2012 FL DU FALL Newsletter - Ducks Unlimited · H. Tyson Lykes II James R. Marr ... Carl R....
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On the Wing Florida Ducks Unlimited Newsletter - Fall 2012 Dear Florida Ducks Unlimited Members, Ducks Unlimited is 75 years old and still growing strong. Over those 75 years we have preserved nearly 12.9 million acres of critical habitat that support hun- dreds of species of wildlife, as well as providing places for us to take our children to experience the outdoors. We have been able to accomplish this by working as a TEAM with a singleness of purpose. As a Ducks Un- limited member, volunteer, sponsor or major donor, you are a part of the TEAM whether you know it or not. Let me THANK YOU for all YOU do for Ducks Unlim- ited! Our children and grandchildren’s future outdoor experiences depend on our own conservation efforts today. Speaking of success, Florida Ducks Unlimited is proving to be a leader in overcoming a poor economy by managing to have a strong spring event season. We started several chapters with record numbers being set. Two Diamond (75th Anniversary) events brought in more than $260,000!! We have met our major donor goal for the CY, and continue to exceed our expectations. Green- wing numbers are on the rise. This is a good sign for Ducks Unlimited’s future membership and leadership force. “Big Ducks from Baby Ducks!!” The 2012 Florida Ducks Unlimited convention held May 4-6 in Haines City, Florida was a fun time for all that attended. We tried a new venue at The FFA Leadership Training Center. It was the perfect setting for all of us nature lovers. It was such a great weekend that we voted to return next year. Therefore you can set your calendars for May 3-5, 2013 in Haines City. Hopefully we will see you there!! I am optimistic that our summer and fall events season will continue being record breaking and our dollars for the ducks will keep providing a secure future for America’s waterfowl and other wildlife. Thank you for helping leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren. Thank you, Peggy Florida State Chair
Transcript of 2012 FL DU FALL Newsletter - Ducks Unlimited · H. Tyson Lykes II James R. Marr ... Carl R....
On the WingFlorida Ducks Unlimited
Newsletter - Fall 2012Dear Florida Ducks Unlimited Members,
Ducks Unlimited is 75 years old and still growing strong. Over those 75 years we have preserved nearly 12.9 million acres of critical habitat that support hun-dreds of species of wildlife, as well as providing places for us to take our children to experience the outdoors. We have been able to accomplish this by working as a TEAM with a singleness of purpose. As a Ducks Un-limited member, volunteer, sponsor or major donor, you are a part of the TEAM whether you know it or not. Let me THANK YOU for all YOU do for Ducks Unlim-ited! Our children and grandchildren’s future outdoor experiences depend on our own conservation efforts today. Speaking of success, Florida Ducks Unlimited is proving to be a leader in overcoming a poor economy by managing to have a strong spring event season. We started several chapters with record numbers being set. Two Diamond (75th Anniversary) events brought in more than $260,000!! We have met our major donor goal for the CY, and continue to exceed our expectations. Green-wing numbers are on the rise. This is a good sign for Ducks Unlimited’s future membership and leadership force. “Big Ducks from Baby Ducks!!” The 2012 Florida Ducks Unlimited convention held May 4-6 in Haines City, Florida was a fun time for all that attended. We tried a new venue at The FFA Leadership Training Center. It was the perfect setting for all of us nature lovers. It was such a great weekend that we voted to return next year. Therefore you can set your calendars for May 3-5, 2013 in Haines City. Hopefully we will see you there!! I am optimistic that our summer and fall events season will continue being record breaking and our dollars for the ducks will keep providing a secure future for America’s waterfowl and other wildlife. Thank you for helping leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Thank you,
Peggy Florida State Chair
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Florida Ducks UnlimitedState Committee
Florida Ducks UnlimitedState Committee
State ChairmanPeggy Higgins, Tallahassee, [email protected] Chairman ElectMichael Folsom, Lakeland, FL [email protected]
State Council ChairmanDon Bork, Orlando, [email protected] TreasurerTed Nixion, Monticello, [email protected] & Communications ChairSharon Wood, Jacksonville, [email protected] ChairmanMike Mezrah, Tampa, [email protected] Wing ChairmanBobby Dolan, Deland, [email protected]
Web Master Kevin [email protected]
Ducks UnlimitedNational Volunteers
South Atlantic FlywaySr. Regional DirectorBrett BainterOrlando, [email protected] DirectorClint MurphyMoultrie, [email protected]
Director of Development - AL/FL/GAShawn Battison2506 Leonidas Dr.Montgomery, AL 36106(334) 430-8622 [email protected]
Director of Fundraising & Volunteer RelationsDon Manley25 Scott PlClinton NC 28328(910) 592 - 3898 (office)(910) 990 - 6345 (mobile)[email protected]
Ducks UnlimitedNational Sta� - Florida
PresidentJohn W. Newman, Covington, LA(985) [email protected]
Sr. Vice-PresidentMonty Lewis,Thomasville, GA (229) 228-4427 [email protected] VP Stephen Whatley, Anniston, AL (256) 405-8013 [email protected]
Regional VPLloyd Goode, Raleigh, NC(919) [email protected]
At-Large Board of DirectorsBill Short, Columbia, SC(803) [email protected]
DU Unveils Gulf Coast Policy Page In order to raise awareness about the continent’s most important wintering grounds, Ducks Unlimited has launched a new Gulf Coast Public Policy section (www.ducks.org/gulfcoastpolicy) on its website. For decades, DU has been working with federal and state governments to stop and reverse the long term wetlands loss affecting this region. “Gulf Coast wetlands are a top conservation priority for Ducks Unlimited; millions of waterfowl winter along the Gulf Coast each year,” said DU Director of Public Policy Barton James. “However, to restore wetlands, coastal prairies and marshes in this region, sportsmen must get involved and reach out to their elected
officials. This new section of the DU web-site will be a valuable tool to help sports-men highlight the Gulf Coast’s importance to their members of Congress.” Visit DU’s new Gulf Coast Policy Page and take action to help us save the continent’s most important wintering grounds.
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Florida Ducks Unlimited Major DonorsConservation Pioneer
John W. ChildsDiamond Legacy Sponsor
John & Shirley BerryPlatinum Legacy Sponsor
AnonymousGold Legacy Sponsor
Melbourne YullLegacy Sponsor
Wayne & Kitty DavisHal Bowen Howard, Jr.Susan & Dr.
James Walton IIIBenefactorGerald L. Black
Jared & Mary Ellen BrownElliott R. Donnelley Everall D. PerkinsJames & Patti Pike
The Robin Weeks Foundation, Inc.Diamond Heritage Sponsor
AnonymousHeritage Sponsor
Beverly & Richard Davis, Sr.Roberta K. Hiney
David & Patricia SchultzDiamond Sponsor in Perpetuity
Henry P. McIntosh IVJohn & Jane Pope
Richard "Rick" VollmerSponsor in Perpetuity
Marolyn & Colonel Robert L. "Bobby Lee" Acomb III
Robert G. BrownW. Steven BrownHoward C. Coker
Buddy & Chris DekleElliott & Patty Gassner
Frank E. HarrisonBob Johnston
Diamond Life SponsorThomas D. Arthur
David H. Boshart, Sr.Jon & Carla Cramer
Dave DaltonWilliam G. Eaton, Jr.
David L. EdwardsRobert C. Freeland
Peggy & James HigginsJohn A. Hitchcock
Malcolm C. McNeill IIIMichael Mezrah
Ralph & Sandy PutnamJ. Vereen SmithJoseph T. SteuerH.W. "Bill" Suber
Mark F. TravisCraig & Sharon Wood
Flagler System, Inc.J. J. Taylor, Distributors
Life SponsorRosamond H. Adams
Ralph Allen & Michelle Allen McIntireMark Armstrong
Barnett Bailey & Andrea HutchinsonBrian & Marty Barnard
Chris R. BellPeter A. Bergsten
Robert E. BinksDouglas E. Bishop, Sr.
Donald & LaVonne BlackburnChuck Bodenhafer
Charles BohacDon & Lissa Bork
Lee & Karen BrandtRod & Pat BrockWilliam S. BrownJohn E. Burns IIIPeter W. Busch
Dr. Cli�ord E. CampbellJames B. Canady
Frank D. CapitanoJames E. Capps, Jr.
Edward & Hilda CarneyJohn T. Casey
Ken CashinBen Cleghorn, Jr.
Arthur Clements, M.D.Kenneth D. Ken Cochran
William C. Cox, Jr.Randy Crabtree
Shelly & Richard Davis, Jr.Dr. and Mrs. James A. Davis, Jr.
Seymour C.M. DawsonR. L. Deckert
Louis A. DombrovaThorne Donnelley, Jr.
Thorne Barnes DonnelleyGregor S. Downey
J. Everitt DrewCraig & Barbara Duncan
William & Katherine ElmoreMichael P. Esposito, Jr.
Barry L. Floyd & Dorothy GreenwoodTerrance & Christine Flynn
Gregg & Karen ForsbergGeorge Foti
John P. Frazee, Jr.John & Larraine Gaches
Life Sponsor (cont...)Jerry W. Giles
Russell T. Gilman, Jr.Anthony S. Graziano
J. Tyler GroveRichard HaagErnest Hale
Antoinette & George F. Hamner, Jr.Wes Harris
Dearl & Diedre HemphillJudi & Doug Henderson
Joseph M. Hixon IIISteven L. HoltjeDan C. Howley
L. Evans & Linda HubbardGovernor Mike Huckabee
Peggy & Joe Hughes III, D.D.SGregory M. Hyer
William O. Inman IIIRichard D. & Marie Irwin Memorial
Kennard KaplanRobert Kellogg
Kevin KellyJoe E. & Mary N. Kilgore
Kenneth L. KingS. Robert Kovac, M.D.
Arthur LaMayEdward M. Land
George & Marian LangfordCody L. Langston
Mac LangstonJohn R. LewisScott Linder
David G. B. LindsayBernard L. Little, Sr.
Jonathan D. LivingstonThomas W. Lockwood
Darin & Rebecca LockwoodPalmer R. Long, Sr.Palmer R. Long, Jr.
Charles E. LongDoc Longenecker
James Lu�manH. Tyson Lykes II
James R. MarrEmory May�eld
Andy & Connie MaytsKeith McNeill
William G. MecklenburgD. Charles Merriwether
David J. MiddletonKimberly & Richard Miller III
Rick Miller, Jr.Anonymous
Michael MitchellMichael E. MotisJames N. Nance
Dr. James A. NelsonGary New
Trey & Jen Newton
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Conservation PioneerJohn W. Childs
Diamond Legacy SponsorJohn & Shirley Berry
Platinum Legacy SponsorAnonymous
Gold Legacy SponsorMelbourne Yull
Legacy SponsorWayne & Kitty Davis
Hal Bowen Howard, Jr.Susan & Dr. James Walton III
BenefactorGerald L. Black
Jared & Mary Ellen BrownElliott R. Donnelley Everall D. PerkinsJames & Patti Pike
The Robin Weeks Foundation, Inc.Diamond Heritage Sponsor
AnonymousHeritage Sponsor
Beverly & Richard Davis, Sr.Roberta K. Hiney
David & Patricia SchultzDiamond Sponsor in Perpetuity
Henry P. McIntosh IVJohn & Jane Pope
Richard "Rick" VollmerSponsor in Perpetuity
Marolyn & Colonel Robert L. "Bobby Lee" Acomb III
Robert G. BrownW. Steven BrownHoward C. Coker
Buddy & Chris DekleElliott & Patty Gassner
Frank E. HarrisonBob Johnston
Diamond Life SponsorThomas D. Arthur
David H. Boshart, Sr.Jon & Carla Cramer
Dave DaltonWilliam G. Eaton, Jr.
David L. EdwardsRobert C. Freeland
Peggy & James HigginsJohn A. Hitchcock
Malcolm C. McNeill IIIMichael Mezrah
Ralph & Sandy PutnamJ. Vereen SmithJoseph T. SteuerH.W. "Bill" Suber
Mark F. TravisCraig & Sharon Wood
Flagler System, Inc.J. J. Taylor, Distributors
Life Sponsor (cont...)Michele & Honorable David C. Nolte
J. Fitz O'Connor, Jr.Karl J. Paasch
Steven H. Pala, Jr.Joseph B. PendergastCarl R. Pennington, Jr.
John T. PhippsDaniel A. Pieratti
Don PitmanJohn T. Pratt
William & Mary PrenticeMr. George N. Raines, Jr.
Merwin J. RayCraig F. Reagor
Richard F. ReynoldsC. Ford Riley
Richard W. & Allene P.H. RobertsJohn M. Roos
Lamar & Anne RowePatrick J. SaundersJames T. Schneider
Leonard & Rosanne SchwennekerGeorge M. Scott
Harry & Arlene SeligmanJames M. Seltzer
Roger & Jo ShortillStephen & Donna Simpson
James C. Smith
Life Sponsor (cont...)Great Bay Distributors, Inc.Landscape & Golf Services
North Florida SalesSouthern Eagle Distributing, Inc.Stephens Distributing Company
The Lewis Bear CompanyUnited Trucking Company, Inc.
Capital City Bank Group FoundationUnited Waterfowlers FL, Inc.Thomas A. Plein Foundation
EMFOTECH
If you would like to add your name to this list of individuals who have made the decision to leave a legacy for future generations, please contact Shawn Battison, Director of Development, at 334-430-8622 or [email protected].
Life Sponsor (cont...)Margaret & Harvey Smith, D.O.
Fincher W. SmithDavid & Barbara Smith
Jimmy SparksScott & Betsy Straughn
John B. ThomasLaura Torrey-KettellRobert P. Wallace, Jr.
In Memory Of James F. Walton, Jr.Scott Ward
Clay WatkinsLotsie Busch Webster
Cynthia & Robert Webster, Jr.Doug & Nancy Williams
Ben WillisRoger H. Wilson
Ronald S. WoodardJames Harris Woodsby
Mark E. ZywotkoWilderness Graphics
Bernie Little Distributors, Inc.Brown Distributing Company, Inc.
Burkhardt Sales and ServiceCarroll Distributing Company
City Beverages Distributors, Inc.Coastal Beverage, Ltd.
Daytona Beverages, LLCDouble Eagle Distributing, Inc.
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2012 Florida Ducks Unlimited State Convention This year’s state convention was hosted at The FFA Leadership Center in Haines City, Florida. We all had a really “wild time” in the pristine surrounding of central Florida. Our famous Wild Game cookout was as usual a huge success. The pavilion allowed all to enjoy the splendor of a special Florida sunset over Lake Pierce and the rising of a full moon over the lodge. The week-end was filled with good times, good food, and the rewards of all of our hard work. Chapter awards were presented after a lunch of fried chicken (the chef’s specialty). The overall #1 chap-ters for the 2011 year were as follows: Tampa Bay 100 - N/N (Gross Dinner Event), N/N Dollars (All Events), Number of Sponsors, and Dollars per Attendance. Jacksonville - Sponsor Increase, Member Increase,% Increase in Event Dollars. All Chapters up 2011 vs 2012: Lake Iamonia - % Increase N/N; Tallahassee - N/N Dollars Sponsor Event; Bradenton - Total Mem-bers; Orlando - SBA; Wakulla - Number of Green Wings. Florida has had several of our Chapters recog-nized nationally. The Top 100 Chapters were Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Tampa Bay 100. Vero Beach was listed in Ducks Unlimited President’s Elite Chapters. Great job!! Congratulations to all and thank you for all your hard work! Everyone enjoyed free time for an afternoon of boating, hiking, swimming and some fun shooting clays. FWC officials were on hand with some of their officers and exhibits. A special KenDucky Derby party for our major donors was hosted by Shawn Battison. The Ken-
tucky Derby was celebrated with mint juleps, hats and heavy betting (not really). A good time was had by all. Several Special Awards were presented after dinner and the cutting of our 75th Anniversary cake. John Pope received the Emory Torrey Award for the year. It seemed fitting, since John founded the award in 1997 when he presented it to Gus King. Congratulations, John. The Old Coot award was passed from Tony Rushing to Randy Chavers. Peggy and Jimmy Higgins received their Life Sponsor plaque and also their Diamond Sponsor plaque. Roger Shortill received his Life Sponsor plaque. Mike Mezrah was presented his Diamond Life Sponsor pin. Mike also received the District Chairman award. Co-chairmen
Bryan Horn and Ryan Davis from Jacksonville were awarded The Area Chairman award for the year.
Life Sponsor (cont...)Michele & Honorable David C. Nolte
J. Fitz O'Connor, Jr.Karl J. Paasch
Steven H. Pala, Jr.Joseph B. PendergastCarl R. Pennington, Jr.
John T. PhippsDaniel A. Pieratti
Don PitmanJohn T. Pratt
William & Mary PrenticeMr. George N. Raines, Jr.
Merwin J. RayCraig F. Reagor
Richard F. ReynoldsC. Ford Riley
Richard W. & Allene P.H. RobertsJohn M. Roos
Lamar & Anne RowePatrick J. SaundersJames T. Schneider
Leonard & Rosanne SchwennekerGeorge M. Scott
Harry & Arlene SeligmanJames M. Seltzer
Roger & Jo ShortillStephen & Donna Simpson
James C. Smith
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Is Ducks Unlimited in your town?Would you like it to be?
Become part of the TEAM, and join TEAM DU today.
Call Sharon Wood at (904)699-9303 or email
[email protected] help us get a DU event in
your town.
Florida Ducks Unlimited would like to start the
following chapters in 2012 and we need your help!
Amelia IslandApalachicola Valley
CrestviewDaytona
FSUKey Largo
MiamiPalm Coast
Pensacola BeachPerry
St. AugustineWinter Garden
For a complete listing of Florida Ducks Unlimited events,
Click Here
Save waterfowl habitat, become a sponsor.
Upcoming EventsEast Hillsborough Dinner - Tuesday, October 2nd
Brandon Elk's Lodge, Brandon, FloridaContact - Frank Schiele (813) 685 - 0365
Hollywood Dinner - Saturday, October 6thHollywood West Elk's Lodge, Hollywood, Florida
Contact - Billy Skopelja (219) 808 - 7701
Lakeland Dinner - Thursday, October 11thLakeland Yacht Club, Lakeland, Florida
Contact - Michael Folsom (863) 581 - 2491
Tampa Dinner - Thursday, October 18thHiggins Hall, Tampa, Florida
Contact - Mike Gruendel (813) 210 - 4711
Golden Triangle Dinner - Thursday, October 18thLake Receptions, Mount Dora, Florida
Contact - Randy Chavers (352) 978 - 0339
St. Petersburg Dinner - Thursday, October 25thSt. Petersburg Women's Club, St. Petersburg, Florida
Contact - Chuck Bohac (727) 455 - 8501
Tallahassee Dinner - Thursday, November 1stGoodwood Museum & Gardens, Tallahassee, Florida
Contact - Jon Cramer (850) 321 - 8994
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Golden Triangle Chapter Hosts 8th Annual Greenwing EventBy Dennis Renfro (past-chairman)
More than 150 youths attended the Golden Triangle Chapter of Ducks Unlimited’s eighth Greenwing Event. The event day kicked o� with the landing of the Lake County Sheri�'s helicopter. Ben Driver (co-chair) gave the morning announcements after each child was out�tted in a DU Greenwing hat and a shirt displaying the 22 event sponsors. Committee members Denise Driver, Tina McIntyre, Sharon Chavers, Debbie Blankenberg and Dale Larue were able to separate the attendees into groups by age and families ahead of the event. Eight groups were sent out in a shotgun start. Stations were designed to provide exciting experiences and educate the youth on conservation. Stations were �shing, shotgun range (.22 for smaller guys), archery, reptile/ alligator presentation, wildlife conservation, hunter (gun) safety (before actual shooting), boat safety (Soil Conser-vation Service) and our local law enforcement SWAT vehicle, helicop-ter and �re truck. All eyes were big as Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser-vation Commission’s biologist Arnold Brunell pulled an eight foot snake, Otis out of the bag for display. A few parents were seen backing up. The shooting range headed by O�cer Harold Hughs of the Eustis Police and committee member Tom Shea brought many smiles as Greenwings shot for some their �rst shotgun. Gun safety was taught by committee member Mike Blankenberg, certi�ed hunter safety
instructor, prior to shooting on the range. Com-mittee members John Riggs, Ryan Driver, and Nick Veilleux were able to put almost every youth on a �sh at the �shing station. Co-chair Ray McIntyre stayed on his knees for four hours teaching archery to the Greenwings. Randy Chavers (co-chair) commanded the logistics of the day and kept a smooth event with Don Ilkka and John Bustle cooking lunch for approximately 400 (youth, parents and the 77 volunteers). Each time Ben sounded the duck call signaling time to change stations, you could see the excitement glistening in their eyes. The day ended with each participant receiving a new �shing rod and reel from our proud sponsor, Fish Florida.
Golden Triangle Chapter – 75th Diamond Anniversary Celebration
The Golden Triangle Chapter of Ducks Unlim-ited will host a 75th Diamond Anniversary event in Mount Dora on October 18th, 2012. This will be the largest event that the chapter has ever held in its 32 years of existence. It will truly be one you won’t want to miss. See event listing on page 6 for contact information.
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Florida FFA Leadership Training Center
JOIN US FOR THE DUCKS UNLIMITED 2013 STATE CONVENTION
The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center is nes-tled among the trees on the shores of Lake Pierce in the Heart of Central Florida and just a short drive from Orlando and Tampa. It’s miles away from the traffic congestion, cramped hotels and tourist attractions which often disrupt meetings and distract participants. Guests enjoy the quiet
atmosphere, wildlife, out-door activities, home cook-ing and accommodations. Our staff will work with you to make your stay memora-ble!
2013 Florida State Convention
May 3-5
Florida FFA Leadership Training Center
Haines City, FL 333844
Registration Rates:
$90 single $175 Attendee & Spouse $25 Green Wing
Register online:
http://www.ducks.org/florida/events/29359/florida -state-convention
Lodging Rates
$75 single $80 Double $85 Triple $95 Quad per night , contact
Florida FFA Leadership Training Center
5000 Firetower Rd, Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 439-7332
Ducks Unlimited • Southern Region
CONSERVATION SUMMARYSince 1987, Ducks Unlimited has completed 25 projects in Florida conserving a total of nearly 27,000 acres
across the Sunshine State. To date, DU and its partners have invested $5.48 million in Florida projects! Our goal is to secure the future of waterfowl in Florida and throughout North America. DU is actively working to protect, restore and enhance wetland habitat in the state and on the breeding grounds most important to Florida’s wintering waterfowl, such as the Prairie Pothole Region of the Dakotas and the Wild Rice Lake Region of Minnesota.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT - LAKE WOODRUFF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGEDU recently completed a project on Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia County to improve management
capabilities on the Pool 2 impoundment. By excavating 7,826 linear feet of existing canals, re-topping nearly 8,000 linear feet of levees and installing three aluminum fl ashboard riser water control structures, DU enhanced 120 acres of waterfowl habitat managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Newly refurbished levees and water control structures on Lake Woodruff NWR will enhance management capabilities.
FWC INCREASES STATE GRANTS FUNDINGThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has committed an additional $10,000 to their state grant
contribution, bringing their total to $35,000 in Fiscal Year 12. Since 2003, FWC has contributed $195,000 to the program. Th at contribution is combined with other state grants focused on habitat restoration in Manitoba’s Prairie Pothole Region then matched by DU Inc., DU Canada, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and other entities, eff ectively leveraging Florida’s contribution many times over. Over the past fi ve years these contributions have helped DU conserve, enhance and restore 235,059 acres of prime breeding habitat and positively infl uence an additional 1.2 million acres. FWC’s support continues to be a vital part of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies state grants program.
2012 CO N S E R VAT I O N R E P O R T • C E L E B R AT I N G D U C K S U N L I M I T E D ’S 75 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y
FloridaSOUTHERN REGION
Ducks Unlimited • Southern Region Based on numbers 1/1/12 www.ducks.org/fl orida
www.ducks.org
DU CEO DALE HALL REMARKS ON CONSERVATION FOR GENERATIONS This year marks a very special time for Ducks Unlimited. On Jan. 29, 1937, the More Game Birds in America organization transitioned into what would become the greatest wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation organization in the world! Th roughout
this year, we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary, and we have a great deal to celebrate. From our beginnings in Manitoba at Big Grass Marsh with a project impacting 100,000 acres, to our current partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts to conserve 1 billion acres in the vast boreal forests, our work has been based on the simple principle of cooperation with others. During DU’s fi rst years, struggling farmers were DU’s best partners; the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression were in full swing and signifi cant acres of wetlands were being converted to farmland. Th e partnership with farmers was based on “water on the ground, ducks in the air,” and immediately elevated DU’s status as a group of people who wanted to roll up their sleeves and solve problems. Th e very fi rst volunteers to answer the call were hunters. Hunters know that to have enough ducks to enjoy our passionate pursuit, there must be healthy habitats. In 1934, when the Depression had more people in bread lines and westward caravans than were employed, duck hunters lobbied Congress to require them to pay to go hunting! Th is was followed in 1937 by hunters and fi rearm and ammunition industries lobbying for a tax on these items used solely for conservation. Th is law is still in place today and supports state fi sh and
wildlife agencies. Also in 1937, Ducks Unlimited Incorporated and Ducks Unlimited Canada were born. With DUC as the original mechanism to deliver projects on the ground in Canada, our partnership has been long and rich with science-based decisions and volunteer-driven passion. Until the 1980s, all DU’s work was done in Canada. Th en science unveiled the importance of migratory and wintering habitat. DUI has continued its partnership with DUC to conserve valuable nesting grounds, but has expanded to include projects in all 50 states. We are rapidly closing in on 13 million acres conserved in North America, with a target of 750 million to 1 billion more acres conserved in Canada’s boreal forests. What an accomplishment to celebrate! But as we and our numerous partners celebrate these great successes, we must not rest on our accomplishments. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we still lose more acres than we are able to conserve each year in the U.S., and across North America the pressures to convert valuable waterfowl habitat to other uses is greater than ever. Our challenges are great, but with the continued dedication of our volunteers, members and staff , Ducks Unlimited WILL NOT FAIL! I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the next 12 months as we celebrate 75 years of phenomenal accomplishment. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DUCKS UNLIMITED!
NAWCA - SOUND INVESTMENT FOR A SECURE FUTURE Ducks Unlimited has provided a strong voice on public policy issues impacting wetlands and waterfowl conservation across North America for 75 years. Th e North American Wetlands Conservation Act is the most signifi cant federal program that DU partners with to protect and conserve habitat for North America’s migratory bird populations. Th is program provides grants to partner groups—private landowners, local companies, conservation organizations, and more—who have matched the grant funds by raising money from non-federal sources. Th ese funds are then used to impact wetlands that are in need of restoration and enhancement, and competition for these funds means the match is typically 2-3 times the grant amount. 2012 will be critical for NAWCA in two ways. First, NAWCA requires reauthorization every fi ve years, with the current bill expiring in 2012. DU is seeking congressional support for bills in the Senate and the House that would reauthorize the program until 2017. Th is would allow the Congress to fund these wetland grants. Second, federal budgets are lean this year and funding for programs such as NAWCA are at risk. NAWCA brings in more money to the federal treasury than it costs. It also creates thousands of jobs each year, and creates business for hotels, restaurants, plant nurseries, construction companies, and many others. Th is program is an incredibly valuable tool for natural resource protection in this country. It deserves strong, active support from DU supporters. Please help by visiting www.ducks.org/nawca or by calling your Senators and House member to express your support for NAWCA.
2012 CO N S E R VAT I O N R E P O R T • C E L E B R AT I N G D U C K S U N L I M I T E D ’S 75 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y
FloridaSOUTHERN REGION
Ducks Unlimited • Southern Region Based on numbers 1/1/12 www.ducks.org/fl orida
