SOUTH BUTLER, N.Y. (Nov. 15, 2011)—Ducks Unlimited recently dedicated a successful wetland project at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC). Completed in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the wetland was restored as part of a $1 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant and is dedicated to John and Dan Warder. The newly restored marsh will become part of a 50-acre wetland complex that provides critical habitat for wetland-dependent wildlife.

Enthusiastic supporters of wetlands conservation, John and Dan Warder were the original founders of the Finger Lakes chapter of Ducks Unlimited. The chapter's current members wanted to honor the Warders through this dedication, led by Ed Kime and Bob Kase.

Through generous partners and community support, the chapter raised $54,000 in memory of the Warders. These funds went to Ducks Unlimited's Lake Ontario Initiative, which supports the restoration of critical wetland habitat at the MWC and made the Warder project possible.

"Warder Marsh is a great example of New York's strong conservation ethic," said Sarah Fleming, DU's regional biologist for New York. "It exemplifies what can be accomplished when federal and state agencies, as well as DU staff and volunteers, work together toward a common goal."

The Warder Marsh had been used mostly for agricultural purposes, but the landscape responded quickly to the restored hydrology after the project's completion. Within a few months, wetland plants returned and began producing abundant seeds beneficial to waterfowl. Teal, mallards, wood ducks and Canada geese were seen during the dedication ceremony.

"With these gifts from the Finger Lake chapter and major donors, and in conjunction with our strong list of funding partners, DU will leverage additional federal funding, often at a 4:1 ratio, to continue to enhance, restore and protect critical wetland and upland habitat," said Matt Fenoff, director of development for Ducks Unlimited.
 
"As part of a multi-year project, Ducks Unlimited is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, other non-governmental organizations and local landowners to restore and protect this valuable landscape," said Fleming. "Today, more than 3,500 acres of wildlife habitat have been protected and 2,500 acres have been restored or enhanced at the Northern Montezuma Wetlands Complex."

The Warder Marsh is part of the 5,100-square-mile Oswego River/Finger Lakes Watershed, which drains into Lake Ontario and provides drinking water supplies and recreation for residents and visitors. MWC hosts 200,000 visitors annually for fishing, hunting, biking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, nature study and numerous other outdoor pursuits.

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.

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