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Ducks Unlimited And Partners Rededicate Wetlands Restoration Project

Ducks Unlimited And Partners Rededicate Wetlands Restoration Project

Ducks Unlimited

MONTICELLO, Fl --(Ammoland.com)- Ducks Unlimited and partners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Jefferson County recently gathered to install a new sign and rededicate a wetlands enhancement project at Lake Miccosukee in celebration of DU’s 75th anniversary.

Lake Miccosukee, a 6,312-acre Jefferson County lake west of Monticello, is managed by the FWC and the Northwest Florida Water Management District to maintain high-quality wetland habitat for waterfowl while also providing public hunting opportunities.

A project replacing a non-functional water-control structure was completed in 1998 to enhance management capabilities in the area, and was chosen for special recognition leading up to DU’s 75th-anniversary year due to its continued successful operation and importance to waterfowl in northern Florida.

“Lake Miccosukee is an important wintering area for ring-necked ducks in the Atlantic Flyway,” said Craig LeSchack, DU director of conservation programs. “The area also provides brood-rearing habitat for wood ducks and some of the finest duck hunting opportunities in northern Florida.”

The Lake Miccosukee project is one of several projects being recognized across the country to celebrate DU’s upcoming 75th-anniversary year.

About:
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 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. Visit www.ducks.org

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Ducks Unlimited Adds To Engineering Staff In Iowa
New engineer will work to restore waterfowl habitat.

Ducks Unlimited

AMES, IOWA --(Ammoland.com)- Ducks Unlimited has hired engineer Rick Verchota to assist with DU’s efforts in Iowa and surrounding states.

DU’s conservation programs in Iowa have recently expanded to include a $9 million, multi-year partnership that includes restoring habitat through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

Verchota has come on board to help meet that demand.

“I’m excited about joining the DU team and look forward to working with our partners in Iowa and the surrounding states to accomplish our waterfowl habitat conservation goals,” Verchota said.

Verchota is stationed in Nora Springs and will be responsible for coordinating with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, landowners and contractors to facilitate DU’s delivery of WRP acres. Verchota will oversee and manage on-the-ground conservation project implementation and add valuable in-state capacity and expertise to this program. He will also assist DU’s regional surveying, engineering and construction staff with other habitat projects.

Verchota is a registered professional engineer with a civil engineering degree from Iowa State University. He recently retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation after holding various leadership positions during a successful 24-year career. Verchota is also a long-time DU supporter and active volunteer.

“We welcome Rick to the Ducks Unlimited family, and we look forward to seeing him apply his skills to restoring wetlands and other waterfowl habitats in Iowa,” said Doug Lipetzky, DU senior regional engineer.

About:
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 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. Visit www.ducks.org

Filed under: Conservation News by Ammoland No Comments »