The Creole Marsh Project was dedicated to Richard Lipsey on April 19 near Creole, La. Approximately 50 attendees gathered to honor Lipsey's life-long commitment to conservation and to celebrate the coastal restoration project.

DU replaced two key water control structures to enable better water and salinity management on more than 11,000 acres of coastal marsh. By restoring the hydrology, we protect fragile interior marsh and contribute to habitat diversity. This marsh provides protection for the small communities of Creole and Grand Chenier in Cameron Parish and supports the natural-resource-based economy and culture of southwest Louisiana. The project increases foraging and loafing opportunities for waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and a variety of other wetland-dependent birds and improves habitat conditions for nesting birds such as mottled ducks and secretive marsh birds.

This dedication was the culmination of a $1-million event held in Lipsey's honor in Baton Rouge in 2016. Ducks Unlimited greatly appreciates all of those who supported the Creole Marsh restoration project and DU's Gulf Coast Initiative efforts. Further support for the $2.4-million project came from the Acadian Companies, Cameron Parish Police Jury, Cameron Parish Gravity Drainage District #4, Chevron, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Lamar Advertising, Lipsey's, Irene W. & C.B. Pennington Foundation, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Phillips 66, Coastal Impact Assistance Program and more than 50 DU Major Sponsors.