Wisconsin BIG MUSKEGO LAKE ENHANCEMENT COMPLETE

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1 GREAT LAKES /ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE Wisconsin 2010 Conservation Report Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office BIG MUSKEGO LAKE ENHANCEMENT COMPLETE The Big Muskego Lake Enhancement Project was a cooperative effort between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) to develop a wetland to trap sediment and facilitate active water level management of the 2,200- acre Big Muskego Lake in Waukesha County. In cooperation with the DNR, DU engineering staff surveyed, designed and provided construction oversight on the development of a 2-acre wetland at the outlet of Big Muskego Lake that will slow water flow and trap sediment from lake discharge. The sediment wetland allows the DNR to actively manage Big Muskego Lake through occasional lowering of water levels or complete dewatering while minimizing the impacts of sedimentation to Wind Lake, a downstream recreational lake. Consolidation of Big Muskego Lake s bottom through dewatering will improve water quality and promote the germination of beneficial wetland plants, thereby providing improved waterfowl brood habitat and migratory feeding and resting areas. Other wetland-dependent migratory birds, including shorebirds and wading birds will benefit from the improved wetland productivity and plant diversity provided by this project. Radtke Contractors, Inc. excavating the shallow sediment wetland near the outlet of Big Muskego Lake. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 1

2 HABITAT HAPPENINGS GET WISCONSIN PRIDE: PUTTING RESOURCES INTO DUCKS EVERYWHERE Wisconsin PRIDE (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere) is a major gift campaign developed by Ducks Unlimited to secure Major Sponsors to support habitat conservation and our waterfowling heritage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with special emphasis on the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River ecosystems. Through this program, donors can choose to restrict their dollars to Wisconsin to fund wetland conservation in DU priority landscapes. DU s conservation staff then leverages funds raised through the PRIDE program against other funding sources, effectively turning each PRIDE dollar into four or more for conservation in Wisconsin! Northwest Wisconsin Wisconsin conservation initiatives include the Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative and the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem Initiative. Within these broad watershed-based initiatives, Ducks Unlimited targets its conservation activities in three priority areas to effectively address waterfowl and wildlife habitat issues as well as water quality concerns. Small pothole-like wetlands created by the Wisconsin glaciation and large areas of fertile prairie once dominated the Wisconsin landscape making this area extremely attractive to breeding and migrating waterfowl. Over time, this area has lost 50% of its wetlands and 99% of its grasslands and continues to lose habitat at an alarming rate. Restoration and protection of wetlands and associated grasslands are vital to increase habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl as well as other wildlife, and to reduce nutrient and sediment inputs into area lakes and streams. Wisconsin priority areas Southern Wisconsin Illinois River For 72 years, with the support of our volunteers, members and donors, Ducks Unlimited has been successful in turning grassroots dollars into habitat throughout North America. Your gift will leave a legacy on the landscape to be enjoyed by future generations while also enhancing our rich waterfowling heritage. To learn more about Wisconsin PRIDE, contact a Ducks Unlimited Regional Director, Major Gift Chairman, or the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office. DUCKS UNLIMITED HELPS PROTECT WETLANDS NEAR THE RAT RIVER STATE WILDLIFE AREA Recent purchase permanently protects expanse of emergent wetland habitat in Winnebago County. Ducks Unlimited (DU) provided funding to the Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust to help acquire and permanently protect a 441-acre wetland complex and associated upland forest adjacent to the Rat River State Wildlife Area in Winnebago County. DU s funding was derived from the recently completed Winnebago System-Rush Lake Initiative, a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant received by DU in The property encompasses the majority of an expansive wetland complex located between Lake Poygan and Lake Winneconne, and contains numerous emergent and forested wetlands that provide quality habitat for waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife. The property is a natural link to existing protected lands, and presented a rare opportunity to protect a large intact wetland system through one purchase. The Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust will own and manage the property for low impact recreational use, including fishing, hunting, hiking, and birding. Other contributing partners in this effort include the Wisconsin DNR Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. 2

3 HABITAT HAPPENINGS CONSERVATION EFFORTS CONTINUE AT UIHLEIN WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREA Ducks Unlimited (DU) has a long history of partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) - Leopold Wetland Management District to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated uplands, including many projects at the Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Winnebago County. Funding has recently been secured to continue efforts at Uihlein, this time for the enhancement of the Island and Elm wetland pools. The project will include the installation of three water control structures and rehabilitation of approximately 20,000 feet of existing dike. These improvements to the management infrastructure will allow FWS staff to manage water levels and promote beneficial aquatic vegetation in 321 acres of shallow emergent wetland. The end result will be improved and sustained wetland productivity and increased plant diversity for the benefit of waterfowl, other wildlife and the public. In cooperation with the FWS, DU engineering staff will conduct a topographic survey, engineer the design, and oversee construction. Project funding is provided by the FWS Leopold Wetland Management District, FWS Coastal Program-Great Lakes, the Fox River-Green Bay Natural Resources Trustee Council and DU. SYNGENTA HERBICIDE DONATION BENEFITS DUCKS AND MORE The Glacial Habitat Restoration Area (GHRA) in eastern Wisconsin, and Crex Meadows and Fish Lake State Wildlife Areas (SWA) in northwest Wisconsin offer important habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife. However, a documented decline in wetland and grassland wildlife has resulted from large scale land use change in these areas. To help reverse this trend, Ducks Unlimited (DU) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently joined forces with Syngenta to control noxious weeds in preparation for the restoration of native prairie within the GHRA and to control invasive woody vegetation in existing prairie at Crex Meadows and Fish Lake SWAs. As part of a two-year project, Syngenta generously donated 620 gallons of Touchdown HiTech herbicide to DU, valued at over $21,000. This donated herbicide will help DU and our partners restore and enhance native prairie favorable to grassland nesting ducks, songbirds and pheasants. Since 2005, Syngenta has donated herbicide products in support of DU efforts across the United States and Canada. Syngenta is part of DU s nationwide partnership with Croplife America, a trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. As a member of Croplife America, Syngenta understands the significance of their contributions to DU s wetland and waterfowl conservation efforts. Over the past two years, the Wisconsin DNR has used the Touchdown HiTech herbicide to control invasive woody vegetation and enhance 890 acres of native prairie and pine/oak barrens within the GHRA and Crex Meadows and Fish Lake SWAs. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS BROWN COUNTY: NORTHERN PIKE HABITAT PRIVATE LANDS INITIATIVE Over the last two years, Ducks Unlimited has provided cost-share funding to the Brown County Land Conservation Department to restore and enhance 22 acres of wetlands and waterways on private lands along the west shore of Green Bay. In addition, approximately 17,000 feet of waterways were improved by providing new stream contours and installing vegetative buffers. These projects will provide critical spawning habitat for the northern pike which are a declining top predator fish in Green Bay. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources research identified a need to protect and restore critical wetland habitat on the west shore of Green Bay to improve predator fish populations and maintain a balance in the ecosystem of the bay. Shallow water marsh enhancement and waterway improvements under this Initiative also will provide major benefits to waterfowl and other game and non-game species that use this area. Additional funding was provided by the Fox River-Green Bay Natural Resources Trustee Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Brown County Land Conservation Department. WAUKESHA COUNTY: VERNON STATE WILDLIFE AREA MAIN FLOWAGE Vernon State Wildlife Area (SWA) includes several shallow wetland units, most notably the 320-acre Main Flowage which is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a shallow emergent wetland. Unfortunately, the productivity of this flowage has declined in recent years, resulting in a dramatic decline in use by waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. Proper management of water levels and aquatic vegetation is no longer possible due to an aging and inadequate water management infrastructure. The purpose of this project is to restore habitat CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 3

4 HABITAT HAPPENINGS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 management capability to the 320-acre Main Flowage so the DNR can maintain sustained quality wetland habitat over the long-term. This project is a cooperative effort between the DNR, Waukesha County Conservation Alliance, Southeast Wisconsin Fox River Commission, and Ducks Unlimited (DU). Topographic survey information was gathered by DU in fall The engineering design and project implementation by DU will occur once additional funding is secured, hopefully in The end result of this project will be a reliable water management infrastructure that will allow the DNR to manage and maintain diverse and productive wetland plant communities for breeding and migrating waterfowl, other wildlife and society. DODGE COUNTY: CHAYA MARSH RESTORATION DEDICATED Nearly 100 supporters of wetland conservation gathered in June 2009 at Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area to celebrate the 310-acre Chaya Marsh wetland restoration project. Among those assembled were Ducks Unlimited (DU) staff, volunteers and major sponsors, project partners, state representatives, and family and friends. The dedication featured a bronze plaque listing the names of DU supporters that contributed to the completion of the Chaya Marsh project and to DU s conservation efforts across the state. Several speakers shared the blustery morning stage, including DU representatives Lon Knoedler, Tom Zwicker and John Coluccy. On behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Secretary Matthew Frank and Wildlife Biologist Brenda Kelly spoke regarding the importance of partner organizations working together and the success of Chaya Marsh. This habitat conservation project was made possible by the Wisconsin DNR, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Dr. Charles & Shirley Pechous, Jr., M.D., Ted & Grace Bachhuber Foundation, Inc., Marshall & Ilsley Foundation, Inc., Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, and DU with support from over 40 major sponsors. ST. CROIX COUNTY: PARTNERSHIP PERMANENTLY PROTECTS NAGEL PROPERTY The Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Inc. (KRLT), along with its partners the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ducks Unlimited, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, and the Indianhead, Kinni and Racine Chapters of Pheasants Forever recently purchased a 204-acre parcel of restored wetlands and native prairie from Vern and Becky Nagel. The KRLT will donate the property to the DNR for inclusion in the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area as the Nagel Wildlife Management Area. This unique property contains more than 16 acres of wetlands and 183 acres of restored prairie grasslands. The permanent protection and future management of this property will ensure that critical production and migration habitat is available for a diversity of waterfowl, and a variety of other wetland and upland dependent wildlife. The acquisition was completed with funding provided by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, the Wisconsin Northwest Pothole Habitat Initiative Phase IV NAWCA Project, Pheasant Forever s Wisconsin Build a Wildlife Area Program, Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Inc.and the Nagel family. NAWCA INITIATIVES WISCONSIN NORTHWEST POTHOLE HABITAT INITIATIVE PHASE IV COMPLETED Ducks Unlimited (DU) and its partners, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Deer Lake Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust and a host of private landowners recently completed Phase IV of the Wisconsin Northwest Pothole Habitat NAWCA Initiative. The 5-year Initiative resulted in the conservation of 3,598 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat on public and private land in nine counties in northwestern Wisconsin. These counties include Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix. Funding for the Wisconsin Northwest Pothole Habitat Initiative was provided by a $1,000,000 federal grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Council awarded to DU in DU accepted this grant on behalf of the partnership that together provided nearly $3.1 million in matching funds to obtain the grant. The purpose of this conservation effort was to protect, restore and enhance wetland and associated upland habitat throughout the project area to provide breeding and migration habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical songbirds, federal and state threatened and endangered species and other wildlife. WINNEBAGO SYSTEM-RUSH LAKE INITIATIVE COMPLETED Ducks Unlimited (DU) and its partners, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Fox River Natural Resources Damage Assessment, Winnebago Co. Land & Water Cons. Dept., Pheasants Forever, Winnebago County Conservation Club, Lake Poygan Sportsman Club, Lake Butte des Morts Conservation Club, Rush Lake Watershed Restoration, Inc., Tri-County Powerboat Association, and a host of private landowners recently completed the Winnebago System-Rush Lake Initiative. The 5-year Initiative conserved 6,570 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat on public and private land in Winnebago County. Funding for the Winnebago System-Rush Lake Initiative was provided by a $1,000,000 federal grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Council awarded to DU in DU accepted this grant on behalf of the partnership that together provided nearly $2.5 million in matching funds to obtain the grant. 4

5 CONSERVATION SUMMARY Vern & Becky Nagel Property 2009 Accomplishments 52 completed projects 3,515 acres conserved 1,497 acres of technical assistance $1,791,080 invested MEET YOUR WISCONSIN BIOLOGIST DUCKS UNLIMITED completed featured Note: Project points may represent more than one project. Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area Big Muskego Lake Enhancement Jason Hill has worked for Ducks Unlimited since 2000 and assumed the role of Wisconsin Regional Biologist in Jason started as a DU Conservation Intern and in 2001 become a Program Biologist overseeing various DU conservation programs in Michigan. In 2003, Jason became the Indiana Regional Biologist, responsible for DU conservation programs in Indiana and Southwest Michigan. A graduate of Michigan State University, Jason received a Bachelors and Masters degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management with a focus on wetlands and waterfowl. Jason was born and raised in southeast Michigan and is an avid sportsman with a great love of the outdoors. Jason and his wife Alyssa live just north of the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office in Pinckney, Michigan. Jason can be contacted by at jhill@ducks.org or by phone at Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 5

6 SUPPORTING THE VISION DU WORKS FOR WATERFOWL THROUGH PUBLIC POLICY A strong biological foundation has always been the cornerstone of Ducks Unlimited s conservation programs since the organization s founding in DU remains true to this foundation as it works to guide development of national policies that benefit waterfowl. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act and legislation involving clean water, climate and energy are among the current priorities for the DU staff in D.C. The Farm Bill, although not set for renewal until 2012, also remains on DU s radar because Farm Bill programs like Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program have significant implications for waterfowl habitats. The Clean Water Restoration Act passed the Senate Environment and Public Works committee in This was a positive move toward reinstating protections for wetlands important to breeding ducks and small streams connected to many of the nation s drinking water resources. Progress on clean water legislation stalled in the House, but DU remains poised to work with House leadership to ensure waterfowl interests are considered in future bills. At the end of 2009, a bill that will enhance the power of NAWCA unanimously passed the House and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. It will go to the Senate floor for a vote some time in The bill would allow increased investment from Canadian resources to fulfi ll the requirement for private funds to match the federal contribution. To receive DU s latest policy news go to and subscribe to the Conservation Issues Briefi ng. 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. DU Wisconsin Grassroots & Conservation: The minimum conservation goal for each state is to spend the equivalent of 7.5% of total grassroots income raised in that state. This is based on a five-year average. Conservation Expenditures ($) 1,000, , , , ,000 $210,389 5-Year Average Conservation Expenditure Goal $1,013,880 5-Year Average Conservation Expenditure Actual 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. Campaign Progress 1/1/04 11/30/09 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

7 SUPPORTING THE VISION GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION IS THE RECOVERY SUSTAINABLE? Jim Ringelman, Director of Conservation Programs at the Great Plains Regional Offi ce No, not that recovery. The other recovery. The duck recovery. A record setting snowfall across much of the U.S. prairie, coupled with an abnormally wet summer, fi lled wetlands to the brim. It seemed like every pothole was home to one or more breeding duck pairs. Let the good times roll. But will they roll on forever? Ominously, we are still poised to lose 1.66 million acres of grassland in the Prairie Pothole Region when Conservation Reserve Program contracts expire in 2012, and those potholes that attracted ducks were a real irritant to farmers attempting to plant or harvest their crops. It s ironic that the most favorable conditions for ducks can lead to a backlash against the very resources that create duck prosperity. The great news is that we are making real progress. Since our Rescue the Duck Factory campaign began, DU members have contributed $3.6 million to secure 68,000 acres of grasslands and wetlands. That s a remarkable achievement. As farmers are pinched with smaller profit margins, one response is to put new land into production often at the expense of native prairie or CRP. At DU, we are working hard to offer alternative financial solutions, like easements and farm bill conservation programs. And thanks to a new partnership with Bayer CropScience, when land is destined to grow crops, we are well positioned to promote winter wheat as a duck-friendly alternative. So is the recovery sustainable? The answer is yes, as long as we have members like you! 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 But we are making a difference thanks to supporters like you. So far, we ve rescued over 67,000 acres, but more help is needed. At an average per acre cost of $360, your contribution to this campaign will allow DU to purchase easements in the Prairie Pothole Region that will permanently protect this vital habitat for future generations. 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

8 FRIENDS OF DUCKS UNLIMITED HAMILTON FAMILY FOUNDATION CONTINUES SUPPORT OF GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEM INITIATIVE The Hamilton Family Foundation recently contributed $10,000 in support of critical wetland conservation efforts by Ducks Unlimited (DU) in the Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative, including Wisconsin. This generous pledge will be leveraged multiple times through federal and state programs and partnerships to expand our conservation efforts in the Great Lakes watershed. Located in Oostburg, WI the Hamilton Family Foundation was created to continue the philanthropy that was established by William and Mary Hamilton. Thank you to the Hamilton Family Foundation for their continued support of DU! U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE COASTAL PROGRAM-GREAT LAKES SUPPORTS WISCONSIN CONSERVATION The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program-Great Lakes recently granted Ducks Unlimited (DU) $38,000 to restore wetlands in the Lake Superior basin and $40,000 to enhance the Island and Elm pools at Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area. With Coastal Program funding and help from our conservation partners, both wetland projects will now become a reality. The result will mean significant habitat benefits to wetland dependent wildlife, along with the co-benefits of improved water quality and increased recreational opportunities in the Great Lakes. We thank the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their support of DU! WISCONSIN VOLUNTEER CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR: LON KNOEDLER DU is proud to recognize Lon Knoedler, a long-time Ducks Unlimited (DU) volunteer and major sponsor, who was honored as the 2009 Wisconsin Volunteer Conservationist of the Year. He was presented with the award in January 2009 at the DU Wisconsin state convention held in the Wisconsin Dells. Lon is well-known among the DU ranks for his support of wetlands and waterfowl conservation and as a life-long sportsman and outdoorsman. He resides in Kenosha, Wisconsin with his wife, Bonnie, who also is involved with DU. Bonnie serves the ducks in many ways but may be best known as the Pin Lady for compiling complete sets of DU state pins which have been used to generate many dollars for the organization. The Knoedlers also are DU Diamond Heritage Sponsors. Wisconsin has a long-standing tradition of producing great leaders in DU. Lon Knoedler continues that tradition with a volunteer career that has spanned over 20 years with many titles, functions and accomplishments to his credit. Very few individuals have Lon s passion for the ducks and the mission of DU. When presented with a task, Lon pursues it with drive, determination, and most importantly, excellence, ever mindful that the future of waterfowl is at stake. Lon conducts DU business with a friendly, considerate and motivational spirit that builds the DU team and takes it to greatness. Lon s conservation accomplishments in Wisconsin are significant, and perhaps the most notable achievement is the Wisconsin DU license plate. The license plate is on its way to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for DU s conservation work throughout North America. Lon s significant political relationships were instrumental in securing passage of this important legislation. Several of Lon s other conservation accomplishments have been in the public policy arena. Lon was a major force in getting Wisconsin to implement wetland protection legislation after the Supreme Court SWANCC decision removed critical protection for small wetlands. Recently Lon took a leadership role in securing funding for key Farm Bill programs such as the Wetlands Reserve Program, by rallying DU supporters to contact local politicians regarding this issue. As a result, Wisconsin led the nation in s, calls and letters. Throughout his many years of service, Lon Knoedler has kept the conservation mission of DU first and foremost in his efforts. His conservation policy accomplishments have contributed to the protection of thousands of acres of wetlands in Wisconsin and North America. Lon is truly deserving of being recognized as Wisconsin s Ducks Unlimited Volunteer Conservationist of the Year. Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North 8 America s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.