PRIME WATERFOWL HABITAT RESTORED IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA WATERSHED The Lower Susquehanna watershed, a sub-watershed of the , is extremely important to migratory waterfowl and waterfowl pro- duction in the Atlantic Flyway, and has been identified as a priority area for restoration efforts by Ducks Unlimited. This area is important for the wintering and migration of greater snow geese, Atlantic population Canada geese, tundra swans and American black ducks. The area also supports significant numbers of breeding waterfowl, primarily mallards and wood ducks.

Huntingdon County Bedford County

In November 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Ducks Unlimited worked in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Huntingdon Wildlife Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service County Conservation District, working in partnership with Ducks and Bedford County Conservation District to restore four acres of Unlimited, restored 7.5 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands and palustrine emergent wetlands and four acres of associated uplands 9.6 acres of associated uplands on a landowner’s private property on a private landowner’s property in Bedford County. The project is along the in the Lower Susquehanna watershed. located along Dunning Creek in the Lower The restored wetlands and associated uplands were designed to watershed. provide critical breeding habitat for waterfowl. Waterfowl however A grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act will not be the only beneficiaries of this great project. The wetlands and matching funds from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and associated uplands will also increase the biodiversity of the provided cost-sharing to the landowner to help pay for construction aquatic life in the Juniata River, improve nesting and forage habitat and technical assistance needed to complete the restoration. The for grassland-dependent species, provide important habitat for wet- wetlands and associated uplands were restored on an existing land-dependent species and ultimately improve water quality in the USDA Wetland Reserve Program easement, ensuring their contin- Chesapeake Bay. Cost-share for the project was provided through ued protection for future generations. the Wetland Reserve Program, a federal farm bill program adminis- tered by the USDA NRCS. These federal funds were coupled with the landowner’s contributions to pay for the project construction. The Richard King Mellon Foundation provided matching funds for technical assistance.

Landowner watching NRCS staff verifying the extent of hydric soils for WRP Erik Lehman from Erik Lehman Excavating moving soil to construct the embankment consideration of the new wetland

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 1 RESTORING THE BACK MOUNTAIN REGION

Every spring and fall, wetlands throughout mountainous territory in Forkston Township The key to managing wetland habitat the Chesapeake Bay watershed host massive is blanketed with glacial scours that created for waterfowl and shorebirds is the ability to migrations of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors lakes, wetlands and bogs. The wetland areas raise and lower water levels at key times of the and songbirds. Hundreds of these same of SGL #57 support a host of nesting and year. The ability to alter water levels encour- species stop to rest and feed on the wetlands migrating waterfowl and shorebird species. ages the growth of moist soil plants, which and upland habitat at State Game Lands The nesting species of waterfowl one can provide a valuable food source to ducks and (SGL) #57. The Lower Bean Run Wetland expect to see are the American black duck, geese during fall and spring migration. Restoration Project is located in a remote sec- mallard, hooded merganser, wood duck and Ducks Unlimited, the Game tion of Forkston Township, on SGL #57 in Canada goose. Commission and the Sordoni Foundation Wyoming County. The wetland is within the The Lower Bean Run project focused on partnered to restore the wetland impound- headwaters of the Bowman’s Creek water- the replacement of a non-functioning, steel ment. What was a non-functioning wetland shed, which originates at the wetland site. water control structure with a fully round 8.5’ is now a vital system with long-term manage- The goal of the Lower Bean Run Wetland x 36” aluminum water control structure. This ment capabilities. Moist soil plants that this Restoration Project was to restore and/or device is used to raise or lower water levels system now contains will serve as an impor- enhance 20 to 25 acres of wetlands and within the wetland. The original water con- tant food source during the spring and fall five acres of associated upland buffers on trol structure had been in place for more than migration for many ducks, geese and other SGL #57. This area is unique in that the 30 years. wetland-dependent species.

Left: Gene Wiener, PA Game Commission, reviews the water control structure. | Right: Employees from Bear Excavating attach the inlet pipe to the water control structure.

RELIANT ENERGY PARTNERSHIP RESTORES WETLANDS, PROVIDING WATERFOWL HABITAT AND CLEANER WATER IN CHESAPEAKE BAY

Ducks Unlimited and the U.S Fish and 2.5 million acres of wetlands have been lost Wildlife Service completed the restoration of in the Chesapeake Bay watershed over the four acres of wetlands and associated uplands last two centuries, approximately 60 percent on Mr. Kucharcik’s property in Clearfield of its original wetland base, with a 56-per- County. The newly restored wetlands, locat- cent loss in Pennsylvania. The Bay’s wetlands ed along a tributary of the Susquehanna represent some of the most important win- River, will make a difference for waterfowl tering grounds for waterfowl in the Atlantic and other wildlife and provide needed water Flyway. More than 1 million waterfowl win- quality benefits in the upper Susquehanna ter on the Bay, representing 35 percent of the watershed, a tributary to the Chesapeake waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. Mike Koontz from Mike Koontz Excavating working Bay. This project was made possible through DU recognizes that improving water diligently to complete the wetland restoration a generous donation from Reliant Energy. quality in the Chesapeake Bay by restoring The Bay once housed more than 3 mil- wetlands and associated uplands in the Bay’s wintering and staging populations, and the lion wintering waterfowl, but now sees only watershed is an important way to improve other 2,600 wildlife species that live in the one-third of that historic number. More than habitat conditions for waterfowl, especially watershed.

2 www.ducks.org DU PLANTS GRASSLANDS FOR TOMORROW

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a summer atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). This is tillage. Reducing soil erosion improves non- perennial grass that is native to North a greenhouse gas that may increase the risk of point source pollution and provides terrific America. It is a natural component of the global warming. In contrast, switchgrass (like wildlife cover. tall-grass prairie, which covered most of the most plants) removes CO2 from the atmos- If switchgrass or other perennial plants Great Plains, but also was found on the phere and incorporates it into plant tissue, replace cropland, and the harvest regime is diversified soils of our Commonwealth of both above and below the ground. consistent with duck nesting biology, a bio- Pennsylvania. Along with its energy benefits, switch- fuels industry could have significant, positive There are two main types of switchgrass: grass offers a great opportunity for farmers. effects on duck production. However, if upland types, which usually grow five to six Compared to annual crops, the perennial farmland becomes subject to annual harvest feet tall and are adapted to well-drained soils, switchgrass is a true conservation crop, sub- and/or monotypic plantings, this emerging and lowland types, that grow up to 12 feet stantially reducing soil erosion and the release industry could be detrimental to breeding tall and typically are found on heavy soils in of soil carbon, which are related to annual waterfowl and other ground-nesting birds. bottomland sites. Because it is native, switchgrass is resist- ant to many pests and plant diseases, and it is capable of producing high yields with very low applications of fertilizer. This means that the need for fertilizers to grow switchgrass is relatively low. Switchgrass is also very toler- ant of poor soils, flooding and drought, which are widespread agricultural problems in the southeast. There are many ways to plant switchgrass, but the most conservation- friendly method is no-till planting. Partly because of the small size of the seed, switchgrass seedlings tend to be slow to develop and are susceptible to weed com- petition. Fortunately, government-approved herbicides used for weed control during the planting of switchgrass aid in successful establishment. Switchgrass has a vast, permanent root system and many fine, temporary roots. All these roots improve the soil by adding organ- A mature stand of switch grass only three years old. ic matter, and by increasing soil water infil- tration and nutrient-holding capacity. Switchgrass fields provide habitat for many species of wildlife, including nesting cover for waterfowl, wild turkey, pheasant, bobolinks and meadowlark, and cover for white-tailed deer. Although switchgrass is much better than corn or soybeans, a mixed prairie grass stand is more productive for wildlife, and DU often works with landown- ers to establish these types of stands. Switchgrass has several other environ- mental benefits. If it is used to produce ener- gy, it can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) and may reduce reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon is removed from below ground (gas and oil wells and coal mines) and released into the left: Switchgrass closeup | right: A white-tailed deer fawn, just one of the many wildlife species that seek cover in switchgrass

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 3 Agricultural field after restoration. TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

“Federal funds to create waterfowl habitat on Pennsylvania farmlands will expire on Dec. 31, 2007.”

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement American black duck. Not only do wetlands Program (CREP) is a federal program support a wide variety of waterfowl and Signs of possible wetlands on administered by the United States other wildlife, they perform valuable hydro- your property Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm logical functions, contribute to groundwater • The ground is often soggy. Service Agency (FSA) and implemented by recharge, improve water quality and offer • There are areas I avoid with heavy equipment the USDA Natural Resources Conservation recreational and economic benefits. because I know I will get stuck. Service (NRCS) in partnership with a Pennsylvania farmers realize the impor- • There are depressions where water collects host of local and regional partners tance of the program, as they should, during wet periods. including Ducks Unlimited (DU), the considering agriculture remains one of the • The depressions have different vegetation than Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), most important land uses in Pennsylvania. the kind growing on the higher ground. and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Without the landowners’ voluntary commit- • There are springs on my property. (WPC), to name just a few. Currently, ment, CREP would not get past the Pennsylvania has the nation’s largest drawing board. CREP’s straightforward land • Soil is gray, or has red or orange splotches against a gray background. CREP, covering 265,000 acres in 59 of improvements and monetary payments make • There are signs of crop stress related to excess 67 counties, most of which are in the applying an easy decision. Who wouldn’t moisture in areas where I farm. Susquehanna River Watershed. CREP in want to be able to enjoy waterfowl on their • The NRCS County Soil Survey shows soil on western Pennsylvania covers 16 counties and once-marginal agricultural land, turned my property as being hydric or very poorly has plans to enlist 65,000 acres of environ- wetland. “If it wants to be a wetland, let it be drained. mentally sensitive agricultural land. CREP a wetland and get paid for it!” represents one of the largest agricultural con- Enroll today! servation efforts in Pennsylvania’s history. But time is running out! Sign-ups for You can view Ducks Unlimited’s CREP Big money for conservation enrollment in this historic program will end PSA at: starts with CREP! Dec. 31, 2007. • Up to 100 percent cost-share for installing There is a specific CREP conservation http://pa.ducks.org/states/59/index.html conservation on your farm. practice designed to reestablish permanent • Annual per acre rental payments from and seasonal wetlands on agricultural land 75 percent to 225 percent above the base that may have been drained in the past. An soil rental rate. increase in wetland acres will provide critical • Annual per acre practice maintenance habitat for native Pennsylvania waterfowl payments from $5 to $10 per acre species, such as the wood duck, mallard and • One-time-only incentive payments: * Some practices are eligible for a 25 percent to 40 percent payment on the cost of con- struction * Some practices are eligible for a $10-per- acre-per-contract-year payment

For more information call 1.800.941.CREP or visit: www.creppa.org Farm the Best, Conserve the Rest!

USDA employees looking over a restored wetland in Bedford County

4 www.ducks.org DUCKS UNLIMITED Current Completed Featured BACK MOUNTAIN REGION RESTORATION - Wyoming County - PROJECTS Project points may represent more than one project.

RELIANT ENERGY PARTNERSHIP WETLAND RESTORATION - Clearfield County -

DUCKS UNLIMITED PROJECTS

Current Completed Featured

Project points may represent more than one project.

LOWER SUSQUEHANNA WATERSHED - Bedford County -

15 Completed Projects 291.75 Acres Conserved 3,977 Technical Assistance Acres 2006 15 Counties 100.62 Wetland Acres $727,472 Invested ACCOMPLISHMENTS 191.13 Upland Acres

MEET YOUR PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVATION STAFF

Grace E. Bottitta Manager of Conservation Programs Chris Clouser Regional Biologist [email protected] [email protected] MID-ATLANTIC FIELD OFFICE RR #1, Box 195 GA • Williamsburg, PA 16693 • 34 Defense Street, Suite 200 • Annapolis, MD 21401 P: 814.832.4676 F: 814.832.4675 P: 410.224.6620 • F: 410.224.2077

Kurt Dyroff Engineer Scott Reinhart Biologist [email protected] [email protected] MID-ATLANTIC FIELD OFFICE RR #2, Box 337 • Thompson, PA 18465 • 34 Defense Street, Suite 200 • Annapolis, MD 21401 P: 570.727.2537 F: 570.727.3263 P: 410.224.6620 • F: 410.224.2077

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 5 DU’s vision for the future is “Wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.” This vision entails strengthen- ing our ability to positively affect landscapes critical to waterfowl by focusing direct programs, strengthening our science, supporting broader public policy initiatives and increasing public awareness of our efforts. These lofty goals will be achieved only through generation of significant funds from public and private sources, as well as developing new revenue streams for the success of our continental, comprehensive campaign: .

Through a recently completed strategic plan, Atlantic ecosystems. Some of our services, the capacity of the current science program. ‘Conservation in Focus,’ the Great Lakes/ such as technical assistance, will be reduced We will continue to focus on landscape-level Atlantic Regional Office has charted a course outside priority areas. In contrast, GLARO issues that will improve our understanding of to fulfill the vision within the region. In will invest heavily in habitat programs in habitat carrying capacity and limiting factors order to be successful, GLARO is focusing high priority areas to offset immediate of waterfowl within the region. and aligning resources and staff with those threats from development and further degra- Public Policy can also have an incredible priorities, and exploring new financial plat- dation of key waterfowl habitat. impact on DU’s ability to restore and forms for growth. As science is critical to improved habitat protect wetlands, both at the federal and GLARO will continue to be heavily programs and the adaptive management state level. Key legislative issues that benefit focused on direct programs to restore and process, GLARO is investing more heavily waterfowl are the North American Wetlands protect wetlands for waterfowl life cycle in science support with the addition of a Conservation Act, the Clean Water Act and needs, especially in the Great Lakes and Mid- Manager of Conservation Planning to increase the Farm Bill. GLARO may be adding policy

GLARO is currently leading a study to determine the needs of spring migrating waterfowl. In areas where landscapes are highly altered, such as in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River watersheds, migrants may not be able to acquire enough food to meet the nutritional demands of migration and subsequent breeding efforts. To determine how much wetland habi- tat, and what type, is needed to support the nutritional needs of spring migrants, GLARO and its partners are determining food availability, habitat use and body condition of mallards, scaup, gadwall, ring-necks and blue-winged teal. This information will allow adaptation of our current habitat programs and identify critical areas of the landscape where intensive restoration and protection are required for spring birds.

6 www.ducks.org New Federal Farm Bill in 2007:

The Farm Bill is developed every five years by Congress and establishes commodity support; conservation programs; and other policies for U.S. farmers, agricultural pro- ducers and citizens. Waterfowl, wetlands and water quality, all of interest to DU members, have greatly benefited from previ- ous Farm Bills. Conservation provisions in the Farm Bill, such as the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), have provided farmers and ranchers voluntary incentives to “Farm the Best, Conserve the Rest” of their land. CRP and WRP have ensured excellent nesting, migration and wintering habitat on marginal agricultural lands throughout the United States. DU mem- bers who are willing to participate in the political process and register DU’s priorities on the Farm Bill with their Members of Congress will be critical in achieving our mission and influencing good agriculture conservation policy. Please visit www.ducks.org for updates on how you can staff to our Mid-Atlantic manage- All of this work comes at a cost. help ensure that the 2007 Farm Bill con- ment unit to specifically address GLARO is devoting staff to the tains programs to benefit waterfowl and wetlands for the next five years. state issues and assist with the Farm exploration of several revenue Bill. generating strategies, specifically Finally, GLARO will continue lands and mitigation. Strategic and to build on the regional success of business plans are currently being our outreach strategy. This will developed for both strategies. include increasing communication efforts with partners and volun- teers, expanding media relations and creating new marketing tools within our priority areas. Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.Photo

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office 7 GENE WEINER Gene presently serves as a land manager for the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the Northeast Region of Pennsylvania. Gene is an integral part of the work that Ducks Unlimited is accomplishing in the Susquehanna watershed of the Chesapeake Bay. With Gene’s assistance local DU chapters are able to assist in the monitoring and placement of waterfowl nesting structures in his region. Currently Gene and the Game Commission are planning to conserve more than 88 acres of wetlands in the Back Mountain Region. Gene is an avid outdoorsman and an active supporter and volunteer of Ducks Unlimited.

left: The Susquehanna River | right: Gene Weiner, active Ducks Unlimited supporter and volunteer

Pennsylvania Volunteer Conservationist of the Year— SCOTT WALTERS

Scott is an avid outdoorsman and passionate nance of these structures and volunteers his waterfowl hunter. Scott is a former time with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat chairman and an active volunteer for the Commission as a deputy waterways conser- Raystown Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. vation officer. Scott has partnered with Scott was instrumental in working with the Ducks Unlimited and other conservation Pennsylvania Game Commission and the organizations to restore several wetlands on Army Corps of Engineers to install water- his own property near Huntingdon. fowl nesting structures at Raystown Lake. He currently coordinates the annual mainte-

Several pictures in this publication courtesy of Al and Elaine Wilson | www.naturespicsonline.com 8 www.ducks.org