FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Hill,

Regional Biologist, Ducks Unlimited

734-623-2000 or jhill@ducks.org

Ducks Unlimited Preserves Ecosystems for Wetland-Dependent Species

Preserving Natural Resources for our Threatened and Endangered Resources

Ann Arbor, MI—April 28, 2004 — Across the United States, wetlands are rapidly disappearing at a rate of 100,000 acres annually. In the Fort Wayne area, the Indiana Bat, Marsh Wren, and Prairie White-fringed Orchid are just a few examples of the species that depend on wetlands for their existence. As wetlands continue to degrade, so too do the ecosystems for at least 151 threatened and endangered species of plants and animals. The preservation of our natural heritage for future generations and our quality of life hinges upon our ability to conserve our threatened and endangered resources.

“The need is great. By restoring and preserving our wetlands, we’re conserving ecosystems that provide benefits to all users of natural resources”, states Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist, Jason Hill. “Of course by preserving natural resources, we’re helping to maintain our nation’s long term economic stability.” The value of wetlands is unquestionable. They are among the most precious natural resources on earth, providing social and economic value, as well as recreational activities. Outdoor recreation alone is a more than $23 billion a year economic activity.

The challenge is enormous. Only through extensive partnerships can this scope of work be accomplished. Partnering with governmental agencies, corporations, individuals, and other non-profit organizations, Ducks Unlimited (DU) is working hard to restore the wetlands in the Fort Wayne area.

You too can help make a difference and conserve critical habitat for all wetland-dependent species by becoming a Ducks Unlimited member or volunteer. Whether you volunteer at a local DU event, restore wetlands or native prairie on your property, or even organize an educational event for your local committee, you are contributing to the success of DU’s conservation mission. There are several active DU committees in the Fort Wayne area. For more information, please contact the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office in Ann Arbor, MI @ 734-623-2000 or visit our website @ www.ducks.org .

NEWS RELEASE

GREAT LAKES/ATLANTIC REGIONAL OFFICE

331 Metty Drive, Suite 4, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-9444 734-623-2000 www.ducks.org /conservation

With more than one million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. Since its founding in 1937, DU has raised more than $1.5 billion and conserved nearly 11 million acres of critical wildlife habitat across North America. Wetlands are nature’s most productive ecosystems, but the United States has lost more than half of its original wetlands and continues to lose more than 100,000 wetland acres every year.