IC AT LAKES /ATLANT GRERE E REGIONAL OFFIC Connecticut 2010 Conservationation RReporteport | GGreatreat LakesLakees / AtlanticAtlantic RegionalReRegioio Office

DU WORKS FOR WATERFOWL CONSERVATION SUMMARY: THROUGH PUBLIC POLICY conserves habitat at the continental scale to meet A strong biological the life-cycle needs of North America’s waterfowl. New England is part of the foundation has always been Atlantic Flyway, providing important migration, breeding and wintering areas for the cornerstone of Ducks many of the continent’s waterfowl such as American black ducks, greater scaup, Unlimited’s conservation brant and Canada geese. Over the past 20 years, DU’s New England conservation programs since the program restored 30,796 acres of and adjacent habitat while completing organization’s founding in 166 projects. Connecticut’s conservation projects are designed to maximize the 1937. DU remains true to quantity and quality of migration, breeding and wintering waterfowl habitats, this foundation as it works to as well as improve conditions for waterfowl production. Your support of Ducks guide development of national Unlimited will help achieve that goal! policies that benefi t waterfowl.

Th e North American PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: Wetlands Conservation Act LITTLE RIVER FUNDING UPDATE and legislation involving clean water, climate and energy are among the current priorities Last year we reported on a new tidal restoration project DU is for the DU staff in D.C. Th e Farm Bill, although not undertaking with the assistance of the CT DEP Wetland Habitat and Mosquito set for renewal until 2012, also remains on DU’s radar Management Unit (WHAMM) along the Little River in New Haven County, because Farm Bill programs like Conservation Reserve CT. We are pleased to report this year that we have received a new grant from Program and Wetlands Reserve Program have signifi cant the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund implications for waterfowl habitats. (LISFF) to assist in this restoration eff ort. In September 2009, DU was notifi ed that we had received a grant of $49,000 from the LISFF to supplement our Th e Clean Water Restoration Act passed the Senate previous grant of $10,000 from the Connecticut Corporate Wetland Restoration Environment and Public Works committee in 2009. Partnership. In addition, Connecticut DU will contribute approximately $2,500 Th is was a positive move toward reinstating protections for wetlands important to breeding ducks and small it has received in memorial donations in the names of Kyle Knapp and Th omas streams connected to many of the nation’s drinking water Schumaker, two avid waterfowlers and long-time DU members who passed resources. Progress on clean water legislation stalled in away a few years ago. Th e Little River is approximately 100 acres of tidal the House, but DU remains poised to work with House located immediately adjacent to, and west of, I-91 on the North leadership to ensure waterfowl interests are considered in Haven/New Haven border. A railroad right-of-way on the west side of the marsh future bills. separates it from the Quinnipiac Marsh, and a solid waste landfi ll borders the marsh to the south. At the end of 2009, a bill that will enhance the power of NAWCA unanimously passed the House and the Senate Until recently, the marsh was entirely dominated by dense stands of Phragmites. Environment and Public Works Committee. It will go CT DEP WHAMM treated much of the area from 1997 through 1999, and to the Senate fl oor for a vote some time in 2010. Th e some vegetation is beginning to reestablish is some areas. At some bill would allow increased investment from Canadian point in the past, a series of low berms were constructed on portions of the marsh, resources to fulfi ll the requirement for private funds to apparently with the purpose of using the marsh for additional landfi ll space. The match the federal contribution. purpose of this project is to remove portions of the berms, and restore portions of the original channels to facilitate more eff ective tidal inundation of the marsh. To receive DU’s latest policy news go to WWW.DUCKS.ORG/CIB and subscribe to the Conservation Issues Briefi ng. CConnecticutonnecticut CConservationonservation RReporteport 22010010

CCampaignampaign ProgressProgress 1/1/041/1/04 – 11/30/0911/30/09

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 the foundation for North America’s water supply. We rely on them for clean and abundant water, fl ood protection and recreation. Wetlands are vital to us all, yet every 10 minutes another acre of wetlands is drained. www.ducks.org/wetlandsfortomorrow Ducks Unlimited: Answering the Challenge

To answer the challenge to save North America’s wetlands, grasslands and waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited has embarked on the Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign, an ambitious continental eff ort to raise at least $1.7 billion for wetland habitat conservation.

With a proven track record of partnering with the private sector, government and other conservation organizations for nearly 70 years, Ducks Unlimited has restored and conserved nearly 12 million acres of crucial habitat that benefi ts waterfowl, other wildlife and people.

Please join us to learn more about Wetlands for Tomorrow and the initiatives to conserve North America’s critical wetlands.

5-Year Goal DU New England CT Grassroots & 5-Year Actual Conservation: MA

2004 - 2008 ME

Th e minimum NH conservation goal for each state is to spend the equivalent of 7.5% of total RI grassroots income raised in that state. Th is is based on VT a fi ve-year average. 2468101214

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats alsobenefit other wildlife and people.