Latest research, science and policies inform organization’s strategic priorities.
On December 7, 2012, Waterfowl Chesapeake hosted its second annual forum discussion dedicated to the current status of waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay region. The event provided an opportunity for individuals involved in different areas of waterfowl conservation work to convene and share updates on the latest research, policy and project initiatives supporting the restoration of vibrant and healthy waterfowl populations in the Chesapeake Bay region.
With a group of 20 individuals attending, the discussion forum included leaders and representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Office, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Maryland Department of National Resources, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Town Creek Foundation and Waterfowl Chesapeake.
“One of Waterfowl Chesapeake’s goals is to serve as a convener of different perspectives among those who work in the field of waterfowl conservation. This type of forum serves as a means to share and learn from each other. It provides the opportunity to further collaborate by leveraging our skills and resources toward making a larger impact on waterfowl conservation than any of us could on our own,” comments David O’Neill, Director, Eastern Partnership Office, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Waterfowl Chesapeake board member. “Discussions like these are critical for Waterfowl Chesapeake to take action steps that address our strategic priorities. Today’s meeting will help us to determine where we will best be able to direct funding, which comes from annual donations and grants as well as funds raised by the Waterfowl Festival. And, as we engage in projects and collaborate with conservation partners, we will share with our donors, volunteers and the community at large the conservation results made possible through their support.”
During the forum, Waterfowl Chesapeake presented its six strategic priorities developed as outcomes from a similar discussion in 2011. The experts attending gave these priorities their overwhelming endorsement. The strategic priorities are: protecting and conserving critical habitat and expanding food resources available to waterfowl; educating and involving citizens, landowners and policy leaders in community-based waterfowl conservation programs; increasing scientific understanding of issues affecting waterfowl in the Chesapeake; responding to sea level rise issues affecting waterfowl; serving as a convener and policy advocate for waterfowl conservation; and promoting public understanding and enjoyment of waterfowl through support for environmental education programs available to the region’s students.
Waterfowl Chesapeake Board President, Ron Flohr shared, “As we continue to build upon the forty-year conservation legacy of the Waterfowl Festival, Waterfowl Chesapeake will invest and participate in projects that address these priorities. Our decision to create, restore and conserve waterfowl will be based on the latest science, research, policies and observations from varied stakeholders supporting waterfowl conservation throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.”
About Waterfowl Chesapeake
The mission of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc. is to create, restore and conserve waterfowl habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and nearby coastal bays by engaging in collaborative, strategic initiatives with organizations, governments, corporations, foundations and individuals. Waterfowl Chesapeake focuses exclusively on waterfowl and wildlife habitat conservation, and is the primary beneficiary of the proceeds from the annual Waterfowl Festival. Since 1971, proceeds from this yearly event have provided more than $5.3 million for waterfowl habitat conservation, education and research. Through Waterfowl Chesapeake, the organization will now continue to raise support through annual appeals, grants and major gifts. For more information and to donate, please call Waterfowl Chesapeake Headquarters at 410-822-4567 or visit www.waterfowlchesapeake.org.
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