ildlife and conservation lost a greatfriend recently as John Feist passedaway this December from a short

but courageous battle with cancer. John, wellknown for his wonderful bolo ties complete withornate animal carvings, was a tireless volunteerfor Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International,and many other great causes for wildlife andconservation. He held many important roleswith DU as a lead volunteer in Colorado – mostrecently as co-Major Gifts Chairman, raisingsignificant funds for our organization.

“John had such a love and passion forwildlife and our wild places, and encouragedeach of us to do our part to make sure thisprecious resource is around for our kids,grandkids, and beyond” said Jill Olsen, SeniorVice President of DU and a longtime friend ofJohn Feist. “We will all miss his warm, gentlenature though he will remain a great motivatorfor all of us to do just a little more to leave thisworld a little better place.”

John is survived by his wife Annette and hisfour sons. We will miss you John!!

www.ducks.org 2 Spring 2003

Inside

www.ducks.org is DU’s national websiteColorado Unlimited 12 Spring 2004

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDDucks Unlimited Inc.

Chris Cude1159 Knotty Pine LnPueblo West, CO 81007

C o l o r a d o D u c k s u n l i m i t e d N e w s l e t t e r

NEWS & INFORMATION FOR DUCKS UNLIMITED MEMBERS Spring 2004

POSTMASTER: If undeliverable, do not return.

Wings over coloradoColorado DU salutes our Anheuser-Busch supporters

From the brewery in Fort Collins to all corners of our great state, the A-B folksremain our committed partners.

Glenn WilsonFort Collins Brewery Plant Manager

Jerry HelgesonAmerican Eagle Distributing Co.

Mike BernardiA-B Sales of Denver

Richard WrightPike’s Peak Distributing

David HaleyFour Corners Distributing

Rick OrrisonOrrison Distributing

Mike CadezCentral Distributing

Willie HuntHunt Sales

Dean DoyenStandard SalesLarry Kaminski

BV&K DistributingDan Kimutis

Metal Container Corp.

Special thanks to:

DU Loses a Great Volunteer and Friend

W

John Feist

Washington, D.C., December 12, 2003 –Ducks Unlimited President, John Tomke met withPresident George Bush and other leaders from theconservation community in the west wing of theWhite House today to discuss major issues ofinterest to the wildlife conservation community.Also joining the meeting were Secretary of InteriorGale Norton, Secretary of Agriculture AnnVeneman and Council on Environmental QualityChairman, Jim Connaughton.

Seated next to the President during themeeting, Tomke raised the importance ofprotecting isolated wetlands to ensure healthywaterfowl and other wildlife populations, andemphasized it as a critical issue to hunter-conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts across theUnited States. Tomke’s concern arises from a

2001 Supreme Court decision that, if broadlyinterpreted, could eliminate long-standingprotection of wetlands and small bodies of waterunder the Clean Water Act.

During the meeting, Tomke also remarkedthat in recent months more than 20,000 lettershave been sent to the White House and other keydecision makers in Washington D.C. by DUmembers and supporters on this issue. “Thestrong response is a true testament of thenationwide interest in the federal protection ofisolated wetlands under the Clean Water Act,”Tomke stated. Depending on how this decision isinterpreted and acted upon, up to 96 percent of

the wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region,which is the primary

DU Discusses Wetlands Conservation with President Bush

see WETLANDS page 9

2 Tails from the blind

3 Chairman’s Corner

4 International Expo

6 Notes from the Construction Zone

8 View from the West and South

10 Spotlight on a Volunteer

Colorado Ducks Unlimited 2 Spring 2004 Colorado Ducks Unlimited 11 Spring 2004

Colorado State LeadershipState ChairmanBrad Billingsley2479 S. HumboldtDenver, CO 80210720-635-2166

State TreasurerJerry Marrs230 S. Holland St.Lakewood, CO 80226303-936-6355

Sponsor ChairmanShane Squib20220 Elk Creek Dr E.Colorado Springs, CO 80908719-550-1033

Major Gifts ChairmanJohn Winter90 Pinion DrCarbondale, CO 81627970-704-0886

MARSH ChairmanBob Clark13720 6000 RdMontrose, CO 81401970-240-4026

Event MerchandiseChairmanBill Sullivan8214 Steadman DrColorado Springs, CO 80920719-282-4319

Greenwing ChairfamilyDennis, Pam and CameronMarkway472 S. Joe Martinez BlvdPueblo West, CO 81007719-547-4494

Convention ChairmanKevin Metzler4900 S. Syracuse St.Denver, CO 80237303-740-2539

Newsletter EditorChris Cude1159 Knotty Pine LnPueblo West, CO 81007719-547-8257

Shoot ChairmanMatt Rivera8189 Webster StArvada, CO 80003303-693-1550 ext.211

Golf ChairmanChris Swinhart8116 Nola Dr.Denver, CO 80221303-438-8997 ext 13

Feather Society ChairmanJack Witt5259 Manitou RdLittleton, CO 80123720-283-2588

StatsticianVacantfor info contactyour Regional Director

WebmasterVacantfor info contactyour Regional Director

Nat’l Board Member atLargeSteve Tonso1016 E. Highway 112Center, CO 81125719-754-3745

Regional Vice-PresidentGene Engrav6219 Buffalo AveCheyenne,WY 82009307-638-6437

Senior Vice-PresidentJill Olsen3315 S. Columbine CircleEnglewood, CO 80110

COLORADO STAFFRegional DirectorKen ConstantinePO Box 776283Steamboat Springs, CO 80477970-871-6665

Regional DirectorKirk Davidson7795 Lebrun CourtLonetree, CO 80124303-927-1949

State BiologistBob Sanders206 Lyell StMonte Vista, CO 81144719-852-0925

Director of DevelopmentTom Harris10143 Highland Meadow CircleParker, CO 80134303-799-5880

ave you ever seen a verticalmeadow? Do you have anyidea what one is? I was

caught completely by surprise and itwasn’t pleasant.

The morning started off niceenough, we had the horses saddled,the sun was starting to peak over theridge high above us and the air wascool and crisp. It was going to be aperfect late spring day to scout forelk. The creek was flowing swiftlyand fresh tracks were everywhere.We set out to look for the trail thatwas somewhere up above us thatwould lead us to the saddle where“every animal for a fifty mile radius”crossed to the other side.

If I had of been paying attentionI would have realized that somethingwasn’t quite right when my horsewouldn’t cross the stream. Try as wemight the “stupid” animal wasn’thaving any of it. This particularhorse had crossed back and forthacross dozens of streams and rivers inthe past with no problem at all, nottoday. After much languageunsuitable for printing we finally gotit coaxed across. I was told the restwould be easy, “nothing to it”. Alittle meadow with lush, tall grasswas just a ways up the hill. Themeadow would be a good place to letthe horses relax and we could eatlunch. I was never so happy to seethe little clearing come into sightthrough the trees. It was no wonderthe horses needed to relax, the wayup to the meadow was covered withevery deadfall that had ever blowndown. When we finally cleared thetrees the meadow had been grazeddown by cattle until it looked likefive o’clock shadow. The day thengot better? Lunch ended up being,“somewhere back there”. It wasgood to be in clearing, the rest of theride would be through the dark stuffuntil we came to the meadow, thetrail being on the other side of it.

We entered the dark stuff and Ifigured out why the guide called itdark stuff. The branches triedscratching out your eyes and rippingoff your clothes with every step. Ifyou were going to survive it was bylying down on the horse and keepingyour eyes closed. I thought I wasbeing foolish until I snuck a look atthe guide and he was doing the samething. We at last emerged into themeadow with most of the clothes onour backs shredded to thinstreamers. What a sight to behold,did you realize that grass and sagebrush could grow on the side of acliff? This particular meadow hadbeen stood up on end in somebygone era! The meadow itself wasonly about 150 yards long in thevertical fashion. Two hours later wearrived at the other side tired andweary, we lead the first five steps andthe horses had to lead the rest of theway. While lying in the middle ofthe trail I marveled at how easyblood flows from the nose at 16,000feet. After catching our breath wecame back-a different way- the mudwas so deep and thick it sucked theshoes off of the horses. If the elkhad a saddle somewhere up therethey could keep it. I wasn’t about tobother them and they had all myrespect.

Hind sight being what it is, fromthis day on I plan to be a bit morecynical about fabulous meadows andhidden saddles. If you are ever toldof secret places like this let them lay,it’s probably another verticalmeadow and it’s best if no oneknows you tried to climb such athing.

Have a tale to tell, send it in, youjust might become famous or at leastget it put in the newsletter. Try tolimit your tale to 800 words send to:Wings Over Colorado, c/o ChrisCude 1159 Knotty Pine Ln, PuebloWest, CO 81007.

Tales from the blindVertical Meadows

HBy Matt Rivera

On September 6-7, 2003, nearly 200 DU supporters gathered at KiowaCreek Sporting Clays to take part in the 5th Annual Colorado Ducks UnlimitedSporting Classic. This year’s event was comprised of two separate sporting clayevents and two full days of funshoots. The highlight of the weekend was the 3Person Flush (AKA.“Cluster Flush”) held in the newly remodeled 5-Stand Area.This funshoot threw 75 targets in less than three minutes; which were morethan enough to light up a few barrels.

Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks to all of our participantsfor generously supporting Ducks Unlimited.

Saturday. Preliminary Sunday, Main Event

AA – Jeff Bishop 48/50 CH – Rick Pepin 92/100A - Kristen Elson 42/50 AA – Dan Callahan 92/100B – Charlie Albin 39/50 A – Richard Propernick 81/100C – Doug Jones 36/50 B – Dustin Heins 75/100D – Mark Adams 31/50 C – Jean Kriz 69/100

D – Jeff Byler 62/100Veteran – Jim Harbin 90/100Ladies – Allison Olson 78/100Junior – Willie Jones 87/100

The event was again part of the Ducks Unlimited National ShootingProgram. A special thanks goes out to all of the local supporters of the event,including Budweiser, Outback Steakhouse, Café International, Nestle-Purina,

Electronic Shooters Protection,Warehouse Options, Sportsman’s Warehouseand Gunworks of Colorado. Auctioneer,Tom Maron helped raise someadditional dollars on Saturday evening with with several unique auction items,including a dove hunt in Mexico. Viansa Winery provided wine for a tasting ofRiserva Anatra Rosso, a special vintage that directly supports Ducks Unlimited.As always, a big thanks should also be given to Winchester for providing all ofthe ammunition for the event and a Supreme Sporting Clays shotgun; Heckler &Koch for supplying prize guns, Beretta, Marlin, Mossberg, Charles Daly,AveryOutdoors, Otter Outdoors, Big Sky Decoy Co., Loon Lake Decoy Company, andto all of the other DU donors, too numerous to mention for their respectivecontributions.

This event could not be successful without the help of all of its dedicatedvolunteers, particularly Eric Near and Mark Wilson who took a day off of workto help organize 13,000 lbs. of shotshells, set up tents, hang signs and make upall of the shooter check-in bags. This committee is comprised of All-StarVolunteers, all of whom deserve a great deal of thanks. The committee for 2003included: Brian Clapp, Mick DeSantis, John Feist, Rick Goodman, Chris & GaryImel, Jenny Imel, Chuck Jones, Eric Near,Allison & Todd Olson, Richard Perse,John Quinn,Aimee Rathburn,Tom Ren, Denise Rivera, Max Rivera, DougSimpson, Gary P. Smith,Amy & Chris Swinhart, David Westall, Mark Wilson, JackWitt & Dave Wyss.

Busted Targets Benefit Ducks Unlimited

Eric Near

Jim Harbin

Wings over coloradoDucks Unlimited is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to conserving wetlands habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. DU was incorporated by a group of farsighted

conservationists on Jan. 29, 1937.Membership in the organization is $25 minimum, which includes a subscription to the national Ducks Unlimited magazine. As the organization’s official publication for Coloradohas a circulation of 14,000.Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Ducks Unlimited Inc. Similarities between the name Ducks Unlimited Inc. and those of

advertisers are coincidental and do not indicate mutual affiliation unless clearly stated.Members who move, should send new address and current membership number

to national headquarters on POD Form 3578. Please direct inquiries to State Chairman Brad Billingsley.

Chris Cude, Editor • 1159 Knotty Pine Lane, Pueblo West, CO 81007 • 719-547-8257

Wings Over Colorado is printed by Main Street Newspapers, Salem VA.

Colorado Ducks Unlimited 3Spring 2004Colorado Ducks Unlimited 10 Spring 2004

■ Chairman’s Corner

“What Is Your Park Bench?”Brad Billingsley

It’s after midnight as I write this, havingbeen out entertaining clients at a Bronco’sgame. Sadly, our team in blue and orangecouldn’t keep it together against the Patriots inthe final nail-biting minutes…Even worse, thepainful loss was showcased to the world onMonday Night Football. Ugh.

In an effort to calm my nerves and attempta few hours of sleep, I sit down to read the finalfew chapters of Lance Armstrong’s new book“Every Second Counts”. Many of you knowthat I love cycling and enjoy following the Tour

de France each July. I think many would agree that Lance is one of themost remarkable athletes and incredible success stories of our time. Butperhaps the thing that I most admire about Lance Armstrong is hisdevotion to his causes. In his book he states, “It’s not about the bike. Itnever has been. It’s about causes: I think everyone should have one.” Hegoes on to talk about a conversation he had with his friend about thechallenges we all face in the world today and what can be done about it.His friend, Lee Walker, replied, “…here’s what I can do. I can go down tothe street corner and make that place a better place. I can do that. I canaffect the park. I can affect the bus stop. I can go affect that park benchright over there, and maybe change somebody’s day, or minute, or life. Ican do that. There’s a lot we can’t do anything about. But we can affectthe things right here in front of us, make them better, as best we can.”Lee in fact went on to build a park bench in front of his house in Austinbecause he noticed there were a number of elderly folks in hisneighborhood that walked to the market, the community center, orwherever their travels took them. He felt they might need a place to sitand rest and visit along the way.

Later in the chapter, Lance went on to say “So that’s what I’d like todo, too. I’d like to build park benches. Cancer is my park bench. And soare the kids in my arms.”

What is your “Park Bench”? What do you believe in? In no way do I intend to compare restoring wetlands habitat to

helping cancer survivors. That is certainly not my intent. But do youhave a cause that you believe in so deeply that you’re willing to give moreof yourself to make it successful? For some of you it may in fact be cancerresearch. For many it may be your children or grandchildren. For othersit’s a civic organization or perhaps your alma mater. I would venture toguess that for many of you reading this newsletter, the mission of DucksUnlimited is one that causes a stir deep inside you and compels you togive just a little more time, a little more money, and a little more concernfor our wetlands, our waterfowl, our hunting tradition, and our wonderfulorganization.

Ducks Unlimited has been a park bench in my family for all my life.And I hope it will continue for many generations. And there are otherpark benches in my life, ways that I hope to do my part to leave thisworld a little better than when I found it. I encourage each of you tospend some time and reflect on what’s important to you. Ask yourself ifthere are ways that you can give just a little more to the “park benches” inyour life. We all have our limits – our time, our finances, and the numberof things we can “take on”. But perhaps the greatest fulfillment comesfrom finding a way to give back more than we ask of others. Throughoutthis issue, we have spotlighted many of the key volunteers that includeDU as one of their park benches. I hope you enjoy “meeting” those thatare helping to make a difference to wetlands and conservation every day inColorado.

3rd Annual Fun ShootThe Pueblo West 3rd annual Fun Shoot is scheduled for April 24th. Onceagain it will be held at Cottonwood Sporting Clays. The event will be anNSCA & CSCA sanctioned event but you need not belong to either toenter. Scoring will on the Lewis class system so everyone has a chance towin. Separate classes will be held for women and kids. Flurries and otherfun events will also be held with prizes awarded. For more informationcall DJ at 719-647-0522 or Dennis at 719-547-4494.

Former Boulder AreaChairman Recognized

Kirk Davidson and JoAnn Draper

Recently Ryan Brooks (former AC for the Boulder DU committee) wasawarded the Allstate Insurance “Agency Hands” which is a community awardrecognizing Allstate agents who provide volunteer service. With Ryan’srecognition and award comes a $500 grant from The Allstate Foundation toDucks Unlimited. Ryan has been an active DU volunteer for over 12 years andgrew up following in the footsteps of his father, Dennis, who also volunteers forDU and is a past Boulder Area Chairman. During Ryan’s tenure as the BoulderAC his committee annually earned from 10-25 thousand dollars from theirbanquet. In addition, Ryan “spreads the word” about Ducks Unlimited and onDecember 2, 2003, he spoke at the Optimist Club meeting in Boulder aboutDucks Unlimited and DU accomplishments in Colorado.

For the “Agency Hands” award, Ryan was nominated by Doug Townsend,market business consultant at Allstate Insurance Company. “Colorado hasmade significant gains in the preservation of its wetlands with Ducks Unlimitedserving as the primary driving force. Ryan’s service has truly meant increasedwetlands habitat for Colorado,” says Doug. “Allstate believes that it is veryimportant for corporations to take an active interest in the communities theyserve. Allstate is proud to support such a worthwhile cause through the AllstateFoundation,” said Ron Rex, Field Vice President. “The grant from the AllstateFoundation will provide much needed support for the work of DucksUnlimited serving the state of Colorado.”

Established in 1952, the Allstate Foundation is an independent corporationfunded by contributions from the Allstate Insurance Company. Grants areawarded to non-profit organizations that seek to improve the quality of life incommunities across the country.

Colorado DU thanks the Allstate Foundation and the Allstate InsuranceCompany, as well as Ryan Brooks for his great work for the Ducks.

(l to r) Ryan Brooks and Ron Rex

Family, golf and ducks would no doubt be three appropriate personal prioritiesfor any individual, and they just happen to be the top priorities for our State GolfChairman and dedicated DU volunteer —— Chris Swinhart. Without questionthe family comes first for this native Coloradoan, but where the golf and ducks fitin after that would probably be debatable and would fluctuate on any given day.

Of course right as our 2003/04 Colorado waterfowl season is coming to a close,I’m sure the ducks undoubtedly would get the edge.

Born in Westminster, Colorado in 1972, Chris was raised in the Arvada areaand graduated from Arvada West High School in 1990. He probably could havepassed for a character from the classic golf movie “Caddy Shack” as he becameinvolved in the golfing “business” when he first started working as a cart boy atthe Indian Tree Golf Course at the age of 12. He actually began playing the gameat the age of 8 and quickly gained his skill proficiency playing on the Arvada HighSchool golf team and earning a golf scholarship to the University of NorthernColorado. While attending college he served as an assistant pro for the HylandsGolf Course in Greeley and after playing all four years in college, Chris graduatedand briefly returned to Denver where he served as an assistant pro at the LakeArbor Golf Course in Arvada. His passion for the game and golf profession foundhim leaving his home state in 1997, as he moved from Colorado to take anotherassistant pro position at the Woodlake Resort and Golf Course in Pinehurst,North Carolina. He and his family remained in the Carolinas for over a year and ahalf until returning back to Colorado in 1999, when Chris accepted the assistantpro position at the Legacy Ridge Golf Course in Westminster where he workstoday. It wasn’t long before the city of Westminster recognized his talents and hewas promoted to the Head Professional position, becoming probably the youngestgolf pro in the Denver area.

Going back to his number one priority – family, Chris met his wife,Amy, during

their college years in Greeley. While Amy majored in Recreation and minored inGerontology, Chris chose just the opposite majoring in Gerontology and minoringin Recreation. Both Amy and Chris graduated in 1996, and had their first son,Garrett (age 6) in December 1996. Four years later (December 15, 2000) theycelebrated the birth of their second son Jordan. For the Swinharts the ducks aretruly a family affair. You frequently see Chris,Amy and the boys at DU eventsthroughout the area. Amy is employed by Water World as a group salesrepresentative and for those Quacker Classic veterans you will remember Amyand Holly Near serving as the hostesses for the “closest to the decoy hole” (13th

hole) during last year’s event.Family, golf… now where do the ducks fit in? Chris will tell you that his love

for the outdoors was fostered mostly by his grandfather who introduced him tohunting and an appreciation for our natural resources. I can remember last Junewhen Chris and I were golfing and out in the rough at Legacy Ridge (you can guesswhose ball we were playing) and he wanted to show me the nest of a hen mallardwho had obviously been forced into a tough dry land nesting spot by the drought.He was genuinely concerned about how to protect the mother and her nest, butfully recognized the likely outcome as another sad occurrence from our Coloradourban sprawl.

Chris actually joined the Colorado DU ranks in the fall of 2002, when he sawan advertisement for the state golf chairman position. Thankfully, a former golfcolleague and state District Chairman, Matt Rivera, also recruited him.Immediately upon assuming his current DU state position Chris began planning forwhat would be the most successful state golf tournament in decades —- the 2002Colorado Quacker Classic. Not only did he plan and implement this highlysuccessful event, but he also drafted and published a “How To” golf tournament

manual for use by all state committees and volunteers.Fortunately for the Colorado ducks and wetlands during Chris’s time as the

Legacy Ridge golf pro he developed a friendship with a frequent golfer, Eric Near.Eric’s enthusiasm and love for Colorado waterfowl equaled Chris’s and theyteamed up not only as close friends, but to serve together as the leaders for theQuacker Classic. It was a great match as they balanced the golf expertise ofChris’s, with the business savvy of Eric’s resulting in a tournament that netted over$18,000 for Duck’s Unlimited. From this partnership spawned the newest ofColorado Chapters, CO 122 – Westminster, in which Eric now serves as the AreaChairman with Chris being his wingman as the golf chair….. a definite winningcombo for Colorado Ducks Unlimited.

The future for all DU state golf events and for the annual Quacker Classiclooks bright thanks to the dedicated efforts and personal drive of Chris Swinhart.While there are hundreds of great volunteers in our colorful state, none arebetter when it comes to planning and executing golf events than Chris Swinhart—- period. He’s truly the Tiger Woods for Colorado DU golf and we’re a heck ofa lot better off today thanks to him. I say again —— thank you Chris Swinhart.

"another fine shoot along the Platte by district chairman MattRivera,Westminster AC Eric Near and State Golf ChairmanChris Swinhart... is that a Suzie we see???"

(l to r) Chris Swinhart and Joe McCreary

just puttin around

Spotlight on a VolunteerBy Kirk Davidson

Colorado Ducks Unlimited 4 Spring 2004 Colorado Ducks Unlimited 9 Spring 2004

We can’t dwell on the past, but we’ve got to beproud of what we did last year as the northeastsector increased by over 16% in its grassrootsdollars intake going from $415,000 in FY02 to$482,000 for FY03. Thanks goes out to all of ourcommittees and volunteers for the great work.Enough about the past, but the great news forNortheast Colorado is we continue to rock goinginto the new year.

Right now comparing this year to last weremain about $10,000 ahead. One key reason forthis success is our new committees and committeerestart banquets. Just in the past two months wehave had new events by Ft Morgan, GrandCounty, Phillips County and Wray. Starting inSeptember, Shawn Anderson led the GrandCounty (Granby, CO) chapter to a very successfulbanquet, which had not seen an event in almosttwo years. Likewise Bob Lautermilch restartedthe Ft Morgan/Brush committee (known as theSouth Platte committee) and came in with a solid8k net. Out near the eastern border CraigMergelman stepped up to the plate and reformedthe Chief Creek chapter (Wray, CO.). They helda fantastic event on the eve of the pheasant seasonopener coming in with over a 6k net. Of courseone of the most memorable events was the restartof the Phillips County chapter. On October 1, Ireceived a call from Kathy Roll asking, “Howsoon can we have a banquet?” What a loadedquestion! Likewise was her answer when Ireplied, “How soon do you want one” in whichshe responded, “in three weeks!” Anyway, we didsome fast ordering, Kathy did a lot of fast workand the end result was another great eastern plainsevent by a newly revived chapter.

While these new events provided thefoundation for our revenue increase there werealso some great increases by our veteran chapters.Darren Dodson took the Denver Chapter andincreased revenues by over 37% coming in with a$27,775 net. And Steve Kaiser and Ray

Zimmerman led the Sterling committee to awhopping 62% increase going from 13k (FY03)to over 21k —- smokin! Likewise AreaChairperson such as Chuck Klafka (DouglasCounty); Sharon Moore (Ft Collins); Barb andBob Ingalls (Yuma); Rich Phillips (Lakewood);and Al Schultz (River Valley) all led theirrespective chapters to increases in banquetrevenues. And although the figures aren’t in yet,I’m confident we’ll see increases from Windsor(Mark Brinkman), Julesburg (Jim Beck) andBurlington (LD Powell and Carey Barnes).

As we move into 2004, we’ve got some majorevents to finish out the fiscal year, which will endon June 30, 2004. In January we will have aColorado DU booth at the InternationalSportsmen’s Exposition, which will be held at theConvention Center in Denver January 22-26. Ifyou can volunteer some time and help man thebooth let Darren Dodson (303-758-8775) ormyself (303-927-1949) know. We’ll have anotherbusy winter/spring banquet season and pleaserefer to the Duck Dates on page 5 for the exactdates of these events. We should also be excitedabout our second annual South Platte Initiativebanquet (April) and Quacker Classic, which arebeing spearheaded by Mark Keeler (SPI) and EricNear and Chris Swinhart (QC) respectively.

Finally, I offer my sincere thanks to thosewho banded together to conduct the annualLittleton banquet. District chair Matt Riveragrabbed the reins and led a bunch of greatvolunteers towards a very productive event.Again, thanks to those who responded to the callfor assistance and we’re in great hands for thefuture with Littleton committee members likeChris Cessna, Buck Buchholz, Sergio Alcazar andLee Mickus.

Let’s keep the front-range rocking andpreserving those precious wetlands. I’m here tosupport so let me know how I can make your jobas a volunteer easier.

Front-range Fired Up!Kirk Davidson, Regional Director

GreenwingFamily

ChairpersonsDennis Markway

Colorado Ducks Unlimited will be seeingnew faces in their State Greenwing Programthis year. I will be joined by my wife Pam andson Cameron as state GreenwingChairpersons. Our goal is to increase bothGreenwing and Greenwing Legacy numbersstatewide by having local chapters emphasizeboth membership categories.

Our State Chairman Brad Billingsley andmy family are determined to formulate aunique program to encourage and help allchapters increase their Greenwing andGreenwing Legacy numbers. Chapters will beencouraged to include Greenwings asattendees at their local banquets, shoots andgolf events as well as having separateGreenwing events. Finally, we intend to have a“Greenwing Rendezvous” at this year’s stateconvention to be held in Winter Park thisAugust.

Colorado Ducks Unlimited is planning tointroduce an incentive based statewideprogram to help chapters meet a goal of100% increase in CO DU Greenwing andGreenwing Legacy numbers for fiscal year2004.

Greenwings of today will be our futurelocal, state and national DU leaders. If youhave any ideas to help increase ourGreenwing membership or know of anybusinesses that may donate goods or servicesto our statewide Greenwing Program, pleasecall 719-547-4494. Ask for Dennis. Moredetails of our new Greenwing Programs willbe detailed at District meetings and the nextissue of our State DU newsletter.

waterfowl breeding area in the United States,could lose protection. For more information onthis issue, log on tohttp://www.ducks.org/news/PDF/SWANCCFactSheet.pdf.

In the hour-long meeting, President Bushpointedly and repeatedly stated his support forwetlands protection, underscoring hiscommitment to his policy of no-net-loss ofwetlands. He mentioned his own enthusiasm forhunting and fishing along the gulf coast of theU.S. Each year, the Gulf Coast can winter morethan fourteen million ducks and two milliongeese, making it among DU’s highest conservation

priorities. Unfortunately, due to a combination ofman-made and natural causes, the U.S. GulfCoast is losing 25 to 35 square miles of coastalhabitat each year, which is the equivalent of losingan area the size of a football field every 30minutes.

The North American Wetlands ConservationAct (NAWCA) and its success, wise energydevelopment on federal lands, and hunter/angleraccess to National Wildlife Refuge lands wereamong the other issues discussed during themeeting.

This is the second time John Tomke has metwith President Bush during his term as DU

President.With more than a million supporters, Ducks

Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effectivewetland and waterfowl conservation organization.The United States alone has lost more than half ofits original wetlands – nature’s most productiveecosystems – and continues to lose more than100,000 wetland acres each year.

Look for Ducks Unlimited on the WorldWide Web at www.ducks.org. Tune in to TheWorld of Ducks Unlimited Radio Network, andwatch Ducks Unlimited Television on the OutdoorLife Network (OLN).

WETLANDS from page 1

Bill Sullivan wears many hats. He is currently theColorado State Merchandise Chairman, Zone Chairmanfor the northern 1/3 of the southeast district ofColorado DU, committee member of the ColoradoSprings and Pikes Peak chapters, and AreaChairman of the newly formed Front RangeGreenwings chapter, and those are just hisDucks Unlimited hats!

In everyday life Bill is the AssociatePrincipal of Pine Creek High School inDistrict 20 of El Paso County. In the 3 yearsBill has been there his school has wonnumerous national and state awards forexcellence in many categories. There is nodoubt that Bill has left his mark on the qualityof the school experience at Pine Creek HighSchool.

A Vermont native, Bill arrived in Coloradoafter serving as Principal of several schools inKetchikan, Alaska. A lifelong educator, Billtaught school and worked in schooladministration positions in Vermont,Massachusetts, and Alaska before coming toColorado. The oldest and first of the 7 brothers andsisters of the Sullivan family to graduate college, Bill wasalso involved with the Vermont Army Guard. His sonBen is proudly following in his father and grandfather’sfootsteps and is a Marine. While visiting Ben overThanksgiving, Bill - always the volunteer - had roundedup donations and hosted all of the members of Ben’splatoon that didn’t have a way to get home for theholiday to a Thanksgiving dinner off base. Bill ismarried to Mary Ann and they have 2 grown daughters,Katie and Maureen in addition to son Ben.

Bill joined Ducks Unlimited in 1977 back inVermont. By 1980 he had become co-chair of theAddison County DU chapter and went on to serve asVermont’s national trustee and delegate to the nationalconvention. In addition to turning around the AddisonCounty chapter that had been on the verge of folding,he led his volunteer committee to sign up the most DUsponsors in the state the following year and wasrecognized as Vermont Area Co-Chairman of the Yearfor his volunteer work in Ducks Unlimited. Bill’s DUsuccess stems from his long time belief that if you“always invite new people to join the committee, host anevent where everyone can play, enjoy themselves, andkids and family’s are welcome, you will do good thingsfor the ducks.”

Bill’s love of and talent for working with children,and his passion for DU combined to create a uniquenew DU event. This past summer Bill rounded up fourof the chapters in his zone and created the “Front RangeGreenwing” chapter. On a Saturday last July, twenty-nine kids and their families had a wonderful time at theFort Carson Turkey Creek Wildlife Area where the firstFront Range Greenwing “Fun Day” was held. The eventwas featured in the last edition of Wings Over Colorado.Bill served as Chairman of the new committee and allaround sparkplug helping to make things happen. Theevent was a rousing success to all who attended.

Always one to lead by example, Bill signed up hisnew granddaughter, Kyley Sullivan, as a LegacyGreenwing in time for the Legacy Greenwing projectdedication at Banner Lakes SWA. That’s proud

granddad pointing to Kyley’s name on the project plaqueat the dedication last April in the picture accompanyingthis article.

Bill is also a dedicated waterfowler and is as good at

hunting birds as he is at working for their habitatpreservation. From sea ducks to snow geese, Bill can callwith the best of them. When the hunting is good, hecleanly takes game at very close range, a master of the artof decoying and calling ducks. When he is notsqueezing in a fall hunt you can find “Uncle Bill” atmany southern front-range DU events where he not

only attends but also often helps out. Because of histalents afield and in education, Bill was recently invitedto be a field editor for Waterfowler.com. Visit the chat-room on a given evening and you might meet “Uncle

Bill” as he sets the record straightregarding our conservation mission fromthe volunteer perspective.

One of Bill’s biggest volunteer roles isas state merchandise chairman, a positionhe has filled for several years now.Because nearly all of it goes on “behindthe scenes” most members have no ideahow involved it is. The position is fairlytime consuming, planning the statemerchandise package items six months inadvance, and then keeping all the statemerchandise orders straight for every DUdinner event in Colorado. He prideshimself on getting things right andkeeping track of all 60 chapters so theyget what they need when they need it.

So now you’ve met Bill Sullivan,volunteer. When you see him at the next

DU event say hello to him and offer a hand and thankhim for all he does for the ducks. And don’t besurprised when he turns around and after humblyaccepting your thanks, asks you to join the committee.Go ahead and say yes. Like many others in ColoradoDU, you will feel fortunate to work with one of the bestvolunteer leaders in the state.

Meet Bill Sullivan - Volunteer

HUNTING*NEW: Hunting Theater*NEW: Colorado Taxidermy Association daily taxidermydemonstrations*NEW: CASH PRIZES for the third-annual state elk-calling championship*NEW: Eastmans’ Hunting Journal Trophy Deer Display*NEW: Hunt seminars by Milton Dailey, host of HuntingLease Magazine TV*NEW:Turkey-hunting seminar by Dennis McKinney* Seminars by western hunt guru Mike Eastman, worldchampion elk caller Chad Schearer, and local goose-hunting expert Mark Beam*Giant Sporting-Dog Arena, with special guest Dez Young,host of Outdoor Life Network’s Upland Days with Dashand Dez

FAMILY FUN*NEW: Gart Sports Paintball Gallery*NEW: Crosman airgun range*NEW: Outdoor skills and survival talks by Mike Shaverin ISE’s Coleman Ultimate Campsite*Climbing wall

*Colorado Division of Wildlife Outdoor InformationPavilion

SPORTFISHING*NEW: Fishing Theater*NEW: Huge Trout Tank*NEW: Colorado-fishing seminars by radio and TV showhost Terry Wickstrom, and presentations by top walleyepro angler Ron Gazvoda*Fly-fishing living legend Lefty Kreh, who’ll be present Fri-Sun.*Best-of-the-West Fly-Casting Contest*Fly-Tying Video Theater

SHOW HOURS:Thursday & Friday, noon until 9pmSaturday: 10am until 8pmSunday: 10am until 5pm

TICKETS:$10 adult, at show;Youth 12 and under enter for FREE.Discount coupons available at Gart Sports stores

LARGEST SPORTSMEN’S EXPOIN COLORADO

THE ANNUALOUTDOORS EVENT

It will be much easier to enter this year’s giant GART SPORTS International Sportsmen’s Exposition January 22-25, at the huge Colorado Convention Center in Denver. As before, there’ll be free parking and shuttles at CoorsField. But the show will now use the giant Lobby B as entrance point.Also, the show will have extended hours onThursday and Friday. Here’s a look at the Gart Sports ISE, Colorado’s largest, only true sportsmen’s show.

Colorado Ducks Unlimited 8 Spring 2004 Colorado Ducks Unlimited 5 Spring 2004

Since July when I last wrote this column,the fundraising season has jumped into fullswing and we are now in the heart of DUbanquet activity. September really startedoff with a bang with the fabulous restart ofthe Glenwood Springs chapter. ChairmanJoe Bair organized a classic DU banquet atthe top of the new Iron Mountain Gondola.The view really must have inspired thecrowd as the event surpassed allexpectations.

Colorado Springs followed later thatsame week with their annual Sponsor eventat the New South Wales restaurant.Sponsorship and event proceeds doubled atthis classy event where Colorado staffbiologist John Vradenburg gave a personalupdate on DU project effectiveness here inColorado and across the Central and Pacificflyways.

Following the Sponsor event in ColoradoSprings, the Pagosa Springs chapter heldtheir annual banquet once again under themasterful touch of Chairman TracyBunning. Pagosa Springs and the La PlataCounty DU (Durango) chapter went backto back with very strong events, each withattendance well over 200. Durangochairman Tom Brossia took the lead thisyear by a nose as these chapters are in ahorse race to see which can reach $30,000Net/Net dollars raised in a single event.Both chapters are to be commended as thelarge and varied committees they have builthelp them earn such strong support withintheir communities.

Events then moved north as theSteamboat Spring chapter revved up theirfundraising machine. Chairman Bill Davis,Co-Chair Nick Hotchkiss and theSteamboat committee filled the hall andreally put some acres back on the landscapewith record chapter dollars raised plus a newlife sponsor, the committee’s third in lessthan one year!

At the end of September Colorado DUpaused and held a thank you event for our

Major Donors. Grand River Ranch inKremmling was our host for a beautifulautumn afternoon of Sporting Clays,barbeque, and recognition of our topcontributors. Over 30 of the state’s majorDonors attended and enjoyed a perfect dayamidst the golden aspens with fellow DUsupporters. Sadly it was among the lastevents attended by Colorado Major GiftsCo-Chairman John Feist who passed awayrecently. I will always remember John as heso enjoyed that day, smiling and spendingtime with Annette and his DU friends.

Next up was the Ute Pass chapter inWoodland Park. Chairman Sam Woldridgeand his committee put on the finest eventthe chapter has ever held and may have set anew state record for dollars raised perattendee. November continued with theNorth Fork chapter in Hotchkiss pullingtogether their signature unique event onlytwo days after chairman Steve Duffyreturned from 3 months in the SouthPacific.

The weekend before Thanksgivingalways has a featured spot on the DUcalendar. This year was no different aschairman Shelley Allen and committeehosted the Las Animas banquet on Saturdaythe 22nd. The well-attended event was atrue family affair with lots of activities forthe Greenwing crowd. Montrose shared thesame date and Co-Chairmen Bob Clark,Mel Juhola, and Jerry Jones once again ledone of the largest committees in the state tohost their 29th annual banquet with thesame chairmen at the helm that founded thechapter! Moving to a new venue for thefirst time ever, the event increased theattendance well beyond their typical sell outcrowds of previous years. This will be theevent to attend next year for the chairmen’sand chapter’s 30th anniversary!

The first week of December has justclosed as I add the news of the last flurry ofevents for 2003. Colorado Springs underthe leadership of Mark Smagner held theirbanquet on Wednesday December 3rd. The

auctions and raffles were very strong asevidenced by a record $2,000 paid for theDU dinner gun. The committee wasobserved celebrating their well-deservedsuccess far into the wee hours of themorning. On Friday, December 5th thePueblo West chapter led by Chairman BillBurke and Co-Chair Chris Cude (also theeditor of this newsletter) put on their annualbanquet featuring a life-size duck hunt videogame played with laser guns and reactivetargets. The game proved so popular thatthe line to play was full all night long!

On Saturday December 6th the Aspenchapter held their first event in 6 years.Chairman Dr. Craton Burkholder assembleda committee of very talented businessmenand waterfowl enthusiasts to host one of themost carefully crafted fundraising events ofthe season. Any veteran committee wouldhave been proud of the high quality evening.A classic touch indicative of the success ofthe evening was the original bronze troutsculpture donated by MC Jack Brendlingerthat sold for the high bid of the night.

Not to be upstaged, the Craig chapterclosed out the year with the final banquet inthe region for 2003. An increase in ticketsales of over 30% filled the Holiday Inn inCraig for an early afternoon event on Dec.7th that started during the Broncos footballvictory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Co-Chairmen Allan Reishus and Gary Crispeffectively led a very strong committee toone of the most successful events the chapterhas held in years. An added bonus was theevening ending on schedule early enough foreveryone to make it home before the firstbig snowstorm of the winter descended onthe state.

While we all now take a pause in theaction during the Christmas and New yearHolidays, I would like to say thanks to allthe volunteers and supporters out there whohave made this year one to be remembered.Have a very Merry Christmas and a HappyNew Year!

View From the West and SouthBy Ken Constantine Regional Director

Western and SouthernColorado Duck Dates

DATE EVENT CONTACT PHONE #

Jan. 31 San Luis Valley Hoyt Anderson 719-589-2197

Feb. 7 Gunnison Racquel French 970-641-1023

Feb.TBA Chaffee County Lonnie Peschiera 719-539-4358

Feb. 28 Canon City Don Ley 719-275-6318

Feb. 28 Eagle Wendy Sacks 970-328-3373

Feb. 28 Pueblo Mark Bassi 719-561-8054

Feb.28 tent. Fairplay Rich Provomero 719-836-2470

Feb. 29 Colo. Spgs. Pheasant Doug Hantelman 719-265-8825

March 6 Delta Christy Eckstein 970-874-5394

March 6 Crystal River Bill Johnson 970-963-3998

March TBA Meeker Nori Pearce 970-878-4659

March 20 Kremmling Bqt. Chuck Cesar 970-724-3691

March 20 Summit County Lynne Hudson 970-468-0391

March 20 Norwood Craig Grother 970-327-4261

April 8 Steamboat Sponsor Pete Schroeder 970-879-2672

April 17 Rifle Banquet Jane Chapman 970-285-7341

April 24 Pueblo West Fun Shoot D. J. Holmes 719-647-0522

May TBA Delta Golf Tony Bohling 970-874-4932

May 15 Pikes Peak Banquet Verl Olson 719-596-4593

Northeast DUWinter/Spring Events

Kirk Davidson, Regional Director

DATE EVENT LOCATION POC/REMARKS

Jan 22-26 International Sportsmen’s Denver Convention Ctr Darren DodsonExposition 303-758-8775

Feb 6 Golden Banquet Denver West Marriott Al LarsonI-70 (Exit 123) 303-297-2028

Feb 8 CSU Banquet Sundance Steakhouse Aaron CohnMulberry Ave 303-638-4115Ft Collins, CO.

Feb 21 Aurora Banquet Radisson Hotel Scott KellerI-225 & Parker Ave 720-810-3779

Mar 5 Lafayette Banquet Spirit of Life Event Ctr Fred Groth5706 Arapahoe Ave 303-661-0999Boulder, CO. 80303

Mar 27 Northwest Metro Banquet DoubleTree Hotel Gary SmithHwy 36 & Federal 303-425-0490

Apr 23 South Platte Initiative Wildlife Experience Mark KeelerMuseum 303-805-8465Lincoln Ave

Apr 24 Evergreen Banquet The Pines at Genessee Julie BallardGolden, CO. 303-674-4446

May 1 Longmont Banquet Boulder County Bob AhernFairgrounds 303-772-1437

May 7 Loveland Banquet Ft Collins Marriott Chad Thomas1301 Horsetooth Ave. 970-556-0581

May 8 Brighton Banquet Elks Lodge Warren AndersonBrighton, CO. 303-833-3151

Jun 11 Quacker Golf Classic Legacy Ridge Course Eric NearWestminster, CO 303-451-1113

Viansa, one of America’s premierproducers of Italian varietal wines, locatedin the Sonoma Valley, hosted a winetasting at the dinner event thataccompanied the recent Colorado DucksUnlimited Sporting Classic. The wine ofchoice was Viansa’s Riserva Anatra Rosso,a delightful red wine that honorswaterfowl and wetlands. The winetasting was extremely well received andpaired well with the dinner hosted byOutback Steakhouse.

Viansa is home to “The ViansaWetlands”, a wetlands project resulting

from the efforts of Sam and VickiSebastiani (founders of Viansa) andDucks Unlimited. The 91-acre wetlandwas completed in 1993 andaccommodates over 13,000 birds per dayduring peak migration periods. Over 150species of birds use the wetlands. TheSebastiani’s were presented with the“Award for Private Conservationist of theYear” in April 2003 by the Center ofPrivate Conservation because of theirwetland and their stewardship of theland.

Viansa offers two vintages in honor of

its wetlands; Riserva Anatra Rosso (DuckPreserve Red) and Anatra Bianco (DuckPreserve White). Both wines have aspecial wetlands oriented label and adescription of their conservation roots onthe back label. Viansa donates $1.00 toDucks Unlimited from the sale of everybottle of these two vintages. For orderinginformation or information about joiningthe Tuscan Club, please call Jan Taylor at800-995-4740, ext. 224. Moreinformation can also be found atwww.Viansa.com. Viansa products areonly available through Viansa directly.

Viansa Winery Supports Colorado Ducks Unlimited

Ken Constantine, Regional Director

Project: Junction Buttes (near Kremmling)Wetland Enhancement

Partners: Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)

Contractor: Dirt-n-Iron, Loma.

Description: Installation of 3 large water controlstructures with associated embankments, deliveryditch system cleaned out and several water controlstructures added. Water is taken from theColorado River and used to flood irrigate severallarge meadows. Area is adjacent to the ColoradoRiver.

Notes: BOR biologist counted over 800 elk usingsite for winter forage.

Hunting: Area is open to hunting, bring a heavyjacket!

Colorado Ducks Unlimited 6 Spring 2004 Colorado Ducks Unlimited 7 Spring 2004

DU Member Wins Colorado Goose Calling ChampionshipBy Brad Billingsly

It begins with a few crisp, reaching honks. Next comes a series of pleads, cries, cajoles and more honks…all mixed with a fewinterspersed wails. Over the next few moments, the momentumbuilds to a crescendo of double clucks before it suddenly shifts to softgroans and lay down calls. How does it end? Two softly spokenwords…”Take ‘em”.

This was the procession earlier last year and it was repeated just afew weeks ago outside of Longmont. You see, we have a celebrity inour midst! Shane McCoy entered the 2003 Colorado Goose CallingChampionships and called his way to a top podium finish!

Now if your goose calling doesn’t seem up to the StateChampionship level, don’t fret. Shane works on his calling year roundand practices his trade over 80 days each season as a leading guide andco-owner of Waterfowl Haven Guide Service. When the season isover, Shane spends his time as a committee member of the LovelandDU chapter, helping to make their annual spring banquet a success. Ihad the great fortune to find myself in a pit outside of Longmontrecently, with the sounds of pleading geese emanating from the other end of the pit…and from above! Joined by DU RegionalBiologist Greg Kernohan and DU Intern Jimmy Lodgsdon, we marveled time and again at Shane’s incredible ability to coax waryCanada geese (and even a Snow goose!) into close range. While that hunt was incredible, we’ll no doubt remember the goose callingclinic we witnessed that day, and the fun we had hunting with Shane and Waterfowl Haven. Best of luck in next years’ competition,Shane, and thanks for your support of the Ducks!!

Project: South Republican State Wildlife Area(downstream of Bonny Reservoir)

Wetland Enhancement

Partners: Colorado Division of Wildlife(CDOW)US Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)

Contractor: Western Cleanup, Fort Morgan

Description: Installation of 140’ of 24” diameterpipeline with headgate. Existing weir holdsseepwater from Bonny reservoir. Constant seepcreated ideal conditions for dense cattail growth.Underdrain will provide CDOW capability tocontrol vegetation.

Hunting: Majority of project is currently in aclosed area. This area has historically held large numbers of migrating waterfowl prior to areabeing taken over by cattail.

■ The 2004 State Convention will havesomething for the entire family!

I know we are all just getting over theholidays, but plans are already underway for anunbelievable State Convention August 5-8,2004.This exciting event will take place nearWinter Park at the Silver Creek Lodging andConference Center. Who is invited?EVERYONE!! If you’re reading this newsletter,if you support Ducks Unlimited or if you andyour family are looking for one final funweekend in the mountains before the kids goback to school – then come join us in WinterPark! Heck, maybe you’re just a little curiousas to what goes on at the DU StateConvention – come on up!! Need a goodexcuse to go fly fishing or hit the golfcourse…then this weekend is for you! ThisState Celebration is aimed at celebrating thegreat work we’ve done for conservation, butthere’s also so much more. This is the onechance each year where DU volunteers andmembers can get together, make new friendsand rekindle old friendships. It’s amazing howmany incredible DU supporters there are inColorado – what a great way to meet them!

This truly will be a weekend for the familyto remember. Our State Greenwing “Chair-

Family”, the Markways, are organizing a funfilled Greenwing Rendezvous weekend to runalongside the State Convention. This meansthere will be something for the kids to do allweekend – hikes, pizza and movie parties, a tripto the alpine slide, fun conservation-relatedactivities, and much, much more! The nextnewsletter will detail the activities, but suffice it

to say, this will be the highlight of the summerfor the kids as well as the parents!

Now if you haven’t been to Silver Creekbefore, you’re in for a treat! Silver Creek isconvenient to four great golf courses and athree-lake recreation area.The hotel andcondominiums are adjacent to both SolVistaGolf and Ski Ranch and Grand Elk Ranch andClub. SolVista features hiking and biking trailsand the SolVista Golf Club. Grand Elk featuresan 18-hole Heathland style golf course, the

newest in the area.On site amenities at the Inn at SilverCreek

feature an athletic club that includes a yearround outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna,racquetball, weight room, tennis, walleyball andvolleyball.They also offer an arcade for the kids,a gift shop and Paul’s Creekside Grill (a fullservice restaurant). SilverCreek has tons ofmeeting space so it can handle our groupwithout blinking an eye. There is even aBusiness Center available if you insist onbringing work on the road (notrecommended!)

If that is not enough to quench yourappetite, the Resort is located in the middle ofseveral ranches for horseback riding and wagonrides for the adventurous type.World-class flyfishing is all around us – both the Frazier andColorado Rivers are within a short drive.Some of the best mountain biking in the worldis just a pedal down the path. Plans are also inthe works to get the DU family together for anold fashioned, ranch style cookout!

So mark your calendars for August 5th – 8th,2004 and get ready for some camaraderie, funand excitement for the entire family. Moredetails to come and we hope to see you inAugust.

Notes from the Construction Zone: Ducks To Descend Upon Winter Park!!By Kevin Metzler