MEMPHIS, Tenn. March 10, 2020 Utah conservationist John Jack Ray has made his mark in and around the Great Salt Lake as a passionate advocate helping protect thousands of acres of wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl and people. Because of his efforts, Ducks Unlimited paid tribute to Rays efforts by giving him the 2020 Ducks Unlimited Private Conservation Award.

Ray was honored today during the 85th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held in Denver, Colorado.

John C. Fremont, an early explorer in the west, wrote in 1843 after visiting the Great Salt Lake near the Bear River Refuge, "the waterfowl made a noise like thunderas the whole scene was animated with waterfowl. Ray has made his own thunder in the Salt Lake area as a citizen advocate on behalf of wetlands and waterfowl.

As president of Utah Waterfowl Association, Ray was instrumental in passing legislation protecting almost 14,000 acres of habitat and guaranteed fresh water to the wetlands in the northeast section of the Great Salt Lake.

Jack Ray understands the feeling of sunrise in a blind, watching the morning flights and the smells of the marsh. Ray is a conservation leader and DU is proud to work alongside him preserving migratory waterfowl and wetlands.

Every year we recognize outstanding professionals for these awards who share our passion for wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer Karen Waldrop said. Ducks Unlimited relies upon a network of talented individuals to achieve our goals. Only through teamwork can we accomplish the steps forward needed to ensure a bright future for our wetland resources. We are pleased to honor these inspirational efforts leading the way for others to follow.

Ducks Unlimiteds 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 Americas wetlands and waterfowl. To view a complete list of the 2020 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 14.5 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.