Ohio DU LAUNCHES SOUTHWEST LAKE ERIE LANDS PROTECTION STRATEGY

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1 GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE Ohio 2009 Conservation Report Great Lakes / Atlantic Regional Office DU LAUNCHES SOUTHWEST LAKE ERIE LANDS PROTECTION STRATEGY Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced a new multi-disciplined approach to the conservation of Ohio s Lake Erie coastal wetlands during the eighth annual Ohio Partnership Hunt held in Port Clinton. The Southwest Lake Erie Lands Protection Strategy was established to permanently protect privately-owned wetlands and critical waterfowl habitats, and to expand public wetland areas in the Lake Erie Marsh region of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. DU and our conservation partners will utilize a variety of tools to meet the objectives of the Strategy, including conservation easements, purchase of development rights, fee-title acquisition, and wetland restoration. Large publicly managed wetlands at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Magee Marsh and Pickerel Creek Wildlife Areas, and other public areas that are interspersed with multiple privately managed wetlands form a unique and rare habitat complex that provides tremendous benefits to waterfowl, other wildlife and fish, and society. Recent land use data indicate that the Lake Erie Marsh region constitutes the largest area of private wetlands managed for waterfowl habitat along the entire Great Lakes U.S. shoreline. However, only a small percentage of these private wetlands are formally protected and the value of many publicly owned wetlands is jeopardized by the possible future development of adjacent unprotected properties. Through this Strategy, DU will provide technical assistance to public and private land managers about wetland restoration and management, while also helping to secure financial incentives for landowners that are interested in protecting their marshes and farmlands in perpetuity. Increasing public duck hunting opportunities by acquiring or restoring additional public wetlands also is a focus of this effort, as is sustaining the value of public wetlands by permanently protecting adjacent buffer properties. The 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. The 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 Office. Existing and restorable wetland habitat along Lake Erie in northwest Ohio. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 1

2 HABITAT HAPPENINGS 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 to native warm season grasses to provide waterfowl nesting habitat. An artesian well installed on the Zilles property will provide a reliable source of water to this restored wetland. Also in 2008, significant 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, The Nature Conservancy, Black Swamp Conservancy, Winous Point Marsh Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, and a host of private landowners recently completed the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative. This multi-year effort 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 Ducks Unlimited accepted this grant on behalf of the partnership that together provided nearly $5.3 million in matching funds to obtain the grant. The purpose of this conservation effort 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 benefits of this work include improved water quality and increased public and private recreational opportunities. Wetlands restored through the Northwest Ohio Wetlands Initiative at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The 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. These acquisitions expanded several state and federal wildlife areas including Lake LaSuAn, Tiffin River and Pickerel Creek wildlife areas, and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. 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 of developing a second phase of this initiative to build on the past success and to keep the momentum going. 2

3 HABITAT HAPPENINGS DU LICENSE PLATE PUTS DOLLARS INTO OHIO CONSERVATION Did you know that there is an Ohio Ducks Unlimited (DU) license plate? The plates are not only a great way to show support of DU, they also are a great way to support wetland conservation in Ohio. Plates can be purchased through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) like any other license plate. Fifteen dollars from the sale or renewal of each plate goes directly to DU and is invested in wetland conservation in the state. Since the Ohio BMV started selling DU plates in 1999, over $170,000 has been raised to support DU s conservation programs, resulting in the protection, restoration and enhancement of more than 800 acres of key waterfowl habitat. License plate dollars have been used to fund wetland conservation at Grand River and Mosquito Creek wildlife areas in Trumbull County; at Pickerel Creek, Tiffin River and Lake LaSuAn wildlife areas in northwest Ohio; at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and at many other wetland conservation projects throughout the state. Monies generated from the sale of DU license plates result in more and healthier wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl, and a host of other wildlife and fi sh, and society through improved water quality, reduced flooding and economic inputs into local communities. Conservation-minded Ohioans can show DU pride and support better habitat in Ohio with the purchase of a DU plate when they renew! GET OHIO PRIDE: PUTTING RESOURCES INTO DUCKS EVERYWHERE Ohio PRIDE (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere) is a major gift campaign developed by Ducks Unlimited (DU) to secure Major Sponsors in support of habitat t conservation and our waterfowling heritage e in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with special emphasis on the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River Ecosystems. Through this program, donors can choose to restrict their dollars for use in Ohio to fund wetland conservation in DU priority landscapes. In turn, PRIDE donors are recognized on a DU project located in Ohio. DU s conservation staff leverage funds raised through the PRIDE program against other funding sources, effectively turning each PRIDE dollar into four or more for conservation in Ohio! P R I D E Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere Ohio conservation initiatives include the Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative and the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem Initiative. Within these broad watershed-based initiatives, DU targets its conservation activities in priority focus areas to effectively address waterfowl and wildlife habitat issues as well as water quality concerns. SAVING WETLANDS IM4DU 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 by future generations and will enhance our rich waterfowling heritage. To learn more about Ohio PRIDE, contact a DU Regional Director, Ohio s Major Gift Chairman or the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office. FEATURED PROJECTS MAYLISH CONSERVATION EASEMENT Ducks Unlimited (DU), Grand River Partners, Inc. (GRP), the Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD), and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council partnered to secure a conservation easement on the 55-acre Maylish property in Ashtabula County. This property contains a mix of forested and emergent wetlands, agricultural land and upland woods containing several vernal pools. Collectively, these habitats support a variety of wetland and upland dependent wildlife and help improve water quality entering the nearby Grand River. Conservation easements are a mechanism that private landowners can use to ensure their property is protected forever in its natural condition while still enjoying all of the benefits of private ownership. GRP and ASWCD co-hold this permanent conservation easement. DU CONTINUES SUPPORT OF WETLAND RESTORATION ON PRIVATE LANDS In 2008, Ducks Unlimited (DU) contributed funding to the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in support of the state Private Lands Wetland Restoration Program and the federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Through these partnerships, 21 projects were completed in northwest, central and southern Ohio, resulting in the restoration of more than 120 acres of wetlands. With just 10 percent of Ohio s remaining wetlands located on public land, waterfowl depend on habitat located on privately owned land to meet many of their life-cycle needs. In 2009, DU again looks forward to supporting these key wetland conservation programs. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 3

4 HABITAT HAPPENINGS WHITAKER WETLAND RESTORATION The Whitaker wetland restoration project is located on the Wayne National Forest in Gallia County, along Symmes Creek. Symmes Creek is part of the larger Teays River system where remnant shrub/scrub and floodplain wetland habitat is found. Much wetland habitat has been lost in this area over the past 200 years due to land clearing, agricultural production, and mining. Existing or recently restored wetlands are used by numerous species of wildlife, including some less common species such as the Blanchard s cricket frog, Virginia rail, sora, and pied-billed grebe. Ducks Unlimited collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, National Wild Turkey Federation and other local partners to restore a 25-acre field to a complex of emergent and ephemeral wetlands that mimic the natural oxbows and shallow, scour-pool wetlands that historically occurred on the property. An innovative design was used that addressed many of the maintenance costs and issues associated with traditional wetland restorations. This project restored rare and highly valuable wetland habitat in a state that has lost more than 90% of its wetlands since European settlement. HOWARD FARMS ACQUISITION Ducks Unlimited (DU) partnered with the Metropolitan Parks District of the Toledo Area (MPD), Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW), and other conservation organizations to purchase and permanently protect the 959-acre Howard Farms property located near the shore of Lake Erie in northwest Ohio. Given its proximity to Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, the protection and future restoration of Howard Farms will make a significant contribution to the coastal wetland ecosystem of Lake Erie. DU, ODOW and MPD have already begun conceptual restoration planning that will return this largely agricultural property back to a highly productive complex of shallow water wetlands and warm season grasslands once a long-term farm lease has expired. The protection and restoration of this property will provide vital nesting and migration habitat for mallards, bluewinged teal, wood ducks, Canada geese, and other waterfowl, and will improve water quality entering Lake Erie. ASHCROFT WOODS ACQUISITIONS Ducks Unlimited, Grand River Partners, Inc (GRP), the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW), and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council collaborated to purchase two properties totaling 160 acres that expanded GRP s Ashcroft Woods ownership to 539 acres. Collectively, these properties located in Ashtabula County contain numerous quality wetlands and vernal pools, over ½ mile of frontage on the Grand River and an impressive beaver colony. These properties provide habitat for nesting and migrating waterfowl and a variety of resident wildlife, and have been identified by the ODOW as a release site for their snowshoe hare reintroduction program. 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. The 9,000-acre Ottawa NWR is composed of a diverse array of wetland, grassland, and upland habitats which support numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, furbearers, and other wildlife, as well as several Federal and state-listed species of plants. In 2008, DU s engineering staff provided the topographic survey and restoration design services for this project that was constructed during the summer by USFWS personnel. Completed as part of the Lake Erie Conservation Corridors Program, this latest wetland restoration adds significant breeding and migration habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, including American black ducks, mallards, and southern James Bay population Canada geese. The Lake Erie Marshes were historically one of the most ecologically rich and productive areas within the Great Lakes region. The restoration of this wetland is a positive step toward returning a part of that historical richness to the shores of Lake Erie. 4

5 CONSERVATION SUMMARY DUCKS UNLIMITED completed current featured Pickerel Creek Note: Project points may represent more than one project. Ashcroft Woods 2008 Accomplishments 31 completed projects 1,687 acres conserved 2,785 acres of technical assistance Whitaker Wetlands Restoration $765,047 invested MEET YOUR OHIO CONSERVATION STAFF Roy Kroll Manager of Conservation Programs 1220 Eisenhower Place Ann Arbor, MI Phone: Heather Braun Regional Biologist Heather left DU in January, 2009 so she can devote more time to her adopted son, Finn. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 5

6 GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION The marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as effectively and efficiently 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 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 of cutting-edge research studies to address important information gaps in waterfowl and wetlands science. The primary function of these research efforts is to provide information to guide, adapt and evaluate our conservation programs and policy actions. Specifically, information gained from carefully designed research is used to: prioritize where we work to achieve the greatest benefit for waterfowl populations. identify appropriate conservation actions required to meet the annual needs of waterfowl identify how and when to adapt our conservation actions to maximize benefits. inform policy decisions that will yield the greatest benefits for waterfowl and wetlands. This marriage of conservation, policy and science ensures that each and every DU dollar invested in conservation is used as effectively and efficiently as possible. coastal habitat required to support wintering American black ducks that ultimately nest in the eastern boreal forest. Current research is focused on the continental connection between the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways and the eastern boreal forest and further refinement of winter habitat requirements along the coast of the Atlantic Flway. From a policy perspective, DU scientists and policy staff are involved in several important issues. Recent Supreme Court actions have jeopardized isolated wetlands. DU is evaluating these impacts on small isolated wetlands, which are critical for waterfowl production. DU is taking policy actions that will ensure protection against further loss and degradation of these wetlands, which are critical to waterfowl, water quality and recreational opportunities. In regards to energy policy, DU is working with energy companies, landowners, and other conservation partners to evaluate the potential impact of alternative energy technologies on waterfowl, such as wind energy and biofuels. We need to ensure alternative energy technologies are waterfowl and wetland-friendly and do not result in further degradation to these important natural resources. 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

7 GLARO S CONSERVATION VISION VISION North America s Vanishing Wetlands: Facing the Challenge Poets write about it. Conservationists strive to continue it. Sportsmen dream about it. The 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, flood protection and recreation. Wetlands are vital to us all, yet every 10 minutes another acre of wetlands is drained. 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 effort 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 benefits 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. Campaign Progress 1/1/04 11/30/08 North America s most important waterfowl breeding habitat is being plowed under on a massive scale. Surging global demands for food, federal mandates for corn-based ethanol production and the new Farm Bill are encouraging cultivation of every available acre. Act Now To Help DU Save Vital Prairie Breeding Habitats The Rescue the Duck Factory campaign has become a priority for Ducks Unlimited because of new pressures on landowners within the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). The funds raised through this campaign will be directed toward perpetual land easements on native grasslands in the PPR, also known as the duck factory. The Opportunity is Now There are currently 650 landowners offering DU the chance to place permanent easements on native grasslands in North and South Dakota. DU can protect one acre for a one-time investment of only $360. The opportunity is short term, yet the effects of conserving this acreage will last forever. Current funding is low, and we need your help to secure as much of this available acreage as possible! The Goal Our vision is wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. With your contribution we can continue to work toward that goal. This prairie acreage is vital to North American waterfowl production and it s crucial that we act now. The decisions we make in the duck factory right now will directly affect waterfowl populations and our waterfowl hunting heritage for future generations. Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offi ce 7

8 FRIENDS OF DUCKS UNLIMITED 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. This 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. They own and manage 5 properties totaling more than 700 acres and hold 32 conservation easements. Their efforts, 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 efforts 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 officer for Ohio DU. One of Jim s core strengths is his understanding of the What is Important Now (WIN) filter concept. He uses this to keep volunteers focused on key attributes that make the difference 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 difficult 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 office. The regional office 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 fish 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! 8