DU, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland. Fisheries (VDGIF), is preparing to begin a ... of 86
VIRGINIA 2018
S TAT E
VIRGINIA BY THE NUMBERS 2017 • • •
$1.7 million raised 121 events 536 acres conserved (FY17)
HISTORICAL • •
48,107 acres conserved $12,526,441 invested
VDGIF’s cumulative contributions to DU for habitat conservation in Canada: $125,000
R E P O RT
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SOUTHERN
REGION
GUINEA MARSH ACQUISITION DU recently partnered with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to assist VDGIF in the acquisition of 860 acres of wetlands known as the Guinea Marsh Tract in Gloucester County. This property has three tracts of extensive marsh along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in an area known as Mobjack Bay. Acquisition adds public land acreage in an area where there is limited state ownership. The marshes of this property have been identified as important habitat for the American Black Duck. VDGIF intends to utilize this property as a WMA for habitat protection and public outdoor recreational opportunities. DU is proud to partner on this project and will continue to work with VDGIF and other partners to expand conservation efforts in this portion of Virginia. This acquisition is the 13th WMA project on which DU has partnered with VDGIF and others to enhance wintering waterfowl habitat and access for public hunting in Virginia.
(Information through 1/1/18)
Featured Projects Completed Projects
HOG ISLAND WMA ENHANCEMENTS DU, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), is preparing to begin a two-phased project on Hog Island Wildlife Management Area in Surry County. Hog Island WMA, one of the primary waterfowl complexes and historic colonial areas in Virginia, is a 1,300acre state game land across the James River from Williamsburg, Virginia. Managed wetlands are critical to wildlife since a large portion of the original wetland acreage in the state has been lost, and wetland habitat throughout the state continues to decline. Waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds and other wetland dependent wildlife will greatly benefit from enhanced foraging and wintering habitat provided by this project. Par t of DU’s Southeast Wetlands Initiative
IN MEMORIAM - TWO VADU LEADERS REMEMBERED VADU recently lost two of its long-time volunteers and major sponsors, Harry Knight and Fair Brooks. Former DU president, emeritus board member and long-time volunteer leader Harry Knight, of Williamsburg, Va., passed away in February at the age of 87. Knight dedicated more than four decades to DU. “Harry was that unique individual who felt equally at home on the stage and in the hospitality room,” said John Tomke, DU past president. “He was even comfortable singing a duet with Randy Travis. He had Virginia charm, a tremendous wit and a love of banter. No one loved duck hunting more than Harry Knight and amongst the DU faithful, no DU President was more loved.” Harry finished his distinguished professional career as the Fair and his wife, Judi Vice-President Busch Properties, General Manager “Kingsmill on The James,” which, under his leadership, became one of the premier residential and resort developments in the country. Past state chairman, Sponsor in Perpetuity, Grand Slam Life Sponsor and Silver Feather Society Member C. Fair Brooks, III, passed away in January. Fair was a devoted volunteer for the Western Henrico Chapter, offering guidance to young volunteers after his health made him unable to attend to details directly following a 2005 heart attack. DU President Rogers Hoyt, Jr. and CEO Dale Hall issued a proclamation in his honor noting his more than 30 years of volunteer service and remarking that Fair always upheld the highest ideals of the organization and conservation.
FUNDRAISING & STATE CAMPAIGN UPDATES Volunteers are the heartbeat of Ducks Unlimited, and Virginia has some of the best. Virginia boasts more than 17,700 members, including more than 1,360 volunteers who hosted 121 events in 2017, raising $1.7 million to support DU’s conservation mission. Those dollars ensure DU’s continued work in Virginia and on the breeding grounds that produce Virginia’s waterfowl. Virginia’s Campaign Committee met or exceeded all goals in 2017, securing 12 new Life Sponsors, 2 new Feather Society members and 27 upgrades. Clearly the people of Virginia understand that giving to Ducks Unlimited is the soundest investment they can make in the future of wetlands, waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – 2019 VIRGINIA STATE CHAIR Virginia DU’s 2019 State Chairman Christiaan Pond is an avid duck hunter who has been on a path to serving DU since he was a child. “I was the kid that grew up in DU,” he said. Watching his dad serve as area and district chairman, Christiaan learned the value of volunteering and took up the charge for DU in 2000. “It’s easy to sit back and talk about how great things used to be or wonder why someone doesn’t do something about this or that,” Christiaan said. “At some point, the rubber hits the road, and each individual has to put forth the effort to try and make the difference they want to see in the world. That’s what Ducks Unlimited is for me, and for so many other volunteers – our way to impact and improve the world for future generations.” Christiaan and his wife, Cristin, are Life Sponsors and expect their first child in April. No doubt they will soon be passing on a love of all things outdoors and a deep-seated love for DU to the next generation of their family. Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Visit us online at www.duc ks .org/conser vation/sr
