ES/ LAK ATL T AN A T E I R C G

R E E C GI FI ONAL OF

2009 Conservationtiontion ReportReport | GreatGreat Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office

DU LAUNCHES SOUTHWEST LAKE ERIE LANDS PROTECTION STRATEGY Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced a new multi-disciplined tremendous benefi ts to waterfowl, other wildlife and fi sh, and society. approach to the conservation of Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal wetlands Recent land use data indicate that the Lake Erie Marsh region during the eighth annual Ohio Partnership Hunt held in Port constitutes the largest area of private wetlands managed for waterfowl Clinton. Th e Southwest Lake Erie Lands Protection Strategy was habitat along the entire Great Lakes U.S. shoreline. However, only established to permanently protect privately-owned wetlands and a small percentage of these private wetlands are formally protected critical waterfowl habitats, and to expand public wetland areas in the and the value of many publicly owned wetlands is jeopardized by the Lake Erie Marsh region of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. possible future development of adjacent unprotected properties. DU and our conservation partners will utilize a variety of tools to meet the objectives of the Strategy, including conservation easements, Th rough this Strategy, DU will provide technical assistance to purchase of development rights, fee-title acquisition, and wetland public and private land managers about wetland restoration and restoration. management, while also helping to secure fi nancial incentives for landowners that are interested in protecting their marshes Large publicly managed wetlands at Ottawa National Wildlife and farmlands in perpetuity. Increasing public duck hunting Refuge, Magee Marsh and Pickerel Creek Wildlife Areas, and other opportunities by acquiring or restoring additional public wetlands public areas that are interspersed with multiple privately managed also is a focus of this eff ort, as is sustaining the value of public wetlands form a unique and rare habitat complex that provides wetlands by permanently protecting adjacent ‘buff er’ properties.

Th e time for land protection along southwest Lake Erie has never been better. Federal statutes now make unprecedented tax deductions possible for landowners and farmers who donate permanent conservation easements. Th e true mark of wise stewardship is the ability to recognize opportunity and act decisively in the interest of future generations. Please join us in creating a legacy that is equal to the legend of the Lake Erie marshes.

If you are interested in permanently protecting your Lake Erie coastal wetlands, agricultural land or other habitat, contact Roy Kroll at the Great Lakes/ Atlantic Regional Offi ce.

Existing and restorable wetland habitat along Lake Erie in northwest Ohio.

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 1 HABITATHABITAT HHAPPENINGSAPPENINGS

SEVERAL WETLANDS RESTORED AT PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA

With support from a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) grant, the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) recently expanded the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area through acquisition of the Moyer (40 acres), Waggoner (80 acres) and Zilles (162 acres) properties. After acquisition, ODOW partnered with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to restore wetlands on these properties to their full potential. DU’s engineering staff provided the topographic survey, engineering design, bidding, contracting and construction management services that resulted in the development of 13 small potholes (1-4 acres in size) with low berms and connecting channels, and 3 managed wetland impoundments ranging in size from 7 to 37 acres. Approximately 100 of the restored acres were seeded with a wet prairie and sedge meadow mix that included over 7,000 wetland plant plugs. More than 70 acres of adjacent uplands were planted An artesian well installed on the Zilles property will provide a to native warm season grasses to provide waterfowl reliable source of water to this restored wetland. nesting habitat.

Also in 2008, signifi cant improvements were made to the Boggy Bottoms Unit of the Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area. DU assisted the ODOW restore and improve management capability to 50 acres of degraded emergent wetlands. DU provided more than $50,000 from a Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act grant to construct a 2,700 foot long levee and install water control structures and a pump that will allow ODOW staff to manage water levels and aquatic vegetation, thereby maintaining quality habitat over time. Of particular concern at the Boggy Bottoms Unit were dense stands of invasive reed canary grass that can now be suppressed – setting the stage for the reestablishment of high-quality aquatic vegetation at this wetland that is increasingly popular with Ohio duck hunters. ODOW inspect the recently installed pump at the Boggy Bottoms Unit of Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area.

NORTHWEST OHIO WETLANDS INITIATIVE COMPLETED Ducks Unlimited (DU) and its partners, the Ohio Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Th e Nature Conservancy, Black Swamp Conservancy, Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, and a host of private landowners recently completed the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative. Th is multi-year eff ort resulted in the conservation of more than 3,500 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat on public and private land in seven counties in northwest Ohio, including Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa Wood, Sandusky and Erie.

Funding for the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative was provided by a $1,000,000 federal grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Council (NAWCC) awarded to Ducks Unlimited in 2002. Ducks Unlimited accepted this grant on behalf of the partnership that together provided nearly $5.3 million in matching funds to obtain the grant.

Th e purpose of this conservation eff ort was to protect, restore and enhance wetland and associated upland habitat throughout the project area to provide breeding and migration habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical songbirds, federal and state threatened and endangered species and other wildlife. Associated benefi ts of this work include improved water quality and increased public and private recreational opportunities.

Th e partnership pooled grant and matching funds to acquire and permanently protect 1,813 acres of wetland and upland habitat important for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. Th ese acquisitions expanded several state and federal wildlife areas including Lake LaSuAn, Tiffi n River and Pickerel Creek wildlife areas, and Ottawa . Over 1,700 acres of native warm season grass and wetlands were restored under this grant through more than 60 projects on public and private land. In total, 87 conservation projects were implemented as a result of this grant. DU and our partners are now in the process Wetlands restored through the Northwest Ohio Wetlands of developing a second phase of this initiative to build on the past success and to Initiative at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. keep the momentum going.

2 www.ducks.org HABITATHABITAT HHAPPENINGSAPPENINGS

DU LICENSE PLATE PUTS GET OHIO PRIDE: PUTTING DOLLARS INTO OHIO RESOURCES INTO DUCKS CONSERVATION EVERYWHERE Did you know that there is an Ohio Ducks Unlimited (DU) Ohio PRIDE (Putting Resources Intoo vation- nd and license plate? Th e plates are not only a great way to show support Ducks Everywhere) is a major gift campaignnwhat it of DU, they also are a great way to support wetland conservation in developed by Ducks Unlimited (DU) toos with ng the Ohio. Plates can be purchased through the Ohio Bureau of Motor secure Major Sponsors in support of habitatto and Vehicles (BMV) like any other license plate. Fifteen dollars from conservation and our waterfowling heritagee the sale or renewal of each plate goes directly to DU and is invested in the United States, Canada and Mexico,, in wetland conservation in the state. Since the Ohio BMV started with special emphasis on the Great Lakes u selling DU plates in 1999, over $170,000 has been raised to support and Upper Mississippi River Ecosystems. t! DU’s conservation programs, resulting in the protection, restoration and enhancement of more than 800 acres of key waterfowl habitat. Th rough this program, donors can choose License plate dollars have been used to fund wetland conservation to restrict their dollars for use in Ohio to at and Mosquito Creek wildlife areas in Trumbull fund wetland conservation in DU priority County; at Pickerel Creek, Tiffin River and Lake LaSuAn wildlife landscapes. In turn, PRIDE donors are PRIDE Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere T areas in northwest Ohio; at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and at recognized on a DU project located in In sp fow many other wetland conservation projects throughout the state. Ohio. DU’s conservation staff leverage Me Up funds raised through the PRIDE program For ber Monies generated from the sale of DU license plates result in more against other funding sources, eff ectively and healthier wetlands for the benefi t of waterfowl, and a host of turning each PRIDE dollar into four or other wildlife and fi sh, and society through improved water quality, more for conservation in Ohio! reduced fl ooding and economic inputs into local communities. Conservation-minded Ohioans can show DU pride and Ohio conservation initiatives include the Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative support better habitat in Ohio with the purchase of a DU plate and the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem Initiative. Within these when they renew! broad watershed-based initiatives, DU targets its conservation activities in priority focus areas to eff ectively address waterfowl and wildlife habitat issues as well as water quality concerns.

For 71 years, with the support of our volunteers, members and donors, DU has been successful in turning grassroots dollars into habitat throughout North America. Your gift will leave a legacy on the landscape to be enjoyed SAVING by future generations and will enhance our rich waterfowling heritage. To WETLANDS IM4DU learn more about Ohio PRIDE, contact a DU Regional Director, Ohio’s Major Gift Chairman or the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce.

FEATURED PROJECTS

MAYLISH CONSERVATION EASEMENT DU CONTINUES SUPPORT OF WETLAND RESTORATION Ducks Unlimited (DU), Grand River Partners, Inc. (GRP), the ON PRIVATE LANDS Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD), and In 2008, Ducks Unlimited (DU) contributed funding to the Ohio the North American Wetlands Conservation Council partnered Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in to secure a conservation easement on the 55-acre Maylish property support of the state Private Lands Wetland Restoration Program and in Ashtabula County. Th is property contains a mix of forested the federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Th rough these and emergent wetlands, agricultural land and upland woods partnerships, 21 projects were completed in northwest, central and containing several vernal pools. Collectively, these habitats support southern Ohio, resulting in the restoration of more than 120 acres of a variety of wetland and upland dependent wildlife and help wetlands. With just 10 percent of Ohio’s remaining wetlands located improve water quality entering the nearby Grand River. on public land, waterfowl depend on habitat located on privately Conservation easements are a mechanism that private landowners owned land to meet many of their life-cycle needs. In 2009, DU can use to ensure their property is protected forever in its natural again looks forward to supporting these key wetland conservation condition while still enjoying all of the benefi ts of private ownership. programs. GRP and ASWCD co-hold this permanent conservation easement.

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 3 HABITATHABITAT HHAPPENINGSAPPENINGS

WHITAKER WETLAND RESTORATION Th e Whitaker wetland HOWARD FARMS ACQUISITION Ducks Unlimited (DU) restoration project is located on the Wayne National Forest in Gallia partnered with the Metropolitan Parks District of the Toledo Area County, along . Symmes Creek is part of the larger (MPD), Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW), and other conservation Teays River system where remnant shrub/scrub and fl oodplain organizations to purchase and permanently protect the 959-acre wetland habitat is found. Much wetland habitat has been lost in Howard Farms property located near the shore of Lake Erie in this area over the past 200 years due to land clearing, agricultural northwest Ohio. Given its proximity to Metzger Marsh Wildlife production, and mining. Existing or recently restored wetlands are Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, the protection and future used by numerous species of wildlife, including some less common restoration of Howard Farms will make a signifi cant contribution to species such as the Blanchard’s cricket frog, Virginia rail, sora, and the coastal wetland ecosystem of Lake Erie. DU, ODOW and MPD pied-billed grebe. have already begun conceptual restoration planning that will return this largely agricultural property back to a highly productive complex Ducks Unlimited collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service, Ohio of shallow water wetlands and warm season grasslands once a long-term Department of Natural Resources, National Wild Turkey Federation farm lease has expired. Th e protection and restoration of this property and other local partners to restore a 25-acre fi eld to a complex of will provide vital nesting and migration habitat for mallards, blue- emergent and ephemeral wetlands that mimic the natural oxbows winged teal, wood ducks, Canada geese, and other waterfowl, and will and shallow, scour-pool wetlands that historically occurred on the improve water quality entering Lake Erie. property. An innovative design was used that addressed many of the maintenance costs and issues associated with traditional wetland restorations. Th is project restored rare and highly valuable wetland habitat in a state that has lost more than 90% of its wetlands since European settlement.

FARM UNIT #2 RESTORATION Ducks Unlimited (DU) worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service to restore 181 acres of shallow wetlands at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in northwestern Ohio. Th e 9,000-acre Ottawa NWR is composed of a diverse array of wetland, grassland, and upland habitats which support ASHCROFT WOODS ACQUISITIONS Ducks Unlimited, numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, furbearers, and Grand River Partners, Inc (GRP), the Ohio Division of Wildlife other wildlife, as well as several Federal and state-listed species of plants. (ODOW), and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council In 2008, DU’s engineering staff provided the topographic survey and collaborated to purchase two properties totaling 160 acres that restoration design services for this project that was constructed during expanded GRP’s Ashcroft Woods ownership to 539 acres. Collectively, the summer by USFWS personnel. these properties located in Ashtabula County contain numerous quality wetlands and vernal pools, over ½ mile of frontage on the Grand River Completed as part of the Lake Erie Conservation Corridors Program, and an impressive beaver colony. Th ese properties provide habitat for this latest wetland restoration adds signifi cant breeding and migration nesting and migrating waterfowl and a variety of resident wildlife, and habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, including American black have been identifi ed by the ODOW as a release site for their snowshoe ducks, mallards, and southern James Bay population Canada geese. Th e hare reintroduction program. Lake Erie Marshes were historically one of the most ecologically rich and productive areas within the Great Lakes region. Th e restoration of this wetland is a positive step toward returning a part of that historical richness to the shores of Lake Erie.

4 www.ducks.org CONSERVATIONCONSERVATION SSUMMARYUMMARY

DUCKSDUCKS UNLIMITEDUNLIMITED Pickerel Creek completed current featured

Note: Project points may represent more than one project.

Ashcroft Woods

Accomplishments2008

31 completed projects

1,687 acres conserved

2,785 acres of technical assistance

$765,047 invested Whitaker Wetlands Restoration

MEET YOUR OHIO CONSERVATION STAFF

Roy Kroll Heather Braun Manager of Conservation Programs Regional Biologist 1220 Eisenhower Place Heather left DU in January, Ann Arbor, MI 2009 so she can devote more Phone: 734.623.2000 time to her adopted son, Finn. [email protected]

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 5 GLARO’SGLARO’S CCONSERVATIONONSERVATION VVISIONISION

Th e marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as eff ectively and effi ciently as possible.

SCIENCE KEY TO INFORMING ON-THE-GROUND CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC POLICY DECISIONS A strong biological foundation has always been the cornerstone of Ducks Unlimited’s conservation programs since the organization’s founding in 1937. In fact, DU was responsible for initiating some of the very first survey work on breeding areas across the U.S. and Canadian prairies that helped identify the most critical nesting areas for waterfowl across the continent.

Since those early efforts, DU has conducted and funded hundreds coastal habitat required to support wintering American black ducks of cutting-edge research studies to address important information that ultimately nest in the eastern boreal forest. Current research gaps in waterfowl and wetlands science. Th e primary function of is focused on the continental connection between the Atlantic these research eff orts is to provide information to guide, adapt and and Mississippi Flyways and the eastern boreal forest and further evaluate our conservation programs and policy actions. Specifi cally, refi nement of winter habitat requirements along the coast of the information gained from carefully designed research is used to: Atlantic Flway.

• prioritize where we work to achieve the greatest From a policy perspective, DU scientists and policy staff are involved benefi t for waterfowl populations. in several important issues. Recent Supreme Court actions have jeopardized “isolated” wetlands. DU is evaluating these impacts on • identify appropriate conservation actions small isolated wetlands, which are critical for waterfowl production. required to meet the annual needs of waterfowl DU is taking policy actions that will ensure protection against further loss and degradation of these wetlands, which are critical to • identify how and when to adapt our waterfowl, water quality and recreational opportunities. In regards conservation actions to maximize benefi ts. to energy policy, DU is working with energy companies, landowners, and other conservation partners to evaluate the potential impact of • inform policy decisions that will yield the alternative energy technologies on waterfowl, such as wind greatest benefi ts for waterfowl and wetlands. energy and biofuels. We need to ensure alternative energy technologies are waterfowl and wetland-friendly Th is marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and do not result in further degradation to these and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as eff ectively important natural resources. and effi ciently as possible.

Our research programs have help identify the types and amount of habitat required to support breeding mallards in the Great Lakes; the landscape necessary to support spring migrating waterfowl that winter in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways; and the amount of

6 www.ducks.org GLARO’SGLAGLARO’SGRLOAR’OS’ SCCONSERVATION CONSERVATIONCOONNSSEREVRATVIAONT VVISIONIOISINON VVISIONISION

North America’s Vanishing Wetlands: Facing the Challenge

Poets write about it. Conservationists strive to continue it. Sportsmen dream about it. Th e migration of North America’s waterfowl and other birds is one of nature’s grandest and most anticipated events.

Wetlands make this migration possible. Wetlands also provide North America’s most important waterfowl breeding the foundation for North America’s water supply. We rely habitat is being plowed under on a massive scale. Surging on them for clean and abundant water, fl ood protection and global demands for food, federal mandates for corn-based recreation. Wetlands are vital to us all, yet every 10 minutes ethanol production and the new Farm Bill are encouraging another acre of wetlands is drained. cultivation of every available acre. Ducks Unlimited: Answering the Challenge Act Now To Help DU Save Vital Prairie Breeding Habitats To answer the challenge to save North America’s wetlands, grasslands and waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited has embarked on Th e “Rescue the Duck Factory” campaign has become a priority the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign, an ambitious conti- for Ducks Unlimited because of new pressures on landowners nental eff ort to raise at least $1.7 billion for wetland habitat within the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). Th e funds raised conservation. through this campaign will be directed toward perpetual land easements on native grasslands in the PPR, also known as the With a proven track record of partnering with the private “duck factory.” sector, government and other conservation organizations for nearly 70 years, Ducks Unlimited has restored and conserved The Opportunity is Now nearly 12 million acres of crucial habitat that benefi ts water- fowl, other wildlife and people. Th ere are currently 650 landowners off ering DU the chance to place permanent easements on native grasslands in North Please join us to learn more about Wetlands for Tomorrow and and South Dakota. DU can protect one acre for a one-time the initiatives to conserve North America’s critical wetlands. investment of only $360. Th e opportunity is short term, yet the eff ects of conserving this acreage will last forever. Current funding is low, and we need your help to secure as much of this Campaign Progress available acreage as possible! 1/1/04 – 11/30/08 The Goal

Our vision is wetlands suffi cient to fi ll the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. With your contribution we can continue to work toward that goal.

Th is prairie acreage is vital to North American waterfowl production and it’s crucial that we act now.

Th e decisions we make in the duck factory right now will directly aff ect waterfowl populations and our waterfowl hunting heritage for future generations.

www.ducks.org/support/rescueduckfactory

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 7 FRIENDSFRIENDS OOFF DDUCKSUCKS UUNLIMITEDNLIMITED

GRAND RIVER PARTNERS, INC.: DU CONSERVATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR

In 1974 the Ohio Department of Natural Resources designated the Grand River as a state Wild and Scenic River. Th is program was designed to protect the state’s remaining high-quality rivers and streams for future generations. In 1994, Grand River Partners, Inc. (GRP) was established with a mission to preserve the water quality, open space, and other resources of the Grand River. Since then, GRP has protected more than 3,100 acres of habitat in the Grand River watershed. Th ey own and manage 5 properties totaling more than 700 acres and hold 32 conservation easements. Th eir eff orts, combined with that of other partners, have resulted in the protection of more than 32,000 acres of the Grand River watershed. In recognition of their eff orts protecting wetlands and wildlife habitat in the Grand River watershed, DU is proud to present Grand River Partner’s, Inc. with the 2008 Conservation Partner of the Year Award.

FRIEND OF DU: JIM HARPER, JR., STRASVEGAS, OHIO

Jim Harper is a 22-year veteran of the DU grassroots system. He started his DU career with the Tuscarawas County chapter in 1986 and has held just about every position with this committee. More recently, Jim became a district offi cer for Ohio DU. One of Jim’s core strengths is his understanding of the ‘What is Important Now’ (WIN) fi lter concept. He uses this to keep volunteers focused on key attributes that make the diff erence for the ducks. Recently, Jim has developed another special talent: starting and restarting DU chapters. He has helped restart the Carroll, Guernsey and Holmes County chapters and is now working with other volunteers to add DU committees in Belmont, Harrison and Noble/Monroe counties. Not only does this make Jim a great volunteer, it makes him a true “friend of the ducks”.

FRIEND OF DU: JOHN VALLANCE AND THE OTTAWA COUNTY CHAPTER

John Vallance is a life-long waterfowler and has been a volunteer with DU’s Ottawa County Chapter (OCC) for 17 years, including holding the position of Chairman for the past several years. During John’s tenure, this committee has experienced times of tremendous growth but there also have been diffi cult times. At one point if it were not for the leadership of John and a few other volunteers the committee would have disbanded. More recently, the committee has seen great success recruiting new volunteers and is now functioning better than ever.

Along with the “typical” duties of a DU volunteer, John and other members of the OCC are always there when an extra set of hands is needed, particularly with helping the Great Lakes/ Atlantic regional offi ce. Th e regional offi ce hosts many meetings and other events in the Lake Erie Marsh region of northwest Ohio, and John along with members of the committee have always agreed to help host these events. In 2008, John and this committee arranged several fi sh fries, including at the eighth annual Ohio Partnership Hunt and the Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region Joint Venture Management Board meeting.

John is supported as a DU volunteer by his family who also are involved with the organization. John’s dad always donates a hand-carved decoy for the local banquet and his late brother also was a volunteer on the OCC. Perhaps more importantly, John has the support of his wife and two children who allow him to be away from the family to volunteer for the “Ducks”. Many thanks to John Vallance and the OCC for their support and dedication of Ducks Unlimited!

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