DU Receives First Virginia Environmental Endowment Grant
In October 2014, Ducks Unlimited received its first grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE). The one-year grant of $20,000 will support DU's efforts to restore 1,500 acres of wetland habitat on the Princess Anne and Hog Island Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
The VEE is focused on using its capital, expertise, and resources to encourage all sectors to work together to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote environmental awareness. It was established in February 1977, when the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia fined Allied Chemical Corporation $13.2 million for polluting the James River with insecticide. With the approval of Judge Robert R. Merhige Jr., $8 million of this fine funded the creation of the VEE for the purpose of improving the quality of Virginia's environment.
The two VEE-funded projects include a 200-acre restoration on Princess Anne WMA south of Virginia Beach and a 1,300-acre restoration project on Hog Island WMA in Surry County. Both projects will improve water delivery and habitat management for waterfowl. DU has completed the survey and design work on Princess Anne WMA and will begin construction in February to install new pump stations, water-control structures, and canal enhancements as well as to create new embankments. DU will install new pump stations, water-control structures, canal enhancements, and embankments on Hog Island WMA as well.