MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 13, 2020 - Brad Dokken&squo;s work as an outdoors writer has drawn attention to the connection between conservation and opportunities for fishing and hunting. Ducks Unlimited paid tribute to Brad Dokken&squo;s efforts by giving him the 2020 Ducks Unlimited Conservation Communications Award.

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

DU&squo;s 2020 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards were presented in six categories and recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North America&squo;s wetlands and waterfowl.

"Brad helps his readers see the connection between conservation and opportunities for outdoors people,&dquo; said Ducks Unlimited Regional Manager of Communications Becky Jones Mahlum. "Because people enjoy his entertaining stories of fishing and hunting, they pay attention to what he says about decreasing numbers of wildlife and places to fish and hunt.&dquo;

A native of Roseau, Minn., Dokken graduated from Bemidji, Minn. State University with a degree in Mass Communications. He has been with the Grand Forks Herald company since November 1985 and has been the newspaper's outdoor writer and columnist since February 1998.

"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 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.&dquo;

Ducks Unlimited&squo;s Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are presented annually. To view a complete list of the 2020 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.

Media Contact:

Becky Jones Mahlum

701-355-3507

bjonesmahlum@ducks.org