GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGION CONSERVATION

Transcription

1 GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGION CONSERVATION in Focus

2 DUCKS UNLIMITED S Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office (GLARO) provides comprehensive conservation solutions to help restore and protect the continent s diminishing wetlands in 18 states, from Wisconsin to Virginia and north to Maine. CONSERVATION in Focus DUCKS UNLIMITED CONSERVES, RESTORES, and MANAGES wetlands and ASSOCIATED HABITATS for North America s waterfowl. THESE HABITATS also BENEFIT OTHER WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE.

3 The Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office opened in 1998 to meet the needs of waterfowl species breeding, migrating through, and wintering in the 18-state area. The diversity of landscape and the diversity of threats to waterfowl populations and their habitats in this region present immense challenges, which include, but are not limited to, urban sprawl and human population growth, water and air quality issues, declining populations of waterfowl and other water-dependent birds, and continued wetland loss. This area must meet the entire life cycle needs of waterfowl within a single region; with programs which address breeding, migration, and wintering habitat. The primary breeding waterfowl species in the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region include mallards, wood ducks, blue-winged teal, and American black ducks. Important breeding populations of mallards exist in the five Great Lakes states, the Lake Ontario watershed, and in some eastern states (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware). The Great Lakes/Atlantic Region provides habitat for many species of DUCKS UNLIMITED GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE: GLARO U.M. G.L. C.B. A.C.. wintering waterfowl, both dabbling and diving ducks. Significant populations of wintering ducks throughout the region include American black ducks, mallards, canvasbacks, and scaup. Several areas of historic importance include the Great Lakes coastal marshes, the Illinois River, St. Lawrence River Valley, Montezuma Wetland Complex, Atlantic coastal marshes, and the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. This region also provides important habitat for both fall and spring migrants in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways. Fall migrants tend to be concentrated in multispecies assemblages on large complexes, often associated with public lands. Although less studied and infrequently surveyed, spring migration is likely more significant than fall migration in terms of habitat programs that meet the needs of waterfowl traveling through this region to their breeding grounds. Waterfowl migrating in spring tend to be distributed over much larger geographic areas and use habitat differently than during fall migration, primarily due to behavioral and nutritional requirement differences between these life cycle stages. Some important migratory areas include the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays; the Great Lakes marshes, particularly southwest Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Saginaw Bay, and Green Bay; river-associated habitats, such as the Mississippi River pools and Illinois River backwater areas; and inland areas, such as Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, and Montezuma Wetland Complex, New York. To be as efficient and effective as possible, GLARO focuses its limited resources on areas that are most important to meeting the needs of waterfowl. Focus areas were determined by breeding and wintering/ staging waterfowl use. These areas are critical to supporting the annual life cycle needs of waterfowl in this region. Importance of focus areas was determined by both the contribution of the area to the annual life cycle needs and the relative quantity of waterfowl species using the area. Habitat goals are currently determined by the potential for restoration, but will be linked to the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan once the data are available. Ecosystem I N I T I A T I V E S Great Lakes Ecosystem Atlantic Coast Ecosystem Upper Mississippi Ecosystem Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast How DU Works

4 2 DUCKS UNLIMITED GREAT LAKES GREAT LAKES Ecosystem THE GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEM is defined by the watershed area which drains directly into the Great Lakes and hence affects the health of that ecosystem. Land use activities are dominated by agriculture and forest with an Chesapeake Bay average of 62% historic wetland loss. Industry, development, and some agricultural practices degrade existing wetlands and uplands leading to water quality problems (sedimentation and nutrient loading) throughout the watershed. Invasive and exotic species have further degraded the quality of remaining habitats. The Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative focuses on the needs of breeding waterfowl and increased production. Conservation efforts focus on production habitat for mallards, under the assumption that these efforts also benefit other nesting waterfowl in this area. Another equally important focus is to provide habitat for wintering and migrating waterfowl, particularly spring staging waterfowl. Upper Mississippi Eastern Wisconsin Lake Erie Lake Ontario Southeast Lake Michigan Saginaw Bay Atlantic Coast How DU Works FOCUS AREAS Vision LANDSCAPE VISION Habitat complexes that include connected coastal and inland marsh systems sufficient to support healthy waterfowl populations; coastal marshes defined by large expanses of wetlands, natural hydrology, free of invasive/exotic species, managed where necessary, with no inland restrictions; and inland marshes defined by riparian buffers, wetland/grassland complexes, riverine associated habitats, wildlife-friendly agricultural practices, and natural disturbance.

5 CONSERVATION in Focus 3 EASTERN WISCONSIN The focus area in southeastern Wisconsin spans an area historically characterized by a glaciated mosaic of wetlands surrounded by tall grass prairie and oak savanna. Agriculture and development are the dominant activities resulting in a substantial reduction of small pothole wetlands and of the original 39,700 acres Hooded Merganser prairie that covered much of the area prior to settlement. Eastern Wisconsin is important for both breeding and migrating waterfowl. Habitat loss and degradation related to the expanding human population in this area is directly linked to loss of breeding habitat, yet this area still supports the highest breeding density of waterfowl in the state. The protection and restoration of grass and wetland complexes increase breeding propensity as well as improve production. Coastal habitat restoration and protectionmeet the needs of spring and fall migratory waterfowl, although breeding birds also benefit from these restoration projects. Eastern Wisconsin is important for both breeding and migrating waterfowl. GREAT LAKES Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast How DU Works

6 4 DUCKS UNLIMITED Canada Geese GREAT LAKES LAKE ERIE 106,000 acres Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi The Lake Erie watershed is the glacial lake plain that roughly encompasses the geographic boundary of the Great Black Swamp (northwestern Ohio, northeastern Indiana, and southeastern Michigan), northeastern Ohio, and Lake St. Clair, and includes small areas in Pennsylvania and New York. This area contains some of the largest and most historically significant wetland or remnant wetlands in the lower 48 states. In the late 1800s, construction of dikes and ditches along the lakeshore to facilitate conversion to agriculture and other forms of development resulted in the drainage of many coastal marshes. These practices continue today and impact not only wetland habitat, but also water quantity and quality. Urban sprawl and industrial development, especially near Toledo and Detroit and along the lakeshore, are significant threats to wildlife habitat and continue to fragment remaining natural communities. Ninety percent of presettlement wetlands were drained, resulting in some of the most productive farmland in the area. Located at the crossroads of the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, this area serves as a primary migratory corridor for important species including American black ducks, Southern James Bay Population Canada geese, greater and lesser scaup, canvasbacks, mallards and other neotropical migratory birds. Remnants of the Great Black Swamp, including inland-forested, riverine, emergent and depressional wetlands and associated uplands, provide valuable habitat for breeding waterfowl. There are currently two areas of concentration within this focus area: Lake St. Clair and western Lake Erie, including the Detroit River; and coastal and inland landscapes in northwestern Ohio. Over five million people live within a one hour drive of the area. Despite these impacts, existing marshes in the lower Detroit River have high waterfowl use, primarily diving ducks during spring and fall migration, as well as wading and shorebirds. The coastal marshes in this area provide habitat for some of the highest concentrations of staging American black ducks and canvasbacks in North America as well as 27 other species of waterfowl. Given the continued threat from sprawl and development, programs in this area focus on the long-term protection of important and threatened wetland habitat, primarily for migratory birds. Programs also focus on the acquisition of existing or restorable coastal habitat for inclusion into state or federal wildlife areas. Bufflehead Atlantic Coast How DU Works LAKE ONTARIO The Lake Ontario watershed encompasses the low-lying lake plain habitat of New York. Historically, this area was dominated by a forested ecosystem with extensive coastal marshes. The area has lost approximately 70% of its wetland base primarily due to agriculture and urbanization. Urban sprawl continues to increase. Point and non-point source pollution from agriculture and industry have seriously degraded water quality in some areas. The St. Lawrence area contains abundant freshwater wetlands interspersed with 19,000 acres extensive agricultural grasslands. More than half of the original wetlands have been lost or altered. Those which remain consist mostly of wooded and scrub-shrub wetlands with a disproportionate reduction of emergent wetland and seasonal/ temporary sheetwater habitats. Although grasslands in this area represent the largest contiguous block of grassed landscape in the northeastern U.S., they are currently threatened by farm abandonment, which results in natural succession to woody habitat, further fragmentation, and an overall decline in agricultural grasses. This area is an important breeding area for mallards, blue-winged teal, American black ducks, and Canada geese. It is one of the most important migratory corridors for American black ducks, as well as scaup, canvasbacks, and Canada geese. The lake and the river are major fall staging areas for many species of divers and sea ducks, including scaup, redheads, and buffleheads. Inland areas provide critical spring migration habitat in the form of temporary sheetwater. The focus in the St. Lawrence area is to restore wetland complexes and secure grassland habitat.

7 CONSERVATION in Focus 5 -LAKE ONTARIO CONTINUED- Another area of concentration is the Montezuma Wetland Complex (40,000 acres), an important staging area within the Atlantic Flyway that attracts as many as one million ducks and geese during spring and fall migration. The focus is to restore and protect areas containing muck land soils to reduce habitat fragmentation and increase the quality and quantity of SOUTHEAST LAKE MICHIGAN The lower portion of the Lake Michigan watershed is one of the fastest growing and most urbanized regions in the Great Lakes Basin. This area also supports some of the highest breeding densities of mallards and wood ducks in Michigan. Current efforts in this region focus on the Grand River watershed, but will expand to cover the entire area in the future. Agriculture and urban SAGINAW BAY 13,200 acres development dominate the landscape and have resulted in drained wetlands, fragmented forests, and increased sedimentation and nutrient-loading in lakes and streams. Habitat fragmentation, initially resulting from agriculture and more recently from urban development, has hindered attempts to restore large blocks within this watershed although potential exists to restore small wetlands 22,300 acres The coastal marshes surrounding Saginaw Bay off Lake Huron comprise one of the largest remaining freshwater coastal systems in the nation. The watershed feeding Saginaw Bay covers 22 counties, and is the largest watershed in Michigan. Settlement and intensive farming led to the loss and degradation of more than 50% of the wetlands in the watershed. Degradation of remaining habitat has occurred as intense agricultural and industrial practices throughout the watershed have seriously degraded water quality. Conservation work in this focus area concentrates on the protection and restoration of Great Lakes coastal marshes and their associated habitats, expansion of existing state and federal wildlife areas with the restoration of newly acquired lands, and restoration and enhancement of small wetlands and associated uplands important for waterfowl production on wetlands on the landscape. The final area is the Tonawanda- Iroquois-Oak Orchard Complex, located in the western lake plain of New York. The complex consists of approximately 20,000 acres of emergent and forested wetlands, grasslands, and upland habitat. The complex serves as a staging and migration area for over 250,000 waterfowl annually. This area also supports significant wood duck and mallard production. High quality emergent wetlands provide migration and production habitat for many declining marsh bird species. The focus in this area is on restoration of wetlands and grasslands. Mallards and establish native prairie, especially on private lands. Restoration of wetlands, particularly small emergent wetlands with a mix of open water and vegetation, and re-establishment of native prairie plant communities associated with existing or restored wetlands, are the conservation focus in this watershed. Horned Grebe private lands. Conservation activities in the Saginaw Bay focus area concentrate on production and migration habitat. Current production work focuses on private lands because the landscape offers extensive opportunities as it is not heavily developed but has been significantly altered by agriculture. Migration habitat work focuses primarily on large complexes along the coast on major river systems and public lands. GREAT LAKES Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast How DU Works

8 6 DUCKS UNLIMITED Great Lakes CHESAPEAKE BAY Ecosystem THE CHESAPEAKE BAY IS THE NATION S LARGEST ESTUARY and drains 64,000 square miles. It is known for its historic abundance of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, shellfish, and fish, and its network of fresh, brackish, and CHESAPEAKE BAY saltwater marshes that support these populations. An average of 57% of the historic wetland base and 47% of the riparian areas that buffer streams have been lost. These losses have led to steep declines in water quality and a 90% loss of bay grasses (submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV), with 70-80% declines in waterfowl populations (especially canvasbacks, redheads, and American black ducks). The Bay once housed over three million wintering waterfowl, but now only sees one third of that historic number. The two most important contributing factors to the decline in waterfowl populations are 1) widespread loss of SAV and 2) deterioration of shallow water wetland habitat within the watershed. The Bay s wetlands represent some of the most important wintering grounds for waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. More than one million waterfowl winter on the Bay, which represents Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast 35% of the waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. This wintering population represents several species of special concern, including canvasbacks, American black ducks, scaup (lesser & greater), and Atlantic Population (AP) Canada geese. The Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Initiative places equal importance on breeding, migrating, and wintering goals for waterfowl. This region is one of Upper Chesapeake Bay the most significant migration and wintering habitat for American black ducks, Lower Chesapeake Bay mallards, canvasbacks, tundra swans, and Canada Geese (NAP, AP) in the Potomac Atlantic Flyway. Significant nesting waterfowl include mallards, wood ducks, Lower Susquehanna American black ducks, and Canada geese. Habitat conservation for the direct FOCUS AREAS benefit of waterfowl is the focus. However, it is recognized that one way to improve habitat conditions for waterfowl, especially wintering and staging populations, and the other 2,600 wildlife species that live in the watershed, is to improve water quality by restoring wetlands, upland, and riparian buffers How DU Works throughout the entire watershed. Vision LANDSCAPE VISION A landscape comprised of diverse and functional wetland complexes; continuous forested and native grass riparian buffers; a balance of early successional moist soil habitat and bottomland hardwoods with floodplains; and an ecosystem in which agriculture and forestry practices coexist with planned urban growth to meet the habitat needs of breeding, migrating, and wintering waterfowl and other wildlife native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

9 CONSERVATION in Focus 7 Redhead UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY The Upper Chesapeake Bay watershed spans both the western shore of the Upper Chesapeake Bay and the eastern shore of Maryland and Delaware. Ninetyfive percent of this area is rural in either agriculture or forested lands. The agricultural lands are under intense production pressure to support the highest density of poultry operations anywhere in the U.S. The coastal salt marsh areas contain some of the largest remaining SAV beds in Chesapeake Bay. One of the most pronounced and reversible causes of salt marsh habitat loss and degradation was the draining of wetlands through parallel grid-ditching systems. Between 1930 and 1940, 90% of the coastal marshes from Maine to Virginia were ditched or drained for mosquito control. The lack of stable water levels decimated 11,700 acres tracts of submerged aquatic vegetation, altered the aquatic invertebrate communities, lowered groundwater tables, and ultimately destroyed marsh habitat essential to various wetland-dependent birds. To restore grid-ditched high marsh habitat, ditches are filled to restore the natural tidal influence and hence the high marsh is inundated during spring and storm tides. This encourages re-establishment of endemic plant communities and shallow salt marsh pools and pannes. This area is the primary wintering ground for AP Canada geese and a major area for American black ducks, mallards, northern pintails, American wigeon, gadwalls, green-winged teal, snow geese, and Atlantic brant. The Delmarva Peninsula supports the last remaining population of wintering redheads on the Bay. In addition to providing important wintering habitat, the area also supports breeding populations of mallards, wood ducks, American black ducks, gadwall, and blue-winged teal. The western shore is under extreme development pressure, but despite those challenges still supports significant numbers of breeding waterfowl, as well as wintering and staging waterfowl. Protection of key tracts of land benefits wildlife habitat and water quality throughout the watershed. Conservation efforts in the Upper Chesapeake Bay focus primarily on wintering and spring migration habitat, and secondarily on breeding habitat needs. This area is the primary wintering ground for AP Canada geese. Great Lakes CHESAPEAKE BAY Upper Mississippi North Atlantic Atlantic Coast How DU Works

10 8 DUCKS UNLIMITED American Black Ducks Great Lakes LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY 4,300 acres CHESAPEAKE BAY Upper Mississippi The Lower Chesapeake Bay focus area encompasses the eastern and western shores of Virginia. The James River is Virginia s largest river and drains approximately 25% of Virginia s land base. It is the third largest tributary to the Bay and contributes more non-point source pollution to the Bay than any other tidewater river. Due to the high levels of nutrients SAV production in its tidal waters has decreased significantly. The watershed is also important to Atlantic Flyway waterfowl. Its brackish and freshwater marshes provide important wintering habitat for AP Canada geese, mallards, and American black ducks. Its tidal waters provide important wintering habitat for canvasbacks, buffleheads, and sea ducks (mainly POTOMAC 1,100 acres surf scoters). The York River has been one of the fastest growing tributary basins in terms of population, but drains only 6% of the land use. Despite that growth, the land use is predominantly rural, with 70% of the watershed in forest, 20% in agriculture, and only 10% in urban use. The Rappahannock River watershed drains approximately 6% of the land base and predominantly consists of forest or forested wetlands (60%) and agriculture (28%), with little urban development. However, human population growth estimates are as high as 16% for the next 10 years. The lower Rappahannock River and its tributaries provide important migrating and wintering habitat for several priority waterfowl species, including American black ducks, mallards, and wood ducks. The watershed also contains a high percentage of the state s tidal freshwater and brackish marshes, providing wintering habitat for AP Canada geese, canvasbacks, buffleheads, and sea ducks. All three tidewater rivers contribute non-point source pollution to the Bay. Conservation efforts focus on reducing agricultural nutrient and sediment runoff by restoring freshwater and tidal wetlands, riparian buffers, and warm season grasses, which provide breeding, wintering, and spring staging habitat for waterfowl. Canvasback Atlantic Coast How DU Works The Potomac River watershed includes Washington, D.C. and counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. It drains over 15,000 square miles, contributes 20% of the freshwater to the Chesapeake Bay, and is the second largest contributor of nutrients from agricultural runoff. The upper reaches are characterized by an agriculturebased landscape with gradient issues that lend themselves to private land programs, which focus on classic riparian work and wetland restoration where possible. In this part of the watershed, habitat work indirectly affects waterfowl via water quality in the Bay, improving SAV for diving ducks. In the lower reaches, conservation activities directly affect habitat for staging and wintering waterfowl. Several approaches are possible: target restoration on small freshwater wetlands on both public and private lands and develop management regimes on old impoundments designed for fall migrants to meet the needs of spring migrants. Protection of key tracts of land benefits waterfowl habitat and water quality throughout the watershed. The majority of efforts focus on the lower reaches. The restoration of this watershed increases wetland function in the lower portion of the watershed and maintains current efforts on riparian restoration in the upper reaches. Restoration of palustrine emergent and forested wetlands also benefits water quality. Restoration in the lower reaches benefits breeding waterfowl, primarily mallards, and enhances wintering and migratory habitat for mallards, American black ducks, canvasbacks, scaup, and other diving ducks. Improvements to water quality enhance wintering habitat in the lower reaches of the Potomac, where waterfowl such as canvasbacks, scaup (lesser and greater), and other divers depend on SAV and clams. In the upper reaches, American black ducks and mallards benefit from the increase in palustrine emergent and forested wetlands. Breeding and migrating populations of wood ducks also utilize restored wetlands and riparian areas.

11 CONSERVATION in Focus 9 Snow Goose LOWER SUSQUEHANNA The Susquehanna River is the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, the source of the most freshwater, and the largest single source of nutrients to the Bay. This area accounts for only 25% of Pennsylvania lands, but 46% of all farms, 65% of the agricultural industry, and 55% of all highly erodible cropland in the state. This area is also extremely important to migratory waterfowl, and increasingly more important to waterfowl 2,800 acres production in the Atlantic Flyway. The area is an important wintering and migration area for greater snow geese, AP Canada geese, tundra swans, and American black ducks, and also supports significant numbers of breeding waterfowl, primarily mallards and wood ducks. Wintering birds are found predominantly in the river mouth, whereas spring staging birds are distributed across the landscape. The focus of restoration activities in this watershed is on agricultural lands, with the primary focus on restoring marginally wet pastures for breeding and spring staging and secondarily promoting restoration of riparian buffers. Restoration of larger tracts of public land complements work on private lands to provide a mosaic of critical migrating and wintering habitat. The Susquehanna River is the source of the most freshwater in the Chesapeake Bay. Great Lakes CHESAPEAKE BAY Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast How DU Works

12 10 DUCKS UNLIMITED Great Lakes UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER Ecosystem THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER ECOSYSTEM INITIATIVE addresses the large land area that eventually drains into the Mississippi River. Land use in the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem is dominated by agricultural activities. Chesapeake Bay Historic wetland loss is the highest of all ecosystem initiatives in the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. The effect of agricultural practices on water quality of the Upper Mississippi River watershed is significant. Nutrient and sediment loads from the watershed, especially from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, contribute to the hypoxia problem in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of the original freshwater wetlands, riparian zones, and adjacent streams and tributaries along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers have been disconnected from the rivers by levees and other engineering modifications. This has reduced the biological productivity of the entire basin. Habitat restoration and protection programs in the upper reaches of the watershed significantly impact waterfowl UPPER MISSISSIPPI habitat, as well as improve water quality in the Mississippi River, and address the hypoxia problem in the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River and its tributaries provide a major migratory corridor for the Mississippi Flyway, which funnels more waterfowl to the wintering grounds than all other flyways. This area also supports breeding populations of mallards, wood ducks, and blue-winged teal. The primary focus is on migratory and wintering habitat with a secondary focus on breeding habitat. Illinois River Northwest Wisconsin Atlantic Coast Rock River Ohio/Mississippi Confluence Ohio Rivers FOCUS AREAS How DU Works Vision LANDSCAPE VISION The landscape vision for the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem Initiative is to create a diverse and sustainable landscape which includes clean water and healthy watersheds; interconnected natural habitats and complexes of wetland types; hydrology restored to the extent possible; managed habitat where necessary to restore natural processes; and habitat of sufficient quality and quantity so to not be limiting to wintering, migrating, and breeding waterfowl populations.

13 CONSERVATION in Focus 11 Lesser Scaup ILLINOIS RIVER The Illinois River valley is a critical migratory corridor that is also used by breeding waterfowl. The basin drains 28,500 square miles and is home to over 11 million people. The headwaters were historically dominated by tallgrass prairie interspersed with numerous shallow, temporary wetlands. Less than 1% of the prairie remains. Human alterations of this landscape have made the Illinois River the most degraded and threatened segment of the Upper Mississippi River system: less than 50% of the original flood plain habitat remains and nearly all of the 500,000 acre Grand Kankakee Marsh has disappeared. The number of mallards migrating through the valley has decreased by 65% and the number of 96,800 acres The Illinois River valley is a critical migratory corridor that is also used by breeding waterfowl. divers, especially lesser scaup, has decreased by more than 90%. Despite these declines, 25% of all ducks in the Mississippi Flyway still use the Illinois River as a migratory corridor. The upper portion of the watershed has the greatest population density and urban development, however the vast majority of the basin is characterized as prime farmland. The Illinois River focus area meets several life cycle needs of waterfowl: predominantly breeding in the upper watershed around Lake Michigan and wintering and migration habitat in the middle and lower watershed. The production area spans Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. The focus in the remainder of the watershed is on migration and wintering habitat. Most waterfowl habitat occurs in the middle and lower reaches of the Illinois River, hence conservation activities are concentrated in these areas. DU s approach in the middle reaches has been to fill in the corridor by attempting to provide habitat along the expanse of the river for dabbling and diving ducks. These activities consist of acquisition followed by restoration designed for fall migration dabbling ducks. There is a great need to do habitat work for diving ducks in both spring and fall. Restoring ecological integrity to the system is the overall focus of restoration and protection work in this area for both breeding and wintering/staging waterfowl. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay UPPER MISSISSIPPI Atlantic Coast How DU Works

14 12 DUCKS UNLIMITED Blue-winged Teal Great Lakes NORTHWEST WISCONSIN 4,600 acres Chesapeake Bay UPPER MISSISSIPPI ROCK RIVER The Northwest Wisconsin focus area was historically dominated by potholetype wetlands. However, agriculture and urban development have resulted in substantial wetland loss, fragmented grasslands, and increased sediment and nutrient loading to streams and rivers. At present, human population growth poses the greatest threat to existing habitat because this is the fastest growing area of the state. This area of Wisconsin supports relatively high densities of breeding waterfowl, particularly mallards, wood ducks, and blue-winged teal. It also provides important staging areas for 22 14,300 acres species of ducks, including canvasbacks, lesser and greater scaup, blue-winged teal, and American wigeon. Protected and restored wetlands and surrounding upland not only provide waterfowl nesting habitat, but also habitat for threatened and endangered species, improve water quality, control flooding, and provide public recreational benefits. The conservation focus in Northwest Wisconsin is on protecting and restoring small seasonal wetlands, re-establishing native prairie adjacent to wetlands for production habitat, and expanding existing state and federal wildlife areas. Gadwall Atlantic Coast The Rock River watershed originates in Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, and joins the Mississippi at Rock Island. Land use in the majority of the watershed is either livestock operations or crop production, both of which negatively affect the water quality of rivers, streams, and lakes in the watershed. Approximately 90% of the wetlands in the Illinois portion of this watershed have been ditched, drained, or altered. The opportunities for conservation work and partnerships within this focus area need to be explored. Along the Mississippi River, restoration and protection opportunities likely exist for migration habitat, mostly inside protective levees. In the upper reaches of the watershed in Boone, DeKalb, and McHenry Counties, opportunities for restoration of breeding habitat are possible, but not yet developed. How DU Works

15 CONSERVATION in Focus 13 Green-winged Teal OHIO/ MISSISSIPPI CONFLUENCE OHIO RIVERS 14,300 acres This focus area encompasses parts of the lower Ohio, Wabash, and Kaskaskia-Meramec River watersheds, and the Mississippi River. Nearly one third of the nation s waters drain past the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. This area is dominated by floodplain and bottomland hardwood forest habitat associated with large river systems. Wetland loss in this area has been extreme; approximately 90% have been altered by human activities. Flooding and associated sedimentation have caused extensive damage to the backwater areas, replacing mast-producing trees with willow and cottonwood, and destroying managed moist soil areas. The remaining floodplains of these river 2,500 acres This focus area encompasses the watersheds of the Great Miami, Scioto, and Muskingum Rivers in central and southern Ohio. Very little of the Scioto River, which flows through Columbus, remains unaltered. Channelization and the practice of removing trees and streamside vegetation, in addition to agricultural and urbanization impacts, have resulted in water quality issues throughout the drainage. The Greater Miami watershed, in which Dayton is the largest city, is dominated by agricultural land use, hence the greatest impairment is non-point source pollution (25% of the streams do not meet aquatic life standards). The Muskingum River, systems provide a diversity of wetland habitat, including temporarily and seasonally flooded bottomland hardwoods that serve as traditional migration and wintering habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl, including blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, northern pintail, American wigeon, canvasback, scaup, Canada geese, and snow geese. Wood ducks are common breeders, but mallard breeding is limited. The focus of the restoration program revolves around migration and wintering waterfowl habitat, including seasonal wetlands and reforestation/protection of bottomland hardwood forest habitat. Ruddy Duck containing the only remaining system of hand operated river locks, was originally dominated by forest, but is now heavily agricultural based. In these watersheds, agricultural practices and urbanization continue to impact the river systems. This area supports breeding wood ducks and mallards, but is primarily important for wintering/staging waterfowl, such as mallards, American black ducks, and scaup. The potential for restoration work and collaborative efforts need to be explored, however the focus of the restoration program would likely be on spring staging and wintering waterfowl. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay UPPER MISSISSIPPI Atlantic Coast How DU Works

16 14 DUCKS UNLIMITED Great Lakes ATLANTIC COAST Ecosystem THE ATLANTIC COAST ECOSYSTEM stretches from the southern shores of the Delaware Bay through Maine, and includes watersheds that drain directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Coastal and inland wetlands along the Atlantic Coast have Chesapeake Bay been recognized as an important ecological resource. Remaining tidal marsh is fairly well protected, but is severely degraded due to past human activities such as grid-ditching and tidal restrictions due to development. These practices have resulted in altered hydrological patterns, lowered water tables, and invasion of exotic species such as common reed (Phragmites spp.) and purple loosestrife. Although coastal wetlands are under protection, the protection of inland wetlands is not as effective. Pressure on inland wetlands and adjacent uplands continues to grow due to increases in human population desiring proximity to coastal areas. The Atlantic Coast is the most populated and heavily industrialized coastal area in the world. This development trend continues today with grave consequences for coastal habitats and the wildlife that depend upon those systems. The Atlantic Coast Ecosystem Upper Mississippi ATLANTIC COAST How DU Works Initiative focuses equally on migratory and wintering waterfowl needs, as well as breeding objectives for mallards and American black ducks. Atlantic estuaries are a major link in the migratory chain that stretches from South America to Canada. The majority of Atlantic Flyway populations of brant, greater scaup, American black ducks, and buffleheads winter in southern New England and the New York Bight. About one third of the entire Atlantic Flyway population of wintering American black ducks can be found in the New York Bight. Further, 80% of the wintering population of Atlantic brant are found in New Jersey and Long Island, while 80% of the flyway s snow geese are found in Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay is the largest spring staging area for shorebirds on the East Coast. The most common nesting waterfowl species in this initiative are mallards, American black ducks, and Canada geese. Vision LANDSCAPE VISION A landscape comprised of an intact, functioning coastal wetland system, including intertidal bays with SAV, mud flats, low and high marsh habitat, and upland buffers; watersheds that are adequately buffered to provide clean water; a contiguous working forest, especially around riverine systems; a sustainable system including an agricultural and pastoral base; and a public that is knowledgeable of the connections between people and the environment. Delaware Bay New York Bight New England FOCUS AREAS

17 CONSERVATION in Focus 15 American Wigeon DELAWARE BAY In the Delaware Bay watershed, land use conversion and land management practices have resulted in widespread loss, fragmentation, and degradation of wildlife habitat, and deterioration of the quality of water entering the bay. Coastal and riverine marshes within this focus area have been extensively ditched for mosquito control and degraded by roadways and railway lines. The Delaware Bay is one of the most important wintering areas in North America and is a major link in the migratory chain which stretches from South America to Canada along the Atlantic Flyway. Management of restored emergent wetlands within this watershed will benefit migrating and wintering green-winged teal, American black ducks, mallards, and northern 11,900 acres pintails. The amount of breeding and nesting habitat for American black ducks, mallards, and wood ducks will increase as wetlands and grassed and forested wetland buffers are restored. Further, the Delaware Bay watershed is an important wintering area for Atlantic population Canada geese. Canada geese, snow geese, and tundra swans will use the protected fields and restored wetlands as wintering habitat. Water quality in the bay is improved by restoring wetlands and uplands across the watershed. These conservation practices are contributing to the restoration of SAV beds throughout the bay. Some of the species of waterfowl benefiting from these practices include canvasbacks, redheads, Atlantic black brant, American black ducks, gadwalls, The Delaware Bay is one of the most important wintering areas in North America. American wigeon, and green-winged teal. In addition, down-stream changes in water quality are improving foraging habitat for scaup, scoters, and long-tailed ducks. The conservation focus is on habitat restoration and improvements in the lower watershed and coastal marshes and key sub-watersheds that influence water quality in the bay. Conservation efforts concentrate on restoring wetland hydrology to sites by plugging drainage ditches, recreating open water habitat, constructing low-level berms, creating shallow excavated areas, and installing water control structures. Riparian upland buffers are restored to native grasses, trees, shrubs, and other habitat components. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi ATLANTIC COAST How DU Works

18 16 DUCKS UNLIMITED Northern Pintails Great Lakes NEW YORK BIGHT 18,100 acres Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi The Bight extends from Cape May, New Jersey, to Montauk Point, Long Island. This focus area encompasses the lower Hudson River watershed, coastal New Jersey, and Long Island. Long Island and the bay shores of NJ have been extensively ditched for mosquito control and are heavily urbanized and industrialized. The Hudson River-NY Bight area is also heavily industrialized and subject to extreme social and economic pressure. Long Island is traditionally known for its extensive network of coastal salt marshes that provided important nesting, staging, and wintering grounds for a large number of migratory water birds. Most of the tidal wetlands were grid-ditched in the 1930s and 40s in an attempt to control mosquito populations. Today, despite considerable loss and degradation, Long Island marshes represent some of the most important wintering grounds for waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. Priority species using this area include northern pintail, American black duck, mallard, and lesser and greater scaup. Remaining wetlands are critical to protect and restore not only because many species depend on these existing habitats, but also because conservation opportunities will decrease over time as population and development continue to increase throughout Long Island. New Jersey s Atlantic Coastal Plain covers 60% of southern New Jersey. In the east, the landscape consists of pine forests and salt marshes. New Jersey s coast is a vital stop in the annual migration of many birds. While significantly altered by human land-use activities, many of these habitats are still largely intact functioning natural communities. Along the Atlantic Flyway, the Bight is an important pathway for migratory birds, providing coastal and north-south corridors that channel birds through the region. At least 75% of the historic wetlands in the area have disappeared due to filling, alteration of shorelines, dredging, and coastal development. Within the Bight, areas such as Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in New York and the Meadowlands complex in New Jersey are supporting the return of native wildlife and providing important wetlands habitat in heavily impacted and populated areas. ATLANTIC COAST Long Island marshes represent some of the most important wintering grounds for waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. How DU Works

19 CONSERVATION in Focus 17 Common Eider NEW ENGLAND The New England focus area encompasses parts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and southern Maine, and is characterized by an extensive chain of estuarine bays. Coastal New England has undergone remarkable human population growth and massive urban coastline development which has resulted in dramatic declines in living resources and the large-scale loss and degradation of marine, estuarine, and freshwater habitats. In the North Atlantic, only half the original marshes 19,000 acres remain, but many of the remaining marshes have great potential to be restored to more productive systems. The recreation of salt marsh and open water habitat, such as deeper pools and shallow pannes, will provide protective and productive foraging areas for waterfowl, game fish, baitfish, and migrating shorebirds and wading birds. The American black duck in particular depends heavily upon salt marshes and tidal flats for feeding and resting during migration and wintering. During migration, greater scaup, Atlantic brant, Canada geese, and bufflehead occur in high numbers in salt marsh habitat. The current habitat program focuses on enhancement of existing wetlands by restoring hydrology that had been significantly altered through extensive ditching for mosquito control. Additionally, restoration focuses on re-establishing tidal hydrology to wetlands that have been altered by roadways and railway lines. Efforts to restore wetlands and associated habitats will be focused in the coastal areas. In the North Atlantic, only half the original marshes remain. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi ATLANTIC COAST How DU Works

20 18 DUCKS UNLIMITED Great Lakes HABITAT IN FOCUS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE BIOLOGICAL EXPERTISE & PROJECT ACCOUNTABILITY Chesapeake Bay DU has diverse expertise and a suite of professional services available to get the job done! DU expertise covers a wide variety of fields required for efficient and effective wetland and upland habitat restoration and protection. Expertise and services include biological expertise, project accountability, research, GIS, engineering, public policy, communications, outreach, and fundraising. PLANNING & RESEARCH Design and implement research Monitoring and evaluation Survey and design (from concept to construction) Construction management and permit assistance Total project implementation Incorporating wetland and wildlife ecology into habitatbased project design Habitat management services Fiscal tracking Project reporting Expertise in contract compliance Federally approved audits Technical assistance for private landowners Identify, develop, and apply data HOW DU WORKS Atlantic Coast Upper Mississippi COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH Internal and External Communications Media Relations Graphic Design PUBLIC POLICY Wetland & Conservation Policy Education of Legislators Action Alerts Conservation Action FUNDRAISING Major-donor relationships Grant writing and administration DU banquets GIS ( GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS) Full mapping capacity Spatial modeling Data warehousing

21 CONSERVATION in Focus 19 BIOLOGICAL EXPERTISE & PROJECT ACCOUNTABILITY DU biologists are skilled practitioners of applied science and experienced in providing workable solutions for almost every situation, resulting in successful habitat restoration, enhancement, and protection which will benefit wildlife and people well into the future. The diverse but complementary skills found among the biological staff are well known and reflect the intricacy of the ecosystems in which DU works: from inland and fresh water coastal wetlands, to native grass and riparian areas, to coastal salt marsh and brackish wetland habitat. It is the task of the biological staff to identify project opportunities, secure adequate funding, and develop and maintain the partnerships needed to complete those projects. To ensure the success of DU programs, biologists are backed by science-based applied research and planning, to focus DU s efforts where they will do the most good for waterfowl conservation. They are further supported by engineering design and construction management to make sure projects are built appropriately. Administrative support is provided to ensure that accounting, contracting, reporting, communications, and coordination are top notch. DU biologists are knowledgeable about wetland and waterfowl ecology, with an understanding of the habitat values provided by different types of wetlands and how those wetlands can meet the varying life cycle needs of PROJECT ACCOUNTABILITY: Ducks Unlimited has a team of professional employees dedicated to making sure that fiscal tracking, project reporting, contract compliance, and approved audits are accomplished. Ducks Unlimited utilizes a tool called CONSERV for tracking project progress and accounting practices ensuring maximum quality control. BIOLOGICAL EXPERTISE: Ducks Unlimited biologists combine administrative and biological expertise in the planning and delivery of on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. Incorporating wildlife ecology into habitat-based project design and providing wetland restoration management services are just some of the skills and services offered by DU biologists. waterfowl. Biologists meet with landowners and managers to evaluate wetland restoration or enhancement opportunities and provide technical assistance recommendations on wetland management and conservation. These recommendations can address restoration or enhancement of degraded wetlands and associated upland habitat, management activities to increase the value of wetland and associated upland habitat, control of invasive plant species, and options for long term protection of sites. DU biologists also play a key role in developing significant funding sources through grants from public sources and are a part of the team supporting major donor and foundation fundraising efforts. Public funding sources are effectively leveraged with other sources of DU funds to expand habitat programs. Preparing proposals and administering grants, especially those from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, is a significant service that DU provides to its partners. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast HOW DU WORKS

22 20 DUCKS UNLIMITED Great Lakes ENGINEERING GLARO engineering is sought after for its expertise, innovation, ability, and efficiency when delivering all formally contracted restoration projects. A unique working relationship between DU biologists and DU engineers focus on program building and diversity in design and delivery. GLARO engineering has lent its expertise to a variety of partners, including federal agencies (USFWS, USDA, ACOE, NOAA, NFWF, EPA, USPS, USFS), state agencies (DNR, DOT, counties, towns), non-profit organizations (TNC, TCF, PF), and private consultants. The diversity of GLARO s engineering skills are reflected in the variety of projects completed: from the traditional wetland restoration/enhancement, to constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, public access including roads, handicap fishing pier, bridges, boat ramps, and mitigation restorations. Chesapeake Bay ENGINEERING: Ducks Unlimited engineers provide innovative and state-of-the-art engineering services to assist with habitat-based project designs. The restoration projects designed by DU s engineers enhance and refine the function and maintenance of wetlands and their associated habitat. Working together, DU s team of engineers, surveyors, and construction managers offers survey and design services from concept to construction, permit assistance, construction management, and implementation. Upper Mississippi PUBLIC POLICY Atlantic Coast Ducks Unlimited s public policy efforts are directed towards the conservation of wetland and waterfowl habitat. The approach is science-based, and focuses on long term needs of waterfowl and the habitats they require. DU s preference is to promote voluntary, incentive-based solutions that reward citizens and landowners for taking the correct action to conserve habitat. Occasionally DU embarks on regulatory solutions when voluntary incentives may not bring about the desired wetland protections. DU s long history, membership in excess of 600,000, presence in every state, and science-based, balanced approach has made Ducks Unlimited a respected presence in Washington, D.C. and in state capitols across the country. Public policy efforts by Ducks Unlimited have contributed greatly to DU s conservation accomplishments in North America. The conservation provisions of the Farm Bill and North American Wetlands Conservation Act are two of the prime examples of public policy efforts that have impacted waterfowl habitat throughout the continent. Specific policy issues within the region include Great Lakes restoration, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), wetland protection and permitting issues, state wildlife and wetland issues, state license plates, and duck stamps. HOW DU WORKS PUBLIC POLICY: GLARO s habitat conservation efforts are also advanced through the Public Policy arena. In the GLARO, Ducks Unlimited has a Director of Public Policy who works with DU s Washington Office, members of Congress and their staff to advance wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Ducks Unlimited s public policy efforts also occur on state level.

23 CONSERVATION in Focus 21 SCIENCE-BASED APPLIED RESEARCH Science-based applied research is an integral part of conservation planning, but more importantly functions to identify information gaps and uncertainties in program delivery. Subsequently, research is responsible for designing studies to acquire the necessary data to make informed decisions and enable the design of appropriate conservation programs to meet the needs of waterfowl species throughout the Great Lakes, Mid- Atlantic, and North Atlantic states. GIS: GEOGRAPHICAL I NFORMATION S YSTEMS GLARO GIS supports, facilitates, and enables science-based conservation planning and delivery through data development and warehousing, spatial analysis, and customized tools and models. DU staff is knowledgeable in many aspects of GIS including: remote sensing techniques, geodatabase design and development, programming, spatial The overriding and long-term objective for DU s regional research is to obtain the information necessary to develop habitat goals that are linked to the population goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. GLARO research is uniquely poised to design, implement, and analyze landscape level projects by forming partnership networks to deliver the programs. Partnerships with university professionals, Joint Ventures, federal modeling, and cartographic design. Mapping and display capabilities help DU biologists and their partners plan restoration activities and communicate effectively with landowners. GLARO GIS is involved in a variety of projects, including: assessment of biological data and priority modeling to develop focus areas, modeling of spatial distribution of agencies, state agencies, and other nonprofits are essential to the success of such large scale projects. Landscape level research initiatives designed to improve habitat delivery target all phases of the annual cycle (breeding, spring staging, and wintering), focus on a variety of waterfowl species, and often include an all-bird component. SCIENCE-BASED, APPLIED RESEARCH: Several studies are currently underway to determine if current landscapes are providing enough food resources for wintering and spring migrating waterfowl: Long Island, NY, Meadowlands, NJ, Chesapeake Bay, and the Great Lakes states. specified bird groups, all-bird planning, unique data development and revisions, new remote sensing technologies for biological purposes, and internet based tool development for decision making processes. GIS: Mallard breeding research in the Great Lakes and the development of an internet-based Decision Support System (DSS) through GIS technology, called Habitat Evaluation Network (HEN) identifies areas for restoration activities that optimize mallard productivity and carrying capacity and enable biologists to custom design restoration plans by landscape. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast HOW DU WORKS

24 22 DUCKS UNLIMITED Great Lakes COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH Chesapeake Bay OUTREACH: GLARO has a full-scale communications program designed to create awareness of conservation activities and issues among key audiences as well as the general public. This host of services is viewed as a valuable asset when partnering with other organizations on media/pr events and issues. The graphic design and inhouse printing of communication tools is also appealing to partners when jointly promoting a program or event. GLARO S COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: SOME EXAMPLES OF EVENTS WITH DU PARTICIPATION: Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast Provide recognition and raise community awareness for financial gifts from corporations, foundations, private donors, and other conservation partners Write and distribute press releases Write and distribute media alerts Pitch story ideas Media relations with outlets across 18 Great Lakes/Atlantic states Design and print all GLARO communication tools (brochures, one-sheets/flyers, posters, tabletop displays, quarterly reports, web site updates, etc.) Coordinate media/pr events/media camps for the purpose of creating awareness for DU and its partners Support other conservation/environmental organizations by attending their events and assisting with press coverage Writers Camps/Project Press Tours Outdoor Classroom Education Programs Southeast Michigan Water Week Marsh Monitor Volunteer Program Youth Hunts Coordination of Interpretive Signage Bass Pro Shop Youth Day Partnership Project Dedications and Tributes Partnership Hunts Research Study Kick off Media Blitzes Access to large, targeted media lists via Vocus PR Program Coordinate press interviews with key staff and project partners in assisting reporters achieve the maximum story HOW DU WORKS Write magazine articles Work with partnering agencies on the media aspect of project/land dedications

25 CONSERVATION in Focus 23 FUNDING The necessary fuel to drive the DU conservation engine is money. Ducks Unlimited has over 20,000 volunteers, coordinated by a staff of Regional Directors, who help raise money for wetland conservation by conducting fundraising events throughout the country. Most of this funding is used to support our conservation programs in the Canadian breeding grounds. A small portion of this is used to fund operations of the GLARO and conservation efforts within the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. Funding derived from major donors and private foundations is an especially critical ingredient to GLARO conservation efforts. These private dollars are raised by our major donor fundraising staff (Directors of Development) and provide the critical FUNDING: The ability of Ducks Unlimited to restore and protect crucial habitat is directly linked to the financial resources available to complete this work. Philanthropic gifts from private individuals and foundations augmented by grants from public sources and supporting contributions from conservation partners enables DU to pursue its conservation mission. program funding needed to create, sustain, and ultimately expand conservation programs within key focus areas. The other major source of funding is the leveraged dollars secured by conservation staff. Mostly derived from public grants and conservation partnerships, these public funds pay for the bulk of our conservation efforts. It is not uncommon for DU funds to be leveraged 4 to 1 or more through these sources. The conservation staff of the GLARO play a key role in securing funding and supporting the efforts of our Regional Directors and Directors of Development to raise the dollars needed to meet DU s conservation goals. Great Lakes Chesapeake Bay Upper Mississippi Atlantic Coast HOW DU WORKS

26 CONTACTS Director ROBERT HOFFMAN, PHD Director of Conservation Planning TINA YERKES, PHD Director of Public Policy GILDO TORI Director of Conservation Services DENNIS MCDONOUGH Director of Conservation Programs, Great Lakes DAVID BRAKHAGE Manager of Conservation Programs, Mid-Atlantic GRACE BOTTITTA Director of Conservation Programs, North Atlantic RAY WHITTEMORE GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE 331 Metty Dr., Suite 4 Ann Arbor, MI CREDITS Several photographs in this publication used courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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28 GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE 331 Metty Dr., Suite 4 Ann Arbor, MI