Columbia Marsh was a wetland enhancement project developed by Ducks Unlimited, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act Council on Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge to improve North America's waterfowl resources. It was dedicated to Gary W. Peterson on September 8, 2001. Funding was provided by South Dakota Ducks Unlimited major donors Tim and Amy Kessler, Jack M. Thompson, a friend of Gary Peterson, James Woodward, "Doc" Wallace, M.D., J.P. and Brendan P. Smith, Chuck and Carol Iten, John C. Feltl, Al and Sharon Dubiak, Dr. Joseph F. and Kristin K. Rigg, Dr. Mark E. and Paula Stotz, John S. Dale, and Gary W. and Nancy Peterson. Other contributors included John E. Miller, John C. and Terry Green, Mark and Tammy Anderson, and a gift in memory of Roger W. "Bub" Peterson, Jr.