DUCKNET

The Volunteer Publication of Ducks Unlimited Florida

January 2009 - February 2009

Message from the Chairman

FLORIDA STATE OFFICERS

State Chairman – Ralph Putnam State Council Chairman – Len Schwenneker

State Treasurer – Felicity Hendrix State Special Projects Chairman - Rick Vollmer

State Recruitment Chairman – Don Bork State Greenwing Chairman – Sandra Sebes

State Webmaster - Kevin Bork State Duck Calling Chairman- Marc Stepbach

Special Events Chairman – John Gaches Major Donor Chairman South – Chuck Bohac

Major Donor Chairman North – Bob Freeland

We are off on a new year, and a year that will be a challenge for all of us. 2009 will make history, if for no other reason

than for the many challenges that our elected officials will face. Our economy is at the front of every conversation I

hear. We here in Florida who value and support wetland conservation face new challenges too. Our states growth and

need for business and home expansions will place even more stress on our wetlands. Our committees who are the

back bone of the entire DU organization are stressed. They need reinforcements, and soon. If we as an organization

are to grow we must have new volunteers and members to fill the gaps that will help us to meet the demands of

continued wetland conservation and development.

I have seen the year end results of our region, (Florida, Georgia, and North & South Carolina) and we are down from

the same point of measurements last year. No big surprise! But now we must act and act quickly. Our recruitment

has lived on volunteers knocking on our door. We must begin to knock on the doors of potential volunteers if we are

ever going to grow to meet the challenges of North America wetlands conservation.

I am in the process of contacting each District Chairman in our state with my request that they hold at least one

recruitment evening in their respective districts. These “evenings for recruitment” are critical to our growth. I also ask

each Area Chairman to contact their District Chairman with the names of any potential volunteer. Rick Vollmer has a

sporting clays shoot planned. Peggy Higgins is ahead of me as she has three or four new volunteers from her

Greenwing event. We need more volunteers. Volunteers bring in new members, new sponsors, new volunteers and a

cycle that must continue.

I appreciate all of the help you have given me during my first year as State Chairman. It has not been easy year. Not

for me and not for many if not most of you. But no matter how the numbers fall, I thank each one of the volunteers,

members of Florida DU for their hard work and sharing of resources.

Please remember we have a huge potential for new funds in the SBA program. It runs very smoothly, and is an

excellent tool to help build your local chapters volunteers and to generate added funds for the ducks.

Please do not forget to register for our State Convention, March 27 – 29, in Ocala. For those who have attended prior

conventions in Ocala they will remember the excellent service, the game cook outs behind the hotel, and the prime

location. Please fill in and mail the reservation form at the end of this publication.

Let’s all help to make 2009 a better year than 2008. We can do it! The ducks need us to do it!

Ralph

West Palm Beach, FL - An e-mail from a wounded veteran contained a simple request: Create more access to public lands for disabled South Florida residents. In an effort to honor our nation's veterans while also making public conservation lands more accessible to all, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) constructed a waterfowl hunting/bird watching platform in the Everglades for disabled soldiers and residents alike. The SFWMD and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sponsored the first hunt on December 21, when several hunters lent their hunting permits to disabled veterans so they could enjoy the new platform located in Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) 5 in Hendry County. Bird watchers will also benefit from the increased access. The successful project was just the latest SFWMD effort to meld restoration with recreation by increasing recreational opportunities on public lands. Many of these lands are the water-quality cleanup workhorses of Everglades restoration known as Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas, which are planted with native vegetation, use "green technology" to reduce phosphorus levels in stormwater runoff. To date, the District has converted more than 52,000 acres of land south of Lake Okeechobee to STAs, yielding 45,000 acres of treatment wetlands. An additional 12,000 acres are now being designed as part of the District's ongoing effort to improve Everglades water quality. Since inception, the STAs have retained 1,058 metric tons of phosphorus that would have otherwise entered the Everglades. In addition to their role in improving Everglades water quality, the massive treatment wetlands have become a haven for South Florida wildlife, particularly wading birds and migratory waterfowl. Many of the STAs have been opened to the public for recreation such as hiking, biking and bird watching. The District has long sponsored a hunting recreation program, and all of the District's STAs are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet the veteran's e-mail made SFWMD Governing Board Member Michael Collins and members of the Water Resources Advisory Commission (WRAC), which he chairs, believe more could be done. "The veteran said, 'I'm tired of volunteering my time to go down to the hospital and play bingo and watch those guys sitting in chairs inside of the hospital,'" Collins recalled. "It just struck me that for those guys, getting out on one of the levees would be a really good thing to have happen. The great thing about it is we build this duck platform out into the swamp and it's actually something that makes a great access point for everybody." Continues on next page…

DATES

The platform itself is a large wooden boardwalk that can accommodate two wheelchairs. For hunting, the structure can be set up with camouflage netting and other tools of the sport. Two additional, higher platforms accomodate visitors for wildlife viewing at other times.

"The STA waters have proven to be a fantastic duck hunting opportunity in a world where there are very few hunting opportunities left to the public any more," Collins added. The SFWMD took several steps to improve recreational opportunities throughout South Florida in 2008 including: * In October, outdoor enthusiasts gained another spot to enjoy a host of recreational activities with the opening of the 3,700-acre Chandler Slough in Okeechobee, an addition to the Kissimmee River Public Use Area. * In July 2008, the SFWMD outfitted Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) 1 West, located in central Palm Beach County, with a new parking area leading to a 200-foot viewing platform and gazebos overlooking the watery expanse. The three-mile trail along a section of the levee surrounding the 6,670-acre STA offers hikers, bicyclists, photographers and bird watchers vast views of nature and wildlife such as great blue herons and mottled ducks. * Also in July 2008, hikers, campers and horseback riders were given access to apply online for recreational use licenses for activities on more than a dozen sites managed by the District. The online application is at www.sfwmd.gov/sul. SFWMD Governing Board Member Michael Collins and SFWMD Everglades Recreation Program Manager Jerry Krenz talked about the project and the improved public access. Audio Interview <https://my.sfwmd.gov/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/COMMON/NEWSR/KRENZ_DUCKBLIND.MP3> For more information about the District's Stormwater Treatment Areas and recreational opportunities, visit www.sfwmd.gov About the South Florida Water Management District The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.

Memorandum of understanding will ensure future partnerships throughout Mississippi River Valley

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Nov. 25, 2008 - Ducks Unlimited and the Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

cemented an enduring partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 24, 2008.

This Regional MOU ties six districts within the Corps‟ Mississippi Valley Division and three DU Regional Offices into one team

for environmental success in protecting, restoring and managing habitat in the U.S.

”I want to congratulate the Corps of Engineers and Ducks Unlimited on this agreement and their commitment to America‟s

water resources,” said Rep. John Boozman (AR), ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Water

Resources and Environment Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers. “By widening the circle

of knowledge and influence on these issues, we are that much closer to achieving our goals of finding the best and most

responsible uses for our waterways.”

Boozman continued, “We all benefit by this sharing of minds, and I look forward to working closely with both groups in this

new collaboration.”

“A partnership between the Corps and Ducks Unlimited makes sense, because as two organizations, we can work

collaboratively toward a common goal. A major portion of our Corps mission is preserving our Nation‟s environment,” said

Col. Tom Smith, the Corps‟ Memphis District commander.

The purpose of the MOU is to solidify the collaborative effort of both organizations by working toward mutual goals to protect,

restore and enhance the environment.

“This is an important step for both of our organizations as we share overlapping and important goals for the entire Mississippi

River watershed,” said Dr. Alan Wentz, Senior Group Manager of Conservation, Communications and Marketing for Ducks

Unlimited.

This Regional MOU builds on the National MOU signed in July 2002 with a specific focus on collaborating efforts within the

Mississippi River Basin.

“If we are to engage in finding solutions that sustain both the natural environment and the economic benefits of water use,

we must become more inclusive in the make up of our partnerships,” said Brig. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, Mississippi Valley

Division, Commander of the Corps. “We are all stewards of the environment, and we all have a stake in the economic health

of America. To be successful, we must continue to work together, share ideas and dedicate ourselves to finding

comprehensive solutions that work. Through cooperation, communication and commitment, we will make a lasting difference

for our nation.”

“We greatly appreciate Brig. Gen. Walsh‟s leadership in moving this partnership forward. Now we must make it work on-the-

ground between our organizations and our many partners who share these same objectives,” Wentz said.

DU and Corps employees will explore opportunities for collaboration under the new MOU by attending a workshop at Ducks

Unlimited‟s national headquarters in Memphis on Nov. 25. The workshop is intended to educate and inform participants on the

programs and projects each organization offers.

Media contacts: Chris Jennings, Ducks Unlimited, 901-758-3732

Stacy Ouellette, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 901-544-3360

Memorandum of understanding will ensure future

partnerships throughout Mississippi River Valley

ANHEUSER-BUSCH/FLORIDA DUCKS UNLIMITED “BUDWEISER

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION” LIMITED EDITION DECOY

Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch Brewery

This is one of the very limited decoys to be auctioned for our new program with Budweiser. “1 of 100” Decoys to be

auctioned at Florida DU events. The winner of this Decoy will also receive a 1 in 100 chance in the drawing for a

Browning Citori “Partners in Conservation 20 Gage Shotgun” (which will be drawn for at our 2009 state

convention). The Shotgun features high grade wood, silver sided receiver embellished with gold engraving and the

A-B logos and “Partners in Conservation”. The gun is conservatively estimated at $3500.

The winner will be drawn at the Florida State Convention.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR

FLORIDA 01/24/2009 Lakeport - Annual Banquet

01/31/2009 Apalachicola Valley - Annual Banquet

02/05/2009 Sarasota - Annual Banquet

02/07/2009 Fort Myers - Annual Banquet

02/21/2009 Lake Placid - Highlands County - Annual Banquet

02/21/2009 South Okaloosa County - Annual Banquet

02/21/2009 Stuart / Martin - Annual Banquet

02/21/2009 Tampa - Shoot

02/21/2009 Key West - Annual Banquet

02/28/2009 North Brevard - Annual Banquet

02/28/2009 Big Bend (Tallahassee Ladies) - Annual Banquet

03/03/2009 Orlando - Sponsor Dinner

03/05/2009 Amelia Island - Annual Banquet

03/06/2009 MacClenny - Baker County - Annual Banquet

03/07/2009 North Okaloosa County - Annual Banquet

03/12/2009 Port St. Joe - Annual Banquet

03/14/2009 South Brevard - Annual Banquet

03/21/2009 Jacksonville Beach - Annual Banquet

03/26/2009 Pasco County - Annual Banquet

03/27/2009 Florida DU State Convention

04/20/2009 Vero Beach - Annual Banquet

05/09/2009 Winter Garden - Annual Banquet

05/20/2009 DU National Convention - DENVER, COLORADO

BUZZIN ' BEAUTI ES BRON ZE • Created by Ronnie Wells, this real bronze depicts three Green-Winged Teal in flight • Bronze has a patina finish with embossed artist’s signature and mounted on a wooden base • The bottom of the base is covered with felt and is stamped with the title and DU logo • 18"x17¾"

2009 Event Merchandise

End of a Perfect Day II Kinkade Canvas • Special Ducks Unlimited Traditions Canvas Collection Edition • The third image in Thomas Kinkade’s End of a Perfect Day

series • According to Kinkade, this image “Celebrates the majesty of God’s creation. A lovely stream in the distance invites us to explore or fish; trails wind up and away to valleys and vistas we can only imagine. In the drama of sunset, the woodsman returns to his own small world: a cozy stone cabin warmed by a hearth fire and the promise of comfort at day’s end.” • Framed dimensions are 21¼"x27¼"

GREENWING Tri cycle Allow approximately 10 minutes for assembly.

• Dark green tube steel tricycle with black adjustable padded seat • Heavy duty plastic tires with silver rims • Full color Greenwing logo on the front post • Features a DU logo on the handle bar cover and the side cross bars

Standing Canvasback • Original carved by World Champion master carver Jett Brunet • The cast resin piece is painted in life-like colors with a crackle finish • Jett Brunet’s signature is under the tail feather • Felt covered bottom with the Ducks Unlimited logo imprinted in gold • 13¾"x12"

Washington – December 4, 2008 – The guidance released yesterday from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army

Corps of Engineers on wetlands jurisdiction does not address a delayed permitting process, and highlights the need for a

legislative solution to the regulatory quagmire that has followed in the wake of the Rapanos v. United States Supreme Court

decision, according to Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited supports proposals in Congress that would clarify and restore

protections over isolated wetlands.

“While this new guidance purports to clarify several of the outstanding issues with the earlier guidance, it does not address the

permitting delays for landowners and added costs to taxpayers,” said Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Operations, Scott

Yaich. “The confusion that stemmed from the original guidance and that will continue to hamper landowners and local officials

reinforces the need to accomplish protection for the nation‟s waters through Congressional action.”

The latest guidance does not clarify protections for geographically isolated wetlands such as prairie potholes and playa lakes.

These areas, which are critical for waterfowl nesting and migration, were covered under the original Clean Water Act of 1972,

however later Supreme Court cases and subsequent guidance stripped protections from them. Most ducks that breed in the

United States are reared on isolated wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains.

“Without clear protections for these areas, many of North America„s waterfowl populations will be at risk,” said Yaich. “This will

also negatively affect the $76 billion that sportsmen contribute to the economy – especially rural economies – every year.”

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 alone has lost more than half of its

original wetlands - nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres important to

waterfowl each year.

Neil Shader

nshader@ducks.org

202.347.1530

New Army Corps/EPA Wetlands Guidance

Highlights Need for Congressional Action

Raise Money for Ducks Unlimited!

Create your own Duck Fever fund-raising campaign today, and encourage your friends, family—anyone at all—to donate to Ducks

Unlimited on your behalf. DU's fund-raising efforts are now in the hands of our loyal members.

Already participating?

Visit your Duck Fever Dashboard

Duck Fever is a quick and easy way to support DU, and it doesn't cost a dime to get started. Pick a fund-raising goal, add a personal

message and photo, choose a badge to display your progress and share it online.

We'll provide you a snippet of code to add to your Web site, MySpace, Facebook or other personal Web space to begin raising money for the

ducks instantly. Clicking your badge will take your online friends to your personalized donation page, complete with your message, photo and

progress. Each donation they make will come to DU on your behalf. Sign up now!

How it works...

Wildlife Art Auction Specialist Thank you for your interest in the Sealed Bid Auction (SBA) Program operated by Ducks Unlimited. As a Wildlife Art Auction Specialist

(SBA volunteer), you will be tasked with establishing and maintaining an artwork easel at one, or several, locations within your community.

The SBA Program provides volunteers with a wonderful opportunity to generate extra revenue and earn incentive firearms for their

respective chapters. In addition, by placing SBA easels throughout local communities, volunteers are spreading the message of Ducks

Unlimited to members of the public that may not be familiar with our wetland and habitat restoration efforts. Many individuals completely

new to Ducks Unlimited have gained their first membership into the organization through the SBA Program! Starting and maintaining a

SBA Program in your area is easy…the following information will help walk you through the process.

Selection of Easel Sites Just as in real estate, the success of your SBA Program relies on location, location, location! A variety of locations are ideal for setting up a

SBA easel. Select high traffic locations and places with good lighting such as restaurants, hotels, sporting goods stores, boutiques, athletic

clubs, food markets, barber shops, etc.

When starting your search for the perfect SBA easel location, look for DU friendly businesses such as Bass Pro Shops and Sportsman’s

Warehouse. Please note that the final approval for establishing an easel in a location is determined by the local owner/manager of these

businesses. DU is constantly seeking to add new national chain partnerships with respect to the SBA Program!

Always remember to approach new business owners/managers in a friendly and respectful manner. Not only are you asking the business for

assistance in your volunteer fundraising efforts, you are also representing Ducks Unlimited as an entire organization.

Once you’ve established a location to place your SBA easel, the next step is acquiring one. Work with your Regional Director (RD) and let

him/her know that your chapter is interested in starting a SBA Program. The RD can place an easel order for you through DU NHQ, or

he/she will supply you with the necessary contact information to get your initial easel order placed.

Testimonial from other Chapters…

These comments originated from a chapter that recently started a SBA Program. While 3D art sales are relatively new to our Program, folks

are already experiencing positive results:

“I just picked up our slips from the display and am so excited. I will be sending you payment information tomorrow for the sale of a

Widgeon decoy for $300. We will likely continue

with SBA as it has proven to be such a great way to make money for the ducks. Thanks for your encouragement and assistance.”

-South Dakota Area Chairman

Contact: Jimmy Sparks 394 SW Rose Creek Drive Lake City, FL 32024 or phone 386-752-9589 (h) 386-867-4966 (m).

Introduction to the Ducks Unlimited Sealed Bid Auction (SBA) Program

All DU members are invited!!! Regular Members, Sponsors, Life Sponsors, State Council,

District Chairmen, Area Chairmen, Committee Members, Greenwings, Spouses and Children are welcome!

COMMITTEES with the largest registered attendance will be rewarded.

For Additional information:

Ralph Putnam 863-644-0590

Florida State Chairman

Email: rep2dufl@msn.com

FLORIDA DUCKS UNLIMITED STATE CONVENTION

March 27 – 29, 2009

Ocala Hilton - Ocala, Florida

OCALA HILTON HOTEL Rates for 2009 Florida State Covention:

3600 SW 36th Avenue Regular Room (Single or Double) ……………….$99.00 + tax/night

Ocala, Florida 34474 Executive Level …………………………………………$159.00 + tax/night

Phone: 352.854.1400

Convention Registration:

DU Member ……………………………$60.00

Spouse or Child over 12 years………………$40.00

Mail to: Felicity Hendrix

PO Box 709

Bartow, FL 33831-0709

Name: …………………………………………………………………. Spouse or Guest:……………………………………………………

Child or Children:…………………………………………………. Total remitted: $..............................

Charge Card Number:…………………………………. Exp. Date:………………….. Security Code: …………………..

TENTATIVE AGENDA

FRIDAY - March 27

WILD GAME COOK-OFF 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Bring your wild game and best recipes for cooking at its finest and prizes too. Bring a covered dish or salad. Hospitality suite is open.

SATURDAY - March 28

GENERAL MEETING 8:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Invited Guest speakers, news from national, the latest from the RDs and State Chairman.

STATE COUNCIL MEETING 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

ALL MEMBERS WELCOME!

LUNCH 12:00 PM

With your friends!!

M.A.R.S.H. COMMITTEE MEETING 1:45 AM – 2:15 PM

ALL MEMBERS WELCOME!

AWARDS BANQUET 2009 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

It’s a DU Banquet, what did you expect? Wear your dress camo. The menu calls for seafood galore and there is

also something for the non-seafood eaters. Afterwards, it’s back to the Hospitality Suite.

SUNDAY - March 29 Have a safe journey home

2009 Ducks Unlimited National Convention

May 20-24, 2009 Full Brochure (PDF) | Registration Forms | Hotel Information

Join us. The 2009 Ducks Unlimited Annual Convention will unfold in Denver, Colorado, at the Hyatt Regency Denver, located next to the

Colorado Convention Center, from May 20 through May 24. This is my personal invitation for you to join us for the festivities as

you experience the clean mountain air, breathtaking scenery and the camaraderie of friendships – old and new!

You'll want to attend our annual meetings and related events, as well as hear updates on the highly successful Wetlands For

Tomorrow campaign and reports on Ducks Unlimited's successes since our last convention gathering in Baltimore. As always, we

invite you to attend both General Business Sessions – Friday and Saturday. Remember the Presidents' Luncheon, which will

kickoff the Leadership Conference workshops (immediately following lunch) as well as highlight the many wonderful and

valuable volunteer leaders of Ducks Unlimited. Last, but certainly not least, be sure to drop by our popular Hospitality Central,

where you can visit with old friends and make new ones! All of these and other activities will take place in the Mile High City –

Denver, Colorado.

W. Bruce Lewis, President

Register. All Registration Forms (PDF, 87KB)

Convention Only (PDF)

Banquet Only (PDF)

**Online registration will be available beginning January 2009.

Sleep. Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center

Room Reservation Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2009

Hotel Reservation Form (PDF)