the WAT Report News and Updates for WAT Trustees Summer 2012

WETLANDS AMERICA TRUST: BUILDING A LEGACY

As Ducks Unlimited celebrates its 75th Anniversary in grand style, it is important to recognize the critical role America Trust has played in DU’s storied history. The Ducks Unlimited Foundation was established in 1955 by several of DU’s founders and elder statesmen. The foundation was intended to “insure the perpetuity of Ducks Unlimited operations in the United States and Canada, the objectives of the DU Foundation are similar to those of the DU organization…” From securing the first true major gifts for the restoration of the Hay Lake Complex, to promoting the organization’s first efforts at planned giving, the DU Foundation played a critical role in DU’s conservation mission and the dramatic growth of the organization. Just like the founders of the DU Foundation, our current WAT trustees play a key role in the success of Ducks Unlimited. From political influence in Washington to leading the largest fundraising campaign conducted by a conservation organization, each WAT trustee has created a personal legacy. I hope you take a measure of pride in the role you have played in the 75-year history of Ducks Unlimited and the 57-year history of Wetlands America Trust. As always, thank you for all you do for the ducks! Sincerely,

Dan Thiel

New WAT Trustee Elected

James “Jim” W. Ayers is a successful west businessman who currently serves as President of Ayers Asset Management, Inc. and Founder of the Ayers Foundation. In addition to these positions, he also serves as: President, Ayers & Associates, Inc.; Founder and Chairman, First Bank; Chairman, First South Bancorp, Inc.; President, Tennessee Health Management, Inc.; President and Chairman, Community South Bank; Chairman, Group Data Services, Inc.; Manager, Hawker Aviation Services, LLC; President, Lewis County Manor, Inc.; Chairman, Cookeville Manor, Inc.; and President, Paris Health Care. ducks Unlimited is currently working with Jim and the Ayers Foundation on a significant 2012 commitment in support of our priority habitats and youth program. Jim is recognized as a current member of the President’s Council, a lifelong waterfowler and one of Tennessee’s leading philanthropists. Jim received his B.B.A. from the University of Memphis in 1965 and honorary doctorate degrees from Freed-Hardeman University and Union University. He and his wife, Janet, split their time between homes in Nashville, Parsons and Johnson City, Tennessee. Jim is a thought-leader, an ardent proponent of education, a duck hunter and a passionate supporter of Ducks Unlimited’s mission to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats. $75 million pledge from Kennedy, Childs and Grohne highlight of 75th DU National Convention

WAT President John Childs (left) and Trustees Jim Kennedy (right) and David Grohne (pictured right) announced their joint $75 million commitment to Ducks Unlimited’s conservation efforts on the last day of the 75th Anniversary DU National Convention in Nashville.

y virtually any standard, the landmark the first-ever DU Family Reunion event, and Tennessee Bcelebration at Ducks Unlimited’s 75th Governor Bill Haslam, part of Friday morning’s business Anniversary National Convention in Nashville was session line-up. Both men spoke about the importance a rousing success. A host of political dignitaries, of conserving Tennessee’s waterfowl and wildlife habitat industry partners and dedicated DU supporters from and other critical natural resources, as well as expressing across turned out for the milestone pride that Ducks Unlimited calls their state its home. event, totaling a record attendance of more than 1,400. On Thursday afternoon, President and CEO The biggest highlight of the week came at the Rebecca Rimel of The Pew Charitable Trusts sat very end, as WAT President John Childs and Trustee alongside DU’s Hall to sign a memorandum of Jim Kennedy took the stage. Each man, along with agreement with Ducks Unlimited to extend the Trustee David Grohne, committed a generous $25 organizations’ conservation partnership for another 10 million estate gift to ensure the future of DU’s wetlands years and redouble efforts to safeguard Canada’s boreal and waterfowl conservation mission. The total $75 forest, the largest intact forest on earth, after a decade of million commitment was the perfect crescendo to an unprecedented progress. The work is based on a “50-50” unforgettable 75th anniversary celebration for the concept that provides strict protections for half of the organization. boreal forest, with sustainable standards applied to “It was an amazing thing to stand among the core of the rest. DU and Pew’s partnership is part of a century the DU family and witness this outpouring of generosity of U.S.-Canadian collaboration to safeguard North on behalf of not only waterfowl, but also our sons and America’s natural resources. daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said A large crowd of DU volunteers, staff and supporters, DU CEO Dale Hall. “Even though Ducks Unlimited’s as well as several members of the local media, gathered 75th anniversary year lasts until December, we are as Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed the 2012 starting the next 75 years right now. Jim Kennedy, John Revision of the North American Waterfowl Management Childs and Dave Grohne ensured a successful and Plan on behalf of the United States. He then engaged memorable beginning to this new era for DU.” DU supporters in a Q&A session about the plan and WAT Trustee Doug Oberhelman also spoke on the future of waterfowl and wetlands conservation in Friday morning about the strength of DU’s brand and the Washington, D.C., and beyond. important relationship DU and Caterpillar share through During the final business session on Saturday their commitment to conservation and environmental morning, Discover was announced as DU’s new sustainability to benefit future generations. financial services partner, offering a new line of DU Among the political dignitaries in attendance were credit cards that benefit DU and the opportunity for U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (TN), who spoke to all cardholders to donate their Cashback Bonus dollars convention attendees on Wednesday evening as part of directly to the organization’s conservation work.

2 : Davis Island, Mississippi

In December 2011, the Dale family and its heirs contribute to accomplishing DU’s land protection donated a 6,090-acre tract of land known as the Davis goals in the Lower Mississippi River priority area. Island conservation easement in Warren County, Davis Island is part of a corridor of frequently flooded, Mississippi. The easement permanently protects more largely natural habitat that exists along the unprotected than 380 acres of emergent wetlands and 4,958 acres batture lands inside the Mississippi River levee system. of forested wetlands, 4,658 of which are bottomland The landowners’ goal is to protect and maintain hardwood timber – prime waterfowl habitat. The the important wildlife habitat of the property in its property is well known for being owned by the current state. The forest, which is currently managed in Confederate States of America President Jefferson a manner that benefits wildlife and waterfowl habitat, Davis and his brother Joseph. Numerous historical will be managed pursuant to a forest management plan. artifacts remain on the property, including the columns Water control structures, impoundments and food plots of Davis’ home, which was burned by federal troops also exist on the property to enhance wildlife habitat. All during the Civil War. future buildings will be restricted to a limited area where A good portion of the island was farmed until the existing camp facilities are currently located. Roads early 1980s, then most of the farmland was enrolled in and other infrastructure will be minimized to limit CRP and either used for permanent herbaceous cover or the impact on the property. This perpetual easement planted to the bottomland hardwoods that remain today. through DU/WAT will ensure the natural habitat of the Davis Island is home to an unusual number of Davis Island property is protected for generations. oak trees (mostly water oak), along with bitter pecan, WAT Trustee Bruce Lewis grew up in Woodville, persimmon and sycamore. The natural habitat on Mississippi, about a mile from Jefferson Davis’ the island remains largely unchanged from the pre- boyhood home, and spent his youth out in the woods settlement era and warrants protection by providing surrounding the property. It is especially significant the same type of habitat waterfowl depended on then. and satisfying for Bruce to be able to assist in The combination of natural habitats and preserving the conservation value of this land tied to the frequently flooded bottomland hardwoods will Davis and his boyhood.

The property is well known for being owned by the Confederate States of America President Jefferson Davis and his brother Joseph. Numerous historical artifacts remain on the property, including the columns of Davis’ home, which was burned by federal troops during the Civil War.

3 75th Anniversary

1937-2012

The crowd at the New York 75th anniversary event.

New York – February 2, 2012 Ducks Unlimited supporters celebrated the first 75th anniversary gala event of the year at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, acknowledging the storied past of the conservation organization while setting their sights on an even greater future. Before event festivities began, the Secretary General of the on Wetlands, Anada Tiéga, silent counterpart, featured trips and guns not seen on met with DU CEO Dale Hall to sign a memorandum the regular circuit. The crowd was engaged and excited, of cooperation between the two organizations. The and the items generated thousands of dollars for Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that wetlands conservation. embodies the commitments of its member countries to Before the evening ended, Michael Woodward, maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of a DU board member from New York, called upon International Importance and to plan for sustainable those so moved to “raise their paddles” and up their use of all of the wetlands in their territories. sponsorship commitment to DU. The room settled and After the signing, the DU crowd filled the halls of many did move their support for Ducks Unlimited and the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria. The well-dressed its mission to the next level. It is thanks to them that the group sampled hors d’oeuvres and sipped cocktails event ended on just as high a note as it began. while stopping at display after display of silent auction Some of those attending were Dan Ray, items. The prizes were worthy of the special nature John Childs, Mike Benge, Bill D’Alonzo, George of the event, including African safaris and waterfowl Dunklin, Jim Kennedy, John Newman, John Tomke, hunts on the Atlantic. The din was loud and the smiles Dale Hall, John Pope and Kevin Albert were bright as generations of DU patrons recognized old friends and met new acquaintances. Finally, the call California – March 1, 2012 came to assemble in the Grand Ballroom. DU’s 75th anniversary event at the Blackhawk Auto The Waldorf Astoria dates at its present location Museum in Danville, California, netted more than $1.5 from 1931. The hotel is an art deco landmark, and the million for DU’s conservation work. ballroom is every bit as rich and detailed as it was when “This is the first time we’ve held an event of the hotel first opened. The room features several stories this magnitude in California,” said Mark Low, DU of opera-style boxes, and the stage featured a large state chairman. “I am absolutely delighted with the screen so the group of more than 600 felt close to the overwhelming response from our members and proceedings no matter how vast and busy the room. volunteers. Their enthusiasm tells me we have their full The National Anthem was sung, an exquisite dinner support and they are proud of the conservation work served and then the real fun began. DU President DU is doing.” John Newman set the stage for the evening, thanking More than 250 DU members, guests and volunteers the transcontinental crowd for their attendance and joined host and WAT Trustee Paul Bonderson Jr. and passion. The group paused to honor John Marsellus DU CEO Dale Hall for the dinner and auction. Also for his contributions. His address to the group was among the esteemed attendees were WAT Trustees John notable for his genuine pleasure in being a part of DU’s Thompson, Tom Seeno and Mark Pine. conservation mission, and because he brought his first Guests from across the state included Doug Eberhardt DU membership card, issued in 1940. Mr. Marsellus of the Bank of Stockton; Andy Atkinson and other expressed gratitude that his parents introduced him to members of the California Department of Fish & Game; the the organization at such an early age. California Waterfowl Association; and, in addition to many Another highlight of the night was the live auction. individual DU members, the entire Stockton, De Anza, DU is well known for its auctions, but this one, like its Placerville, Tri Valley and Travis Air Force DU chapters.

4 Miss Virginia sang the National Anthem at the D.C. event.

Seated amidst the world-renowned collection of vintage cars, attendees bid on unique hunts, fishing trips, firearms and artwork, including a Jim Killen original watercolor painted especially for the American wildlife, and thanks for all you’ve done for highest bidder. conservation.” Among those in attendance were WAT President John Childs, Chief Operating Officer Dan Thiel and Trustees Mike Benge, Bill D’Alonzo, George Dunklin, Steve Maritz, John Newman, John Tomke and David McLean. The venue was crowded and the group was excited to celebrate the conservation organization’s anniversary in the city where DU was incorporated 75 years ago. At that time, a visionary group of waterfowlers conceived of an organization dedicated to the protection of disappearing waterfowl habitat. The consortium signed the papers of incorporation at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., in 1937. WAT Trustee Paul Bonderson Jr. emceed the As the live auction wound down, DU President California event. Here, Paul introduces DU’s newest John Newman reflected on two days of special member: his newborn grandson. events in Washington. “It’s truly historic to be in this city 75 years after our organization’s birth, Washington, D.C. – April 17, 2012 but it’s just as exciting to look forward to the next 75,” he said. “We have a lot to accomplish, and Ducks Unlimited celebrated its 75th anniversary recognizing what we’ve achieved only makes me in our nation’s capital as a crowd of more than 450 more enthusiastic about what’s to come.” came together in the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Legislators from both Chicago – July 28, 2012 sides of the aisle offered congratulations and continued Following the success of DU’s National support for the organization’s mission to conserve Convention, it is time to set our sights on DU’s wetlands and other habitat for North America’s next big anniversary event: the 75th Anniversary waterfowl. Gala in Downtown Chicago on July 28. Please join Speaker of the House John Boehner kicked off us at the JW Marriott for an unforgettable evening the dinner portion of the event with a little humor. hosted by our two esteemed honorary chairmen, “You may not know that I have been a sponsor of the fellow Trustee Doug Oberhelman and former Middletown (Ohio) DU chapter for almost 30 years, so Illinois Governor Jim Thompson. DU CEO Dale I’m not surprised we had trouble getting you to quiet Hall will also be in attendance for this historic down and take your seats. event. Highlights will include Art in Action with “I hope you’ll always remember that you Brian Olsen and a performance by the Bill Pollack have a partner in the United States House of Orchestra. For more information, please contact Representatives,” Boehner continued. “Americans Managing Director of Development Todd Bishop have always been defined by their freedom and in DU’s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. their love of the outdoors. Thanks to you at Ducks Unlimited. Thanks for all that you’ve done for

5 Public Policy Update

NAWCA Reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act continues to make progress. In the House of Representatives, a congressional hearing before the Committee on Natural Resources on H.R. 1960 was held in late March and DU testified at that hearing. Cosponsors are being added, with the cur- rent total now standing at 20. Top targets for cosponsorship remain republicans on the House Natural Resources Committee, including Representatives Doc Hastings (WA), John Fleming (LA), Jeff Duncan (SC), Jeff Denham (CA) and Steve Southerland (FL). In the Senate, we have achieved introduction of companion legislation. Senator Jim Inhofe (OK) is the prime sponsor of S. 2282 and has been joined by 10 colleagues representing both parties. Other members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, including Senators John Barasso (WY), Mike Crapo (ID) and Lamar Alexander (TN), would be helpful as additional cosponsors. We expect the currently authorized spending ceiling of $75 million will need to come down to reflect the austere fiscal climate in D.C., but the key will be keeping the ceiling at a work- able level to allow NAWCA to continue its past success. We have every reason to believe that the ceiling authorized in this legislation will be the most we can hope for in appropriations for NAWCA over the next several years.

Dakota Grasslands Conservation Initiative On March 2, the president’s administration announced it would reshuffle the Migratory Fund so that up to 70 percent goes to work in the . The U.S. Department of Agricul- ture found a way to target an additional 1 million Conservation Reserve Program acres for small wetlands and grasslands. Of particular interest to WAT, 200,000 of these acres involve restoration of wetlands and another 150,000 acres are specifically focused on duck nesting habitat. Both of these actions will help in the implementation of the Dakota Grasslands Conservation Initiative. The Land and Water Conservation Fund budget for FY12 would add another $2.5 million to the initiative.

Federal Duck Stamp The effort to increase the price (and value) of the is making progress. As we continue to meet with congressional supporters, we see increased backing for Congress to move responsibility for determining the appropriate stamp price to another body (likely the Migratory Bird Conservation Com- mission). This idea was suggested by a member of the House leadership in October and it continues to gain traction. Legislation to transfer authority for setting the price to the MBCC and the Secretary of Interior has been introduced by Senator Mark Begich (AK). He worked with DU as the legislation was being drafted. We are suggesting some minor revisions, but the approach suggested in Senator Begich’s bill is a positive step in this process. The bill has gone through a hearing and is awaiting further action in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Farm Bill The Senate Agriculture Committee and many groups interested in the 2012 Farm Bill are pushing for floor consideration after the bill’s passage out of committee on April 26. The bipartisan Farm Bill maintains a strong conservation title, but does not contain everything DU hoped it would. We correctly anticipated that there would be significant reductions in spending, which has proved true. The Conservation Reserve Program would be maintained, but the total acreage cap would be reduced to 25 million. If enacted, there would be a revised conservation easement program with a strong wetland component, a regional partnership program aimed at improving water quality and a Sodsaver provision. Sodsaver could be of particular significance to DU’s conserva- tion work, as the provision is aimed at protecting native grassland from being converted in high- risk landscapes such as the Prairie Pothole Region.

6 John Newman and Dale Hall present Dave Grohne the Tom Seeno receives the Ding Darling restrike from John Ding Darling restrike in honor of his support of Wetlands Newman and Dale Hall in honor of his support of Wet- for Tomorrow. lands for Tomorrow.

John Newman and Dale Hall present Jim Kennedy the John Tomke, Deke Wells and Doug Oberhelman enjoying Ding Darling restrike in honor of his support of Wetlands drinks before dinner. for Tomorrow and his role as chairman of the campaign.

John Dale, Chad Manlove and Skipper Dickson display Dan Thiel, Orrin Ingram, Chris Cole and Jim Ayers enjoyed nothing but greenheads. a great hunt in flooded timber.

7 Development Update Strong relationships are at the heart of DU’s trustees and board of directors. With its 75-year focus development efforts and are the key to securing on current conservation priorities, DU strategically philanthropic gifts to the organization. At the winter invested more charitable gifts into board meeting, we discussed the importance of WAT in the highest-priority breeding and non-breeding trustees building relationships with the development landscapes continent wide. This was the right decision team to cultivate and solicit leadership gifts. The WAT for the ducks, but it resulted in a small endowment. development committee focuses on securing gifts The best way to build the endowment is through estate greater than $100,000 and, on average, more than 70 gifts, which allow donors to support DU’s current needs percent of the total major gift dollars raised each year through cash gifts and build the financial strength of come from just 100 gifts of $100,000 or more. We must the organization through estate gifts. continue to foster the relationships within our group A letter was recently sent to all WAT trustees and with our major sponsor community to support outlining the benefits of using a charitable remainder DU’s conservation efforts across the continent. trust or charitable lead trust to include DU in their We must also focus on foundations as a estate plans. Charitable remainder trusts provide significant part of our fundraising efforts. We immediate tax deductions for the donor, an income consistently receive funding from 20 percent of stream for their beneficiary and ultimately a gift to the top conservation funders in North America, DU. Charitable lead trusts provide immediate tax and 25 percent of our major gift funds come deductions for the donor, an income stream for Ducks from foundations. We must continue to build Unlimited and ultimately transfer principle of trust and strengthen our relationships with important to anyone specified by the donor. With the likelihood foundation leaders to maintain this stream of funding. of changes in tax legislation at the end of 2012, this is At the winter board meeting, we also discussed the year to act by including DU in your estate plan. the importance of estate planning and securing 100 Contact Jon Rich at [email protected] or (901) 758-3763 percent Feather Society membership by the WAT for more information.

New Development Staff Three new members joined DU’s development staff in April.E ach of these gentlemen brings many skills and a passion for our conservation mission. We welcome them to their new roles with DU and look forward to their success.

Cody Roberts: Cody joins the team Layne Krumwiede: Layne serves as the Steve Kass: Steve joins Team DU as as the director of development for director of development for Montana the director of development for Illinois northern Texas, Oklahoma and New and Wyoming. He has served as the and Wisconsin. He will move to DU Mexico. He joined Team DU in 2001 regional director for Montana since from his position as a private banking as an engineering technician and has 2001. Prior to joining DU, he was a bi- manager with Northern Trust, focused served as central Texas regional direc- ologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife on wealth management. Steve also has tor since 2006. Prior to joining DU, he Service for 13 years. Layne will contin- served as a DU volunteer for the past was a field technician with theE nviron- ue to reside in Lewistown, Montana. nine years and has great knowledge of mental Protection Agency. Cody will our vision and mission. He will con- be relocating to the Dallas area. tinue to reside in the Milwaukee area

Development Progress The following totals are reflective of development accomplishments through March 31, 2012:

Major Sponsor New Commitments: $26.2 million secured toward $28 million goal Major Sponsor Cash Received: $19.3 million received toward $24 million goal Participation: 42 percent (3,665 donors) of all major sponsors have made a gift in FY12 toward a goal of 51 percent Gift Planning New Commitments: $11.2 million in documented commitments secured toward a $16.5 million goal Gift Planning Maturities Cash Received: $1.3 million toward a $1.5 million projection

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