LAKE ALMANOR, Calif., June 16, 2011 – During its annual convention recently in Quebec City, Ducks Unlimited Inc., elected Eric Rudgers of Lake Almanor, Calif., to its national board of directors.

"Eric has a strong record as a committed conservationist and has been an active DU volunteer for more than 30 years.  His conservation knowledge and leadership experience make him a natural fit for this position," said John Newman, DU president. "We're proud to have him on our board of directors, and look forward to the work we'll do together."

Prior to retiring, Rudgers owned several small businesses in the San Francisco Bay area. He's been a member of Ducks Unlimited since 1963, and a volunteer since 1975. Rudgers has served as DU's state chairman of California, assistant state chairman, senior district chairman, state council chairman and state sponsor chairman. In addition to his work with DU, Rudgers also served as a commissioner for California's Department of Fish & Game in Plumas County for five years.

"Life has been awfully good to me, so I appreciate this opportunity to give something back," Rudgers said. "Wetlands and waterfowl have been an important part of my life, and I want to ensure those natural resources are around for my grandson to enjoy as well. Ducks Unlimited is the best in the business at conserving waterfowl habitat, and I'm excited about this opportunity to help on a national scale."

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's waterfowl habitats. DU is governed by a volunteer board of directors and senior officers.

"As a member of DU's board of directors, Eric will help guide Ducks Unlimited in our future conservation work. It's a significant commitment, and a pivotal position in Ducks Unlimited," said Newman. "Eric is the kind of experienced, dedicated leader we look for in a board member. He'll do a great job."

Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 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. 

-30-

Chris Jennings  (901) 758-3732  cjennings@ducks.org
Laura Houseal  (901) 487-9027  lhouseal@ducks.org