Ann Arbor:  Jason Hill, a Ducks Unlimited regional biologist, earned the 2006 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wetlands Group Assisted Individual Conservation Award for his outstanding work on behalf of Indiana wetlands. The National Wetlands Conservation Award program began in 1990 to honor Fish and Wildlife Service private sector partners for their efforts to restore and improve wetlands across the nation.  The award was presented on October 30th at the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program 20th anniversary conference in Oklahoma City. 

The criteria for these awards include the amounts and types of wetlands protected, restored or enhanced, the benefits that have resulted from the project, and the innovation and leadership required to achieve the results, especially in use of volunteers and landowner partnerships. Awards are presented both at a National level and within each of the Service’s seven Regions and the California/Nevada Operations office area.

Hill was involved in restoring more than 6,500 acres of wetlands and upland habitat in Indiana.  According to Jeff Kiefer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the award is well deserved. “Jason exemplifies the concern and dedication toward the conservation of wetland resources for which the National Wetlands Conservation Award was established.  As a partner who has worked with Jason on a number of cooperative projects over the years, I appreciate very much his enthusiasm and dedication here in Indiana and throughout the Midwest Region.”

The U.S. Fish and wildlife service recognized that Hill’s work enhanced habitat for ducks, but also provided enhanced environments for wading birds, and migrant songbirds, along with at-risk species such as the copperbelly watersnake and the endangered interior least tern. 

Hill acknowledged his partners.  “On behalf of Ducks Unlimited it is an honor to be recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for our wetland conservation efforts,” said Hill.  “Being surrounded by individuals with unmatched commitment to wetlands and waterfowls makes these efforts both rewarding and enjoyable.”
 
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with almost 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Media contact:
Kristin Schrader
734-632-2000
kschrader@ducks.org