LOCAL NEWS

Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - Canton, IL. - Approximately 100 local residents, Ducks Unlimited members, Caterpillar representatives, and conservation leaders gathered at the Double "T" Fish and Wildlife Area west of Canton, IL to dedicate the "Hitchcock Wetlands" project. The project is a cooperative effort of Ducks Unlimited, Illinois DNR, Caterpillar Inc, and Mike Hitchcock, Sr.

Speakers at the dedication included: John Tomke, Chairman of the Board for Ducks Unlimited; Joel Brunsvold, Director of the Illinois DNR; Doug Oberhelman, Group President of Caterpillar Inc.; and Mike Hitchcock, Sr., Owner and President of Hitchcock Scrap Yard Inc.

The "Hitchcock Wetlands" project restored numerous shallow water wetlands at the 1,383 acre waterfowl refuge located at the Double "T" State Fish and Wildlife Area. The Double "T" is an important goose refuge for Fulton County and Central Illinois. The "Hitchcock Wetlands" project will provide additional migration and breeding habitat for ducks and other waterfowl.

 
(Pictured from Left to Right) John Tomke, Mike Hitchcock, Sr. , Joel Brunsvold, and Doub Oberhelman gather for a photo in front of a plaque recognizing the "Hitchcock Wetlands" project.