By Bruce Ross, Executive Director – (262) 224-4949 or [email]bruceross@wi.rr.com[/email]

This article originally appeared in a March 19, 2020 Special Edition Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Newsletter to our chapter leaders.

WWA staff generally works from home offices or in the field where there is low risk of virus communication.  Of course, the significant exception is our fundraising activities, which are being considered closely in the context of the advisories and local epidemic conditions.

Other WWA operations are continuing with limited impact – so far.  Peter is out in the field, surveying spring conditions, looking for good wetland restoration projects, and completing some from the winter.  Wood duck box kits are being delivered and built and installed by volunteers and staff.  Online and back-office functions are being handled by Kelcy as normal.  Policy work is being conducted remotely via electronic communications.  Good WWA work is afoot – so far.

On a somewhat related note, you may be aware that Bob Kufahl has decided to leave WWA after only a few months in the RD position, so this transition throws additional challenges at WWA.  Fortunately, Rob Monette had recently come aboard to supplement Bob’s duties, and Tom Seibert had been volunteering after his retirement from that position.  Further, Tom has graciously agreed to a limited-duration, limited-scope return engagement with WWA during these moments of challenge.  Thank you, Tom and Rob.

We will begin advertising for a new, part-time (or potentially full-time) RD in the next few weeks to have on-board by early summer.  Do you know someone who might be interested in a such a position? Let me know at [email]bruceross@wi.rr.com[/email].

So, WWA operations will continue unabated in the short term.  In the longer term, we will be severely tested by potential Coronavirus impacts on our fundraising, exacerbated by a transitioning RD. We will, without question, survive this challenge, but we will need your help more than ever.