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Ducks Unlimited (DU) is proud to announce the completion and dedication of a major wetlands enhancement project at the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in honor of longtime volunteer, leader, and conservation champion Bill Hogan.

A lifelong outdoorsman and dedicated DU supporter, Hogan, along with his wife Kelly, is a DU Heritage Sponsor, DU Canada Sponsor in Perpetuity, and DU Mexico Life Sponsor. A member since 1989, Hogan served in numerous volunteer roles, including Louisiana State Chairman in 1998. His decades of commitment to conserving Louisiana’s wetlands will now be recognized in perpetuity at Russell Sage WMA.

“Bill Hogan embodies what it means to be a conservation leader,” said James Austin, DU’s Director of Conservation Programs. “His passion, dedication, and belief in the mission of Ducks Unlimited have helped drive meaningful conservation outcomes across Louisiana for more than three decades. Dedicating this project in his honor is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

The completed work at Russell Sage WMA enhances hydrology across 492 acres of moist-soil habitat and 177 acres of forested wetlands, improving conditions for waterfowl and a wide range of wetland-dependent wildlife. Ducks Unlimited and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) replaced aging water control structures and installed a new relift pump that moves water from Bayou Lafourche into managed impoundments and the green-tree reservoir.

These improvements give LDWF greater control over water levels, allowing managers to better mimic natural flood patterns, enhance food resources for migrating and wintering waterfowl, and improve downstream water quality. The project also strengthens a critically important rest area for waterfowl using the Mississippi Flyway.

This enhancement complements nine previously completed DU projects at Russell Sage WMA, furthering decades of collaborative conservation at one of north Louisiana’s most important wetland complexes.

“This dedication means the world to me,” said Hogan. “Louisiana’s wetlands are part of who we are, and I’ve always believed it’s our responsibility to conserve them for the next generation. I’m humbled to have my name associated with a project that will benefit waterfowl, wildlife, and people for years to come.”

This project was made possible through strong partnerships between Ducks Unlimited, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wetlands America Trust, and a private partner. Funding support came from Ducks Unlimited, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Outdoor Forever, Century Next Bank, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Meta, NextEra Energy, and other America’s River Initiative sponsors.