Over the past 50 years, the Texas Gulf Coast has experienced significant wetland loss due to encroaching development pressures, changes in local agricultural practices, degraded hydrology, and increased salt-water intrusion. The Wild Cow Bayou Project is part of Ducks Unlimited's and our partners' long-term commitment to protect, restore, and enhance vital wetland habitat along the Texas Gulf Coast. This area will be managed and maintained by the USFWS to benefit a number of different wildlife species and the general public.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to enhance approximately 850 acres of intermediate/brackish marsh by installing a new water control structure that will improve water management capabilities. Improved freshwater connectivity into this system will promote the growth of more desirable wetland plants and improve the overall habitat quality for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species.

Location: McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

Acres Impacted: 850 acres

Habitat Type: coastal emergent marsh

Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North American Wetlands Conservation Council and Ducks Unlimited

Timeline: Project was completed in 2009

DU Contact:
Greg Green
Regional Biologist
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
1620 FM 2218
Richmond, TX 77479
(832) 595-0663
ggreen@ducks.org