2025 Looks Even Better
By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2025 Newsletter edition.
2024 was WWA’s ruby anniversary – 40 years serving state waterfowlers! And what a year it was, with WWA receiving continental, national and statewide awards. Particularly significant was the Blue-winged Teal Award from the North American Waterfowl Management Plan Council (i.e., the US Fish and Wildlife Service) who recognized WWA’s 40 years of sustained support of waterfowl.
WWA won the USFWS’ Blue Wing Teal Award in 2024
This would not have been possible without your support as a donor or as a volunteer – thank you. Here’s what your support made in possible in 2024:
- The first restoration project under our agreement with the DNR – a wetland restoration at Navarino Wildlife Area – and planned, permitted and contracted for thousands more acres in 2025.
- Our growth of WWA’s Waterfowler Academy initiative to six locations and 34 persons, including a focus on welcoming women into the waterfowling community.
- Our nesting box production of thousands of wood ducks.
- Hundreds of acres of private land restorations and reviews to encourage landowner care for their owned wetlands.
- Over $1 Million in new wetland restoration grants, for a total of $2M currently under WWA management.
- Continued our wild rice re-seeding projects with nearly 1200 pounds of rice collected and re-seeded to produce tomorrow’s rice beds.
- Expanded the Waterfowl Hunters EXPO with more seminars, vendors, and activities for the entire family – over 6,000 attended in 2024!
- Protecting hunting rights and opportunities through the establishment of a legislative study committee to consider a sandhill crane hunting season.
… and much more!
I am proud of what we’ve done together – and there’s more ahead. Want to help us? Become a sustaining member, or even better, volunteer!
By the way, the Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator believe we are good stewards of your funds, with their endorsements of WWA giving an accredited, max-star charity rating.
Thank you! See you in the marsh,
Bruce