Louisiana PRIDE (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere)
LA PRIDE is a conservation initiative targeted at protecting and conserving important wetlands throughout Louisiana with particular interest directed towards Louisiana coastal restoration efforts. Ducks Unlimited has pledged $15 million toward Louisiana coastal restoration and LA PRIDE Partners allow DU the ability to leverage “DU Dollars” with other funding sources to deliver important wetland restoration.
Ducks Unlimited thanks the following companies for their contributions to LA PRIDE!
Shell Foundation
Entergy
Pennington Foundation
El Paso Corporation
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation
Sempra Energy
ExxonMobil
Outback Steakhouse
Not only have these companies contributed directly to specific restoration projects, their contributions were used to leverage additional funding for other projects as well. DU will recognize these partners on each project their contributions help deliver.
Ducks Unlimited is positioned to deliver “on the ground” restoration. Companies wanting to make a difference can do so by supporting Ducks Unlimited through the LA PRIDE initiative.
Why is DU concerned with the Louisiana Gulf Coast?
DU is the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. The Louisiana Gulf Coast has been identified as one of the most important habitats for wintering and migrating waterfowl. These habitats are important to hundreds of other species as well. DU works with state, federal and local agencies, other conservation organizations, private companies and landowners to restore and enhance wetlands on public and private lands.
How DU delivers coastal conservation
Once a project is identified, DU develops a restoration plan and looks for partners and funding to carry out the project. The North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) is a common source of funding. However, these grants require matching non-federal dollars in order to qualify. DU seeks partners to help generate matching dollars and to help offset project costs. LA PRIDE partners play a critical role in DU’s conservation delivery. These dollars are used to offset project costs and used to leverage additional conservation dollars for other projects. LA PRIDE partner contributions can be used to leverage at a rate of more than a 2:1 ratio, thereby doubling the benefits.