Statement issued Friday by the governor’s office:

INDIANAPOLIS (March 18, 2011) – Governor Mitch Daniels was recognized today by the national conservation organization Ducks Unlimited for “making land conservation a top priority and for preserving thousands of invaluable acres across the state for future generations.”

The governor received the 2011 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award at the Ducks Unlimited annual breakfast during the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Daniels was the only state leader to receive an award this year.

“The nation’s leading conservation organization has taken note that we are breaking all records for protecting our natural beauty,” said Daniels. “The satisfaction really comes from knowing that future generations of Hoosiers will be able to enjoy these outdoor spaces in a more pristine character than they are today.”

Each year Ducks Unlimited recognizes the achievements of individuals from the U.S., Canada or Mexico who have made exceptional contributions to wetlands and waterfowl conservation in North America. These individuals have made long-term contributions to the conservation of these vital resources.

Among conservation efforts under Daniels’ leadership:

The state has launched a major conservation initiative to acquire 43,000 acres of river corridor along 94 miles of the Wabash River and Sugar Creek in west central Indiana and another 26,000 acres along the Muscatatuck River in southern Indiana. Ducks Unlimited is a partner in the project.

Protected more than 34,000 acres of sensitive habitat through the Indiana Heritage Trust program.

Developed and opened the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area near Terre Haute

Initiated a proposed land exchange between Camp Atterbury in Johnson County and land in Putnam County near the Putnamville Correctional Facility that will result in an additional 800 acres of recreational land for public use.

Began cleanup of the Grand Calumet River’s West Branch in northwest Indiana.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 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.

The governor spoke about the importance of Indiana’s conservation efforts in video remarks available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP64LNtJdV0&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1