Upload
voxuyen
View
216
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 1
DUCKS UNLIMITED SECURES $1.42 MILLION OF GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE FUNDS FOR OHIO CONSERVATION The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is President Obama’s 5-year commitment to protect and restore the Great Lakes.
During the fi rst year of the GLRI (2010), $475 million was available to fund projects that will improve the health of the Great Lakes
ecosystem. Ducks Unlimited (DU) was awarded three GLRI grants totaling $1,423,510 in federal funding to support coastal wetland
restoration and protection along western Lake Erie in Ohio. Th ese projects include a $643,397 grant from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to restore a 350-acre coastal wetland on Lake Erie’s Catawba Peninsula, a $150,013 grant from
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region Joint Venture to enhance 392 acres of
coastal wetlands at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, and a $630,100 grant from the USFWS’ Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration
Act to acquire permanent conservation easements on 330 acres of coastal wetlands or adjacent buff ers along western Lake Erie. In
addition, DU received $462,500 of GLRI funding from the USFWS to complete important Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
analysis of wetlands throughout the Great Lakes watershed, including the Lake Erie watershed of Ohio. More details of all of these
GLRI projects are available within this report.
DU’s overall success with the GLRI was outstanding. We received $9.9 million of GLRI funds from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, NOAA, and USFWS to implement 19 projects in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and New York that will restore
and protect thousands of acres of wetlands, restore miles of fi sh passage and provide important analysis of the status and trends of
wetlands. DU and our partners have identifi ed several additional wetland conservation projects in the Lake Erie watershed of Ohio
and throughout the Great Lakes that we will pursue funding in year two of the GLRI. Stay tuned for more updates on the GLRI and
the projects that DU is implementing in Ohio!
Ohio2011 CONSERVATION REPORT • GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE
DU completed the survey and engineering design of the Middle Harbor project in 2010. Construction is expected to begin during 2011.
www.ducks.org2
GLRI PROJECT - RESTORING LAKE ERIE HYDROLOGY TO MIDDLE HARBORMiddle Harbor is a 350-acre coastal wetland located along Lake Erie on the Catawba Peninsula that is owned by the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources (ODNR) – Division of Parks and Recreation as part of East Harbor State Park. Th e wetland basin is currently
disconnected hydrologically from Lake Erie, and over time has become almost completely devoid of vegetation, has poor water
quality, and off ers limited benefi ts to fi sh, wildlife and the public. Due to the degraded nature of the wetland, its large size, and
location along Lake Erie, Middle Harbor was identifi ed by the ODNR as a high priority for restoration.
Ducks Unlimited (DU) partnered with the ODNR Parks and Recreation and Wildlife Divisions to secure a $643,397 Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to restore the hydrological
connection between Middle Harbor and Lake Erie that will signifi cantly improve the productivity of this important wetland. DU’s
engineering staff has completed the topographic survey and the design of a water control structure that will provide water level
management capability to ODNR staff . Once the design is implemented in 2011, ODNR will have the tools necessary to manipulate
water levels and aquatic vegetation within the basin. Aft er an initial dewatering of the wetland to stimulate the growth of benefi cial
vegetation, the water control structure will remain open to allow for daily and seasonal fl uctuations in lake levels and permit fi sh
passage into and out of the wetland.
GLRI PROJECT – ENHANCEMENT OF COASTAL WETLANDS AT MAGEE MARSH WILDLIFE AREAMany of the remaining coastal marshes along Lake Erie are located within a protective system of levees that allow managers to sustain
high-quality conditions despite fl uctuating lake levels and precipitation. Th ese wetlands require periodic maintenance and repair of
the management infrastructure (levees, water control structures, etc) to ensure their functions and values are protected over the long-
term. Recent budgetary constraints have made it diffi cult for the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) to perform all of the necessary
maintenance and repair of the existing wetland management infrastructure at Magee
Marsh Wildlife Area thereby jeopardizing the value of these important wetlands.
To address this issue, Ducks Unlimited (DU) received a Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative (GLRI) grant from the Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region Joint
Venture in the amount of $150,013. Th is grant, combined with a $60,000 ODOW cash
commitment, will result in the reshaping and armoring of the east side of the main
water channel through Magee Marsh and prevent its potential failure. Th is channel is
the only source of water that is used to manage 282 acres of Great Lakes coastal wetland.
Funds from this grant will also allow DU to design and replace 3 failing water control
structures. Th ese new structures will allow ODOW staff to once again manage water
levels and sustain productive conditions in three additional wetlands totaling 110 acres.
In total, this project enhances and protects the management capability to 392 acres of
coastal wetland habitat of importance to waterfowl, other wildlife, and the public.
DU AND THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ENHANCE WETLANDS AND RESTORE FISH PASSAGE AT OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS), Ducks Unlimited (DU) designed and constructed a water control structure that
allows for the passage of fi sh between Crane Creek and the 99-acre Pool 2b at Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge. Th is $279,000 project was funded by the USGS through
DU’s Indefi nite Delivery-Indefi nite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Region 3 of the
USFWS. Th is project has many positive outcomes including restoring the hydrological
connection between Crane Creek and the Pool 2b coastal wetland, improving the
USFWS’ ability to manage water levels and aquatic vegetation in the wetland, and
increasing the amount of wetland habitat available to spawning fi sh. Th e USGS intends
to use the restored wetland and fi sh passage as a study site to monitor use by fi shes and
other aquatic organisms.
HABITAT HAPPENINGS
Erosion along the east side of the main
water supply channel at Magee Marsh that
jeopardizes the productivity of hundreds of
acres of coastal wetlands will be addressed
through a GLRI grant awarded to DU.
DU’s contractor installing components of
the new water control and fi sh passage
structure at Ottawa NWR.
Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 3
HABITAT HAPPENINGS
GLRI PROJECT – THE SOUTHWEST LAKE ERIE LAND PROTECTION STRATEGY Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) Southwest Lake Erie Land Protection Strategy continues to grow thanks to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
grant in the amount of $630,100 through the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. DU, in partnership with Black Swamp
Conservancy, will utilize these Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funds to purchase permanent conservation easements
on approximately 330 acres of land identifi ed by state and federal wildlife agencies as high priority areas for protection within the
watershed of western Lake Erie. Th e Southwest Lake Erie Land Protection Strategy is focused on the protection of existing private
wetlands and adjacent agricultural property within the coastal zone of
Lake Erie in Ohio and Michigan. Lands near large, contiguous wetlands
are of primary importance, including those surrounding public wildlife
conservation areas such as Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Magee Marsh
Wildlife Area, Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area, and Michigan’s Erie and Point
Mouillee State Game Areas. DU is currently working with sportsmen’s
clubs and private landowners to provide technical assistance and identify
other fi nancial incentives for those interested in protecting their marshes
and farmlands in perpetuity.
Wetlands and their associated upland buffers such as these are targeted for
protection through DU’s Southwest Lake Erie Land Protection Strategy.
OHIO HUNT/DONALD THOMPSON DEDICATIONThe 9th annual Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) Partnership Hunt took place November 9-11, 2010 in
Port Clinton. Th e purpose of the Partnership Hunt is to celebrate the successful partnership between ODOW and DU and the many
victories for waterfowl and wetlands in Ohio resulting from the partnership. It also provides a unique opportunity for DU major
donors and volunteer leaders to experience waterfowling in Ohio’s historic Lake Erie marshes while also learning more about DU and
our conservation programs. Th e Partnership Hunt would not be possible without the assistance of local duck club owners and guides
that donate their time and land for this event.
At the Wednesday evening dinner hosted by Zink Calls, the ODOW presented a check in the amount of $139,608 to DU from the
proceeds of Ohio’s Wetland Habitat Stamp. DU will match this amount and then leverage the money against federal dollars to secure
wetland habitat in Ontario, Canada to provide nesting and brood rearing
habitat for waterfowl that migrate through Ohio.
At the event this year DU honored conservationist Donald Th ompson with
the dedication of a 112-acre marsh at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area. Th e
dedication commemorates Donald’s 40-year career as a wildlife biologist
and administrator with ODOW and DU. Th is dedication is especially fi tting
as Donald played an instrumental role in securing the necessary funding to
restore wetlands and other habitats at Pickerel Creek with Ohio’s fi rst North
American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant.
(From left to right) ODOW District Manager John Daugherty, Retired GLARO
Director Dr. Bob Hoffman, Honoree Donald Thompson, DU President John
Pope, ODOW Chief Dave Graham, and Acting GLARO Director Ken Babcock.
LEARNING WETLAND AND WATERFOWL ECOLOGY AT THE FLYWAY ACADEMYDuring March 18-21, 2010 the inaugural Ducks Unlimited (DU) Flyway Academy took place at Winous Point Shooting Club and
Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area. Ten attendees gathered for two full days of classroom instruction and hands-on outdoor fi eld activities
to learn about a variety of topics including waterfowl ecology, wetland management, and DU’s conservation programs in the Great
Lakes/Atlantic Region. DU and Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) staff were on hand to provide the participants instruction as well
as ample opportunity to meet and interact. A special thank you goes out to Winous Point Shooting Club and ODOW staff for their
hospitality, participation, and support leading up to and during this event. Th e 2011 Flyway Academy will take place March 24–27
at Winous Point Shooting Club.
www.ducks.org4
HABITAT HAPPENINGS
BIG ISLAND PRIDE DEDICATION Ducks Unlimited (DU) major donors, volunteers, conservation partners and staff turned out for the fi rst ever PRIDE (“Putting
Resources Into Ducks Everywhere”) dedication in Ohio at the Big Island Wildlife Area held May 8, 2010. DU, Ohio Division of
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more than a dozen other partners had previously worked together to restore the Big
Island Wildlife Area to the largest prairie pothole and grassland ecosystem in Ohio. Names of 32 PRIDE donors are engraved on a
bronze plaque at the project site.
Ohio PRIDE is a major gift campaign developed by DU to secure major donors 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. Th rough
this program, donors can choose to restrict their dollars to Ohio to fund wetland
conservation in DU priority landscapes. In turn, PRIDE donors are recognized
on a DU project located in the state. DU’s conservation staff leverages funds
raised through the PRIDE program against other funding sources, eff ectively
turning each PRIDE dollar into four or more for conservation in Ohio! To learn
more about PRIDE, contact a DU Regional Director or the Great Lakes/Atlantic
regional offi ce.
Supporters unveil the bronze plaque that recognizes them as Ducks Unlimited
major donors at the 2010 Big Island PRIDE Dedication.
OHIO BLACK DUCKS TAKE WING: USING SATELLITES FOR SCIENCEResearchers from Ducks Unlimited, the Ohio Division of Wildlife and University of Delaware recently completed a two year study
to evaluate the migration ecology of American black ducks that winter in Ohio. During the winters of 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, 20
adult females were captured and fi tted with GPS satellite radio transmitters in an eff ort to identify key migration routes and stopover
locations, estimate migration chronology, and document habitat use patterns. Preliminary results indicate that the majority of black
ducks wintering in Ohio funneled through Lake St. Clair and continued north
through Saginaw Bay and the St. Mary’s River before settling on nesting areas in
Ontario. Interestingly, none of the black ducks wintering in Ohio crossed into the
Atlantic Flyway. Ohio black ducks on average traveled 807 km to nesting areas
stopping three times during the three week spring migration period. Information
from this research will lead to improved decision-making with regards to ongoing
habitat protection and management eff orts for black ducks. Th e funding that made
this project possible was provided by a number of public partners in addition to
the overwhelming support from a host of private donors. To see a complete list of
funding supporters and learn more about this research, please visit http://www.
ducks.org/blackduckstudy.
Migration routes taken by the 20 American black duck hens tracked by DU.
GLRI GRANT - UPDATING THE NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY Developed in the late 1970’s by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is a database
that summarizes the extent and status of the nation’s wetlands and is a critical component of conservation planning for waterfowl
and other wetland dependent wildlife. Along with a diverse group of federal, state, and non-governmental partners that rely on the
NWI for planning eff orts, Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) Geographic Information System (GIS) team has recently completed digitizing,
updating, and tracking the changes in Ohio’s NWI. Th is update in Ohio identifi ed more than 26,000 wetland basins that have been
converted since the inventory was fi rst conducted. Updated wetland data will allow DU to predict the change in mallard breeding
pairs and estimate the change in habitat availability for spring migrating waterfowl in Ohio.
To expand upon this work, DU received two Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grants from the USFWS. Th e fi rst will bring
this database up to date in other states in the Great Lakes basin and the second will make the data on wetland change at the county
level available to the public through an interactive web site. Th e information resulting from this analysis will lead to enhancing DU’s
strategic planning eff orts for waterfowl in Ohio and throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 5
MEET YOUR OHIO CONSERVATION STAFF
13 completed projects
356 acres conserved
7,201 acres of
technical assistance
$616,743 invested
2010ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CONSERVATION SUMMARY
P R O J E C T SDUCKS UNLIMITEDDUCKS UNLIMITEDDUCKS UNLIMITED
Note: Project points may represent more than one project.
completed featured
Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge
Middle Harbor
Dane Cramer joined Ducks
Unlimited in 2010, assuming
the role of Regional Biologist for
Ohio. Dane earned a B.S. from
Pennsylvania State University
and a M.S. from the University
of Delaware, with past work with
waterfowl use along Atlantic
coastal marshes
734.623.2000 • [email protected]
Roy Kroll has worked for Ducks
Unlimited (DU) since 2008 and
is responsible for the delivery of
DU’s Southwest Lake Erie Land
Protection Strategy. For 25 years
prior to his position at DU, Roy
managed the Winous Point Marsh
near Sandusky Bay.
734.623.2000 • [email protected]
Magee
Marsh
A gift of real estate is an excellent way to support Ducks Unlimited and take advantage of signifi cant tax deductions. You have several options when donating real estate, each with unique benefi ts for both you and DU.
GIVING OPTIONS:
Outright gift of real estate. Real estate that you no• longer wish to own, but is owned outright and readily marketable can be
gift ed to DU.
Gift of real estate with retained life use.• You may gift your principle residence to DU and retain the right to continue to live
and use the property for the rest of your life. Such a gift is deductible in the year the gift is made, not at the end of the retained
life interest.
Gift of real estate through CRT.• For landowners who wish to continue to gain income from their property, there is an option
called a Charitable Remainder trust, or CRT. Th e owner transfers the property to the trust, the trust sells the property, usually
avoiding capital gains taxes (check with your tax advisor) and then the proceeds of the sale are invested to provide income to
the owner for their life. Th e owner should receive a tax deduction for the gift and DU receives the balance of the trust aft er
their death. Th ere are a number of options available, please visit DU’s gift planning website at:
http://www.ducks.org/conservation/land-protection/donations-or-gifts-of-land
DUCKS, POLITICIANS AND LOBBYISTS – ADVANCING DU’S MISSION THROUGH PUBLIC POLICY Although Ducks Unlimited has worked on behalf of waterfowl and wetlands conservation for 74 years, it’s only recently that any
eff ort has been directed at our national and state capitals. A strong biological foundation has always been the cornerstone of DU’s
conservation programs, but science also tells us that we also have to consider the social and political environment and get engaged
where we can make a diff erence.
Perhaps the most signifi cant policy work in which DU engages concerns the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Each
year DU advocates on NAWCA appropriations that yield millions of dollars for habitat conservation in the United States, Canada
and Mexico. NAWCA is a model federal program that encourages partnerships and creative leveraging of funds to produce on-the-
ground results that benefi t waterfowl and many other species of fi sh and wildlife. Much of NAWCA’s success is related to the many
DU members and volunteers working with their elected offi cials to ensure that the program receives adequate funding.
Another signifi cant policy issue aff ecting the entire United States is the Farm Bill, which will be up for renewal in 2012. Th e Farm
Bill is where highly wildlife-friendly programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program
(WRP) originate. Both of these programs, plus others, have provided millions of acres of not only high quality wildlife habitat, but
conservation lands that serve all of society through reduced soil erosion, improved water quality and improved carbon sequestration.
Th e current budget situation will make for tough times in negotiating for conservation programs in the new Farm Bill. A high
priority will be the inclusion of a strong sodsaver provision that will remove federal incentives for converting native grasslands. DU
will be advocating for conservation programs to be an integral part of a working lands approach to America’s farms and ranches.
Although duck hunters and wetland conservationists may not consider themselves lobbyists – we all are. We can either voice our
concerns and needs to our elected offi cials, or we can remain silent lobbyists. DU would like to invite all of you to act on behalf
of the waterfowl we love by visiting DU’s policy web page at www.ducks.org/policy. You can also receive the latest policy news by
subscribing to DU’s Conservation Issues Briefi ng at www.ducks.org/cib. Th ank you!
www.ducks.org6
SUPPORTING THE VISION
Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 7
$53,687
$818,714
100,000
300,000
500,000
700,000
900,000
Con
serv
atio
n Ex
pend
iture
s ($)
5-Year AverageConservationExpenditure
Goal
5-Year AverageConservationExpenditure
Actual
Th e minimum conservation goal for each state is to spend the
equivalent of 7.5% of total grassroots income raised in that state.
Th is is based on a fi ve-year average.
DU OHIO GRASSROOTS & CONSERVATION
2006 - 2010
SUPPORTING THE VISION
CONSERVATION IN TOUGH TIMESJim Ringelman, Director of Conservation Programs at the Great Plains Regional Offi ce
It’s apparent that our nation is in for some fi nancial belt-tightening. As defi cits soar and people struggle to make ends meet, the search is on to cut back on “frills.” One can’t help but wonder about the implications for conservation.
Most DU members place conservation high on their list of personal values. Preserving the wetlands and waterfowl that we hold dear has, for decades, motivated many of you to give generously of your time and wealth. Unfortunately, not everyone in our nation shares the same viewpoint, so it’s worth considering how DU’s conservation programs add value to society as a whole.
For example, research has shown investments in conservation off er a hundredfold return on capital. Th e reason for this extraordinary return has to do with what’s called “ecosystem services” performed by wetlands and grasslands, which are the focus of DU’s conservation programs. Th ese habitats, abundant in priority landscapes like the Prairie Pothole Region, Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Gulf Coast, Chesapeake Bay and the Central Valley of California, also purify water, recharge aquifers, moderate fl ooding and off er dozens of other benefi ts that would be extraordinarily costly to replace.
If that’s not enough practical benefi t from conservation, consider that medical science has demonstrated clear linkages between connecting with nature and ameliorating ADD, lowering blood pressure, and off ering general improvement in physical and mental health. Increasingly, “nature” persists through the dedicated eff orts of organizations like Ducks Unlimited.
So as we think about how to get our fi nancial house in order, let’s remind decision-makers that conservation is anything but a “frill.”
FRIEND OF THE DUCKS: MIKE PETKOVICHMike Petkovich was raised in northern Indiana and grew up duck hunting with his father on
Lake Michigan. Not long aft er moving to Ohio, he became a Ducks Unlimited (DU) volunteer
with the Medina County chapter in 1998. In 2005, he co-chaired the Medina County event and
in 2006 became the chairman of the chapter. Th rough reenergizing long time volunteers and
recruiting new ones, the chapter grew from a 200-person, $15,000 event to an event that was
attended by over 300 people and raised $25,000 in the fi rst year of Mike’s leadership. Th e event
has remained one of the top events in the state, raising over $30,000 annually for the ducks. Mike
assumed the role of district chair in 2006 and has been successful at energizing other chapters
and recruiting new volunteers. He also is part of the Ohio state committee. Mike and his wife
Amy (the Ohio DU State Secretary) live in Medina with their four children. We thank Mike and
his family for their dedication, passion and commitment to DU and waterfowl conservation.
FRIEND OF THE DUCKS: JOHN PATTERSONJohn Patterson started on his path with Ducks Unlimited (DU) as a volunteer with the Miami
County chapter in 1998 and quickly assumed a leadership role. In 2001, he played a key role in
reviving the Cincinnati East chapter. Aft er successfully leading Cincinnati East for a few years,
John mentored his replacement and assumed a new role as a district offi cer for southwest Ohio.
In 2004, John and his wife, Lisa, took the next step in their commitment to DU by signing a
Life Sponsor pledge. Over the past six years, John has helped restart several chapters, became
the state recruitment chairman in 2008, and has continued as the district offi cer for Dayton,
Middletown, and Cincinnati East. John is a dedicated volunteer that the ducks can count on -
all it takes is a “good wind”! We thank John and Amy Patterson for their long-time support and
commitment to DU and waterfowl conservation.
CONSERVATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR: DOUG BREWERDucks Unlimited (DU) has a long history of partnering with Doug Brewer and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands. Our partnership with Doug and the USFWS has produced
a number of valuable restoration projects such as Farm Unit 2,
the Entry Pool, and the recently completed Pool 2b Fish Structure
(detailed in this report). Doug joined the USFWS in 1994 working
out of the Portland, Oregon offi ce. He became assistant manager
at Ottawa NWR in 1997 and served a year as acting manager
of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in 2003. He
returned to Ottawa NWR in 2004 to become the refuge manager.
In September of this past year, Doug moved on to pursue a new
suite of challenges as manager of the 44,000-acre Crab Orchard
NWR in southern Illinois. We wish him the best of luck in his new
assignment and express much gratitude for his partnership and
service to waterfowl and wildlife during his tenure here in Ohio.
Prior to departing for Illinois, DU staff presented Doug Brewer with
a gadwall decoy for exemplifying an exceptional partnership while
managing Ottawa NWR.
FRIENDS OF DUCKS UNLIMITED
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores
and manages wetlands and associated
habitats for North America’s waterfowl.
These habitats also benefi t other wildlife
and people.1220 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.623.2000 • 734.623.2035 (Fax)