South Shore Waterfowlers Association

Fall 2002

True Partners in Conservation

In April 2002, the South Shore Chapter of Ducks Unlimited held its Annual Banquet at the Coral House Restaurant. The night was a big success with many people turning out to show their support for Ducks Unlimited.

Many SSWA members turned out, as always, to help out at the dinner, sell raffles and memberships, and lend a hand at auction time.

It is this dedication and support of the cause that helps keep the conservation/enhancement movement going strong here on Long Island.

"The SSWA's support was truly shown this year," states Bill Hartman, SSWA President. "Because of a series of years of good waterfowl festivals, raffles, and shows, the SSWA was able to show major support to DU with the donation of $4000 toward the purchase of a flail mower. This device reduces phragmites and aids DU in their wetland rehabilitation projects."

Flail mower mowing survey lanes through dense phragmites at Beaver Dam Creek in Brookhaven

Printed below is a letter from Biological Supervisor Craig Kessler in a response to the donation:
Dear Bill: On behalf of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. I want to extend our thanks to the South Shore Waterfowlers Association for your generous donation of $4000 to assist with the purchase of our new flail mower for habitat work here on Long Island The support of the Waterfowlers over the years clearly demonstrates a sound commitment to issues that will affect our waterfowl populations into the future.

The mower will be used as a component of our efforts to reverse the losses of good quality tidal marsh to invasive monocultures of phragmites. By mowing the dense stands, followed by the gradual reintroduction of tidal influence, these deteriorated tracts will revert to better quality waterfowl habitat. There are countless sites all across Long Island where this technique can be employed and this will allow the South Shore Waterfowlers commitment to be far reaching indeed.

As suggested, I would like to make arrangements to acknowledge your contribution by affixing permanent recognition to the mower itself, as well as through the use of signage at project sites. I will be in touch as to how we best accomplish this.

Once again thank you for your vision in helping the resource. I look forward to a continuing partnership with the South Shore Waterfowlers Association.

Sincerely, Craig W. Kessler

The SSWA and DU working hard together for the good of Long Island proves they are "True Partners in Conservation."

Curt Matzinger

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