Fast Facts:

" USDA's Robert Bonnie awarded DU Conservation Achievement Award.
" "Bonnie is one of the most vocal proponents for programs that benefit public lands and sportsmen's access," said Paul Schmidt, chief conservation officer for Ducks Unlimited.
" View complete list of 2016 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners: www.ducks.org/wetlandawards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 18, 2016 - Ducks Unlimited awarded Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment for U.S. Department of Agriculture, the 2016 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award. Awards were announced during a breakfast ceremony at the 81st annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. Bonnie received his award in the Senior Federal Official category, one of six awards given each year.

"Many of the conservation elements in the 2014 Farm Bill, especially those benefitting wetlands and waterfowl, were shaped by Bonnie's underlying passion for conservation," said Paul Schmidt, chief conservation officer for Ducks Unlimited. "This deep and personal commitment to conservation expands beyond the walls of USDA. Bonnie is one of the most vocal proponents for programs that benefit public lands and sportsmen's access, like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. While sportsmen across the country applaud Bonnie's efforts on behalf of conservation, his work in this arena have benefited all Americans who value the outdoors."

As Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment for U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bonnie oversees the U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service on a variety of natural resource issues that impacts conservation in public and private lands across all 50 states. Before his current role at the USDA, Bonnie served as a senior advisor to the Secretary of the USDA Tom Vilsack, where he focused on environment and climate change issues.

Each year, Ducks Unlimited recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and conservation of North America's wetlands and other waterfowl habitat. DU's Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are given to individuals in six categories and are presented at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. To view a complete list of the 2016 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners, please 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 13.6 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:
Tucker Clare Nelson
(202) 347-1530
tnelson@ducks.org