NextEra Energy Resources, through its charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, has announced an investment of $60,000 in support of the Ducks Unlimited Clinton Wildlife Area Shadden Marsh restoration project.
Increasing and improving publicly accessible habitat is integral to Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) work in Kansas. As the state is nearly 97% privately owned, working to provide public spaces for outdoor recreation is vital to preserving the state’s unique outdoor heritage.
“Now more than ever, it is important for the public to have access to outdoor spaces,” said Ducks Unlimited Senior Director of Development Shawn Battison. “When we can do enhancement work that improves water quality and wetland habitats while providing public recreational opportunities, it is a win-win-win for communities and wildlife.”
The project will restore 130 acres of Shadden Marsh by installing a water control structure to improve management capabilities and optimize habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Outdoor recreational opportunities, such as wildlife viewing and hiking, are economically vital to the surrounding communities and will benefit from the project.
“We believe in building strong partnerships in local communities where we operate, so we’re pleased to support this important water quality and wildlife habitat enhancement project in Kansas that will allow the public to enjoy the state’s natural beauty,” said Matt Raffenberg, vice president of environmental services for NextEra Energy Resources. “As an industry leader in renewable energy, we have been committed to environmental protection and stewardship for decades and understand the importance of not just coexisting with the natural habitat but supporting, nurturing and improving it.”
As many of Ducks Unlimited’s projects do, this one brings together diverse partners because it enhances waterfowl habitat while providing access to important ecosystems for Kansas residents. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Alliance of Wetlands and Streams and the City of Lawrence are supporting the effort as a water quality enhancement project while the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council are looking at it from a habitat and public access angle. The University of Kansas will monitor the water quality benefits.
NextEra Energy Resources has been helping fuel Kansas’ economic growth since 2001, investing more than $2.9 billion in the state’s economy. NextEra Energy Resources, through its affiliates, currently owns and operates 10 wind energy centers, and has several projects in development.
For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to follow DU’s Twitter feed – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.
Media Contact:
Emily Austin
601-206-5438
eaustin@ducks.org