The Chattanooga Chapter of Ducks Unlimited recently held a dedication celebrating their partnership with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

The 3-year project was led by Greg Atchley, TWRA's North Chickamauga Wildlife Area Manager. North Chickamauga consists of 115 acres of public hunting and now 12 acres of the WMA is a waterfowl impoundment. TWRA installed a water control structure and constructed a levee that allows seasonal flooding. The impoundment is just off the North Chickamauga Creek and is just a few miles from the Tennessee River. It is known that flooded grain for waterfowl hunting is in short supply in the East Tennessee area. The area is row crop farm land planted with millet, corn and grain sorghum.

Through promoting conservation and development of waterfowl production, this project has allowed TWRA and DU to create a quality hunting opportunity and enhance surrounding management areas.

Eight-four cents of every DU dollar raised goes back to the DU Mission. To conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North American’s waterfowl. Over 600 wildlife species benefit from this habitat.

Cameron Mitchell with Chattanooga-area Ducks Unlimited Chapter said, "In addition, Greg Atchley, with some help from Fred Majors, has installed over 100 wood duck boxes up and down the creek to enhance wood duck production on the WMA. This proves just how dedicated these two individuals are to the resource we all love and want to see maintained for future generations. This great project is an example of how DU spends your dollars."

Chattanooga-area Ducks Unlimited Volunteers ... Photo by Matt Majors, TWRA

Twelve Chattanooga Committee members where present including DU Regional Director -Charlie Lowery, TN State Chairman Elect -Bob Foster, TN-State Recruitment Chairman -Cameron Mitchell and TWRA officers Greg Atchley and Matt Majors.


 
Regional Director Charlie Lowery presented TWRA's Greg Atchley with the "Ducks Unlimited Distinguished Service Award” for his dedication and commitment to this project. Greg, an avid waterfowl hunter himself, has a tremendous amount of passion for his work and for waterfowl habitat., Photo by Matt Majors, TWRA

Chattanooga Ducks Unlimited will be hosting it's annual "Fall Flight" fundraising banquet and auction next Thursday, October 2 at the 1st Tennessee Pavilion across from UTC stadium. World-famous waterfowler and call-maker Buck Gardner will be there.

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