Looking back over a generation of accomplishments, one thing is certain: our strength lies in the diversity of partners who have come together around our common goals. The impressive numbers of grassland and wetland habitats that our joint efforts have protected are testament to this fact. These fruitful partnerships have inspired confidence with residents of the communities where we work, allowing us to forge trusting relationships that not only ensure the Prairie Pothole Region remains a world-class stronghold for waterfowl, but that the economic and social well-being of these rural environments continues to thrive.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, we must remain focused and also look forward –, for many challenges lie ahead. Rachel Carson said that there is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature –, the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. These refrains also happen in the PPR. Fall migration turns into spring migration and as the thunderous melody of hundreds of thousands of wings plays overhead, we are reminded of the great responsibil