DENVER, Colorado - March 8, 2019 - Ducks Unlimited announced the winners of the 2019 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 84th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference.

This year's recipient in the Research/Technical category is Dr. G. Scott Boomer, wildlife biologist with the Population and Habitat Assessment Branch, Division of Migratory Bird Management for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Boomer is based in Laurel, Maryland.

"Every year dedicated conservation professionals are nominated for these awards. Nominees and those select for recognition represent how people with a shared passion can achieve great things for wetlands and waterfowl conservation," said Nick Wiley, Ducks Unlimited chief conservation officer. "Ducks Unlimited is pleased to recognize these efforts that serve as an inspiration for others to follow. Conservation requires teamwork and only by working together can we achieve effective and lasting success."

Boomer's dedication to waterfowl is evident through his role with the Adaptive Harvest Management protocols for all mallard stocks in North America. He is responsible for conducting annual analyses and programming to update continental harvest rates.

This requires meticulous effort and detailed knowledge to achieve optimal harvest policies that determine duck seasons. As the coordinator for the Harvest Management Group, Boomer is responsible for evaluating harvest management strategies for several duck populations. He has published numerous research papers, technical assessments and monitoring reports, and been a part of over 100 scientific presentations.

In addition, Boomer is involved in efforts to improve waterfowl migration habitat in the Rainwater Basin and has served as an observer for the annual Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Surveys.

Dr. Mark P. Vrtiska waterfowl program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, nominated Boomer for the award.

"Scott is highly respected leader and professional among the waterfowl management community," Vrtiska said. "Simply put, Scott's conscientious work and efforts has affected every single duck hunter in the United States for the last 10 to 15 years."

Ducks Unlimited's Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are presented annually in six categories to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North America's wetlands and waterfowl.

To view a complete list of the 2019 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners, visit www.ducks.org/wetlandawards.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 14 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:
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