Conservation group pauses to appreciate achievement
Partners and supporters credited with habitat improvement
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – September 30, 2009 - The conservation group Ducks Unlimited recently dedicated Clark’s Marsh, a 65-acre emergent wetland complex. Sponsors and conservation partners recently joined with Ducks Unlimited staff and volunteers to celebrate at the site near Oscoda, Michigan.
Speakers included Paul Thomson of the U.S. Forest Service, and Paul Hess of Ducks Unlimited. Michigan State Chair David Shefferly also gave remarks recognizing value of partners to effectively deliver valuable habitat. He also discussed the Michigan PRIDE program (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere) and the potential for local protection and restoration.
“The reason we can dedicate properties like Clark’s Marsh is the commitment of so many partners to the task,” said Mr. Shefferly. “Without the combined resources of all of our partners and DU supporters we wouldn’t be able to enhance this productive area. We’ve really done something big here.”
Clark’s Marsh Wildlife Area is a collection of still woodland ponds and old growth forest. Its ?at grassy trails make it a perfect place for visitors to view rare native wild?owers and many species of wild birds including the most productive eagle’s nest in the area.
Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Michigan Wildlife Conservancy partnered to complete the enhancement on the Huron National Forest. The enhancement work involved replacing old beaver dams with earthen berms and adding three water control structures to allow the USFS to emulate the natural conditions created by beavers on this site decades ago. The site has quickly become a regional destination for those hoping to view waterfowl and other wetlands dependent wildlife.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States has lost more than half of its original wetlands—nature’s most productive ecosystem—and continues to lose more than 80,000 acres each year.
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Kristin Schrader 734-623-2000 kschrader@ducks.org