By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2024 Newsletter edition.
I write this from my desk overlooking a high-flowing Milwaukee River. Recent rains (not snow) have surged the river to a “bank-full” flood stage. With any more rain, the cup will overfloweth.
As we close out 2023, WWA’s “cup” is pretty darn full too. It was a phenomenal year for increasing our impact around the state in our three mission areas of habitat, advocacy and education. I hope you be able to join us in Beaver Dam for our 2024 Annual meeting on January 20th where we’ll review what happened in 2023 (including habitat updates and a presentation by DNR Game Bird Biologist Taylor Finger) and what’s going to happen in 2024, recognize outstanding performances and hand out a few prizes.
In case you can’t make it on the 20th, here’s a brief snapshot of the good work WWA did in the last 365 days:
PUBLIC LAND EFFORTS: Established a new habitat program by hiring two ecologists who focus on the DNR’s 1.4million acres of land for restoration opportunities. Several projects are now in the works.
PRIVATE LAND EFFORTS: Undertook the most acreage of private land restoration we’ve considered in nearly a decade, and we are filming the biggest restorations (over 100 acres) to make a short film about what’s involved.
NEW HABITAT INITIATIVE: Inked a contract with the Natural Resources Conservation Service worth $100K per year to survey current restorations for maintenance requirements.
WATERFOWLERS ACADEMY: Launched this new effort to bring new duck hunters into the waterfowling community, and doubled the throughput of previous efforts in our first year under a program funded by Pittmen Robertson funds. Check out Warden Jensen’s report on one of the efforts under this program, the by women, for women learn-to-hunt held in Trempeleau.
ADVOCATING FOR NEW HUNTING OPPORTUNITY: WWA held a very well-attended legislative briefing to expand the discussion on a sustainable and ethical sandhill crane hunt in Wisconsin. Expect even more activity on this topic early in the new year.
RECORD ATTENDANCE AT THE EXPO: WWA continued to lead the charge for the region’s only waterfowl hunters expo – over 5,000 (!) in attendance, hundreds of booths, and fun activities for the entire family (including your four-legged family members).
NEW PARTNERSHIPS: Our corporate sponsorship has grown, and our relationships with foundations have expanded to help fund the important on-the-ground difference that WWA can make.
And much more, including taking on the state charitable gaming regulators and winning our case, impacting not only WWA raffle fundraising, but other non-profits’ as well.
This exceptionally impactful year was only possible through your support – volunteers, members, sponsors – your contributions made WWA much more effective this year. You’ve earned my thanks, and hopefully, those of the 65,000 waterfowlers in the state who ‘ll benefit from the work we do.