Rainwater Basin Initiative james k. ringelman www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin

The Rainwater Basin is a spectacular place

Millions of ducks and geese descend upon this landscape climates and does not witness the migration spectacle each spring, stopping to rest and feed during their annual that occurs during the first two weeks in March. Also, like migration to the prairie pothole breeding areas. The many people, he associates waterfowl habitat with large, incredible concentration of birds that occurs here is indeed permanent wetlands and lakes, not the shallow, temporarily awe inspiring, creating bird watching opportunities that are flooded wetlands that provide critical food resources during truly rare in North America. Anyone who has witnessed migration periods. By the time Rainwater Basin farmers this spectacle will begin to understand, and appreciate, how return to the fields in the spring, many of these shallow Steve Donovan important the Rainwater Basin is to migratory birds. wetlands are already dry and their value to waterfowl is Nebraska However, timing is everything. This point was driven largely unappreciated. Mgr., Conservation Programs home to me during a conversation with one of our neighbors. The abundant food like bugs, freshwater shrimp and seeds [email protected] While Tim Horst and I were inspecting some work on from native vegetation that emerge in temporary wetlands DU’s Verona Tract, one of our neighbor farmers stopped here are the reason millions of waterfowl stop here each by to visit. I explained to him the Rainwater Basin provides spring. The food resources help maintain and improve body important spring migration habitat to millions of waterfowl. condition during the strenuous migration period, allowing He replied, “You will never have any birds here because you birds to arrive in the northern breeding habitats ready to lay will never have water in those areas.” eggs and reproduce. It is upon this biological fact that DU has As he drove away, I was confused how this long-time built the Rainwater Basin Initiative. The program continues to resident would not know about the millions of birds that grow each year, restoring and protecting important waterfowl travel through the area each spring and fall. Tim provided the habitat. I hope you enjoy reading our 2009 Annual Report. answer. Our neighbor spends the winter in more favorable

Rainwater Basin Initiative Accomplishments

Acres Enhanced Technical Protected Restored/Created Assistance FY 09 560 1,940 1,200 $ 2,713,291 To date 7,798 17,830 8,716 $10,215,808 3 james k. ringelman www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin

Sound science is behind habitat goals in the Rainwater Basin

Bioenergetic model shows area habitat lacking - A new scientific model has been developed to measure whether the bird habitat available in Nebraska’s Rainwater Basin provides enough food to meet the needs of migrating waterfowl. The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, of which Ducks Unlimited is a member, has created a bioenergetic model that shows the area does not have enough habitat to feed the more than 12 million migratory waterfowl that use this region each fall and spring. The high density of waterfowl and limited wetlands create intense competition for food resources. Results of the model show the RWB needs to provide 24.1 billion kcals (kilo calories) of energy to meet the needs of migratory waterfowl. The abundant waste grain in this region does provide some of this energy, but does not by itself satisfy the nutritional requirements of waterfowl because it lacks some essential amino acids, inorganic elements, and vitamins. The RWBJV calculated that 39 percent of the energy demands of waterfowl need to be provided by natural foods found in properly functioning wetland habitats. Migrating waterfowl traveling through the RWB acquire significant lipid and nutrient reserves. These reserves not only provide fuel for the northward migration, but also significantly impact reproductive success on the prairie breeding grounds. Research has shown hens arriving on the breeding grounds in better condition nest earlier, produce larger clutches, and have a higher propensity to re-nest. All of these behaviors have been tied to increased duck populations, which, to duck hunters, means more ducks heading south in the fall. The RWBJV estimates that properly feeding these birds during spring migration would take 37,000 acres of high quality wetland foraging habitat that is flooded on an annual basis. Only a few more than 30,000 acres of wetlands remain in the RWB today, and many of these wetlands are in poor condition. The model helps the Joint Venture partners develop habitat goals to make up the difference. DU is working with the other partners in the RWBJV to implement a variety

gadwall of programs designed to meet this goal and ensure that the skies will be filled with ducks today, tomorrow and forever. 5

chicago man’s children invest in dad’s favorite hunting spot

Daniel Bryan Sr. would have been pleased that Ducks Unlimited shared his He says on opening day, he and his brothers are sometimes sitting in vision. The long-time Chicago police officer and avid duck hunter traveled blinds in different states waiting for the sun to come up, texting each other, twice a year to hunt Hanson Waterfowl Production Area and Mallard Haven “Are you ready?” in Nebraska’s Rainwater Basin. Bryan and his sons had permission to hunt “My older brother will let the morning’s first group of ducks fly through his from the Carey dike that ran east and west along the south border of the decoys in honor of my dad,” Jerry said. Hanson Marsh. Dan often said, “It would be nice if one of the fish and game The property was purchased with gifts from Major Sponsors of the departments came in and bought this other 320 acres (the Carey place) and Rainwater Basin Initiative and a grant from the Nebraska Environmental opened it up public hunting.” Trust. Restoration will include removing the levee that separates the two DU last year bought the Carey tract, is restoring it now and plans to turn it properties, plugging drainage ditches to restore water flow to wetlands and over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Having heard about the purchase, replanting the uplands to native grasses. Dan’s son, Jerry, contacted DU Nebraska Manager of Conservation Programs “Because the property lies adjacent to the Hansen WPA, this is one of Steve Donovan to congratulate him on the purchase and tell Steve about his the most important wetland acquisition projects in the Rainwater Basin,” dad. Now, the Bryan family has made a major gift to DU in memory of their Donovan said. father, who died in 2000, and to contribute to the restoration of the property. Dan’s son, Cliff, has fond memories of the two of them traveling for the 12- hour drive to Nebraska. “My dad was always trying to catch the height of the “This gift is to honor the legacy my dad left us in his fall migration into the Rainwater Basin,” Cliff said. “We didn’t always hit it, passion for duck hunting. My brothers and I still try to but we knew at least we were going to see ducks.” Jerry says his father lived for duck season but was a realist. “If the ducks make the trip to Nebraska each year to hunt some of my had passed through or the basin froze up while we were there, he would pack dad’s old stomping grounds,” Jerry said. up and travel 12 hours back home,” he said. “It didn’t matter that we traveled across the country to hunt with him.” “Our wives don’t quite understand why some of us will drive 10 hours, Dan hunted up until a year before cancer took him at 76. “The cairn at the then get up at 4 a.m. and go sit in a cold, wet marsh just to hunt ducks, but property that will carry his name seems so appropriate,” Jerry said. there’s just something about being out there when the sun first kisses the sky.” www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin

DU and NGPC acquisition and restoration now open to migratory waterfowl – and hikers, hunters and bird-watchers

Wagon wheel ruts from the Oregon Trail and buffalo wallows are still visible on a tract of Nebraska land purchased by Ducks Unlimited. DU and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission restored the 115-acre Rainwater Basin property to the native grassland and wetland it had when settlers and buffalo traveled there. Using North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant dollars, DU split the purchase costs with NGPC. DU restored a 35-acre wetland on the land with substantial contributions from DU major sponsors, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service Wetlands Reserve Program and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. The property was transferred to NGPC, which restored the grassland and made the land part of the Bluewing Wildlife Management Area. “None of this would have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of the landowners,” said Steve Donovan, manager of conservation programs for DU. alan d. wilson pied-billed grebe DU purchased the tract from Rose Mary and LaVern Shaw. The Shaws originally acquired the land from long-time residents Mick and Millie Hoyt, Rose Mary’s parents. “We really liked the proposal Ducks Unlimited presented to us,” Rose Mary Shaw said. “Knowing that the property would be restored to wildlife habitat and protected forever was very appealing.” Rose Mary and LaVern’s daughter, Lisa Hannah, has special memories of the property. “As a child, my grandfather used to take me for walks on the property, showing me the old wagon wheel ruts from the Oregon Trail and buffalo wallows, which can still be seen today,” Lisa said. NGPC District Manager Bob Meduna says the parcel is a valuable addition to the WMA. “This property and its restored wetlands and grasslands will provide excellent habitat for ducks, pheasants, quail and many other species of wildlife,” Meduna said. The property will be open to a variety of public uses, including bird watching, hiking, hunting, and wildlife photography, another aspect of the project that was appealing to the Shaw family. “It was important to us to know that we could continue to visit the property, walk through the prairie and enjoy the wildflowers and wildlife,” Rose Mary Shaw said. Omaha World Herald Outdoors visits with

DU’s Steve Moran at the Bluewing WMA. 7

DU gives migrating ducks three more RWB wetlands full of food

Ducks Unlimited has completed habitat restoration work on the Dedrickson DU Lands Manager Tim Horst has been using DU’s tractor, Big Red property in Clay County. According to DU Engineering Technician David (see photo), to disk the restored wetlands in order to manage the plant Hoferer, DU restored a total of 65 acres of wetland habitat, providing community and promote a diverse mix of native and annual species that significant benefits to migrating waterfowl. produce the vast quantities of seed waterfowl need during migration. Tim DU bought the property two years ago as part of its Revolving Habitat also disked the adjoining Green Acres Waterfowl Production Area to improve Program. Under this program, DU acquires properties in the Rainwater its wetland plant community. Grass was planted on the former cropland areas Basin that offer a significant opportunity to restore waterfowl habitat. DU to restore native prairie. then restores the property, places a permanent conservation easement on DU is selling a the tract, and ultimately sells the property to a conservation buyer. Proceeds conservation easement on from the sale of the tract are then used to acquire additional habitat and the Dedrickson property to repeat the process. the U.S. Fish and Wildlife The Dedrickson tract is located about three miles southeast of DU’s Verona Service, providing additional Complex. Restoration work included filling a large, excavated pit that had revenue to the revolving originally been dug to drain a 45-acre marsh. Filling the pit with compacted program and ensuring the soil restores natural water flow to the former marsh. Additional sediment was property will be protected in removed from the wetland and placed on an upland site. perpetuity. During the time Small levees were constructed to restore two additional wetlands. A DU owns the site, it will be DU’s new tractor, Big Red, surrounded by its fans pipeline was installed to connect a well on the site to the two largest wetlands, open to public hunting for providing an additional source of water during dry periods. hunting seasons. www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin

Nebraska donors find an easy way to give to DU and encourage others to do the same

Jim and Patty Donelan from Leshara, Nebraska are benefactor level are disappearing in Nebraska. They want to make sure local wildlife and sponsors who found an opportunity to give to Ducks Unlimited in a way they migrating ducks and birds are provided for now and into the future. never could before, by using their IRA. When their two sons were young, Patty would watch as Jim took them on “It’s not complicated; the DU staff made this type of gift simple and easy adventures into the wetlands for early morning hunts. She became passionate for us. I encourage people to talk to their tax advisors and explore their about waterfowl conservation and founded the DUGals ladies DU chapter giving options, and do it right away,” Jim said. in Omaha. She served as chairwoman of the chapter for two years which The Donelan’s gift was tax free and made possible by the Pension cemented her dedication to the ducks. Protection Act of 2006, which was extended through 2009. The Donelans Today, Jim and Patty have five grandchildren with whom they now share hold Nebraska’s wildlife and wildlife habitat in high esteem. The property their love of the outdoors. Their gift to DU will infuse their legacy into they now live on was owned by Jim’s parents when he was young. “I grew up Nebraska’s wetlands and grasslands and ensure their great-grandchildren will hunting on this property and would spend my summers and weekends here,” have places to hunt, fish and watch wildlife just as they have done throughout he said. their lives. The couple is now diligently working to restore the property’s wetlands and grasslands on their own and with some guidance from DU staff. They are taking special care of the land because they know that places like theirs

(L to R): Jim Donelan, Patty Donelan and Clay Rogers.

DU board member 9

american wigeon www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin

DU volunteers come together to honor Nebraska’s fallen heroes

The families and friends of Nebraska’s fallen heroes have a new place to remember their loved ones through enjoying the habitat so important to many of these service men and women. The Fallen Heroes Marsh memorial stands on DU’s Verona complex, a natural area that attracts thousands of ducks each year as they migrate between wintering and breeding grounds. The memorial honors Nebraska’s veterans who were killed or wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Volunteers on the Fallen Heroes Marsh committee raised nearly $400,000 for this effort. These funds will be directed toward waterfowl and wetland conservation efforts throughout Nebraska. “The inspiration to memorialize the legacy of our fallen heroes and their individual contributions to our country through wetlands conservation will serve generations of Nebraskans just as the sacrifices that our heroes made will continue for generations. It seems extremely fitting to honor their sacrifice this way,” said Kyle Hildebrand, DU volunteer and Iraq War veteran. The family of U.S. Army soldier Adam Herold inspired the marsh memorial efforts. They wanted to honor his memory and the memory of all of Nebraska’s military killed or wounded in the two wars. Adam was an avid waterfowl hunter and ardent DU supporter as are other Colonel Kevin Neumann, chief of staff for the Nebraska National Guard, (left) spoke at the members of his family. Adam’s family felt strongly that conserving waterfowl habitat in marsh dedication. He is an avid duck hunter and recently returned from Afghanistan. Nebraska would be the perfect way to honor his sacrifice for his country. DU Volunteer Kyle Hildebrand (middle) and DU Regional Director Steve Wilson “The Herold family, along with many supporters and volunteers, have made this dream a reality,” said Steve Wilson, regional director for DU. “We are honored that Adam’s family came to us with this request.” The Fallen Heroes Marsh will be a place where friends and families can come to hunt, watch, photograph or simply listen to ducks and remember loved ones who dedicated their lives to the United States. 11

DeHaan joins Rainwater basin development team

Born and raised in Platte, South Dakota, Adam DeHaan appreciates life on the prairie. He grew up fishing for walleye, chasing pheasants and waterfowl hunting. DeHaan has a biology degree and a masters in sport administration. He coached at four universities in the Great Plains region, culminating in a four-year stint as the head basketball coach at Valley City State University in North Dakota. A former regional director in eastern Nebraska, DeHaan moved to Memphis in 2007 to work as the manager of volunteer services. He is excited to be back on the plains as a director of development for IA, MN and NE. “Through major gifts and the Rainwater Basin Initiative, Nebraskans have a great opportunity to conserve traditional shallow water lakes,” DeHaan said. “Not only do we have an opportunity to show future generations what this region historically looked like, restoring and protecting habitat is important for waterfowl by providing critical nutritional needs during spring migration. I am excited to be a part of such a great opportunity to work with motivated, caring people.” Adam lives with wife Rebecca, children Jacob and Isabella, and dog Max in Lakeville, Minnesota. donors We wish to recognize the following donors for their commitments and contributions to the Rainwater Basin Initiative during 2008 and 2009. major sponsors partners diamond legacy sponsor heritage sponsor Mike & Susan Blaha Clay Center Spring Wing Ding ($1 Million - $4.9 Million) ($50,000 - $74,999) Thomas L. Bowen Friends of the Rainwater Basin Neal C. Hansen Dave Ellingson In Memory Of Daniel E. Bryan, Sr. Little Blue Natural Resources District Bruce R. Lauritzen Jason & Sandra Christiansen Nebraska Environmental Trust George B. Storer Foundation Inc. diamond life sponsor Joseph C. Dowding Nebraska Game and Parks Commission ($20,000 - $29,999) T. K. & Janel Foote North American Wetlands Conservation Council Gold legacy sponsor Anonymous - Wigeon Daniel J. Herold, M.D. Pheasants Forever, Inc ($500,000 - $749,999) Larry Baker James & Patty Hill Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Anonymous - Goldeneye Thomas & Patricia Hastings John Hoggatt The Nature Conservancy Tim & Rita Hughes Tri-Basin Natural Resources District benefactor life sponsor George Landgren, M.D. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ($100,000 - $249,999) ($10,000 - $19,999) Don & Stephanie Leeding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chuck G. Olsen U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service Howard & Rhonda Hawks Gale & Paula Beirow Michael & Diane Schroeder Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District James Stuart, Jr. & Susan Stuart Foundation Dennis & Lois Beran Gregg A. Silverberg John H. Bergmeyer Farm Land Irrigation, Inc. www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin

Recovery

This is a time of recovery. The economy is beginning to recover and so is Nebraska’s Rainwater Basin. Ducks Unlimited is Ron Stromstad (MN/IA/NE ) working tirelessly to restore some of the thousands of wetlands that once dotted this landscape. Also, we’re protecting this Sr. Director of Development 952-236-0638 new habitat so it doesn’t go away again. [email protected] Your support for DU’s Rainwater Basin Initiative is what keeps us getting up each day and working to provide the waterfowl habitat we know is needed to feed the millions of birds going through the basins each spring and fall. Adam DeHaan (MN/IA/NE) As you have read in this publication, we have a long way to go to meet the needs of waterfowl and other birds that depend Director of Development 763-688-0519 on this area for resting and refueling. We know you’ll be there walking the walk and talking the talk and supporting DU [email protected] along the way to recovery. Major Supporters make the difference in DU meeting its goals in Nebraska. Your gifts are the glue that keeps the Rainwater Basin Initiative together and working for the continent’s waterfowl. To discuss your opportunities to help, please contact Ron Stromstad or Adam DeHaan.

Great Plains Regional Office 2525 River road • bismarck, nd • 58503-9011 701.355.3500 www.ducks.org/rainwaterbasin RWB0109