2008 CONSERVATION REPORT GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE Wetland Dedicated to Honor DU Supporter A wetland dedication was held at the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area on Nov. 8, 2007, to honor James Donnell Konkel, a former Ohio resident and current Ducks Unlimited (DU) major donor. Konkel began volunteering for DU in Findlay, Ohio. He has held a number of volunteer positions, currently serving as senior member of the development committee, the state capital campaign chairman for Maine and a member of the DU Inc. and DU Canada boards of directors. Now hailing from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Konkel is a philanthropic leader in DU s Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign, an initiative to secure $1.7 billion for continental wetlands conservation. Konkel s passion for wetlands and waterfowl was ignited in 1979 by his grandfather, James C. Donnell II, a waterfowl enthusiast and philanthropist. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Donnell for passing on his passion for waterfowling and conservation to his grandson, said Bob Hoffman, director of DU s Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office. Jim has generously shared his time, talents and treasures with DU for more than 25 years and has contributed to DU s mission in major, lasting ways. He has rooted himself securely throughout our organization and we thank him for his continual support and participation in all that we do at DU. DU President Bruce Lewis attended the dedication and thanked Konkel for his long-time support of the organization and its mission. The James Donnell Konkel Wetland is a 40-acre mix of grasslands and wetlands, including seven excavated potholes. It is located in the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area, which covers more than 2,800 acres along Sandusky Bay. DU conducted a topographic survey of the project and developed the engineering design in collaboration with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. In spring 2007, DU hired a contractor and provided construction management services to restore the wetlands. After construction, wildlife area staff applied herbicide to kill invasive species that had established during the first growing season. This year, wetlands will be seeded with a mixture of native wet meadow plants to increase plant diversity and uplands will be planted to warm season grasses. This project will provide critical habitat for spring migrating and breeding waterfowl and add to the overall habitat diversity at Pickerel Creek. The Konkel restoration was a cooperative effort between DU and the Ohio Division of Wildlife, with funding from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant. DU volunteers including Jim Konkel (fifth from the left, brown jacket) and DU President Bruce Lewis (right) at the Konkel Wetland dedication. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 1
OHIO HABITAT HAPPENINGS More than 463 acres protected in the Grand River Watershed In 2007, Ducks Unlimited worked with Grand River Partners Inc. (GRP) and several other conservation organizations to protect two important tracts of land in the Grand River watershed. These tracts total more than 463 acres of wetlands and associated habitats and were conserved through a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant received by DU in 2005. The Ashcroft Woods is a 379-acre property in Ashtabula County comprised of woodlands and wetlands along the Grand River. This tract was acquired in partnership among DU, GRP, the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Clean Ohio Fund. GRP owns this property and will manage it to maintain high-quality habitat to support a diversity of wildlife, including waterfowl. A conservation easement also was acquired in Ashtabula County, on an 84-acre parcel in Austinburg Township. This tract includes woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land that will be protected in perpetuity though a conservation easement held by GRP. To obtain the NAWCA grant, DU partnered with several state, local and private organizations, including Geauga Park District, GRP, The Nature Conservancy, Cleveland Museum of Natural A heron rookery at the Ashcroft Woods property in Ashtabula County. History, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District and Pheasants Forever. DU and these partners will use the grant and $2,005,064 in matching funds to protect and restore more than 1,700 acres of critical wetlands and associated habitats throughout the Grand River watershed. Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative Conserves more than 3,000 Acres Fueled by a $1 million grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), Ducks Unlimited and six partners developed the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative in 2001 to conserve critical waterfowl and wildlife habitat in seven northwest Ohio counties. Through this partnership, more than 3,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats have been protected, restored and enhanced in Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky and Erie counties. Wetlands restored through the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The projects completed through this initiative have been as diverse as the partners themselves, which include the Ohio Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Black Swamp Conservancy, Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, Pheasants Forever and DU. Twenty-five parcels encompassing more than 1,800 acres have been protected through fee title acquisitions or conservation easements. Acquisitions occurred in state and federal areas, including Lake LaSuAn, Tiffin River and Pickerel Creek wildlife areas, and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Projects also were completed in the Oak Openings as part of The Nature Conservancy s Kitty Todd Preserve, and elsewhere in the initiative area. Nearly 1,400 acres of grassland and wetland restoration and enhancement also have been completed under this grant, through more than 30 projects on public and private land. These projects will be managed over the long term to maintain their conservation value. DU developed the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative in 2001 by assembling a group of conservation agencies and organizations committed to wetland conservation. For many, it was their first experience with DU, and for most, it was their first exposure to NAWCA. With nearly 5 square miles of the Ohio landscape now conserved, it definitely has been a success! While the NAWCA grant will expire in 2008, DU and its partners are in the process of developing a phase-two proposal that will build on the success of this grant and keep the momentum going. 2 www.ducks.org
OHIO HABITAT HAPPENINGS Driving with the Ducks Did you know you can get a Ducks Unlimited license plate for your vehicle? The DU plates are not only a great way to show your support for DU they re also 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. Then, $15 from the sale and renewal of every plate goes directly to DU to conserve wetlands in Ohio. Since the Ohio BMV started selling DU plates in 1999, over $170,000 has been raised to support DU s conservation programs throughout the state. DU has used these funds to protect, restore and enhance more than 800 acres of key waterfowl habitat in Ohio. More than 90 percent of Ohio s original wetlands have been drained and the remaining wetlands are threatened by development and urban sprawl. DU s conservation programs can help reverse this trend to benefit waterfowl, other wetland-dependent wildlife and people. Everyone who has a vehicle needs a license plate. Some of us need two or three for trucks or trailers, said John Murphy, Ohio DU state chairman. Most states don t have the option to put a DU logo on your license plate. Knowing the funds raised will conserve wetlands in Ohio is a good feeling. License plate dollars have been used to fund wetland restoration projects 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 for other wetland conservation projects throughout the state. DU State Chairman John Murphy and his hunting partner pose with their DU license plate. Featured Projects Pickerel Creek Acquisition Ducks Unlimited provided funds to the Ohio Division of Wildlife to acquire a 63-acre parcel at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky County. This property was farmed but floods frequently and is an excellent site for restoration. Adjacent to a newly restored wetland, this area will improve conditions for spring migrating and breeding waterfowl by reducing habitat fragmentation and increasing habitat diversity. Pickerel Creek Wetland Restorations Ducks Unlimited collaborated with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to restore wetlands on three recently acquired tracts at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky County. Approximately 68 acres of wetlands were restored by breaking drain tiles and excavating shallow potholes that will provide excellent habitat for spring migrating and breeding waterfowl, and many other wetland animals and plants. More than 100 acres of wetland plants and grasses will be seeded this year to complete the restoration of these properties. Mosquito Creek Habitat Enhancement With funding from Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and other partners, the Ohio Division of Wildlife purchased a piece of equipment called a cultimulcher to assist with wetland and grassland management at various wildlife areas. In 2007, approximately 200 acres of habitat were enhanced at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in Trumbull County using this equipment. An aerial view of wetlands restored at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 3
OHIO HABITAT HAPPENINGS Featured Projects Oak Openings Acquisition Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) partnered to acquire a 4-acre tract in the Oak Openings area of Lucas County. This property is located just west of Toledo, within TNC s Kitty Todd Preserve, and includes a unique mix of prairie and wetland habitat that supports a diversity of wildlife. Less than 2 percent remains of the Oak Openings, which represents one of the Midwest s most ecologically rich areas. Lake Erie CREP Ducks Unlimited is partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund and other conservation organizations to promote wetland conservation practices available through the Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). CREP is a voluntary land retirement program within the Farm Bill title that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat and safeguard ground and surface water. Landowners enrolled in CREP receive monetary compensation for improving the condition of Ohio s land and water resources. The Lake Erie CREP spans 27 counties in northwest Ohio and conservation practices include riparian tree planting, grassland restoration and wetland restoration. Abraham Marsh Survey and Design Ducks Unlimited and the Ohio Division of Wildlife are collaborating on a new engineering design to enhance Abraham Marsh at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Wyandot County. DU has completed a topographic survey and will develop a series of conceptual engineering design plans for the Division s review this year. Hopefully, DU s design will be implemented in the near future to improve 400 acres of wetland habitat. A small but important wetland restored on private lands. Private Lands Restoration In 2007, Ducks Unlimited partnered with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to contribute funding to the state Private Lands Wetland Restoration Program and the federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Through these partnerships, 17 projects were completed in northwest Ohio, resulting in the restoration of more than 280 acres of wetlands. With just 10 percent of Ohio s remaining wetlands located on public land, waterfowl throughout the state depend on habitat located on privately owned land to meet many of their life-cycle needs. In 2008, DU hopes to expand its involvement in these programs statewide. DU engineers survey in some sticky conditions. A sign to be placed along I-80 in Williams County on a recently restored wetland. 4 www.ducks.org
OHIO CONSERVATION SUMMARY DUCKS UNLIMITED completed current featured Note: Project points may represent more than one project. Pickerel Creek Abraham Marsh Grand River Watershed 2007 Accomplishments 29 projects completed $1.3 million invested 1,163 acres conserved 530 acres protected 633 acres restored 2,778 acres of Technical Assistance Meet Your Ohio Biologist Heather Braun has worked for Ducks Unlimited since 1999 and assumed the role of Ohio regional biologist in March 2001. Heather received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Manitoba, where she studied wetland restoration at the Delta Marsh. In her spare time Heather enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, snowboarding and afternoon duck hunts. Heather lives in Ann Arbor with her husband, Jeff, and their lab, Riley. Contact Information: Heather Braun Regional Biologist hbraun@ducks.org P: 734.623.2000 F: 734.623.2035 Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 5
GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION Remember the family vacation to your grandparents farm? Or that first morning in the hunting blind with your uncle? Nearly all of us have a bond with land. Build on that connection with Ducks Unlimited s conservation land services. Habitat Development and Wetland Mitigation Ducks Unlimited projects on private lands provide tremendous benefits to waterfowl, other wildlife and you! DU has teams of biologists and engineers that provide wetland restoration, management and protection services directly to landowners. When a private land project is matched up with wetland mitigation funds, the result is habitat for wildlife and financial gain to the landowner. Let us know if you are interested in a wetland project on your land! Get Informed Habitat Protection and you Conservation easements Conservation easements provide a unique opportunity for the protection of private lands by restricting development and assuring that the property remains open as wildlife habitat in perpetuity. Each easement is tailored to meet the needs and interests of each individual landowner, allowing for the protection of key natural habitats while continuing to use the land for economic gain or recreation. Such protection assures that large areas of riparian wetland habitats and important uplands will be preserved for the benefit of waterfowl and other wildlife, and for future generations. Trade Lands Property can be donated to Ducks Unlimited with the understanding that DU will sell it. Some may be personal residences or commercial properties with no conservation value whatsoever. DU s objective is to sell the parcel for top dollar and use the proceeds to fund habitat-saving transactions. DU typically will accept only such donations when we believe the property can be converted readily into cash to fund our urgent wetlands conservation mission. Conservation Lands If you own land that contains prime wetland habitat, you can donate it to DU; it benefits our mission and could provide you with tax benefits. DU may choose to perform habitat enhancement on the property while it is owned by DU. Ultimately, though, DU s goal is to permanently protect the property with a conservation easement and then sell that habitat to a conservation buyer. We reinvest the proceeds to protect further habitat! Conservation Buyers These conservation-minded individuals are an integral and necessary component of DU s ability to accomplish its mission. These buyers purchase protected properties from DU and DU, in turn, reinvests those proceeds to protect more wetland and wildlife habitat that is at risk of being lost forever to development. If you are interested in becoming a conservation buyer, please visit DU s Web site: http://prairie.ducks.org/index.cfm?&page=/cld/listings.html 6 www.ducks.org
GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION What can your land do for you? If you own land and care about wetlands and wildlife, you can help DU protect and restore wetlands and other types of habitat on your land! By letting DU know that you, or someone you know, own land and are interested in conservation, you are helping DU achieve its mission of protecting, restoring and managing wetlands for waterfowl, other wildlife and people. Unlike a state or federal wildlife agency, DU is not a land-holding organization. Ducks Unlimited believes the urgency of its conservation mission is best served by acquiring, permanently protecting and divesting itself of the protected land. Visit our Web site and participate in Ducks Unlimited s conservation efforts today! http://www.ducks.org 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. Leave a Legacy and help the ducks There are many ways that members, volunteers and private citizens are crucial to DU s success in conserving wetlands. One way that has become increasingly important is offering conservation opportunities on your land. Our ability to leverage grants, grassroot funds and yes, your donations, is becoming increasingly dependent upon having a solid database of potential properties. That means having a list of landowners in every state that are interested in protecting and restoring wetland habitat on their land. 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. Within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region, residents of the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York and Virginia may also qualify for significant state income tax benefits for the donation of conservation lands or easements on their properties. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 7
FRIENDS OF DUCKS UNLIMITED Ducks Unlimited is fortunate to have special relationships that support habitat conservation in Ohio and across the continent. The following individuals and organizations have made extraordinary contributions to further DU s mission of providing habitat for waterfowl: Roy Kroll DU Conservation Partner of the Year For the past 25 years, Winous Point Marsh has been home to Roy Kroll and his family. As managing director of the Winous Point Shooting Club (founded in 1856) and executive director of the Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, Roy has been a tireless advocate of waterfowling and wetlands conservation, not only within the boundaries of the club, but also throughout Ohio and North America. Encompassing 4,500 acres along the west side of Sandusky Bay, Winous Point Marsh provides arguably the best quality wetland habitat in Ohio. In addition to providing its members with superb waterfowl hunting opportunities, Winous Point has maintained a long-term research program that has directly supported 60 graduate students in wetland and wildlife ecology, and continues to accommodate 6 8 research projects annually. One of Roy s most rewarding experiences has been the undergraduate student internship program he established in 1983. This program has fostered 50 wetland management interns, most of whom now work in the wildlife profession. Roy s primary contributions, however, are in the area of wetland restoration and management. Roy has designed and supervised dozens of marsh restoration projects and developed innovative approaches to marsh management and invasive species control, while focusing on providing quality duck hunting. Roy counts it as a privilege to manage one of the oldest and most exclusive hunting clubs in the nation, and to interact frequently with other marsh owners, club managers and duck hunters in the region. Roy s influence on wetland management and conservation is not limited to the Sandusky Bay region. For years, Roy has been active in state, local and federal conservation issues. He is a mentor to other marsh managers and a leader in the effort to conserve Ohio s wetland resources. Roy has been a steadfast member and supporter of DU, and in 2007 he served on DU s Climate Change National Task Force and accepted a post on DU s Conservation Programs Committee. For everything Roy has done for the benefit of waterfowl and wetlands in Ohio and beyond, DU is proud to present Roy with the 2007 Conservation Partner of the Year award. Ohio Volunteer Conservationist of the Year: Harold Roe Through his artwork and his participation in major donor fundraising events, wildlife artist Harold Roe has long been a friend to Ducks Unlimited. Twice named DU s Artist of the Year and a four-time winner of the Ohio Duck Stamp competition, Harold has donated much of his artwork to support DU s fund-raising activities. It is estimated that Harold s paintings have generated $17 million for DU! In 2007, Harold showed incredible generosity to DU by donating 8,500 signed prints for use at DU fund-raising events. It s conservatively estimated that these prints will raise in excess of $850,000 for DU s conservation programs. The high quality of Harold s paintings has been recognized in Ohio and across the country. In 2007, his painting of green-winged teal won second place in the 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Competition, losing by just one point, after an unprecedented three-way tie for first. Harold has now placed second through ninth in the national competition, but has yet to win. While his green-winged teal painting is on a national tour, Harold is working on several other pieces, including commissioned paintings of waterfowl, pheasants, dogs and even fish and perhaps the next winner of the federal duck stamp competition. Harold Roe at the 2003 dedication of the Harold Roe Wetlands. For Harold s commitment and service to DU and our wetland mission, we are proud to honor him with the 2007 Ohio Volunteer Conservationist of the Year award. 8 www.ducks.org