MONTICELLO, Fla., (Dec. 5, 2011)—Ducks Unlimited and partners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Jefferson County recently gathered to install a new sign and rededicate a wetlands enhancement project at Lake Miccosukee in celebration of DU's 75th anniversary.

Lake Miccosukee, a 6,312-acre Jefferson County lake west of Monticello, is managed by the FWC and the Northwest Florida Water Management District to maintain high-quality wetland habitat for waterfowl while also providing public hunting opportunities. A project replacing a non-functional water-control structure was completed in 1998 to enhance management capabilities in the area, and was chosen for special recognition leading up to DU's 75th-anniversary year due to its continued successful operation and importance to waterfowl in northern Florida.

"Lake Miccosukee is an important wintering area for ring-necked ducks in the Atlantic Flyway," said Craig LeSchack, DU director of conservation programs. "The area also provides brood-rearing habitat for wood ducks and some of the finest duck hunting opportunities in northern Florida."

The Lake Miccosukee project is one of several projects being recognized across the country to celebrate DU's upcoming 75th-anniversary year.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. 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.

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