Greetings Ducks Unlimited Volunteers, August 29, 2008
I spent yesterday on the Parker River National Refuge scanning waterfowl and a potential Ducks Unlimited habitat improvement project. In the evening, I shared public comment at the Massachusetts waterfowl hearing, where hunting dates and bag limits were set for 2008-2009. It was a busy day and a rewarding day, but delayed this note of gratitude.
On Wednesday evening, you were one of 118 attendees at the Ducks Unlimited State Meeting. More than 30 prizes and prize packages were donated and subsequently claimed by those volunteers in attendance. The Leadership Team made a strong effort to say thank you, and offer recognition for your effort and achievement.
Your presence showed pride in your accomplishments and commitment to the DU mission. You should be proud of your effort. You should be proud to be a part of a great organization.
Our state team invites you to continue to invest in more ducks in the skies through habitat conservation. Within the group of volunteers who shared food, games and fellowship Wednesday evening is the person or persons who will put Massachusetts on the map for fundraising, for model habitat projects and partnerships, and for skies so full of ducks you can stick a fork in them! The time to make it happen is now! The person to make it happen is you!
Special thanks to the leading State Chapters for your overwhelming financial success, as evidenced in the end of year financial sheets. Other Chapter successes were measured against other criteria and deserve equal recognition. Ya’ll did well!
Continue all the good work of the past. Bring your community together for conservation and enjoy the process of putting on a fundraising event. I know full well that money can’t be the only reason we work so hard for DU, but it’s about the only thing that will dig a ditch, remove invasive species, regulate water flow, restore a marsh or buy an easement.
Set a goal, have a plan, implement your plan, monitor your plan = success.
Best of luck in the all of you outdoor endeavors. And thank you, from the ducks!
Wetland wishes,
Mike Donnelly
DU Massachusetts
Atlantic Frontier:
This chapter has done it again! #1 chapter in Massachusetts for 3 years now and #2 overall in New England for two years running!
Minot Ledge chapter
Bill Lyons is inaugerated as State Chairman and will assume the duties of Massachusetts on July 01, 2009