Ducks Unlimited Canada appoints new executive vice-president

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., January 31, 2008—Jeffrey W. Nelson has been appointed to the position of executive vice-president of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). Nelson, who officially assumes his new role on February 18, replaces Gord Edwards, who retired last fall.

When announcing the appointment, DUC president C. Neil Downey, CA, said that Nelson is well-known among many DUC members, volunteers, supporters and staff due to his highly diversified and successful career spanning more than 25 years in Canada and the U.S. Nelson has also developed many long-standing relationships in both countries within the conservation community.

“Jeff brings comprehensive experience regarding waterfowl and wetlands conservation issues to this position,” Downey said. “He has a proven track record for managing strong, directed growth in conservation programs and leading successful fundraising initiatives in support of Ducks Unlimited’s work. We’re thrilled to have Jeff on board.”

Nelson holds a master’s degree in wildlife ecology from Utah State University. He started his career with Ducks Unlimited Canada in 1982 as a research biologist. In the U.S. he has served as group manager of conservation programs and chief biologist for Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Since 1996 he has served as director of the Great Plains Regional Office, in Bismarck, N.D.

“Returning to Canada in a leadership role with Ducks Unlimited Canada is most gratifying to me and my family. Effective conservation programming in Canada has been absolutely critical to achieving our goals in North America for waterfowl and the habitat upon which they depend and I look forward to working with everyone as we go forward,” Nelson said.

Nelson’s areas of interest include waterfowl and wetland ecology, waterfowl population biology, and using models to design effective conservation programs. He brings to his role the latest understanding of waterfowl ecology together with information about landscapes and the people who live there to design more effective conservation strategies for waterfowl and other wildlife. Under his leadership in the Great Plains Regional Office, more than a half million acres of the best waterfowl habitat remaining in the Dakotas have been permanently protected by easements and acquisitions.

Nelson’s conservation background includes a solid understanding of waterfowl ecology and recognition of the ecological and economic values that wetlands and other natural habitats offer society. “When combined with his leadership abilities, Jeff’s in-depth knowledge of wetlands and their associated benefits will bode well for DUC’s conservation programs in key threatened landscapes across the country,” Downey said.

As executive vice-president, Nelson will be located at DUC’s national head office at Oak Hammock Marsh, near Stonewall, Man. He will be responsible for overseeing DUC’s 450 staff members located in offices across Canada. Nelson will foster strong relations with DUC’s 176,000 supporters and guide the activities of 8,000 volunteers who hold over 585 fundraising events annually in support of DUC’s conservation programs.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is a private, non-profit, Canadian organization. Since 1938, DUC has conserved, restored and managed millions of acres of wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl, wildlife and people. Despite our efforts, up to 70 per cent of wetlands have disappeared in settled areas of Canada and more are being lost every day. Visit ducks.ca for more information.

For more information, contact:

Leigh Patterson
Corporate Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: 204-467-3306
e-mail: l_patterson@ducks.ca

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