MERCER COUNTY, Pa. – Ducks Unlimited supporters and conservation partners from across Pennsylvania gathered Aug. 28 at State Game Lands 151 to celebrate the restoration of former Hohmann family property and recognize the people whose support continues to make conservation possible across the Commonwealth.
The dedication marked another chapter in the transformation of the property from a former aquaculture operation into publicly accessible, managed wetland habitat. The Hohmann family, the property's former owners, played an important role in making that transformation possible, contributing $85,000 in donated bargain-sale value toward the original land acquisition.
The event brought together DU donors, staff, Pennsylvania Game Commission representatives, and other conservation partners. The program included remarks from DU and Pennsylvania Game Commission representatives, donor recognition, a plaque presentation, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and tours of the restored habitat.
For Ronald Zega, DU Senior Director of Development, the gathering was an opportunity to show supporters firsthand what their investments in conservation can accomplish.
“Today, we’re standing on proof that those investments matter,” Zega said. “This site tells a remarkable conservation story.”
Donors attending the dedication traveled from throughout Pennsylvania, reflecting the statewide support behind DU's wetland conservation efforts.
Joining Zega during the program were Lisa Clark, DU Regional Biologist; Ethan Beale of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who serves as the local land manager; and Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Each spoke about the restoration, conservation partnerships, and the importance of habitat and public access.
From former aquaculture ponds to managed wetlands
The former Hohmann property has undergone a significant transformation.
Beginning in the 1970s, wetlands at the site were modified for a commercial aquaculture operation. Wetlands were diked and deepened, and a network of drainage pipes and ditches was used to manage a series of ponds for baitfish production. After the operation ceased in the 1990s, the ponds went unmanaged. Over time, prolonged high water levels reduced habitat quality and limited the diversity of native wetland vegetation.
DU and the Pennsylvania Game Commission began working together in 2019 to acquire and protect the property. DU used funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, along with the Hohmann family's $85,000 donated bargain-sale value, to help purchase the land. The property was subsequently incorporated into the existing 1,438-acre State Game Lands 151, which spans Mercer and Lawrence counties.
With the land protected, attention turned to restoring its ecological function. Partners secured more than $1 million in additional funding for design, permitting, and construction. Restoration work consolidated the former aquaculture ponds into six larger wetland units and incorporated water-control structures that allow Pennsylvania Game Commission habitat managers to manipulate water levels and encourage diverse wetland plant communities.
The result is habitat that can be actively managed for waterfowl, migratory birds, and other wetland-dependent wildlife while remaining part of Pennsylvania's public lands.
“One of the things I love most about this project is that it checks every box,” Zega said. “We protected land. We expanded public access. We improved habitat. We created recreational opportunities.”
The location adds to the property's conservation value. State Game Lands 151 lies approximately 30 miles from Pymatuning Reservoir and 60 miles from Lake Erie, both important areas for migratory birds. The area supports species of special concern, including American black ducks, American bitterns, and eastern massasauga snakes.
The benefits extend beyond wildlife. Public ownership protects opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and other outdoor recreation, connecting habitat conservation directly with Pennsylvania's outdoor traditions.
Celebrating the people behind the project
The Aug. 28 dedication recognized the Hohmann family's role in the property's conservation as well as the broader network of donors and organizations whose support has helped advance wetland conservation across Pennsylvania.
Additional project support included the S. K. Rockwell Conservancy, Waterfowl USA- Lawrence County, and other public and private partners.
A dedication plaque displayed during the event recognizes individuals and organizations whose generosity has supported the ongoing partnership between DU and the Pennsylvania Game Commission and their work to conserve and restore wetlands throughout the state.
The project is part of a broader effort by DU, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and their partners to protect, restore, and enhance wetland habitat on Pennsylvania public lands. At State Game Lands 151, those investments have transformed a heavily altered property into public land with restored habitat and expanded recreational opportunities.
“Conservation never happens by accident,” Zega said. “It happens because people decide it matters.”
