Pechmann Honored by Ducks Unlimited Canada

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 21, 2007) — North Carolina and Nova Scotia, Canada, have always shared one thing in common – the migratory waterfowl that call both places home for half the year.

Now, they’re celebrating another connection – the lasting influence of conservationist John E. Pechmann.

A former chairman of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission who passed away in July 2006, Pechmann was recognized for his environmental stewardship on June 16 when Ducks Unlimited Canada dedicated a protected marsh in his honor.

Mahoney’s Meadow, which now bears a sign honoring the longtime conservation advocate, serves as a breeding ground for ducks and geese. There, among the wetland grasses and healthy waters, birds spend the summer raising their young. When fall’s cool weather begins to settle, the waterfowl fly south for the winter. Many ultimately reside in North Carolina before heading north again come spring.

For this reason, Pechmann saw the importance of protecting these Canadian marshes in the interest of the waterfowl and the Tar Heel state. Current Commissioner Durwood Laughinghouse, who attended the dedication, said Pechmann would’ve approved of the conservation work taking place in Nova Scotia.

“He would’ve been very, very pleased,” said Laughinghouse. “He would’ve applauded their efforts and encouraged them to continue doing more. When I was sworn in (as a commissioner) Pechmann said, ‘Always put the resource first and you cannot go wrong.’ If he’d been at Mahoney’s Meadow last Saturday he would’ve said, ‘You’re on the right track. We just need to keep it up.’ ”