STATEMENT of QUALIFICATIONS

S TAT E M E N T of
Q U A L I F I C AT I O N S
G R E AT L A K E S / AT L A N T I C R E G I O N A L O F F I C E
… SERVICES
… STAFF
Statement of Qualifications
… PROJECTS
… PARTNERS
 Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
Ducks Unlimited
A Global Leader in Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation
Ducks Unlimited Inc. (DU) was established in 1937 by forward-minded conservationists to address the problems of
shrinking habitat and decreasing waterfowl populations. Today, DU is the world’s largest private wetlands and
waterfowl conservation organization, with more than a million supporters! DU works with public and private
clients to identify and implement science-based, ecologically sound solutions to habitat conservation problems.
The du Mission: Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North American
Waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.
Statement of Qualifications | 1
■ Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
Chapter
1
GLARO Service s
G r e at L a k e s/At l a n t i c R e g i o n a l O f f i c e
Many of the continent’s most critical wetlands are found in the great lakes/Atlantic region and along the
atlantic coast, which is why Ducks Unlimited opened its Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office (GLARO) in 1998, in
Ann Arbor, Michigan. The GLARO provides comprehensive conservation solutions to restore and protect wetlands and
waterfowl habitats in 18 states—from Wisconsin and Illinois, east to virginia, and north to Maine.
Working with a variety of clients, from private landowners, consultants, corporations and conservation organizations,
to state and federal wildlife agencies, the GLARO produces unsurpassed results that provide wildlife habitat,
improve water quality, mitigate for wetland loss and generate a full range of other ecological goods and services.
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■ Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
1
2
Services
8
The GLARO staff includes more than 30 professionals with a diverse
mix of specialties to provide the following services and expertise:
• Wetland mitigation (1)
• Engineering concept and design (2)
• Conservation of wetland habitat (3)
3
7
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
tools and analyses (4)
• Project accountability (5)
• Public Policy (6)
• Communications and graphic design (7)
4
6
• Research science and planning (8)
5
Statement of Qualifications | 3
■ Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
CONSERVATION OF
WETLAN D HABITAT
RESEARCH SCIENCE
AN D PLANNING
Ducks Unlimited biologists combine biological and administrative expertise in
the planning and delivery of on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. They are
skilled practitioners of applied science and are experienced in providing workable
solutions for almost every situation, resulting in successful habitat restoration,
enhancement, management and protection that will benefit wildlife and people
now and in the future. DU biologists are knowledgeable about wetland and
waterfowl ecology, and they have an understanding of the habitat values provided
by different types of wetlands and how those wetlands can meet the varying life
cycle needs of waterfowl and other wildlife, along with the other ecological goods
and services provided by wetlands.
Science-based applied research is an integral part of conservation planning,
but more importantly functions to identify information gaps and uncertainties
in program delivery. Subsequently, research is conducted to acquire the
necessary data to make informed decisions and enable the design of appropriate
conservation programs. DU research staff partner with university professionals,
Joint Ventures, state and federal agencies and other non-profits to conduct a
variety of large-scale research initiatives throughout the region.
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■ Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
PUBLIC POLICY
WETLAN D MITIGATION
Public policy staff work with DU’s Regional Office in Washington D.C., members
of Congress and their staff and state legislatures to ensure sound conservation
policy advancing DU’s mission of wetlands and waterfowl conservation. In the
past few years, DU has worked with state legislators and other non-governmental
partners to promote wetland protection policies. DU’s strategy is to promote
voluntary, incentive-based solutions and encourage actions that directly benefit
waterfowl and wetlands conservation. DU’s long history; membership in excess
of 600,000; presence in every state and science-based, balanced approach has
made Ducks Unlimited a respected presence in Washington, D.C., and in state
capitols across the country.
DU has developed a specially designed bundled service line that provides
the resources and expertise necessary to restore degraded wetlands to highquality, functional habitat. These services include site identification; wetland
delineation; topographic, hydrologic and natural resources surveys, drafting
and mitigation design; contracts and construction management; as-builts;
monitoring and evaluation and long-term protection and management. DU’s
database of potential wetland replacement sites, expertise in wetland habitat
conservation, efficiency in contracting and delivery and respected reputation
in the conservation community provide a solid foundation for developing and
implementing successful mitigation plans.
Statement of Qualifications | 5
■ Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
PRO J ECT ACCOUNTABILITY
Ducks Unlimited has a team of professional employees dedicated to making sure
that fiscal tracking, project reporting, contract compliance and approved audits
are accomplished. DU works extensively with federal grants and contracts, and
has staff trained in managing federal agreements and experienced with OMB
uniform administrative requirements and cost principles. DU uses a tool called
CONSERV for tracking project progress and accounting practices, ensuring
maximum quality control.
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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
SYSTEMS ( GIS )
GLARO GIS staff supports, facilitates and enables science-based conservation
planning and delivery through data development and warehousing, spatial
analysis and customized tools and models. Our staff is knowledgeable in many
aspects of GIS including: remote sensing techniques, geodatabase design and
development, programming, spatial modeling and cartographic design. GIS staff
have incorporated the results of our research into a Decision Support System
that helps guide our conservation planning process.
■ Services  Staff  Projects  Partners
COMMUNICATIONS AN D
GRAPHIC D ESIGN
ENGINEERING CONCEPT
AN D D ESIGN
GLARO has a full-scale communications program designed to create awareness
of conservation activities and issues among key audiences and the general
public. This host of services is viewed as a valuable asset when partnering with
other organizations on media/public relations events and issues. The graphic
design and in-house printing of communication tools is also appealing to
partners when jointly promoting a program or event.
Ducks Unlimited engineering is respected for its expertise, innovation and
efficiency when delivering all formally contracted restoration projects. Our
engineers work with our biological staff to provide cutting-edge engineering
services to assist with habitat-based project designs, enhancing and refining the
function and maintenance of wetlands and associated habitat. Our surveying
crews lend accuracy and efficiency to engineering designs using state-of-the-art
GPS and Total Station equipment to develop detailed topographic surveys of
individual project sites. Our team of construction managers then obtains
permits, hires contractors and supervises on-site construction.
DU’s emphasis on construction management ensures that design
specifications are followed and that any issues that arise during
construction are addressed immediately.
Statement of Qualifications | 7
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Chapter
2
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GLARO S taff
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Direc tor
Becky Humphries Director
Public P olic y
Gildo M. Tori Director of Public Policy
Bernard Marczyk Government Affairs Representative
Re se arch
John M. Coluccy, Ph.D. Director of Conservation Planning
Geo gr aphic Information
S ys tems (GIS)
Robb Macleod GIS Manager
Rob Paige GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist
Communic ations
Kristin Schrader Regional Communications Manager
Ryan P. Martin Graphic Designer
Projec t Acco untabilit y
Michelle Burdick Project Coordinator
David Pell Contract Specialist, Real Estate/Wetland Mitigation
Mitig ation/L a nds
Christopher Theriot Manager of Conservation Programs
Peter C. Wyckoff, P.E., PWS Regional Engineer
Jenifer Christman Manager of Conservation, Lands
Engineering
Concep t & De sign
Dennis L. McDonough, P.E. Director of Conservation Services
Warren S. Weirich Manager of Conservation Services
David Alsobrooks Senior Engineering Specialist
Gregg H. Bachmann Senior Engineering Specialist
Brian Nicholson, P.E., CFM Regional Engineer
Jade A. Phillips Engineering Specialist
Brandon M. Simon Engineer
G reat L akes Management Unit
Conservation of
W e tl and Habitat
Russel H. Terry Director of Conservation Programs
Roy Kroll Manager of Conservation Programs
Jason R. Hill Manager of Conservation Programs
Dane Cramer Regional Biologist
Eric Schenck Regional Biologist
Michael R. Sertle Regional Biologist
Atl antic Coast Management Unit
Kurt Dyroff Director of Conservation Programs
Ray Whittemore Director of Conservation Programs
Kurt Anderson Regional Biologist
Craig Ferris Regional Biologist
K. Sarah Fleming Regional Biologist
David Brakhage Director of Conservation Programs
Statement of Qualifications | 9
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
David Alsobro ok s Senior Engineering Specialist
Kur t A . Ander son
EDUCATION
Regional Biologist; Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Architectural Construction Technology; Henry Ford Community College
EDUCATION
AFFILIATIONS
Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University
State of Michigan Residential Builders’ and M & A Contractors’s Board Residential
Builder License
RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Alsobrooks is responsible for the preparation of construction plans for wetland
restoration using Land Development Desktop, along with the accompanying civil and
survey software. He prepares topographical surveys from field survey data and provides
earthwork computations for construction costs estimation. He is also responsible for
computerized information to facilitate staking by survey crews. Mr. Alsobrooks has 21
years of experience in the civil engineering and survey field.
Mr. Anderson is responsible for the development, administration and delivery of
conservation programs in Delaware and New Jersey. This includes preliminary
reconnaissance of potential projects, consultations with private landowners and other
partners, preparation of agreements and management plans and the coordination and
implementation of coastal and inland wetland restoration and land protection activities.
Mr. Anderson also works with volunteers and fund-raising staff, and disseminates
information on DU programs to private individuals and state and federal agencies
Expertise
Mr. Anderson has provided technical assistance to landowners interested in U.S.
Farm Bill programs and has aided in the development of Michigan’s Revised Wolf
Management Plan. Additionally, Mr. Anderson has facilitated white-tailed deer focus
group meetings and has worked on waterfowl nesting ecology in the Prairie Pothole
Region of North Dakota.
Gregg H. Bachman Senior Engineering Specialist
Nick Bia sini Regional Biologist; Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Distance Education Land Surveying Program; Michigan Technological University
AFFILIATIONS
Master of Forestry, Forest Management; Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science, Business Management; University of Alabama, Birmingham
Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors—associate member
RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Biasini is responsible for conservation programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
This includes the development, administration, and delivery of these restoration
projects. This is accomplished through working with DU staff and volunteers as well
as through partnerships with various organizations, state and federal agencies, and
private landowners. Mr. Biasini also is responsible for project management and technical
assistance to landowners.
Mr. Bachman is in charge of topographic surveying and construction staking for wetland
restoration projects. He is involved with the pre-survey planning, data collection and
development of the final topographic survey drawings. Mr. Bachman provides horizontal
and vertical control for topographic mapping and project construction, utilizing GPS
equipment and conventional survey equipment. Mr. Bachman develops stakeout plans
from the engineers’s plans to provide staking in the field for construction of the wetland
restoration project. Mr. Bachman is also involved in all aspects of the engineering
department regarding the delivery of wetland restoration projects, including bid
preparation, construction plan review, on-site construction inspection and construction
management.
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 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
DAVID H. BRAKHAGE Director of Conservation Programs; Lands
Michelle Burdick Manager of Conservation Services
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Wildlife Ecology and Management; University of Missouri
Bachelor of Science, Forestry and Wildlife; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting; Eastern Michigan University
Management Concepts Grants Management Certificate
AWARDS
RESPONSIBILITIES
National Wetlands Conservation Award winner, 2003
Ms. Burdick manages the GLAR’s regional contract compliance and project
coordination staff. Her main duties include budget management and grant
administration. Ms. Burdick assists management staff to ensure accurate budget
projections, tracks funding availability for all projects and does budget training of
new employees. She is also responsible for all of the invoicing and data entry for the
regional office.
AFFILIATIONS
The Wildlife Society—member since 1981, Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Region Joint
Venture Management Board
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Brakhage managed conservation programs in the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi
River, including the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. His primary
emphasis now is on developing foundation support for programs that effect Ducks
Unlimited’s mission of conserving waterfowl and wetlands. His other responsibilities
include advocacy, volunteer and partner relations, and providing staff support to the
North American Wetlands Conservation Council.
EXPERTISE
Mr. Brakhage’s expertise includes wetland and waterfowl ecology; potential project
evaluation; waterfowl habitat management; securing and administering federal grants
and cooperative conservation at local, regional and national levels. Before joining DU, Mr.
Brakhage worked 13 years for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
JENIFER CHRISTMAN Manager of Conservation Programs; Lands
JOHN M. COLUCCY, PH.D. Director of Conservation Planning
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Environmental Management, Water Resources and Environmental
Chemistry; Duke University
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Management; University of Nevada, Reno
Doctor of Philosophy, Wildlife Ecology; University of Missouri
Master of Science, Wildlife Ecology; University of Missouri
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin
AWARDS
AFFILIATIONS
Howard Hughes Research Scholar, Western Society of Naturalists Honorarium
The Wildlife Society; Upper Mississippi River Great Lakes Joint Venture Science
Technical Committee; Black Duck Joint Venture Science Technical Committee; Atlantic
Coast Joint Venture Science Technical Committee; Mississippi Flyway Council Technical
Section Giant Canada Goose Committee
RESPONSIBILITIES
Ms. Christman manages the GLAR’s regional land conservation strategy, including
conservation easements, fee-title acquisitions, land donations, trade lands. She trains
and coordinates field staff relative to conservation easement and land transaction
procedures and leads the team that develops and implements a comprehensive lands
initiative to maximize conservation benefits for wetlands and wildlife and generate
revenue for regional conservation priorities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
John M. Coluccy oversees research and planning efforts, and assists with designing,
funding and implementing landscape-level research with the objective of refining
habitat programs within an adaptive management framework.
EXPERTISE
EXPERTISE
Ms. Christman has extensive natural resource management experience including
conservation land transactions, watershed management issues and demonstrated
success in designing and implementing award-winning conservation partnerships.
Dr. Coluccy has experience with a variety of research issues related to wetlands and
breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl across a broad geographic range. He
also has extensive experience with on-the-ground habitat delivery, from directing
conservation programs in Wisconsin, Indiana and southwest Michigan.
Statement of Qualifications | 11
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
dane cr amer Regional Biologist; Saginaw Bay & Lake Erie Watersheds, MI
Kur t W. Dyroff Director of Conservation Programs
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Wildlife Ecology; University of Delaware
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife and Fisheries Science; Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Minor in Environmental Engineering;
Pennsylvania State University
RESPONSIBILITIES
AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Cramer is responsible for the development, delivery and administration of
conservation programs in the Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie watersheds. This includes
identifying potential projects, developing partnerships, coordination of permits
and agreements, and budget management. Additionally, Mr. Cramer works closely
with individuals and public/private entities to secure funding to implement wetland
protection, restoration and enhancement projects throughout Michigan.
Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Big Rivers LCC Steering Committee; AFWA’s Hunting and
Shooting Sports Participation Committee; Engineer in Training, State of Pennsylvania;
American Society of Civil Engineers
expertise
Mr. Cramer has worked with a variety of wildlife species in environments reaching from
the Mississippi delta in northwest Mississippi to the sub-arctic tundra of northern
Québec. His previous work in academia and at the state agency level has focused
primarily on research and monitoring efforts pertaining to waterfowl use of Atlantic
coastal marshes during various periods in their annual cycle.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Dyroff manages Ducks Unlimited’s conservation programs in the Big Rivers
Management Unit including the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and
Missouri. Mr. Dyroff delivers an annual budget of $7 million, affecting more than 6,500
acres of waterfowl habitat per year. His responsibilities include program and partner
development; habitat delivery; budget management; conservation planning; major gifts
fundraising; communications and managing staff, volunteer and partner relations.
MARK FL ASPOHLER Manager of Conservation Programs; MO, KY, and IA
K. sar ah fleming Regional Biologist; New York
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Biology; University of Central Missouri
Bachelor of Science, Biology; University of Central Missouri
Master in Wildlife Science, Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of Western Ontario
RESPONSIBILITIES
AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Flaspohler’s responsibilities encompass a 3-state area with a significant conservation
programs focus on protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetland habitat important to
waterfowl, other wetland dependant wildlife and people. Partnership development,
strategic wetland project implementation, public policy, and programmatic fundraising
are all key elements for ensuring successful conservation delivery in his 3-state area.
Position has grown to the point of having a significant effect on DU’s regional and
national budget and ability to accomplish continental conservation objectives.
The Wildlife Society, National Wildlife Turkey Federation, The Nature Conservancy
EXPERTISE
Mr. Flaspohler has 18 plus years professional level experience in the field of fish, forest
and wildlife management both from a field and an administrative standpoint. He has
worked for three different natural resource agencies (state and federal) where he has
gained significant work experience in both rural and urban communities. Additionally,
he has significant experience in the areas of conflict resolution, staff supervision, grant
development, conservation easements, annual budget development and administration
targeting public conservation land management and private land conservation delivery.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
Ms. Fleming is responsible for the development, delivery and administration of conservation
programs in New York. This includes prospecting of potential projects, collaboration with
landowners and partners, project design and management, and coordination of agreements,
permits, and management plans. Additionally, Ms. Fleming works closely with individuals
and entities to secure funding for future protection, restoration and enhancement of
wetlands and associated habitats.
EXPERTISE
Fleming has worked with USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, Maine
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection, Long Point Waterfowl, and Bird Studies Canada. Her experiences include
monitoring and sampling wetland habitat, passerine, waterbirds, and waterfowl surveys,
delivery of management strategies for wetlands restoration and management, water
quality testing, and passerine and waterfowl banding.
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Ja son D. Hill Manager of Conservation Programs; Wisconsin
beck y humphrie s Director
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University
AFFILIATIONS
Honorary Doctor of Public Science, Central Michigan University
MBA Coursework, University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Management, Michigan State University
Society of Wetland Scientists; The Wildlife Society
AFFILIATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Midwest Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies, National Flyway Council, National Fish and Wildlife Health Steering
Committee, Great Lakes Fisheries Trust, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board,
Boone and Crockett Professional Member, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board
Mr. Hill is responsible for all conservation programs in Wisconsin, including wetland
restoration and associated upland habitat delivery, land and easement acquisition
and technical assistance. Mr. Hill is also a project coordinator in various DU priority
areas across the Great Lakes states, including small wetland design and permitting,
construction management and native prairie establishment. Additional responsibilities
include management of biological staff responsible for Illinois, Indiana and western
Michigan conservation programs, project planning and management, initiative fund
raising and volunteer and conservation partner relations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Ms. Humphries provides oversight for all conservation operations, including
administration, project delivery, planning, research, public policy and budgeting. She is
responsible for the supervision of 34 full time staff and a budget of $14 million budget. She
worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and then joined the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources in 1978. She held positions as a habitat biologist, a managed waterfowl
area biologist, district wildlife supervisor, acting Resource Management Deputy, Wildlife
Division Chief and eventually served as Director of the Department of Natural Resources
and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Ms. Humphries was also
active in Regional and National Associations and served as VP of the Association of Fish
and Wildlife Agencies. Ms. Humphries joined Ducks Unlimited in January 2011.
Gregory l. Johnson, R.P.L.S Chief Professional Land Surveyor
Joshua T. K avanagh Regional Biologist; Minnesota
Education
education
Associate Degree, Applied Science, North Dakota State College of Science
Associate Degree, Civil Engineering and Surveying Technology, North Dakota State
College of Science
Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Concordia College
Associate of Arts Degree; Ridgewater College
responsibilities
Mr. Kavanagh works as a Biologist near New London, Minnesota. Josh’s work is
primarily with private land-owners and conservation agencies to identify and implement
critical shallow lake projects throughout the State. His duties include working with
agency partners on securing flowage easements, performing habitat and engineering
surveys, as well as consulting and negotiating with private landowners. Josh plays a
critical link between Ducks Unlimited, Conservation Agencies/Partners, and most
importantly, private landowners. Mr. Kavanagh began working for Ducks Unlimited in
2002 as a Shallow Lake Enhancement Technician with funds provided by the Legislative
Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR). Prior to working for Ducks Unlimited,
Josh served as a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Specialist working for the
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. In that position Josh assisted in securing
over 6,000 acres of land into perpetual conservation easements in Swift County.
Greg Johnson is a licensed and registered Professional Land Surveyor in North Dakota,
South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Wisconsin with over 34 years of
experience. As Chief Surveyor, Greg coordinates and oversees all aspects of surveying
operations, construction stakeout, and consultant projects. Greg coordinates with
engineering and construction management staff to ensure project deadlines are met
and quality control standards are followed. He has served on various state boards of
registration and is currently a member of the North Dakota State College of Science
Advisory Committee for the Civil Engineering and Surveying curriculum.
Expertise
• Horizontal and vertical control networks
• Topographic and hydrographic mapping of large and small scale watershed projects
• Legal boundary surveys
• Riparian boundary restoration and establishment
• Supervising field operations and construction management activities
• National Geodetic Survey OPUS data reviewer and NGS blue booking control data
responsibilities
Statement of Qualifications | 13
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Debbie Knudson Senior Engineering Technician
EMILY KOWALSKI Staff Accountant
Education
EDUCATION
AutoCAD and Architectural Drafting; Cabrillo College
Interior Design ; Portland Community College
Bachelor of Professional Accountancy; Saginaw Valley State University
responsibilities
Ms. Kowalski prepares and enters Bank of America statements, employee expense
reports, and office payables into AS400 system so they can be paid. She also works in
the Conserv database to enter project agreements and to create new project numbers,
as well as upload agreement documents.
Debbie has been a part of the DU engineering staff since 1999. She has 29 years
of experience in the drafting field, with an emphasis on CADD (computer aided
drafting and design) since 1990. This CADD work has all been in the civil engineering
field. Debbie works closely with DU engineers and surveyors on project and plan
development. Debbie assists the engineering staff in the drafting and design of
wetlands projects in the eight states of the Great Plains Regional Office. In addition to
this drafting, she is also responsible for the generation of topographic maps.
RESPONSIBILITIES
EXPERTISE
Ms. Kowalski has experience in invoicing (entry, coding, journal entries, etc) as well as
experience working in a fund accounting environment.
Affiliations
Autodesk User Group International, Twin Cities Autodesk User Group
Expertise
•
•
•
•
•
Drafts construction plans utilizing Autodesk software (Land Desktop and Civil Design)
Works closely with the surveyors to process GPS data to generate topographic maps
Develops maps using Autodesk Map software to combine aerial images with digital
terrain maps
Performs quantity calculations
Provides technical assistance to engineering staff for all Autodesk software products
Roy Kroll D oug Lipe t zk y, P.E. Senior Regional Engineer
Manager of Conservation Programs; SW Lake Erie and Ohio Programs
Education
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering; North Dakota State University
Master of Science, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management; Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management; Ohio State University
AFFILIATIONS
Certified Wildlife Biologist; The Wildlife Society - member since 1976
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Kroll directs the Southwest Lake Erie Land Protection Strategy, which protects
existing wetlands and adjacent agricultural property within the coastal zone of Lake Erie
in Ohio and Michigan by use of conservation easements, fee-title acquisitions, wetland
restorations and other land protection measures. Mr. Kroll is also responsible for the
delivery of DU conservation programs in Ohio. He acts as project manager, overseeing
partnership and project development, budgeting, coordination with engineering staff,
development of funding proposals, and administration of grant funds
Expertise
Mr. Kroll has directed on-site research and educational programs, and private land
conservation efforts. He has experience in wetland design, restoration, and invasive
species control and has authored several peer-reviewed publications on wetland
management and historical trends in Lake Erie coastal marshes.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
With more than 26 years of engineering experience, Doug has served on DU’s
engineering staff since 1987. Doug currently serves as a Senior Regional Engineer for
the GLAR. Doug works closely with engineering staff to coordinate survey and design
efforts. Throughout his career, Doug has designed and delivered hundreds of wetland
projects throughout the Great Plains Region and is registered in five states.
Expertise
• Large watershed wetland restoration projects, including the construction of dams,
dikes, water control structures, water conveyance and pumping systems
• Developing wetland site plans, cost estimates, final designs and engineering
specifications
• Designing rough fish passage barriers
• Engineering reconnaissance and feasibility studies
• Hydrologic and hydraulic investigations and structural analysis
• Bid preparation, bid letting, and contract compliance with applicable local, state
and federal regulations
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Robb Macleod GIS Manager
BERNIE MARCZYK Director of Conservation Programs
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Natural Resources (GIS and Remote Sensing);
University of New Hampshire
Bachelor of Science, Forestry; Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts, Politics; Princeton University
AFFILIATIONS
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing;
Society of American Foresters
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Macleod oversees all GIS activities. He works closely with the region’s conservation
planner and regional biologists to perform spatial analayses for targeting conservation
efforts and planning restoration activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Marczyk is the Director of DU’s Annapolis Office where he oversees DU’s habitat
restoration projects in the Atlantic region that covers Maryland, West Virginia,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. In this role, he works with relevant federal,
state, and non-profit partners to implement wetland conservation efforts.
EXPERTISE
Mr. Macleod has classified and assessed the accuracy of more than 20 million acres
using satellite and airborne multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, and performed
field data collection for the classification of remotely sensed data. He has worked on
developing spatial databases and the Internet-based Decision Support Systems for
conservation planning in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay watersheds.
Prior to his role as Director of Conservation Programs, Mr. Marczyk handled
governmental affairs for DU in the Atlantic region and Washington, DC where he
advanced policies that benefit North America’s waterfowl and waterfowl habitat.
Mr. Marczyk has served at both the federal and state levels of government spending six
years as a senior staffer for former Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich while he was a
member of the US House of Representatives and Governor. He also worked at the US
Department of Agriculture before joining the Ducks Unlimited Governmental Affairs
Office in 2008.
ryan p. mar tin Graphic Designer
Dennis L . McD onough, P.E. Director of Conservation Services
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Art, Graphic Design; Saginaw Valley State University
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering; Montana State University
RESPONSIBILITIES
AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Martin handles the design and production of the communications and marketing
materials produced by the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region, including; annual conservation
reports for the 21 GLAR states, posters, brochures, postcards, tradeshow displays and
tabletops, as well as a variety of invitations and materials for DU events throughout the
region. Mr. Martin also works remotely for the Southern Regional Office, handling their
graphic design needs.
Registered Professional Engineer in the states of DE, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ,
NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT and WI
expertise
Expertise
Adobe Creative Suite design software (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. McDonough serves as the primary engineer for Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, and
is responsible for the design of specialty restoration projects throughout the Great
Lakes/Atlantic Region. He also coordinates engineering services for project delivery.
His innovative ideas and techniques, along with his efficient project deliveries,
have positioned Ducks Unlimited as a leader in the field of engineering. Additional
responsibilities include the supervision of project coordinators, manager of conservation
services and regional conservation budget oversight.
Expertise
Over the past 20 years, Mr. McDonough has designed wetland restoration projects for
Ducks Unlimited throughout the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Statement of Qualifications | 15
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Le s Morgens tern Surveyor/Construction Manager
BRIAN NICHOL SON, P.E., CFM Regional Engineer
Education
EDUCATION
Graduate Curriculum, Soil Science, North Dakota State University.
B.S. GeoScience,Geology Major, North Dakota State University.
Construction Engineering Curriculum, North Dakota State University.
A.A.S. Civil Engineering Technology, North Dakota College of Science.
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES
Les has been employed as a Construction Manager with DU since 2000. He has
managed and inspected construction activities associated with wetland habitat
development in the Great Plains Region. He works closely with the engineers, and chief
surveyor with preliminary design criteria, plan review, managing construction projects,
topographic surveys with GPS technology and, geotechnical investigations. He is also
involved in training and mentoring interns in field construction management duties and
soil investigations.
Expertise
• Managing construction activities on small dams, high hazard dams, dikes, water
control structures, pond excavations, pump systems and fish barriers
• Coordinating geotechnical soils investigations and project stakeouts
• Surveying and topographic date collection using GPS technology
• Multi-phase environmental assessments, hydrology investigations and interpretation,
soils classification, well monitoring and testing, and hazardous waste clean up efforts.
AFFILIATIONS
Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan;
Certified Floodplain Manager, Association of State Floodplain Managers
Mr. Nicholson serves as the primary engineer for Illinois and Wisconsin. His duties
include all aspects of engineering, including survey, design, bidding, construction
staking, construction management and working with project partners on other
engineering needs that may arise.
Expertise
Mr. Nicholson has worked as a civil engineer for the City of Peoria, IL, working in
permitting for erosion, sediment and storm-water control and serving as resident
engineer for municipal construction projects involving construction and reconstruction
of roads, sidewalks, traffic signals, ornamental streetlights, retaining walls and sewers.
His construction project budgets ranged from $250,000 to over
$1 million, often with projects running concurrently.
Mat t Olsen Construction Manager
Rob Paige GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist
education
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Construction Management; University of Wisconsin-Stout
Bachelor of Science, Biology (Natural Resources)/English; Central Michigan University
responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Olsen serves as a Construction Manager and helps oversee DU’s wetland
construction activities in Minnesota and Iowa. Matt has been employed with DU since
2003.
Mr. Paige utilizes ArcGIS, ArcView and Erdas Imagine to perform various GIS/remote
sensing tasks. He conducts searches to acquire data from different sources or creates
the necessary data layers. Mr. Paige also performs spatial and spectral analyses, and
provides the results in the form of maps, digital data with metadata or as layers on an
Internet mapping site.
Expertise
• Topographic mapping of large and small scale wetland restoration projects using
GPS technology
• Project stakeout, construction management, and final inspection
• Drafting construction plans, including details, charts, diagrams, and quantities for
dams, dikes, and water control structures
• Coordinating geotechnical soils investigations
16 | Ducks Unlimited
Expertise
• ArcGIS/ArcView cartography
• Erdas Imagine image classification, rectification and transformation
• Data layer creation, organization and manipulation
• IT proficiency
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
David Pell Contract Specialist, Real Estate/Wetland Mitigation
Jade A . Phillips Senior Engineering Specialist
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance; Western Michigan University
Juris Doctor, Salmon P. Chase College of Law; Northern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Resource Management; West Virginia University
AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Phillips is involved with the engineering department delivering conservation services
throughout the Mid-Atlantic region by surveying wetland restoration sites, on-site
construction inspection and construction management. Mr. Phillips brings with him
11 years experience as an engineering technician with the Maryland Department of
Agriculture. While with the Department of Agriculture he was responsible for the survey,
design, layout and construction management of projects beneficial to agriculture and
wildlife.
State Bar of Michigan
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Pell is responsible for assisting regional staff in developing, negotiating and
executing agreements. He is responsible for drafting contracts, reviewing and editing
deeds and other real-estate instruments for wetland mitigation and land protection
projects. He coordinates with legal, contract and accounting departments to ensure
contract execution and payment. He develops, compiles and maintains project files and
supporting information, and oversees record management and staff compliance for
wetland mitigation and land protection projects. He is also responsible for all contract
solicitation, awards and payments throughout the region.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Expertise
Mr. Pell ran his own private law practice specializing in Estate Planning for three years.
Prior to that, he spent seven years as a corporate attorney for a public utility company
focusing on the drafting and negotiating of real estate contracts, easements, deeds and
various other agreements.
Eric W. Schenck Regional Biologist; Illinois
Kris tin Schr ader Regional Communications Manager
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Forest Science; Yale University
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Management; University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science, Anthropology, Eastern Michigan University
AFFILIATIONS
New England Outdoor Writers Association, Association of Conservation Information,
Association of Great Lakes Outdoors Writers
The Wildlife Society, Certified Wildlife Biologist;
Society of American Foresters, Certified Forester
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Schenck is responsible for wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation projects in
Illinois. He has successfully delivered numerous projects in partnership with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Forest Preserve Districts, Soil and Water
Conservation Districts, corporations and private landowners.
AFFILIATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES
Ms. Schrader comes from a marketing and advertising background, and has found
that forming relationships is the best way to share a message. She most recently was
employed in the building industry where she worked as a marketing director, served on
several association boards and as a communication liaison for property-related issues.
Prior to that Ms. Schrader was an account representative for an advertising agency.
Expertise
Mr. Schenck can assist public and private land partners in a variety of habitat projects
involving wetlands, bottomland forests and native grasses. He is familiar with numerous
financial assistance programs available in Illinois and he works closely with landowners
needing funding support for their projects.
Statement of Qualifications | 17
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Jon Schneider Manager of Conservation Programs; Minnesota
Michael R . Ser tle Regional Biologist; Indiana & Southwest Michigan
Education
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Biology;
State University of New York College at Oswego
Master of Science,Range & Wildlife Management: Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Master of Science, Wildlife Management; Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Bachelor of Science, Zoology; Western Illinois University
Affiliations
Mr. Sertle is responsible for the coordination and delivery of private and public
wetland enhancement and restoration projects throughout the state of Indiana and
the southwestern portion of Michigan. He is further responsible for the coordination
of landowners, engineering staff, contractors and permitting agencies. Additional
responsibilities of this position include the evaluation of completed projects,
development of funding proposals and composition of reports.
Society of Wetland Scientists, The Wildlife Society
RESPONSIBILITIES
Habitat delivery in Minnesota. Mr. Schneider coordinates funding and partnerships
for habitat improvement projects with local, state, and federal agency partners and
private landowners throughout Minnesota. He serves as DU’s lead biologist on wetland
engineering projects in Minnesota, and supervises two field biologists. He coordinates
and helps deliver DU land protection efforts with other DU field staff and landowners.
He manages state and federal grant partnerships that fund DU wetland restoration,
improvement, and protection programs, including annual DU budgets for this work.
Jon represents DU on Minnesota’s Habitat Conservation Partnership on the USDA’s
Wetlands Reserve Program subcommittee. Jon has authored several scientific and
technical papers, and is a certified professional by both the Society of Wetland Scientists
(professional wetland scientist) and The Wildlife Society (certified wildlife biologist).
RESPONSIBILITIES
Expertise
Mr. Sertle has accumulated a wide variety of work experience in the states of Illinois,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. His area of expertise is
waterfowl and wetland management, specifically the nesting ecology of giant Canada
geese. He has additional expertise in the nesting ecology and behavior of federally
threatened and endangered piping plovers and interior least terns.
Br and on M. Simon Engineer
Jim S treifel , P.E. Regional Engineer
Education
Education
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering; Michigan State University
Minor of Mathematics; Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering;North Dakota State University
Responsibilities
Mr. Streifel has served on DU’s engineering staff since 1990. With over 25 years of
experience in civil design and water resources engineering, Jim has a broad range of
expertise including wastewater treatment facilities, municipal water treatment, sanitary/
storm sewer design and construction management. Jim is currently registered in
two states and has worked on wetland restorations projects in Colorado, Minnesota,
Montana, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
Mr. Simon is responsible for work throughout the 18 state Great Lakes Atlantic Region.
He performs surveys, CAD work, on-site inspection and construction management.
Mr. Simons educational background was centered around geo-technical engineering,
foundations and retention system design. Brandon’s experience compliments Ducks
Unlimited’s ability to provide innovative wetland restorations in all areas but especially
those with poor site conditions.
Responsibilities
Expertise
• Hydraulic and hydrologic analysis and modeling of streams, irrigation ditches, and
large watersheds using HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, Hydro-CAD, and TR-20 software
• Large watershed wetland restoration projects, including the construction of dams,
dikes, water control structures, wa-ter conveyance and pumping systems
• Designing rough fish passage barriers
• Engineering reconnaissance and feasibility studies
• Developing wetland site plans, cost estimates, final designs and engineering
specifications
• Bid preparation, bid letting, and contract compliance with applicable local, state and
federal regulations
18 | Ducks Unlimited
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Russel H. Terry Director of Conservation Programs
Chris topher Theriot Manager of Conservation Programs
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Range and Wildlife Management;
Texas A&M University, Kingsville
Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Management;
Lake Superior State University
Master of Science, Environmental Policy and Planning, University of Michigan
Master of Public Policy, University of Chicago
Bachelor of Art, Colgate University
RESPONSIBILITIES
World Resources Institute - Business and Ecosystem Services Group
Mr. Terry provides leadership and strategic oversight of Ducks Unlimited’s conservation
programs in the Great Lakes states of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois,
including supervising all biologists and some engineering staff that work in these states.
Mr. Terry manages an annual conservation budget in excess of $4 million and is active in
partner and volunteer relations, fund raising and strategic planning.
RESPONSIBILITIES
AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Theriot oversees the strategic direction and program management of the GLAR’s
wetland mitigation program. In this role, he manages relationships with key federal
agencies (Army Corps, USFWS, and USEPA), and works with clients and consulting
firms to deliver mitigation solutions. Additionally, he assists with coordination of DU’s
nationwide mitigation program and contributes to DU’s overall eco-asset strategy
Expertise
With more than 15 years experience working on environmental, business & policy issues,
Mr. Theriot has considerable experience launching and managing program initiatives in
the public and private sector. He has consulted and worked directly on ecosystem and
payment for environmental services nationally and internationally. Skills and training
include financial analysis, budgeting, strategy development, and communications.
Additionally, he has training in facilitation and negotiation.
GILD O M. TORI Director of Public Policy
Ben Van Gundy Land Protection Specialist
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Zoology, Wildlife Ecology and Toxicology;
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Biology and Management; Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, Iowa State University
AFFILIATIONS
The Wildlife Society; Certified Wildlife Biologist; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wetlands Delineation Certification
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mr. Tori is responsible for public policy actions, including national issues such as the
Farm Bill, North American Wetlands Conservation Act, wetland policy and waterfowl
legislative issues. He also leads the GLAR’s Public Policy Team and coordinates regional
legislative issues that deal with Ducks Unlimited’s mission of conserving waterfowl and
wetlands, including Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay conservation coalitions.
Mr. Tori also serves as a liaison to federal and state agencies, including those states that
participate in DU’s State Grant Program, which directs conservation dollars to Ducks
Unlimited Canada for habitat conservation.
AWARDS
Wetlands for Iowa Program – Volunteer Award from Governor Terry Branstad
Outstanding Service Award – Lime Creek Nature Center Foundation
RESPONSIBLITIES
Works to protect critical lands for waterfowl through conservation easements and fee
title. Develops relationships with landowners and professional conservationists to
protect lakeshore on shallow lakes important to migrating waterfowl. Initiates projects,
carries out due diligence, and works with a team to carry projects to fruition.
EXPERTISE
Broad experience in conservation administration, land conservation, fund raising, and
conservation land management.
Statement of Qualifications | 19
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Warren S. Weirich Manager of Conservation Services
Pe ter C . W yckoff P.E., P WS
EDUCATION
Regional Engineer; Mitigation & Special Projects
Mechanical Engineering; Owens Community College
EDUCATION
AFFILIATIONS
American Concrete Institute—Certified Testing Technician #143337;
Michigan Concrete Association—Certified Testing Technician
Master of Science, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University
RESPONSIBILITIES
AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Weirich oversees multiple aspects of regional or national conservation service
functions, such as project coordination, engineering, information systems, budgets,
contract compliance and new product design. Mr. Weirich also supervises engineering
staff associated with project delivery.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional Engineer, State of Michigan; National Society of Professional Engineers;
Michigan Society of Professional Engineers; The American Society of Agricultural and
Biological Engineers; Aquacultural Engineering Society
Mr. Wyckoff delivers conservation services throughout the Great Lakes region, including
wetland delineations, topographic surveys of possible restoration sites, performing
engineering design requirements for wetland restoration projects, computer-aided
drafting and construction management. Mr. Wyckoff’s technical skills include wetland
delineations, GPS surveys, AutoDesk Land Desktop, HydroCAD modeling, natural
stream channel design, hydraulic engineering design and engineering design of
aquaponics systems.
20 | Ducks Unlimited
 Services ■ Staff  Projects  Partners
Statement of Qualifications | 21
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
Chapter
3
22 | Ducks Unlimited
Projec t Sample s
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
W e t l a n d R e s t o r at i o n
from Dream to Reality
Wetlands represent some of nature’s most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems on earth. Unique communities
of plants adapted to wet environments provide critical habitats for thousands of species of fish and wildlife and numerous
benefits for people. More than half of North America’s wetlands have been lost. As the world leader in wetlands conservation,
DU acknowledges the challenge that lies in reversing this trend and is committed to applying state-of-the-art mechanisms
to protect remaining wetlands and to restore those that have been altered and degraded. On the following pages, you
will find project descriptions which are examples of the technical and professional expertise DU employs to accomplish
its mission and to provide a future for waterfowl, other wildlife and people that depend on these valuable resources.
Statement of Qualifications | 23
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
big marsh lake
Big Marsh Lake Wetland Restoration, Michigan
Ducks Unlimited, in collaboration with a multitude of conservation partners and with North American Wetlands Conservation Act funding, restored 200 acres of emergent
wetland and hemi-marsh habitat by replacing a water control structure and repairing the existing levee. The project was completed in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of
Battle Creek’s Big Marsh Lake property and Michigan Audubon Society’s Baker Sanctuary. The previous water control structure had fallen into disrepair and the wetland had not
been actively managed for over 30 years, resulting in lowered wetland productivity and markedly decreased migratory bird use. The new water control structure allows for both
active wetland management and fish passage. The innovative water control structure design conceived by DU’s engineering staff provides fish passage through the structure
during any stage of drawdown. With a system of interior fish ladders arranged in a switch-back formation and multiple exterior stop-log bays, fish can travel up or downstream
through the structure when the wetland is either at full capacity or during complete drawdown. The wetland itself is managed specifically for waterfowl and sandhill crane nesting
and migration. In less than of year from completion, the rejuvenated emergent wetland witnessed the largest concentration of greater sandhill cranes ever recorded at Baker
Sanctuary, an immediate increase in waterfowl usage, and consistent fish movement. This wetland restoration with its innovate design is just one example of the dedication that
DU has to overcoming project obstacles in order to see the full conservation of our valuable wetlands.
24 | Ducks Unlimited
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
Illinois l ands program
br ancheau
Illinois
Coastal Wetland Restoration, Michigan
For the past 10 years, Ducks Unlimited has had an active land program underway
in Illinois that has protected more than 3,000 acres of wetland habitat through feetitle purchase or permanent conservation easement. DU’s unique understanding of
waterfowl migration patterns, wetland habitat potential and local real estate markets
has resulted in premiere land deals that are cost conscious and results focused. DU
specializes in acquiring lands for conservation partners and in “turn key” projects
that also involve wetland or habitat restoration. Ducks Unlimited’s team of land
specialists and biologists has experience in all aspects of negotiating purchase,
due diligence, and real estate closings as well as in delivering top rated habitat
restoration projects on newly acquired parcels. In some cases, DU also is able to
serve as a temporary custodian of property prior to re-sale or transfer of title. In that
capacity, DU works with tenant farmers, foresters and contractors to manage and
maintain property during transitions of ownership. Ducks Unlimited also works with
landowners wishing to protect their property with conservation easements. Often,
this results in a long-term commitment by DU to serve as the easement steward
responsible for monitoring and protection of wetland habitat, functions and values
in perpetuity.
Ducks Unlimited (DU) partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), Waterfowl USA, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance,
Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, DTE,
and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council to restore 67
acres of critical coastal wetland habitat along western Lake Erie in Monroe
County. The Brancheau property previously was in agricultural production
but was restored to coastal wetlands in two adjacent units (45 acres and
22 acres) that will be managed by the USFWS as part of the Detroit River
International Wildlife Refuge. DU staff provided the topographic survey,
engineering design, bidding, contracting and construction management
services for this showcase project. In 2010 DU and the USFWS intend to
co-host a dedication of this impressive project.
Statement of Qualifications | 25
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
g r e at c y p r e s s s wa m p
Wetland Restoration, Sussex County, Delaware
The Great Cypress Swamp is located in the southernmost portion of Sussex County, Delaware. Blanketing over 13,000 acres, it is the largest remaining tract of contiguous
forest on the Delmarva Peninsula and is one of its most unique wetland resources. Sadly, while portions of the Great Cypress Swamp are still partially inundated during wet
years, its natural hydrology has been dramatically altered. A vast network of drainage ditches excavated to accommodate agriculture and timber harvest have disrupted complex
drainage patterns and diminished both the extent and ecological function of the area. Several years’ worth of concerted effort culminated in the 2009 restoration of 426 acres
in the Great Cypress Swamp. Delaware Wild Lands (DWL), which owns and manages over 11,000 acres there, joined forces with Ducks Unlimited (DU), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Delaware Bay Estuary Project and Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Center for the Inland Bays, and others to strategically install six water control structures and five ditch
plugs aimed at retaining outflow and lengthening the hydroperiod, thus effectively rewetting vast portions of the Great Cypress Swamp.DWL and others planted more than
33,000 Atlantic white cedars, which have declined significantly and are identified as a “Habitat of Conservation Concern” in the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan. Furthermore,
DU spearheaded submission of a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant in 2009 which proposes a similar restoration on an adjacent 343 acres. With
support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Center for the Inland Bays, and others, DU and DWL are committed to the long-term restoration of the Great Cypress Swamp
to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
26 | Ducks Unlimited
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
WEST CREEK PROPERTY
4 8 1 - MITIGATION PRO J ECT
Virginia
New York
One hundred acres of floodplain wetlands along Tuckahoe Creek in Goochland
and Henrico counties is now protected by a Ducks Unlimited conservation
easement. Preserving the West Creek property in perpetuity will maintain its
valuable undeveloped state for numerous waterfowl and other wildlife species.
This is biologically important not only from a water quality perspective, but as
wetland habitat. While greater Richmond continues to expand, the West Creek
property will serve as an increasingly important urban refuge for the local, wintering and migrating waterfowl along the James River. Visitors commonly seen on
the easement property include American black ducks, mallards, green-winged
teal, ring-necked ducks, wood ducks and Canada geese. With dense stands of
vegetation along the creek, local nesting ducks depend on the area during that
crucial breeding period. DU currently holds nearly 2,800 acres in conservation
easements throughout the state of Virginia. As the landscape becomes increasingly fragmented and wetlands are lost, the need to protect the highest-quality
habitats will become progressively more important.
The 481 Mitigation Project in the city of North Syracuse is one of the first mitigation projects that DU has developed in New York. Once the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) determined the mitigation requirements, DU worked with
the mitigant and landowner to develop a mitigation plan that would meet USACE
permit conditions and replace wetland functions. This project has utilized DU’s
full scope of services: site identification, survey, design, contracting, construction
oversight, project management and monitoring. The goal of the 481 Mitigation Project is to establish 10 acres of palustrine emergent marsh immediately
adjacent to a state wildlife management area. This wetland will replace important watershed functions including wildlife habitat, reduced fragmentation and
water quality protection. Restoration activities include the removal and control of
Phragmites australis in a 30-acre basin. Topsoil was imported and spread within
the basin to provide an organic medium for establishing native wetland vegetation and a grassland buffer. DU will monitor the site for 10 years and provide a
long-term management plan.
Statement of Qualifications | 27
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
B l a c k D u c k S at e l l i t e R a d i o S t u dy
Mississippi & Atlantic Flyways
The purpose of this study was to document the migration ecology of American black ducks in eastern North America to assist managers in refining habitat
conservation programs and developing biologically based habitat objectives. Our objectives were to identify: (1) migration routes, estimate migration chronology, and
describe seasonal variation among black ducks from different latitudes, longitudes, and wintering areas, and (2) key stopovers, estimate habitat use and availability,
and describe seasonal variation among black ducks from different latitudes, longitudes, and wintering areas. During the winters of 2008 and 2009, 68 black duck hens
were bait-trapped and fitted with GPS solar-powered satellite radio transmitters in OH, NY,
NJ, DE and VA. Transmitters were programmed to obtain 6 GPS location fixes daily and hen
movements were monitored using the ARGOS satellite tracking system. Once completed this
study will facilitate the identification of important wintering, staging and breeding areas for
targeting conservation efforts and the development of biologically based habitat objectives for
black ducks in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways.
28 | Ducks Unlimited
 Services  Staff ■ Projects  Partners
RYE TOWNSHIP
NWI
Resource Planning Tool, New Hampshire
National Wetlands Inventory, Great Lakes
In 2004, Ducks Unlimited began the development of a GIS-based interactive
planning tool for salt marsh restorations in the Township of Rye, New Hampshire. Rye has been very progressive in addressing past degradation of salt marsh
communities and has removed most of the tidal restrictions that occur there to
allow natural tidal flushing to return. Also, hydrologic restoration to marsh surfaces has been completed to increase fish habitat where it has been drained, and
to provide habitat for predatory fish that eat mosquito larvae, thus decreasing
mosquito populations. The New Hampshire coastal program, Department of Environmental Services funded the project. DU staff worked directly with the town’s
Mosquito and Wetland Management Commission to develop the tool, based on
known project areas and estuaries (Figure 1). With this historical information, DU
staff captured data in shape files and assembled them into an interactive Webbased format that would facilitate the identification and prioritization of target
areas easily and efficiently.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
has been used for many modeling and planning activities because it covers a
large area and uses a consistent classification. However, much of this inventory
is 20 to 30 years old and some of the data for the Great Lakes is still in hardcopy
format. The usefulness of the NWI data has been diminished due to its age,
availability, and the FWS’s limited resources for updating the NWI. Therefore,
the GLARO GIS staff is currently working with the FWS and a consortium of
public and non-profit organizations to update and track the wetland changes in
the Great Lakes states. A database
scheme has been developed that
allows the users to identify current
wetlands as well as track the changes
of individual wetlands. The updated
NWI data will be used by many
different agencies and organizations
for modeling and planning efforts.
Statement of Qualifications | 29
 Services  Staff  Projects ■ Partners
Chapter
4
Repre sentative
Partner & Client Lis t
American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
Lake County Parks and Recreation Indiana
Freshwater Mitigation Council
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV)
Land Trust Alliance (LTA)
New Jersey’s Meadowland Commission
Audubon Society
Maryland’s Coastal Zone Management program
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Bella Vista Group Inc.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
(MD DNR)
New York Department of Environmental
Conservation (NY DEC)
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT)
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR),
Division of Wildlife
Black Duck Joint Venture (BDJV)
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Clover Construction Management Inc.
Maine Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Farm Services Agency (FSA)
Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ)
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP)
Delaware Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MI DNR)
Pheasants Forever
and Environmental Control (DNREC)
Michigan State University
Dolomite Group
Millennium Pipeline Company LLC
Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management, Division of Fish & Wildlife
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Maryland
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, Michigan
Virginia Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries (VDGIF)
Empire State Pipeline
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy
Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife
Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
(GLIFWC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Southern Illinois University
Wal-Mart Stores East, LP
Administration (NOAA)
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Waterfowl Festival Inc.
Natural Heritage Land Trust, Wisconsin
The Black Swamp Conservancy, Ohio
Watershed Initiative Network (WIN)
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (NJDEP)
The Dow Chemical Company
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WI DNR)
Corporate Wetland Restoration Partnership
(CWRP)
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IL DNR)
Illinois Natural History Survey
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
(IN DNR), Division of Fish and Wildlife
John Deere
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, Division of Land Use Regulation;
Private Landowners
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
The Ohio State University
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
30 | Ducks Unlimited
University of Delaware
Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Region
Joint Venture (UMR/GLR JV)
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland
Virginia Department of Forestry
Wisconsin Waterfowl Association
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
C O N S E RV E S , R E S TO R E S A N D
M A N AG E S
WETLANDS
AND
A S S O C I AT E D H A B I TAT S F O R
NORTH AMERICAN WATERFOWL.
THESE HABITATS ALSO BENEFIT
OTHER WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE.
ROGL 371
G R E AT L A K E S / AT L A N T I C R E G I O N A L O F F I C E
1220 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
P: (734) 623-2000 | F: (734) 623-2035 | www.ducks.org