Ohio DUCKS UNLIMITED AND PARTNERS COMPLETE $1 MILLION GRAND RIVER NAWCA INITIATIVE

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1 GREAT LAKES /ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE Ohio 2010 Conservation Report Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office DUCKS UNLIMITED AND PARTNERS COMPLETE $1 MILLION GRAND RIVER NAWCA INITIATIVE In 2009 Ducks Unlimited (DU) collaborated with Grand River Partners, Inc (GRP), the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW), and several other prominent conservation organizations to complete an initiative that conserved 2,039 acres of wetland and upland habitat in the Grand River watershed of northeastern Ohio. The project was made possible by a 2005 grant for $1 million dollars from the North American Wetlands Conservation Council (NAWCC), accompanied by more than $2 million dollars of matching funds from partner organizations. The Grand River is one of Ohio s premier and most scenic rivers, and being the cleanest Ohio tributary entering Lake Erie, supports rare wetland habitats and a high-quality sport fishery. DU and GRP worked with ODOW, Geauga Parks District, Ashtabula Soil & Water Conservation District, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Nature Conservancy and Pheasants Forever over a 5-year period to complete the effort. The initiative focused on protection and restoration of forested and emergent wetlands, riparian areas, and associated uplands for waterfowl and other migratory birds, and included expansion and restoration of existing state wildlife areas, and protection, through fee-title acquisition and conservation easements, of targeted wetland properties. The Grand River NAWCA Project included 21 separate projects in which 995 acres of strategically-located wetlands and 1,044 acres of important uplands in Ashtabula, Geauga and Trumbull counties were protected in perpetuity. Notable accomplishments include the addition of 184 acres to the Grand River Wildlife Area and 57 acres to the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, increasing habitat available to ducks and to duck hunters alike. GRP helped protect over 1,200 acres in 10 major land transactions including a 379-acre parcel that was known to be the most biologically diverse unprotected property in the entire Grand River watershed. Protection of high quality forested wetlands and swamps were the hallmark of the Grand River Wetlands NAWCA Project. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 1

2 HABITAT HAPPENINGS SOUTHWEST LAKE ERIE LAND PROTECTION STRATEGY Ducks Unlimited s Southwest Lake Erie Land Protection Strategy made great strides in 2009 by meeting with multiple landowners that are willing to work with DU and our partner organizations to conserve more than 1,800 acres, including substantial acreage of coastal Lake Erie marsh. DU also submitted two funding proposals totaling $2.8 million through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to support land acquisition under this Strategy; these proposals were still pending at the time this report was printed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ohio Division of Wildlife broadly support the establishment of buffers around existing public lands in northwest Ohio and increasing public hunting opportunities, which are primary goals of the Strategy. Using multiple layers of Geographic Information System (GIS) data to assure the most bang for the buck, the program has strategically targeted more than one hundred land parcels in the Lake Erie coastal zone for protection by conservation easement or fee title acquisition. ABRAHAM MARSH Abraham Marsh is a 400-acre wooded and emergent wetland complex located in the 9,170-acre Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area (WA) in Wyandot County of northwestern Ohio. Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) initially developed Abraham Marsh in 1994 to provide a cornerstone waterfowl and wildlife habitat at Killdeer Plains. Under the ODOW s management, Abraham Marsh quickly became a key area for waterfowl migration and brood-rearing, and one of the most heavily used public areas on the Killdeer Plains WA. However, concern about the integrity of levees around an upland reservoir resulted in elimination of the water source used to manage Abraham Marsh. Consequently, the condition and productivity of the wetlands had been declining since DU and ODOW worked together to find a new, reliable and long-term solution to the water supply problem, and in 2007 DU secured a small NAWCA grant in the amount of $60,000 to restore Abraham Marsh to its former high-quality condition. DU s team of engineers and biologists worked closely with ODOW staff to develop a plan to restore the water source and water management regime at Abraham Marsh by diverting ditches within an 800-acre watershed to redirect water to the wetland, and by designing and installing water control structures. A sustainable water source has now been secured for the 400-acre Abraham Marsh and the capacity to manage water levels and establish desired aquatic vegetation has been restored. The ducks are on their way! Location of Abraham Marsh at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area ESSI DEDICATION On a sunny afternoon in late November, 2009 Ducks Unlimited (DU) President John Pope, DU staff and volunteers, and partner representatives gathered with family and friends of Vernon P. Essi to dedicate a restored wetland at the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky County. The 162-acre property was dedicated to honor Vernon P. Essi, long-time Sandusky Bay waterfowler and DU supporter, whose eagerness for duck hunting and great companionship in the blind was near legendary. Vern was a member of the Winous Point Shooting Club and supported waterfowl research through Winous Point Marsh Conservancy. He was represented at the dedication by the conservancy s President Deke Welles and several other club members and punters. The Vern Essi Wetland is comprised of 59 acres of restored wetland, 54 acres of the South Creek corridor, and 49 acres of upland/woodland. The property was conserved through a partnership between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and DU with financial support from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetland Conservation grant. 2

3 HABITAT HAPPENINGS WRIGHT MARSH Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area (KMWA), located in Wayne County in northeastern Ohio consists of 5,512 acres of emergent and forested wetlands and is the largest remaining inland wetland complex in Ohio. A key component of KMWA is Wright Marsh, a 315-acre emergent wetland complex with 13 independently managed wetland units, one of which is connected to a 35-acre former farm field. After decades of successful management by the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW), recent efforts were compromised by the loss of ability to control water levels. Consequently, the once diverse native plant community at Wright Marsh gradually shifted to one dominated by a single less desirable species, resulting in a decrease in use by wildlife and the public. In 2008, Ducks Unlimited (DU) was awarded a $70,000 small NAWCA grant to address the wetland management issues at Wright Marsh. The project, which was designed and delivered by DU engineering and biological staff, included the installation of a 10-inch pump with multiple discharge options to restore a reliable water source for the 315-acre wetland complex. Innovative options for water management within the 13 wetland units were provided by several water control structures and pump outlets, and full capacity for water level control has been restored. Wright Marsh can now be managed with a regime including periodic drainage of the wetland complex to increase plant diversity and waterfowl food sources. Also, the 35- acre farm field adjacent to Wright Marsh was restored to its original wetland habitat by removing field drain tiles, constructing an earthen levee, and installing a water control structure. This newly restored wetland is now connected hydrologically to the Wright Marsh complex. This wetland restoration, coupled with the enhancement of an existing wetland complex has greatly increased the overall wetland diversity at KMWA. The Wright Marsh project required a resourceful restoration design by DU, including a multi-directional pump. LAKE ERIE WETLANDS CORRIDOR PROJECT COMPLETED In 2006, DU received a grant in the amount of $117,562 from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to accelerate wetland conservation along Ohio s Lake Erie coastal zone through wetland protection and restoration on public and private lands. Through the Lake Erie Wetlands Corridor Project, DU established partnerships and matched grant funds to restore 671 acres of wetlands on public and private lands in the Lake Erie watershed. DU also worked with partners and private landowners to advance the Southwest Lake Erie Lands Protection Strategy, a conservation easement and land acquisition program designed to permanently protect key natural habitats and their agricultural buffers in northwest Ohio. Also, DU issued press releases, held a project dedication and tour, and purchased a display for the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District in an effort to increase public awareness and education about the importance of wetland conservation through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). DU CONTINUES SUPPORT OF WETLAND RESTORATION ON PRIVATE LANDS In 2009, Ducks Unlimited (DU) contributed funding to the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in support of the state Private Lands Wetland Restoration Program and the federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Through these partnerships, 27 projects were completed in northwest, central and southern Ohio, resulting in the restoration of 159 acres of wetlands. With just 10 percent of Ohio s remaining wetlands located on public land, waterfowl depend on habitat located on privately owned land to meet their lifecycle needs. In 2010, DU again looks forward to supporting these key wetland conservation programs. ONWR MOIST SOIL UNIT 2 In 2009, marsh management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) produced the desired results at a 140-acre wetland restoration completed with Ducks Unlimited (DU) financial and technical assistance at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. DU provided the topographic survey, engineering design and construction management services for this project which was constructed by the USFWS. The Moist Soil Unit 2 (also known as Farm Unit 2) project includes a system of levees, a pump and water control structures that provide the USFWS with the ability to manage water levels and vegetation as needed to promote sustained quality habitat over the long-term. DU used funding from the Lake Erie Wetlands Corridor project to help with project costs. The management infrastructure designed by DU and utilized by the USFWS has restored a diverse native plant community while discouraging phragmites and other invasive plants, and waterfowl use was dramatic this past year. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 3

4 HABITAT HAPPENINGS DU RECEIVES OHIO LAKE ERIE AWARD In 2009, Ducks Unlimited (DU) was chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Ohio Lake Erie Award, bestowed annually by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission to the organization or individual making outstanding contributions to enhance Ohio s Great Lake. Since 1985, DU has worked in the Lake Erie watershed to protect more than 6,500 acres, restore more than 21,000 acres and has invested more than $12.3 million dollars into conservation in this area. The Ohio Division of Wildlife nominated DU for the award and indicated that DU s sciencebased contributions to wetland conservation are unparalleled among private nonprofit organizations in Ohio, and noted that DU made a significant commitment to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem by establishing the Great Lakes Regional Office in Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur commented on the award, stating that DU has played a crucial role in conserving and restoring habitat in the Lake Erie region, which is truly one of the most important waterfowl areas in North America. The marshes and wetlands along the Lake Erie shoreline are precious jewels in the Emerald Necklace of greenspace around the western basin. As a leader in stewardship and conservation, DU is certainly a most worthy recipient of the Lake Erie Award. DU has 15,000 members in Ohio who raise more than $1,000,000 annually for wetland conservation. DU LICENSE PLATE PUTS DOLLARS INTO OHIO CONSERVATION Did you know that there is an Ohio Ducks Unlimited (DU) license plate? The plates are not only a great way to show support of DU, they also are a great way to support wetland conservation in Ohio. Plates can be purchased through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) like any other license plate. Fifteen dollars from the sale or renewal of each plate goes directly to DU and is invested in wetland conservation in Ohio. Since the Ohio BMV started selling DU plates in 1999, over $197,000 has been raised to support DU s conservation programs, resulting in the protection, restoration and enhancement of more than 1000 acres of key waterfowl habitat. Leveraging these funds by DU conservation staff has resulted in at least another $788,000 for conservation in Ohio. License plate dollars have been used to fund wetland conservation at Grand River and Mosquito Creek wildlife areas in Trumbull County; at Pickerel Creek, Tiffin River and Lake LaSuAn wildlife areas in northwest Ohio; at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and at many other wetland conservation projects throughout the state. Monies generated from the sale of DU license plates result in more and healthier wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl, and a host of other wildlife and fish, and society through improved water quality, reduced flooding and economic inputs into local communities. Conservation-minded Ohioans can show DU pride and support better habitat in Ohio with the purchase of a DU plate when they renew! SAVING WETLANDS IM4DU P R I D E Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere OHIO PRIDE (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere) is a major gift campaign developed by Ducks Unlimited (DU) to secure Major Sponsors in support of 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 for use in Ohio to fund wetland conservation in DU priority landscapes. In turn, PRIDE donors are recognized on a DU project located in Ohio. DU s conservation staff leverages funds raised through the PRIDE program against other funding sources, effectively turning each PRIDE dollar into four or more for conservation in Ohio! Within Ohio, DU targets its conservation activities in two priority focus areas (Lake Erie watershed and Ohio Rivers) to effectively address waterfowl and wildlife habitat issues as well as water quality concerns. For 73 years, with the support of our volunteers, members and donors, DU 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 and will enhance our rich waterfowling heritage. To learn more about Ohio PRIDE, contact a DU Regional Director, Ohio s Major Gift Chairman or the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office. 4

5 CONSERVATION SUMMARY DUCKS UNLIMITED completed featured Note: Project points may represent more than one project. #* ONWR MS2 Wright Marsh Abraham Marsh 33 completed projects 1,225 acres conserved 7,080 acres of technical assistance 2009 Accomplishments $678,681 invested MEET YOUR OHIO CONSERVATION STAFF Roy Kroll Manager of Conservation Programs Roy has worked for Ducks Unlimited (DU) since 2008 and is responsible for the delivery of DU s conservation programs in Ohio, including the Southwest Lake Erie Land Protection Strategy. For 25 years prior to his position at DU, Roy managed the Winous Point Marsh near Sandusky Bay. As Managing Director of Winous Point Shooting Club, America s oldest duck hunting club, Roy obtained substantial knowledge about wetland management and restoration, and has conducted research and education programs, and frequently served as liaison between the private/public and academic/management wetland conservation sectors. Roy helped establish the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy through which DU has collaborated on several scientific research projects. 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 Ohio 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 ($) 900, , , , ,000 $57,917 5-Year Average Conservation Expenditure Goal $760,257 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 FRIEND OF DUCKS UNLIMITED: CECIL ALLBRIGHT Cecil Allbright has been a Ducks Unlimited (DU) member and volunteer for 24 years, and has served DU in multiple capacities including District Chairman, State Major Gifts Chairman and is currently the State Sponsor & Special Projects Coordinator. Cecil has been a leading force in Ohio DU s landscape and has demonstrated his passion for our mission through his leadership, stepping up whenever the ducks need him. Cecil s commitment to wetland conservation extends far beyond his volunteer service and financial support, and he has been a strong advocate for wetland projects, particularly in southern Ohio. Most recently Cecil assisted the Preble County Historical Association with the development of a wetland demonstration site, and he worked with DU and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists to identify and acknowledge a DU project on a wetland north of Lewisburg. Cecil would be the first to credit his wife and family as the foundation for his many years of service with DU, and we offer a vigorous thank you to the Allbright family for their significant long-term commitments to DU and conservation. FRIEND OF DUCKS UNLIMITED: KEVIN JOYCE AND THE BLACK SWAMP CONSERVANCY As Executive Director of the Black Swamp Conservancy (BSC), Kevin Joyce has helped protect over 8,000 acres of farmlands, forests, wetlands and other habitats in northwestern Ohio. Kevin has worked diligently with Ducks Unlimited (DU), The Nature Conservancy, Ohio DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and dozens of other conservation organizations and individuals to secure conservation easements or fee-title acquisition of key properties, and his efforts have established BSC as one of the leading go-to conservation organizations in northwest Ohio. Kevin s drive for conservation is ever-present, as is his ability to organize and motivate groups of people who are already supposed to be organized and motivated! BSC has partnered with DU on several grant awards and proposals going back to 2001, and is actively engaged in several joint initiatives with DU aimed at protecting Great Lakes watersheds. DU hopes to see more of Kevin Joyce and somehow, we know we will! OHIO CONSERVATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR: LEE C. HOWLEY Lee Howley has a record of contributions and achievements at the local, state, national and international level that reflect his lifelong commitment to environmental conservation. Lee is a 13-year member and current Chairman of the Ohio Wildlife Council, but service at high levels (including to U.S. Presidents) has not diminished his eagerness to engage the concerns of everyday hunters with his characteristic sincerity, objectivity and resolve. For the last 5 years, Lee C. Howley has been a driving force in an unprecedented effort to establish a cooperative association among the private landowners of Ohio s marshes in southwest Lake Erie. The potential for permanently conserving these waterfowl habitats is significant for all Ohio duck hunters, because a large proportion of Ohio-migrating ducks and most of the grant funds for restoring Ohio waterfowl habitats rely on the well-documented habitat and wildlife use of southwestern Lake Erie marshes. Recently, Lee has also worked diligently with federal and state regulatory agencies to improve standards and common-sense approaches to wetland restoration, thereby providing increased incentives for wetland conservation statewide. For these reasons and his long-term support, Ducks Unlimited presents the Ohio Conservation Partner of the Year Award to Lee Howley, and looks forward to many years of continued joint efforts in Ohio conservation. Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North 8 America s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.