records from the past provided sufficient evidence of the biological importance of this unique resource, and supported its inclusion in the National Refuge System. Some of the more unusual birds that have been found in Cherry Valley include Northern Pintail and American black duck, all of which are listed on the National Audubon Society s Watchlist, which recognizes species that have suffered severe declines in recent years. Other birds include the Bald Eagle which is listed as endangered in Pennsylvania, the Osprey and Peregrine Falcon which are listed as Threatened in PA, and Green-winged Teal which are considered rare in PA. Other important wildlife species found in Cherry Valley include the Bog Turtle, which is classified as U.S. Threatened. Several plants considered endangered in PA have been found including northeastern bulrush, which is listed as U.S. endangered, has been discovered. With its successful authorization, Cherry Valley joins John Heinz at Tinicum National Wildlife Refuge and the Erie National Wildlife Refuge as only the third refuge in Pennsylvania. 2

HABITAT HAPPENINGS MELLON FOUNDATION UPDATE With the help of a grant from the Mellon Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and its conservation partners have completed 6 projects and restored 37 acres of

Each restored emergent wetland will provide breeding habitat for local mallards and wood ducks, as well as important food resources for waterfowl during the spring and fall migrations.

3 HABITAT HAPPENINGS MELLON FOUNDATION UPDATE With the help of a grant from the Mellon Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and its conservation partners have completed 6 projects and restored 37 acres of wetlands in western Pennsylvania this year. These restoration projects are located in Centre, Greene and Washington County, and will have a direct impact on water quality in Pennsylvania and beyond. Each restored emergent wetland will provide breeding habitat for local mallards and wood ducks, as well as important food resources for waterfowl during the spring and fall migrations. The focus of DU s conservation efforts in western Pennsylvania is to restore wetland hydrology and incorporate water level control where possible. Restoration methods include plugging man-made ditches and drainage tiles, constructing low-level earthen berms, and installing water-level control structures. Using these techniques, DU can establish wetland vegetation communities that naturally filter pollutants and provide prime habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Ducks Unlimited, with help from the Mellon Foundation and its partners the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, continues to successfully conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl in western Pennsylvania. Contractors begin to build earthen berm at the Washington County restoration site. REPLACEMENT OF WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE AT ERIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Ducks Unlimited was chosen to assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with the rehabilitation of a deteriorated water control structure at one of their waterfowl impoundments on the Erie National Wildlife Refuge near Meadville, Pennsylvania. The Erie NWR was established in 1959, and consists of two land divisions. The Sugar Lake Division is an area of approximately 5,200 acres near Guys Mills, comprised of a complex of beaver ponds, marshes, creeks forested areas and open cropland and wet meadows. This division includes a number of impoundments that are actively managed for waterfowl and other wildlife. The Seneca Division is a less intensively managed area of 3,600 acres located near Cambridge Springs, comprised of a forested valley traversed by Muddy and Dead creeks. Over 400 wood ducks are reared at Erie NWR each year, and the refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl during the fall and spring migrations. In addition, the refuge supports 70 species of fish and 25 species of mussels. The water control structure at Pool Number 4, one of the actively managed impoundments on the Sugar Lakes Division, was in need of rehabilitation. The water control structure was deteriorated, such that water levels in the impoundment could no longer be managed, reducing the availability of habitat required by several waterfowl species. The Service s Dam Safety Officer recommended complete replacement of the water control structure and downstream headwall. Because of Ducks Unlimited s (DU) extensive engineering knowledge and experience in replacing water control structures, the USFWS selected DU to complete the engineering design and construction oversight. DU engineers analyzed the characteristics of the watershed and proposed several options to the USFWS to replace the outdated water control structure. Ultimately, DU and the USFWS decided to construct a concrete water control structure with twin 6 x 6 box culverts traveling under Schaffer Road. The new structure allows for 8 of water level management and incorporates beaver deterrents attached to the upstream face of the concrete water control structure to prevent beavers from plugging the structure and impeding functionality of the structure. An aluminum catwalk was installed over the concrete structure to allow access to all of the stoplog channels around the perimeter of the concrete structure. With the renewed ability to manage the water surface elevation, the Pool 4 impoundment at Erie NWR can be returned to a productive environment not only for waterfowl and fish, but for other wildlife as well. Workers ready to pour a new concrete structure at Erie NWR. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 3

4 HABITAT HAPPENINGS WETLANDS RESTORED IN GREENE COUNTY In November, 2008 Ducks Unlimited, in partnership with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Mellon Foundation and the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania restored six acres of palustrine emergent wetlands in the Ohio River Basin. The Enlow project is located on Pennsylvania state game lands in Rich Hill Township, Greene County. This project will provide important habitat to serve the life-cycle needs of waterfowl and several other species that rely on wetlands. Contractors moving earth at the Enlow project. SUPPORT DUCKS UNLIMITED IN A MAJOR WAY I/WE BELIEVE IN THE CONSERVATION MISSION OF DUCKS UNLIMITED AND WANT TO SUPPORT THIS MISSION WITH A GIFT OF $, PAYABLE OVER YEARS. * Name(s) Address City/State/Zip Home Phone Business Phone Fax Chapter Committee (if applicable) PLEASE DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO THE FOLLOWING WETLANDS FOR TOMORROW INITIATIVE (check one) * Must be pledged to pay within 5 years in order for gift to be restricted to an initiative. Mallard Initiative Project Code: US-PA-0-1 Threatened Wetlands Initiative Project Code: US-PA-0-1 Signature Date I WISH TO PAY THIS PLEDGE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER (check one) Single payment, to be paid by. Regular payments. Please send reminders on the following schedules: Quarterly Semi-Annually Annually Please contact me about making monthly credit/checking account payments. Please count my cumulative giving towards this pledge. MANY COMPANIES WILL MATCH GIFTS MADE TO DUCKS UNLIMITED. Please check with your employer s human resource offi ce to see if this opportunity is available to you. My employer will match my gift. Employer s Name Ducks Unlimited (DU) qualifi es under the provisions of Section 501 (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization created for charitable, educational, scientifi c and conservation purposes. Donations to DU are deductible by the donor(s) as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes. To allow DU to take advantage of unanticipated conservation opportunities and to ensure long-term fi nancial stability, a 10 percent Conservation Reserve Allocation is applied to all Major Sponsor commitments. Please return this form to: Ducks Unlimited Phil Poux, Director of Development 34 Defense Street Suite 200 Annapolis, MD

Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 5 CONSERVATION SUMMARY CONSERVATION SUMMARY MEET YOUR PENNSYLVANIA BIOLOGIST DUCKS UNLIMITED DUCKS UNLIMITED Note: Project points may represent

completed current featured Erie NWR Water Control Structure Washington County (Reliant Energy) Greene County (Mellon Foundation) 2008 Accomplishments 7 projects completed 52 acres conserved 1300

5 Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 5 CONSERVATION SUMMARY CONSERVATION SUMMARY MEET YOUR PENNSYLVANIA BIOLOGIST DUCKS UNLIMITED DUCKS UNLIMITED Note: Project points may represent more than one project. completed current featured Erie NWR Water Control Structure Washington County (Reliant Energy) Greene County (Mellon Foundation) 2008 Accomplishments 7 projects completed 52 acres conserved 1300 acres of technical assistance Scott is the regional biologist for Pennsylvania and has been an employee with Ducks Unlimited since September His duties include working with state, local and federal conservation partners; writing grants and overseeing habitat restoration projects. Originally from Lancaster County, Scott and his brother spent many hours exploring the diverse habitats in the area. Scott, his wife, Meredith, and their son, Grady, currently reside in Susquehanna County. Most of Scott s spare time is spent fly fishing, hunting and playing ice hockey. Contact Info Scott Reinhart Regional Biologist sreinhart@ducks.org P: F: Hobbs Road Thompson, PA 18465

GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION The marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as effectively and efficiently as possible.

organization s founding in 1937. In fact, DU was responsible for initiating some of the very first survey work on breeding areas across the U.S.

Since those early efforts, DU has conducted and funded hundreds of cutting-edge research studies to address important information gaps in waterfowl and wetlands science.

Specifically, information gained from carefully designed research is used to: prioritize where we work to achieve the greatest benefit for waterfowl populations.

6 GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION The marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as effectively and efficiently as possible. SCIENCE KEY TO INFORMING ON-THE-GROUND CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC POLICY DECISIONS A strong biological foundation has always been the cornerstone of Ducks Unlimited s conservation programs since the organization s founding in In fact, DU was responsible for initiating some of the very first survey work on breeding areas across the U.S. and Canadian prairies that helped identify the most critical nesting areas for waterfowl across the continent. Since those early efforts, DU has conducted and funded hundreds of cutting-edge research studies to address important information gaps in waterfowl and wetlands science. The primary function of these research efforts is to provide information to guide, adapt and evaluate our conservation programs and policy actions. Specifically, information gained from carefully designed research is used to: prioritize where we work to achieve the greatest benefit for waterfowl populations. identify appropriate conservation actions required to meet the annual needs of waterfowl identify how and when to adapt our conservation actions to maximize benefits. inform policy decisions that will yield the greatest benefits for waterfowl and wetlands. This marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as effectively and efficiently as possible. coastal habitat required to support wintering American black ducks that ultimately nest in the eastern boreal forest. Current research is focused on the continental connection between the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways and the eastern boreal forest and further refinement of winter habitat requirements along the coast of the Atlantic Flyway. From a policy perspective, DU scientists and policy staff are involved in several important issues. Recent Supreme Court actions have jeopardized isolated wetlands. DU is evaluating these impacts on small isolated wetlands, which are critical for waterfowl production. DU is taking policy actions that will ensure protection against further loss and degradation of these wetlands, which are critical to waterfowl, water quality and recreational opportunities. In regards to energy policy, DU is working with energy companies, landowners, and other conservation partners to evaluate the potential impact of alternative energy technologies on waterfowl, such as wind energy and biofuels. We need to ensure alternative energy technologies are waterfowl and wetland-friendly and do not result in further degradation to these important natural resources. Our research programs help to identify the types and amount of habitat required to support breeding mallards in the Great Lakes; the landscape necessary to support spring migrating waterfowl that winter in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways; and the amount of 6

GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION VISION North America s Vanishing Wetlands: Facing the Challenge Poets write about it. Conservationists strive to continue it. Sportsmen dream about it.

Wetlands also provide the foundation for North America s water supply. We rely on them for clean and abundant water, flood protection and recreation.

Ducks Unlimited: Answering the Challenge To answer the challenge to save North America s wetlands, grasslands and waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited has embarked on the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign, an

7 GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION VISION North America s Vanishing Wetlands: Facing the Challenge Poets write about it. Conservationists strive to continue it. Sportsmen dream about it. The migration of North America s waterfowl and other birds is one of nature s grandest and most anticipated events. Wetlands make this migration possible. Wetlands also provide the foundation for North America s water supply. We rely on them for clean and abundant water, flood protection and recreation. Wetlands are vital to us all, yet every 10 minutes another acre of wetlands is drained. Ducks Unlimited: Answering the Challenge To answer the challenge to save North America s wetlands, grasslands and waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited has embarked on the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign, an ambitious continental effort to raise at least $1.7 billion for wetland habitat conservation. With a proven track record of partnering with the private sector, government and other conservation organizations for nearly 70 years, Ducks Unlimited has restored and conserved nearly 12 million acres of crucial habitat that benefits waterfowl, other wildlife and people. Please join us to learn more about Wetlands for Tomorrow and the initiatives to conserve North America s critical wetlands. North America s most important waterfowl breeding habitat is being plowed under on a massive scale. Surging global demands for food, federal mandates for corn-based ethanol production and the new Farm Bill are encouraging cultivation of every available acre. Act Now To Help DU Save Vital Prairie Breeding Habitats The Rescue the Duck Factory campaign has become a priority for Ducks Unlimited because of new pressures on landowners within the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). The funds raised through this campaign will be directed toward perpetual land easements on native grasslands in the PPR, also known as the duck factory. The Opportunity is Now There are currently 650 landowners offering DU the chance to place permanent easements on native grasslands in North and South Dakota. DU can protect one acre for a one-time investment of only $360. The opportunity is short term, yet the effects of conserving this acreage will last forever. Current funding is low, and we need your help to secure as much of this available acreage as possible The Goal Our vision is wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. With your contribution we can continue to work toward that goal. This prairie acreage is vital to North American waterfowl production and it s crucial that we act now. The decisions we make in the duck factory right now will directly affect waterfowl populations and our waterfowl hunting heritage for future generations. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 7

FRIENDS OF DUCKS UNLIMITED 2008 PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR JERRY BISH Ducks Unlimited is pleased to announce it has awarded its 2008 Pennsylvania Conservationist of the Year Award to

Jerry works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and currently is the Land Management Group Supervisor for the Pymatuning Geneva Marshes in western Crawford and southern Erie counties, a

Although Jerry has a well rounded background in many areas of wildlife management, he takes a special interest in waterfowl management.

8 FRIENDS OF DUCKS UNLIMITED 2008 PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR JERRY BISH Ducks Unlimited is pleased to announce it has awarded its 2008 Pennsylvania Conservationist of the Year Award to Jerry Bish of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. Jerry works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and currently is the Land Management Group Supervisor for the Pymatuning Geneva Marshes in western Crawford and southern Erie counties, a position he has held since This is a high profile position because of the importance of the marshes to the state s waterfowl resource, and the management areas he oversees are visited regularly by politicians and the public. Jerry applies sound scientific management principles and keen observations to land management strategies in this biologically and demographically complex area. Although Jerry has a well rounded background in many areas of wildlife management, he takes a special interest in waterfowl management. He has assisted research teams studying Canada geese on Akimiski Island in Canada, as well as numerous studies for the Game Commission at Pymatuning and Geneva Marshes, including wood duck nest box predation, Canada goose production, biological control of purple loosestrife, and waterfowl banding. Jerry coauthored a section on Aquatic Vegetation Cutter Use in Freshwater Wetlands for the 3rd edition of Waterfowl Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and Management in the Atlantic Flyway Guide produced by the Atlantic Flyway Council, an area in which he is regarded as a leading expert. Because of his expertise, Jerry serves on the environmental issues, banding, and diving duck committees for the Atlantic Flyway Technical Section. Jerry holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Science from Slippery Rock University. He is active in his local church, a devoted husband to his wife Deb and father to his three children, Taylor, Cameron, and Fallon. Jerry always represents the PGC, his community, and the wildlife field with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity. Ducks Unlimited would like to thank Officer Jerry Bish for his dedication to waterfowl and conservation. PENNSYLVANIA FRIEND OF DU RICH MARTIN This year s Ducks Unlimited volunteer spotlight falls on Rich Martin, a DU volunteer for over 30 years. Rich grew up near Pittsburgh in Allegheny County. In his youth, he would travel to northwestern PA where he was introduced to hunting by his father. Since those early days the outdoors has always held a special interest for him, and during his college days at Allegheny College in Meadville, Rich was known to skip class to go hunting. One of his favorite places was the Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area where he would hunt ducks and geese. Following college he worked in the greater Pittsburgh area as an advertising salesman for an outdoors magazine, and at a local bank in the Irwin Area. Rich s experience with DU began in 1977, when he volunteered to join the Loyalhanna Ducks Unlimited Committee, on which he served until he left the area in After relocating to the Irwin area, Rich joined the Forbes Trail Chapter after meeting the Area Chairman, Glenn Merlin. Over the years, Rich served in several capacities on the Forbes Trail Chapter, and remains an active volunteer to this day. In Rich s words, he got involved with DU because Ducks Unlimited is by far one of the best organizations going because they dedicate over 88% of the funds generated to support our mission of conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North American Waterfowl. In addition to DU, Rich is a member of the SW PA Hunting Retriever Club which is affiliated with the North American Hunting Retriever Association, and he has been involved with other non-profit organizations, including the American Cancer Society. 8

2008 CONSERVATION REPORT GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE

2008 CONSERVATION REPORT GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE PAMUNKEY FARMS: Model for Habitat Conservation In partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), Ducks Unlimited