Ducks Unlimited honors Dr. Skip Hyberg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 13, 2020 - Dr. Skip Hyberg&squo;s work with waterfowl and wetlands in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) earned him the 2020 Ducks Unlimited Federal Agency Employee Award.

DU&squo;s 2020 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards were presented today in six categories and recognized individuals making exceptional conservation contributions leading to restoration of North America&squo;s wetlands and waterfowl.

Hyberg was honored during the 85th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held in Omaha, Nebraska.

Dr. Hyberg, retired senior economist at USDA Farm Service Agency, guides conservation partners in CRP locations in finding the best areas for breeding ducks. His work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in the CRP Duck Nesting Initiative in 2006.

The Duck Nesting Initiative has provided a significant boost to North American waterfowl populations through restoration of 1.8 million acres of pair ponds and nesting cover.

Since beginning in 1986, the impact of CRP on private lands conservation programs has been substantial. Researchers estimated that during the years 1992-1997, CRP contributed an additional 2 million ducks to the fall flight.

Through CRP achievements, Hyberg maximized Farm Bill conservation program benefits for people, water and wildlife. His scientific talents and conservation passion bridged the gap between theory and practice benefitting waterfowl and wetlands. Hyberg&squo;s work is a shining example of public-private conservation partnerships and their potential to achieve ambitious conservation goals.

"Every year we recognize outstanding professionals for these awards who share our passion for wetlands and waterfowl conservation,&dquo; Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer Karen Waldrop said. "Ducks Unlimited relies on 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.&dquo;

Ducks Unlimited&squo;s Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are presented annually in six categories recognizing outstanding individuals contibuting to the conservation and restoration of North America&squo;s wetlands and waterfowl. To view a complete list of the 2020 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award winners, visit www.ducks.org/wetlandawards.

Follow DU&squo;s newest Twitter feed-@DUNews1937-to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

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.