MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 9, 2005 — Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are pleased to announce the completion of a wetlands enhancement project at Bogota Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Dyer County, Tenn.
The project, which will positively impact more than 470 acres of waterfowl habitat, required the installation of two water wells and electric pumps, an underground water distribution system, and several water control structures. DU provided funding to offset costs associated with one water well and electric pump, while the TWRA covered all other expenses related to enhancement activities.
“Area staff now have the infrastructure in place to more efficiently manage moist-soil and flooded crop impoundments at Bogota WMA,” said Tim Willis, regional biologist for DU in Tennessee. “Completion of this project helps ensure the availability of these highly desired habitats to ducks and other wetland-dependent wildlife for years to come.”
This project will provide valuable foraging habitat to migrating waterfowl near the Obion River, a major wintering area in the Tennessee Delta. Mallards, pintails, gadwall, green-winged teal and American wigeon will be the primary waterfowl species that benefit from this habitat project. The TWRA will manage the area to maintain high quality moist-soil wetlands for waterfowl, while providing additional duck hunting opportunities for local waterfowlers.
DU and the TWRA have partnered on numerous wetland development projects in Tennessee. The two organizations have combined resources on more than 15 projects resulting in the enhancement of almost 6,500 acres of wetland habitat.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature's most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 100,000 wetland acres each year.
Contact:
Chris Cole
601-956-1936
Look for Ducks Unlimited on the World Wide Web at www.ducks.org. Tune into The World of Ducks Unlimited Radio Network, and starting again in July, watch Ducks Unlimited Television on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN).
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