Showcasing the DNR: Strengthening Michigan's waterfowl, wetlands legacy
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 09/20/2012 04:17 PM EDT
Showcasing the DNR
Showcasing the DNR was originally designed for weekly news publications, but we see benefit in sharing it more broadly. You’re invited to share these stories with friends, family and anyone you believe finds value in learning about the DNR’s efforts to better connect people of all ages to Michigan’s great outdoors and cultural heritage.
Media organizations are welcome to cut and paste these stories for use with their own readers and website visitors. Use the Internet link (at the end of this email) to access camera-ready photos (in color and/or grayscale) to supplement the story.
Thank you for your interest in Showcasing the DNR. If you would like to see past Showcasing stories, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr-stories. Questions or comments? Please contact DNR public information officer Ed Golder at (517) 335-3014 or goldere@michigan.gov.
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012
1,169 words
Photos available: Yes
Showcasing the DNR:
New conservation partnership aims to boost Michigan's waterfowl legacy
Whether they duck hunt every year, sit on the back porch to watch the annual fall waterfowl migration, or get their drinking water from a groundwater stream purified by a wetlands, just about all Michigan residents – whether they know it or not – have a connection to our state’s rich and diverse waterfowl and wetlands heritage.
A recently launched initiative called the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy seeks to strengthen this connection, bringing together hunters and non-hunters alike to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetlands and waterfowl hunting community.
A 10-year, cooperative partnership between various government agencies and non-government conservation organizations, waterfowl hunters and the public, the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy (MWL) aims to improve waterfowl populations and wetland habitat, increase waterfowl hunting participation and promote the value of waterfowl hunting, and engage citizens to take positive action to conserve the state’s waterfowl and wetlands.
“It’s really exciting and encouraging that so many important partners are working together for the future of waterfowl and wetlands," said Barbara Avers, DNR waterfowl and wetland specialist and member of the MWL steering committee. “MWL partners believe consistent and focused efforts are needed to conserve these valuable resources.”
MWL partners active on the steering committee include the Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, the Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee, Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, Michigan Audubon Society, Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Michigan North American Waterfowl Management Plan Steering Committee, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, The Nature Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Waterfowl USA.
“For waterfowlers, other hunters and anyone that enjoys the great outdoors, this partnership creates a call to action to honor yesterday, engage today and build for tomorrow,” Avers said. “The MWL coalition plans to build a community of increasingly engaged hunters and non-hunters who enjoy and actively support waterfowl and wetlands conservation.”
Judging by the response at several MWL kickoff events around the state in early September, there is plenty of interest in joining this community.
“The Sportsmen for Youth day in Muskegon was really exciting, just in sheer numbers,” said Kristin Schrader of Ducks Unlimited. “It’s hard to get someone out for a singular promotion, but there were 2,000 kids there by noon – kids who are interested in the outdoors!”
At the Clinton County Pheasants Forever Youth Day, which coincided with the MWL kickoff, 69 kids and their parents built 20 wood duck boxes for use in state parks and state game areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided materials, which a local high school teacher and his family cut to size.
“From the experience of the past three years, approximately two-thirds of the boxes are used by wood ducks. Considering an average brood size of eight, this year’s output of 20 boxes will account for more than 100 young wood ducks next June in Clinton County area wetlands,” said Chuck Nelson, who represents the North American Waterfowl Management Plan steering committee for the MWL. “This is truly a great cooperative effort to improve Michigan’s waterfowl legacy.”
Roughly 8,000 people turned out for the 65th annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival in Rockwood; over 100 people participated in the Ducks Unlimited project dedication and Greenwing events at Nayanquing Point State Game Area in Pinconning; and 55 kids and adults learned about waterfowl identification, duck and goose calling, decoys and more at the Family Waterfowl Day in Escanaba.
The kickoff events began the MWL’s “Year of the Duck” in 2012-2013, an appropriate time to celebrate Michigan's waterfowl and wetlands, as 2012 marks several significant anniversaries including 75 years of Ducks Unlimited, Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the Pittman-Robertson Act, and 25 years of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
Related events and activities will continue throughout the upcoming year. As part of the MWL, DNR is highlighting its Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas (MWHA) by inviting the public to “Explore Michigan’s Wetland Wonders.” These seven ‘Wetland Wonders’ located throughout the southern Lower Peninsula offer first-class waterfowl hunting and viewing opportunities. A variety of events are planned for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, including upcoming youth hunts and open houses to give visitors the chance to learn about the diversity of outdoor recreation at the areas and talk with DNR staff members.
This year's Wetland Wonders Challenge – a new hunting contest highlighting the exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities available to the public at the MWHAs from now until January – gives hunters a chance to win multiple waterfowl hunting prize packages when they visit at least four of the seven MWHAs.
For more details about the Wetland Wonders Challenge and the Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas, visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.
“Michigan's wetlands and waterfowl are important to Michigan's natural heritage,” said Avers. “Waterfowl hunting is a cherished pastime for many Michiganders, and many others love to visit wetlands just to view these beautiful birds. Although the number and size of wetlands in Michigan have been greatly reduced, they are still wonderful natural areas that provide excellent habitat for wildlife and many benefits to society.”
Michigan continues to be a national leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation. As we celebrate our achievements, Avers explained, numerous threats and issues continue to cause concern. For example:
- Invasive species and development threaten wetland habitat;
- Michigan's breeding mallard population has seen a long-term decline;
- There are increasing demands for food, fuel and space that threaten waterfowl habitat;
- The number of waterfowl hunters is declining; and
- Public funding for conservation continues to wane.
“As government funding for conservation continues to decrease, it is becoming increasingly important for the public to help fund efforts to conserve our wildlife,” Avers added. “You don’t have to be a hunter or work for a management agency to join in this important effort to protect our waterfowl and wetlands.”
Some of the things anyone can do to help are:
- Buy a waterfowl hunting license and/or duck stamps, even if you don’t hunt. Each license purchased helps fund waterfowl and wetland conservation.
- Connect or reconnect with a new or former waterfowl hunter. Take a youth hunting for the first time, or invite a “retired” waterfowl hunter to enjoy another hunt.
- Restore habitat on your property by yourself or with the help of partners. There are numerous programs and organizations that offer help to create a healthy wetland.
- Join a conservation organization that protects and restores wetlands.
- Ask your legislators to support programs and legislation that protect and restore wetlands.
- Donate to a conservation project. Some organizations have limited funds, and any donation can help save a wetland.
- Volunteer on a public conservation project.
- Educate yourself and friends about waterfowl and wetlands. The more people who gain knowledge will help ensure that Michigan’s resources are protected in the future.
Avers added, “Everyday folks who just enjoy the outdoors and take pride in Michigan’s special outdoor places and natural resources can make a real difference in simple, yet powerful ways.”
To learn more about the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy and how to get involved, visit www.michigan,gov/mwl.
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Editor’s note: Photos are available at http://www.michigandnr.com/ftp/OutReach
(in the folder marked Michigan Waterfowl Legacy).
**Credit photo: Michigan DNR
Captions:
Cadillac_girl_coloring_duck.jpg: A young artist provides her colorful interpretation of a duck, at Family Waterfowl Day at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center in Cadillac’s Mitchell State Park – just one of the locations for Michigan Waterfowl Legacy kickoff events in September.
Clinton_County_duck_boxes.jpg: At the Clinton County Pheasants Forever Youth Day earlier this month, more than 20 wood duck boxes were built for use in state parks and state game areas.
DSK320_079.jpg: A beautiful sight, as dozens of mallards take flight at Fish Point State Wildlife Area in Tuscola County. Fish Point – offering nearly 2,500 acres of essential habitat – is home to many types of waterfowl.
DSK351_133.jpg: Hunters return from a youth waterfowl hunting event at Pt. Mouillee State Game Area, on the western shores of Lake Erie in southeastern Michigan.
PM_boy_calling.jpg: Practicing his calls, this young waterfowl enthusiast is just one of the many attendees of Michigan Waterfowl Legacy kickoff events that took place throughout the state earlier this month.
For photo assistance, contact David Kenyon (517) 373-6516 or kenyond@michigan.gov