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June 2014 | New Orleans, La. — The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to announce the donation of more than 300 hand-carved decoys and other works of art by southeastern Louisianan craftsmen. The Anne and Dick Stephens Collection of Louisiana Decoys and Wildfowl Artifacts, part of which is on display in THNOC’s Orientation Center at 533 Royal St., celebrates the talent and dedication of the men who devoted themselves to this region’s distinct carving traditions. Admission to see the display is free, and gallery hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

“Louisiana has a long and well-recognized tradition of wildfowl carving,” said John H. Lawrence, THNOC’s director of museum programs. “The Stephens’s gift represents elements of artistic and cultural expression that are in keeping with our mission to portray and protect the history of this region.” Continue reading

Wind Turbine : Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Dr. Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl today sent a letter to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in California to oppose a recent decision to cease traditional migratory bird programming in order to address a growing backlog of permitting, research and evaluation needs related to wind and solar energy projects in the western United States.

“This decision by the USFWS regional leadership is absolutely unacceptable,” Rohwer said. “The Service cannot simply put on hold its long-standing and legal mandate to manage waterfowl.”

An internal USFWS memo written by Eric Davis, assistant regional director for USFWS Region 8, declares that traditional migratory bird responsibilities — including work on the Pacific Flyway Council, assistance to habitat joint ventures and duck stamp and junior duck stamp program — will cease for the foreseeable future. Continue reading

Govan S. Hornor was announced as DU’s new Chief Information Officer.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – May 19, 2014 – Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced today that it has appointed Govan S. Hornor as its Chief Information Officer. Hornor, a Helena, Ark., native and long-time Memphis resident, will oversee all information technology and communications systems operations for the organization and will also serve as a member of DU’s senior executive team.

“Govan brings an incredible portfolio of success to DU, as well as a wealth of talent and innovative thinking,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “This is critical today, as technology can help us accomplish our conservation mission more efficiently and better serve our constituents. He will be joining a tremendous staff of professionals across all areas of our business. We look forward to benefitting from Govan’s leadership, vision, and experience as our wetlands face increasing challenges and our conservation mission becomes more important than ever.” Continue reading

Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced the agency will expand hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System, opening up new hunting programs on six refuges and expanding existing hunting and fishing programs on another 20 refuges. The rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for more than 75 additional refuges and wetland management districts.

The Service manages its hunting and fishing programs on refuges to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, while offering traditional wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

“For more than a century, hunters and anglers have been the backbone of conservation in this country and a driving force behind the expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “By providing more hunting and fishing opportunities on refuges, we are supporting a great recreational heritage passed down from generation to generation, creating economic growth in local communities and helping to ensure that conservation stays strong in America.” Continue reading