Indiana Ducks Unlimited · Randy Armstrong [email protected]. 3 ... power to add or detract. ... comprising the eastern half of the popular Snakey Point Marsh, this large

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IndianaDucksUnlimited

June, 2013 edition newsletter

INSIDETHISISSUECover,Contacts,Facts&Events/2 “ChairmanChat”withJimFranz/3

“NotesformtheBoard”withJimPrough/4 Announcements&SocialMedia/5

The“OFF”Season/6 “AtAGlance”Thermometers/7‐9ThankYouForYourService!/10‐11TributestoServiceMen&Women 2012PresidentialCitationWinners/12

NewsFromTheField/13‐16 “GLAR”NationalAward/17‐18ConservationReport2013/19‐22 2013NationalConvention/23

PhotoJournal/24‐30 DUDiscoverCard/31

10/30,GIG&CallEm’In/32 MessagesfromtheEditor/33

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UpcomingIndianaEvents CoverPhoto

Crystal Valley Corn & Sausage Roast

Thursday, August 01, 2013

Porter County Smoker Saturday, August 03, 2013

Anderson Gun Bash

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Kankakee Valley Gun Bash Saturday, August 24, 2013

Crown Point Golf Outing Saturday, August 31, 2013

Lowell Banquet

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Tell City Ducks Unlimited SNO Event Saturday, September 07, 2013

St Joseph Valley Banquet

Friday, September 13, 2013

Three Rivers Waterfowl Hunters Party Friday, September 20, 2013

Howard County Banquet

Friday, September 20, 2013

Big Lake Waterfowl Hunters Party Saturday, September 21, 2013

Wawasee Waterfowl Hunters Party

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Goshen Banquet Thursday, September 26, 2013

Lafayette Gun Bash

Saturday, October 05, 2013

Whitley County Banquet Saturday, October 05, 2013

Demotte Banquet

Saturday, October 05, 2013

Noble County Banquet Saturday, October 12, 2013

Bluffton Banquet

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Purdue University Corn-Hole Tournament Saturday, October 26, 2013

Adams County Duck Race Friday, November 08, 2013

Lagrange Sportsman's Night Out Banquet

Saturday, November 09, 2013

St Joseph Valley Gun Bash Saturday, January 18, 2014

TheIndianaStateNewslettercoverwillfeaturephotoscontributedbyDUvolunteersfromaroundthestateofIndianawheneverpossible.Pleasesubmityourphotoandafewwordsaboutthewho,what,when,whereandwhy…..

“FlyingProud”ThomasQuarandillo–StateCampaignChairman

Location:QuarandilloEstatePhotographer:ThomasQuarandillo

StateFacts

2012AccomplishmentsCompletedProjects:15AcresConserved:1,603

AcresofTechnicalAssistance:17,296DollarsInvested:$1,214,642

StateContacts

Indiana State Chairman Jim Franz [email protected]

Indiana State Treasurer

Pam Harkin [email protected]

Indiana Public Policy Chairman Curt Lee [email protected]

Indiana Regional Director – North

Dave Neal [email protected]

Indiana Regional Director – South Joe Borders [email protected]

Indiana Director of Developement

Doug Gorby [email protected]

Indiana Regional Biologist Michael Sertle [email protected]

IN State Recruiting Chairman – North

Dave Heath [email protected]

IN State Recruiting Chairman – South Dave Nienaber [email protected]

Indiana State Webmaster/Newsletter

Randy Armstrong [email protected]

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“ChairmanChat”WithJimFranz

Summer is near as the longest day of the year fast approaches. This signals a few road signs with Ducks Unlimited.          The first I would mention is the Annual National Convention that was held in Portland, Oregon. What a great city, what great people, and what a great time. Announcements were made that we (DU) have had another outstanding year and we just conserved our 13 millionth acre.  Anyway you look at it, 13 million 

acres is a lot of habitat. Thanks to everyone involved with Ducks Unlimited for helping reach this magnificent milestone. 

 The second I will mention is we are winding up our fiscal year at Indiana DU. 

Our goal of 15% growth in event income is probably going to be greatly surpassed. The numbers aren’t final and I don’t want to jinx us, but we may come in at over 20%. This follows a tremendous year last year that included the 75th Anniversary generated income. Back to back years like these are something we all should celebrate. If we can duplicate our per cent growth, reaching a Million Dollar State in 2014 would not be out of the question. Just a few years ago, this was just a dream.  Now we are at the threshold of an outstanding accomplishment. 

 The third item I mention is we are in the middle of our district meetings.  The 

focus this year is volunteer recruitment and Top Flight Award achievement. One of the keys to the top flight award is the 10/30 requirement. The RD’s will be discussing the processes and steps needed to qualify for the various awards.  Calendar Raffle sales can be a big help. 

 I will close now.  Time to close out the books on the past year and start down 

the road to a Million Dollar State.  I hope you will join me on this trek.  As always, stay safe and have a great summer.  Jim 

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“NotesfromtheBoard”WithJimPrough 

I think it is interesting that one of the most famous battles of the civil war took place 150 years ago this July.  A quick history refresher the Battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1 thru July 3, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  It was the battle with the largest number of causalities in the Civil War.  The total of killed or wounded was over 46,000 in the 3 day battle. The following November, President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers and redefine the purpose of the 

war in his historic “Gettysburg Address”  I will take part of my column to reprint the 10 sentences that make up the “Gettysburg Address”. 

 Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, 

conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. 

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Abraham Lincoln 1863 

 I think this is an appropriate time during this July 4th to thank those who have served our country 

and salute those that will serve in the future.    The above passage has some parallels with the Ducks Unlimited mission, without the gravity of 

war.  Ducks Unlimited has conserved 13 million acres.  Think about how many individuals and ducks are impacted by those acres, and those that have given their time and energy for a cause we hold dear is truly inspiring.  The work done is for future generations, and that too gives me a reason to keep up the hard work of looking out for the wetlands, and the associated lands that we strive to protect.  Thank you again for all of your help and support of the ducks. 

 On a personal note, I have been nominated and elected to a Regional Vice President roll for Region 

5.  Region 5 represents the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri.  I will continue to serve on the board as part of my duties for Region 5.  Please call or email with questions.  I will give you more information in future newsletters.  Please have a Happy Fourth of July. 

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Announcements  INDU  Social  Media   

Ducks Unlimited Sealed Bid Auction 

(SBA) Program    

The SBA Program provides  volunteers with a wonderful opportunity to generate extra revenue and earn  incentive firearms for their respective 

chapters. In addition, by placing SBA  easels throughout local communities, volunteers are spreading the message of  Ducks Unlimited to members of the public that may not be familiar with our  wetland and habitat restoration efforts. Many 

individuals completely new to  Ducks Unlimited have gained their first membership into the 

organization through the SBA Program! Starting and maintaining a SBA Program in your area is easy.  

         Your Chapter can find additional information on how to set up a SBA site by going to www.ducks.org/sba or contact 

me.   

Thanks  Frank Wolka Jr.  

Special Project Coordinator      

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!!    

The state is looking for artists who are interested in submitting a design for the 2014 state pin for 

the Indiana Ducks Unlimited!  This opportunity is open to everyone of all ages!!  Please submit your 

design(s) to Pam Harkin, State Treasurer, at [email protected] or mail to: 1753 W 172 

Lane, Lowell, IN 46356.  Please include the designers name, address, and phone number.  The submissions must be received by WEDNESDAY JANUARY 01, 2014.  The state committee will 

select a winner & announce it in the January 2014 newsletter!   

GOOD LUCK to all of the artists!!   

Get connected with Ducks Unlimited today and get exclusive updates, tips and tricks and other insider info online now. You can find DU on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, 

Myspace and more.  

Facebook Check out DU's official Facebook page for the latest updates on conservation, hunting and more. "Like" 

Ducks Unlimited today and you can join the conversation on our Facebook wall, upload fan photos and more! While you're there, show your support by joining DU's official Cause.  More than 

100,000 fans and growing!  

Twitter If you're looking for quick tips on the go, follow DU on 

Twitter! You'll get updates from DU's national headquarters and across the country about the latest 

DU news, conservation projects, hunting and migration information and more. You can even subscribe to receive DU tweets on your mobile 

phone.  

YouTube Ducks Unlimited's official YouTube channel has a great collection of videos to help improve your 

shooting, set up your decoys, clean your gear, train your dog and much more. Check out all these videos 

and subscribe to DU on YouTube today!   

Websites & Social Media for Local Chapters 

Check the updated Indiana pages on the Ducks Unlimited website for links to local chapter web sites, 

Facebook pages, Twitter accounts & more.  

Click here to get connected! 

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The“OFF”Season(Thingstodo&read…Whenwe’renothunting)

WF360

www.waterfowl360.com

DU‐TV

Thisseason'swiderangeofhuntsissuretogetyoufiredupasyouwitnessrichwaterfowlingtraditions,cuppedwingsandamazingretrieves.

Viewairdates&times»

INDUStateRoster

James Franz State Chairman

Pam Harkin State Treasurer

Dave Heath Northern IN State Recruitment Chairman

David Nienaber Southern IN State Recruitment Chairman

Randy Armstrong State Webmaster/Newsletter Editor

Curt Lee State Public Policy Chairman

Thomas Quarandillo State Major Donor Campaign Chairman

James Prough State University Chairman

Jean Prough State Leadership Development Chairman

Frank Wolka Special Projects Chairman

Jason Kleine District 1 Chairman

Thomas Quarandillo District 2 Chairman

Paul Minar District 3 Chairman

Joel Hoehn District 3 Zone Chairman

Matt Kraushar District 4 Chairman

Matt Wright District 4 Zone Chairman

Kevin McDougle District 5 Chairman

Randal Coffin District 6 Chairman

Frank Wolka District 9 Chairman

Matt Rodriguez District 10 Chairman

Fred Loehr District 11 Chairman

Troy Moyes District 11 Zone Chairman

Frank Wolka District 12 Chairman

Joe Borders Southern IN Regional Director

Dave Neal Northern IN Regional Director

Fiscal Year 2013 Income Progress

100%

0%

80%

50%

60%

30%

90%

40%

20%

70%

10%

Event Income*includes Major Donor income

2012 Total = $658,5552013 Stretch Goal = $757,3382013 YTD Actual = $793,147

Event Based Income

2012 Total = $553,9332013 Stretch Goal = $637,0232013 YTD Actual = $712,298

105% of Goal 112% of Goal

Fiscal Year 2013:  June 30th, 2012 to July 1st, 2013

IN DU License Plate Salesbased on calendar year

100%

0%

80%

50%

60%

30%

90%

40%

20%

70%

10%

CY 2012

1,200 Goal680 Total Sold= $17,000 forIN DU Projects 

CY 2013

1,200 Goal442 Sold YTD

On pace to hit 1,061

Major Donor Progressbased on calendar year

100%

0%

80%

50%

60%

30%

90%

40%

20%

70%

10%

Life Sponsors

15 Goal3 YTD

Upgrades

5 Goal3 YTD

Feather Society

4 Goal1 YTD

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Thank YOU! Tributes to our Service Men & Women  

Crown Point Chapter Of 

Ducks Unlimited  

Would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the brave men and 

women who have served so honorably in Americas armed services! In God 

and you we trust. 

Getting Veterans Into The Field

Pictured Left to Right: Ryan Hamil, Quinn Kurtz, Sam Kurtz, Bo Kurtz(U.S Marines Veteran), George DeWald, Drake‐11 month old Black Lab 

  The picture above was taken during late season January 2013 in Northeast Arkansas along the Black 

River. Ryan Hamil (myself) and George DeWald raised money through personal and local donations to take U.S. Marine Veteran Bo Kurtz (out of LaGrange County), who was severely injured while serving our country overseas, and his two younger brothers on a duck hunting trip of a lifetime. The all‐expense paid, 3‐day hunt not only was to give back to the former U.S. Marine for serving our country, but also get to have some awesome memories with his brothers on their first duck hunting trip. Although the hunts didn’t look like a scene out of a movie, we still got lots of shooting, saw good retrieves, good laughs and memories from this trip. We are hoping to do this trip again this next fall with a new group of veterans. 

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Grandfather …. Hero …. Veteran  

My grandfather, Marshall Doak, never set out to be a hero. He only did what he was asked and tried to keep his friends safe. He fought on both the Pacific Front and the Atlantic Front of WWII. He saw things that most people wouldn't believe and endured all things that were simply "the job at hand" for The Greatest Generation. He often recalls the sadness he would feel each October as he was moving around on a Navy ship, rather than back home enjoying the outdoors. 

 Thankfully, upon his safe return, he continued to pursue his passion for the outdoors and managed to 

share that with his family and three boys. The stories and memories that center around our family and the great outdoors would take more wood than we've got for this bonfire, so you'll have to imagine decades worth of fun, adventure, and love. Even today, as I embark upon hunting trips with my son, Hunter, pictures can be found of our four generations of Doaks heading out into the field. 

He has been the leader of our family and continues to be a true hero. Hunter calls him "Wow Papa" and how incredibly fitting that is!  Brian C. Doak 

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Congratulations go out to the2012 Presidential Citation Winners 

Silver Adams County 

Demotte Tipton County 

 Bronze 

St. Joseph Valley Hamilton County Noble County 

Lowell Fort Wayne Sponsor 

NAWCA Grant Success Continues in the Northeast On March 25, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and its conservation partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever, and ACRES Land Trust, were awarded a $75,000 federal North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to continue the important wetland and grassland restorations conducted as part of DU’s Northeast Potholes Program. The new focus area for this latest NAWCA grant will be centered around the 11 northeastern-most counties of Indiana, where small wetland and grassland restoration opportunities abound. Identified by DU research staff as an important breeding area for mallards, blue-winged teal, and wood ducks, this corner of Indiana contains one of the highest densities of breeding and spring migration wetlands found in the state. DU’s participation in this latest NAWCA grant was supported by Indiana DU License Plate funding and local major donors. As a follow-up to this latest grant award, DU and a wide array of partners are currently planning to apply for an even larger one-million dollar NAWCA grant for northeastern Indiana which would continue wetland and grassland habitat conservation on both private and public lands.

A future wetland project at Cedar Swamp WCA

A future wetland project at Pigeon River FWA

World-Record Conservation Spotted at Goose Pond FWA At the end of March, an extremely rare shorebird was spotted utilizing DU’s “Field B” wetland restoration project at Goose Pond FWA. A native of Eurasia, the spotted redshank has only been identified in North America a handful of times in the last half a century and never before in Indiana. Thousands of visitors flocked to Goose Pond to get a glimpse of this rare bird, and were treated to the wide array of other wildlife using the Field B project, including federally endangered whooping cranes, the highest count on record at Goose Pond for American Wigeon and Northern Pintails, numerous species of shorebirds, and a wide array of waterfowl species. The Field B project was completed by DU, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and others only two years ago, and has become one of the most heavily utilized wetlands at Goose Pond. It is a shining example of the great wetlands conservation that can be achieved by a dedicated cadre of conservation professionals and DU supporters.

A spotted redshank within the Field B project 

 The future Goose Pond FWA Visitor’s Center will overlook the Field B project 

Media Contact: Kristin Schrader (734) 623-2000 [email protected]

Ducks Unlimited region receives national award Nonprofit recognized by North American Waterfowl Management Plan

ARLINGTON, Va. – April 4, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes and Atlantic Region (GLAR) was recognized last week with the National Blue-winged Teal Award during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Va. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) presented GLAR with the award for DU’s work benefiting waterfowl and other wetland birds. “This award is so meaningful because it was our conservation partners in the states who nominated us,” said GLAR Director Becky Humphries. “Ducks Unlimited’s work is always done with support from our partners, and it’s really important to be recognized for the effective relationships we have fostered. That’s how we get meaningful on-the-ground work done.” The National Blue-winged Teal Award recognizes USFWS partners whose activities at the national, regional or local level result in substantial benefits to waterfowl, other wetland-associated migratory bird populations or wetlands habitats, as a onetime, periodic or ongoing effort. Those efforts are evaluated using the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). Ducks Unlimited’s GLAR office was established in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1998 to meet expanding demand for research and project delivery in the region. “It started as just a few people trying to get a handle on the area and its impact on migrating, wintering and nesting waterfowl,” said John Coluccy, Ph.D., GLAR director of conservation planning. “Our research is contributing directly to landscape decisions that will affect wetland health and waterfowl abundance in areas far from here, thanks to our migrating test subjects.” Going hand-in-hand with these important science-based efforts, Ducks Unlimited volunteers are a critical part of the conservation equation, and the GLAR holds a significant portion of the organization’s cohort.

DU staff with Tom Hauge, Wisconsin DNR (center) and Russ Mason, Michigan DNR, second from right

“The fact is, our members got us here,” said Todd Bishop, DU managing director of development. “Without the men and women who contribute their time, treasure and talents to the cause of filling the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever, we couldn’t do the research or manage the projects that we do. Nearly half of DU’s members live in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Region; that concentration of enthusiasm inspires the staff and supports the organization across the continent.” The GLAR was nominated for the National Blue-winged Teal Award by the Department of Natural Resources in Wisconsin and Michigan. The nomination was reviewed by the USFWS NAWMP awards committee and plan committee members. NAWMP is implemented through long-term partnerships of government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and individuals committed to the conservation of North American waterfowl, other wetland-associated migratory bird populations and their wetlands habitats. NAWMP’s success is directly related to the contributions of these dedicated partners, some of which have spanned a decade or more, while others have contributed to NAWMP’s success through short-term actions. Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets at twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos at youtube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc.

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Region 1

Columbia mine ProjeCt Permanently ProteCts 1,043 aCresafter almost two decades of funding and administrative struggles, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) acquired the 1,043-acre Columbia Mine property for inclusion in Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Splitting the line of Gibson and Pike counties in southern Indiana, this large-scale acquisition was completed by Ducks Unlimited (DU) in partnership with the FWS, Sycamore Land Trust and Peabody Coal Company, with support from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through the Bicentennial Trust Fund. Currently, the property is in co-ownership by the Sycamore Land Trust and the FWS. Patoka River NWR will be slowly assuming management oversight of the property and will determine when and how it will be opened to public recreation, likely by summer 2013.

Often referred to locally as the “Black Beauty” property and comprising the eastern half of the popular Snakey Point Marsh, this large complex of wetlands and uplands will provide vital habitat to waterfowl, upland gamebirds and numerous other species of wildlife. DU’s involvement was made possible thanks to partner and donor support, and is the sixth acquisition of its type within less than a year at Patoka River NWR. Two additional acquisitions in 2012 included the 200-acre Frank Tract in Gibson County and the 91-acre Tisdale Tract in Pike County. Together the FWS and DU have acquired and permanently protected more than 1,334 acres of wetland and upland habitat for inclusion in Patoka River NWR over the last year alone, adding to the thousands of acres that DU and Patoka River NWR have already protected and restored.

CroPliFe ameriCa enHanCements near ComPletionthrough Ducks unlimited’s former Croplife america Program, DU partnered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) on a multi-year project to enhance approximately 250 acres of waterfowl habitat at Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA), and with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to enhance approximately 120 acres of waterfowl habitat at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Thanks to two separate donations from Dow AgroSciences to DU through the CropLife America Program,

300 gallons of Rodeo herbicide were contributed to the IDNR and 75 gallons of Crossbow were contributed to the FWS for a total of 370 acres of woody invasive and herbaceous weed control between the two management areas. Since then, the IDNR has enhanced 95 acres of emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands at Kankakee FWA, and the FWS has completed the enhancement of 200 acres of forested wetlands and nesting habitat. The IDNR plans to treat the remaining acres in 2013. The enhanced wetland and upland habitats will provide an increased benefit to breeding and migrating waterfowl and other migratory birds at both ends of the state.

Wetlands treated for invasive species control at Patoka River NWR

indianaS tat e c o n S e r vat i o n r e p o r t 2013

The view across Snakey Point marsh

www.ducks.orgwww.ducks.org2

s u p p o r t i n g t h e v i s i o n

nortHeast PotHoles ProGram Continues suCCessFor more than a decade, the northeast Potholes Program has been one of Ducks Unlimited’s most successful conservation programs in Indiana. In partnership with many other conservation entities, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever, DU has successfully restored more than 1,216 acres of native prairie grasslands and 321 acres of emergent, scrub-shrub and forested wetlands among 175 individual projects. The overwhelming majority of these restorations has occurred in Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, Kosciusko, Noble, DeKalb, Whitley and Allen counties in northeastern Indiana. Due to the widespread success of the Northeast Potholes Program, DU and its conservation partners expanded the focus area in 2012 to include St. Joseph, Marshall and Fulton counties. The new 11-county focus area will allow DU and its partners to restore and enhance even more high-quality wetlands and grasslands across northern Indiana.

Funding for the Northeast Potholes Program has been provided by DU Major Sponsors, two North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants, the NiSource Environmental Challenge Fund, the SportDOG Brand Conservation Fund and conservation partner funds. With the completion of the most recent NAWCA grant, DU and its partners have applied for a third grant to continue the successful conservation of wetlands and grasslands important to nesting and migrating waterfowl. If successful in securing

this third NAWCA grant, DU and its conservation partners will begin the next phase of Northeast Potholes projects in summer 2013.

Historically, northeastern Indiana was dotted with countless small wetlands surrounded by large expanses of native grasses, offering high-quality nesting and brooding habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Much of this habitat has been cleared and drained to facilitate agriculture and other developments but remains available for restoration. In cooperation with conservation-minded private landowners, DU and its partners have been able to return productive wildlife habitat to the landscape of northeastern Indiana.

A healthy and productive Indiana wetland/grassland complex

DeeP riVer HeaDWaters restoration nears ComPletionin the spring of 2012, after nearly a decade of planning due to delays in securing all state-level clearances and project funding, construction began on the Deep River Headwaters wetland restoration project. Located at the Lake County Parks Department’s (LCP) Beaver Dam Wetland Conservation Area, this 90-acre project involves the restoration of three individual wetland units through the creation of earthen levees, the removal of field drain tile and the installation of a water control structure. The first phase of this project was completed this past summer and successfully restored 35 acres of emergent, scrub-shrub and forested wetlands in two of the three wetland units. Construction of the final and largest wetland unit is slated to begin this spring, with completion by fall 2013.

Ducks Unlimited provided the engineering design and construction management services for the project, with project funding provided by LCP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. An additional 100 acres of native warm-season prairie grasslands and oak savannah interspersed among the three wetland basins will also be restored by LCP. Upon completion, this project will consist of a splendid 190-acre complex of emergent, scrub-shrub and forested wetlands and native prairie. The benefits for breeding and migrating waterfowl and other wildlife, including federal and state endangered species, are expected to be immediate and widespread.

A recently restored wetland at Beaver Dam Wetland Conservation Area

Ducks Unlimited • Great Lakes/Atlantic Region 3

meet your inDiana ConserVation staFF

15 projects completed

1,603 acres conserved

17,296 acres of technical assistance

$1,214,642 invested

2012accompliShmentS

c o n s e r v a t i o n s u m m a r y

DuCks unlimiteDp r o j e c t S

completed Featured

note: project points may represent more than one project.

Deep river Headwaters

michael sertle has directed Ducks Unlimited’s conservation programs in Indiana and southwest Michigan since May 2007. Michael previously worked for the U.S. Geological Survey in North Dakota where he conducted waterfowl,

wetland and endangered species research. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in Wildlife Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Michael is an avid waterfowl

and deer hunter, and enjoys fishing and playing rugby.

Contact Information:

michael sertle Regional Biologist [email protected] 734.623.2000

Columbia mine

www.ducks.org4

f r i e n d s o f d u c k s u n l i m i t e d

Ducks unlimited conserves, restores

and manages wetlands and associated habitats for

north america’s waterfowl. these habitats also

benefit other wildlife and people.1220 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

734.623.2000 • 734.623.2035 (Fax)

Du liCense Plate suPPorts inDiana ConserVationunveiled in 2012, the indiana Ducks unlimited license plate is one of the easiest ways for DU members to make a personal contribution to Indiana habitat conservation. Featuring the DU logo, this specialty plate is available from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for cars, trucks, motorcycles and RVs, and the State of Indiana contributes $25 from the purchase of each plate back to DU for conservation work. During the inaugural year, DU volunteers, members and supporters purchased approximately 700 Indiana DU license plates. That means, in just the first year, DU supporters secured an additional $17,500 for Indiana conservation simply by purchasing a new license plate or renewing their old one! DU conservation staff has already begun to use these funds to support Indiana conservation projects, such as the Northeast Potholes Program, Wabash River Habitat Protection and Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge projects. With the continued support of DU members, we can secure even more conservation funds for Indiana simply by changing our vehicles’ license plates. For more information about purchasing an Indiana DU license plate for your vehicle, please visit the BMV website at www.in.gov/bmv/3030.htm or contact your DU regional director.

Fort Wayne 75tH anniVersary eVentDucks unlimited volunteers in Fort Wayne answered the call during DU’s 75th anniversary year in 2012. In response to the challenge to hold special diamond events to raise $75,000 in cash and new Major Donor pledges, the Fort Wayne sponsor event not only hit the mark but blew right past it, bringing in $165,000 and creating their own “Double Diamond” award! Support from the Double Diamond pledges will be used to restore and conserve wetlands across the Big Rivers initiative area, in the Duck Factory of the prairies, along the Gulf Coast and close to home in the Northeast Indiana Potholes region.

Fort Wayne DU volunteers Jay Jorgensen, Bill Dailey, John Clark, Cliff Holleran, John DeVries and Brad Smith were the catalysts for this amazing display of support for DU, and personify what it means to be a friend of the ducks.

tHe biG riVers initiatiVereStoring the grand paSSageS oF waterFowl For Future generationSFor 75 years, Ducks unlimited has worked to replace what has been lost — critical wetlands that provide the habitat for North American waterfowl. Generations of conservationists have rallied around DU’s vision of “wetlands sufficient to fill skies today, tomorrow and forever,” understanding that these important ecosystems provided not only the birds and recreation they loved so much, but also many other benefits to society as a whole.

As DU looks to the next 25 years of wetlands conservation, we also look for better ways to fund our conservation model — ways that are more effective and efficient, providing our biologists the tools and flexibility they need to get the greatest possible conservation return on each dollar invested. DU’s ability to leverage supporter dollars many times over before returning them to the landscape, and our commitment to being sound stewards of your investment, will continue to grow as we find new ways to generate support for the ducks.

DU’s Big Rivers Initiative will pave the way for restoring the grand passages for waterfowl in Indiana. Picking up where our successful Indiana PRIDE program left off, Big Rivers will use a strategic allocation of your conservation support to restore, enhance and protect wetlands across the landscape, looking at conservation opportunities through the lens of the birds themselves. Your support of the Big Rivers Initiative through you Major Sponsor pledge or gift will enable us to continue our work for future generations of conservationists to enjoy.

To learn more about DU’s Major Sponsor program and how your investment will support Big Rivers, contact DU’s GLAR office.

DX 75

4

24

Introducing Cole Christner. Born June 9th to Ryan and Sara Christner of the Wawasee DU Chapter.  Daddy says…. “I had to show off this picture of my little duck hunter!  Pretty 

excited to see what the future holds for this little guy!” 

Big Lake Chapter Fun Shoot Submitted by Jason Bell, Chairman) 

 As duck hunters we spend all the off season to prepare for the next season, or do we?  We buy the latest and greatest guns, ammo and decoys but we are all guilty of not getting that gun out of the closet enough in the off season to practice to guarantee we are hitting what we are aiming at in the duck blind.   Shooters of all ages joined in the fun at Oakwood Gun Club in Wheatfield with Big Lake and Lowell DU chapters in breaking some clay’s!  The event is scheduled for its third year on the second Saturday in June 2014.  For more information call any Big Lake DU member.  IT’S GONNA BE A BLAST!!!  

25

Big Lake Chapter Fun Shoot (Continued)

Celery Bog Goose Banding – Lafayette Area Volunteers (SubmittedbyMattWright,District4ZoneChairman)

26

The Muscatatuck DU Chapter held it’s 25th annual Greenwing Goose Banding event June 22. We banded 172 geese, did hunter safety, built wood duck boxes, had rafter bird presentation and gave all the kids a 

free Greenwing membership.. had 20 kids total of about 65 people with adults 

Program Overview:• Applicants may apply for a DU Discover card by visiting www.Discover.com/myDU or by calling 1-800-983-1275 and referencing invitation code:KB6L.

• Each new activated account will result in a $75 credit to the qualifying local chapter. The qualifying local chapter is determined by matching the zip code provided by the ap-plicant to the zip codes assigned to the chapter.

• An additional $75 credit will be awarded to the qualifying local chapter if the card holder spends $100.00 within the first 90 days after activation.

• Applicants may choose any of three Ducks Unlimited themed card designs.

• Current Discover card holders may opt into the program online or by calling 1-800-983-1275.

Chapter Benefit:• Qualifying chapters will receive a credit on a quarterly basis

(when applicable).• There is no limit to the amount of credit that a qualifying

chapter is eligible to receive.• The monies derived from this program will count toward

state rankings and annual chapter awards presented at the National Convention.

Chapter Resources:• Full color, one and two page PDFs; are available on

www.Volunteergear.ducks.org• Full color, one and two page fliers; item numbers Q0020

and Q0020A.• Program covers; the back page of the cover is a full color

advertisement promoting the partnership.• Underwriting panel on the DU event invitation; the default

underwriting panel on all DU invites will now be a full color advertisement promoting the program.

Ducks Unlimited is pleased to announce

Discover as its official credit card provider.

Through this new partnership, Ducks

Unlimited Discover card holders will be

able to support wetlands conservation

with every purchase they make. Moving

forward, simple and ordinary purchases

will help make extraordinary differences.

Firearm Incentive Programs Opportunity to earn up to four (4) FREE guns for your next event

1) 10/30 Program* – Remington M597 .22lr Rifle w/Scope

a) Requirements i) 10 day requirement – portion of proceeds (credit cards) and membership tickets received at NHQ ii) 30 day requirement – remainder of proceeds (check) and financial report received at NHQ iii) “D” (Dinner/Banquet) event must raise $5,000 net/net or more iv) “M” (WHP, SNO, Golf, Gun-Bash, etc.) event must raise $2,500 net/net or more

*Worth mentioning – if there are outstanding payments (i.e. sponsor payment) or incomplete tickets, chapter can still qualify for 10/30 by sending in what proceeds and tickets you do have correct/complete with a “regular” financial report within the 30 days following your event. Then send in an “amended” financial report after outstanding payments and/or finalized tickets are received. Don’t let outstanding payments or incomplete tickets disqualify you from earning the 10/30 gun. There is no penalty for sending in an “amended” financial report after the 30 days!

2) Growth Incentive (GIG) – Stoeger Uplander SxS 20ga Shotgun

a) Requirements i) If prior year net/net was less than $20,000, event proceeds must increase by 5% ii) If prior year net/net was over $20,000, event proceeds must increase by $1,000 iii) “D” (Dinner/Banquet) event must raise $5,000 net/net or more iv) “M” (WHP, SNO, Golf, Gun-Bash, etc.) event must raise $2,500 net/net or more

3) Call ‘em in Club (CIC) – Heritage Rough Rider Rimfire .22 Revolver

a) Requirements i) 60% retention of members from prior year (same members) ii) No net loss of total members from the prior year’s event iii) 70 adult member minimum iv) “D” (Dinner/Banquet) event must raise $5,000 net/net or more v) “M” (WHP, SNO, Golf, Gun-Bash, etc.) event must raise $2,500 net/net or more

4) Sponsor Growth (RD Challenge) – “Gun of the Year”

a) Requirements i) 5 net new sponsors over prior year = FREE Winchester SXP Camo 12ga Pump ii) 10 net new sponsors over prior year = FREE “Gun of Year” (Rifle or Pistol) iii) 15 net new sponsors over prior year = FREE “Gun of Year” (Shotgun)

33

MessagesfromtheEditor

The Indiana newsletter belongs to all of us! I would hope that everyone can realize the value in chapter participation and consider asking a committee member to volunteer as a newsletter chairman, so to speak, to send in material to be included in future issues. The more we get to know each other the more we (and the ducks) will benefit.

In order to make this happen I will need your help. I encourage ANYONE & EVERYONE on your

chapters to submit news, stories, photos, accomplishments and recognitions no matter how big/small to share with the rest of your DU family. I promise to make every effort to include everything you send me and space is not an issue ... I guarantee you can't send too much (that is a direct challenge).

Thanks,Randy Armstrong INDUNewsletterEditor/WebmasterCPDUSecretary/Webmaster

Sendquestions,commentsandarticlesubmissionsto:

[email protected]

Yourheadlinesshouldbeinhere!

VolunteeringtakesspecialeffortsfromspecialpeopleandDucksUnlimitedisfullofboth!Highlightwhatyourchapterisdoingand

beproudofthedifferenceyoumakeeveryday.

Whatwehavetodaywouldn’tbemuchwithoutwhatyou’vedoneyesterday.