Ducks Unlimited’s Southern Region (DU) has been awarded four North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants totaling $12 million to support large-scale wetland conservation projects across DU’s Southern Region. Combined with more than $27.7 million in matching funds from partners, these investments will conserve, restore and enhance tens of thousands of acres of critical habitat for waterfowl, other migratory birds and wildlife.
The grants support projects in Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas, advancing DU's mission to improve wetlands and associated waterfowl habitats while providing long-term benefits for communities, outdoor recreation and coastal resilience.
"NAWCA remains one of the most effective conservation programs in North America because it brings partners together to achieve lasting results on the landscape," said DU Southern Region Senior Director of Operations Jerry Holden. "These grants will help protect and enhance some of the most important wetland ecosystems along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts while ensuring future generations can enjoy the benefits these natural resources provide."
Louisiana Chenier Plain Project to Enhance More Than 10,000 Acres
The Chenier Plain Marsh Enhancement III application received a $3 million NAWCA grant that will leverage more than $6 million in partner contributions to conserve, restore and enhance wetlands across Cameron and Vermilion parishes in southwest Louisiana.
Included projects will enhance 7,818 acres of wetlands, contributing to a broader effort to conserve more than 10,655 acres within the Gulf Coast Joint Venture's Chenier Plain Initiative Area. These landscapes include freshwater, intermediate and brackish marshes, coastal prairie and chenier ridge habitats that are essential to migratory birds and resident wildlife.
Partners include the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation, Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation Trust and Vermilion Parish Police Jury. The projects will benefit wintering waterfowland other bird species, such as the Mottled Duck, King Rail and Lesser Yellowlegs, and help counter ongoing coastal wetland loss.
Coastal Louisiana Wetlands Receive Additional Investment
DU also received a $3 million NAWCA grant for the Coastal Marsh and Hydrologic Enhancement II application in southeast Louisiana. Supported by $7.5 million in matching funds, these projects will enhance 7,840 acres of coastal wetlands across Plaquemines, St. Mary, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne parishes.
The effort addresses priority conservation needs identified within the Gulf Coast Joint Venture and the Mississippi Flyway, improving critical marsh and coastal forest habitats used by migratory birds year-round.
Partners include Chevron USA Inc., ConocoPhillips, Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Gustaf Westfeldt McIlhenny Family Foundation and private contributors. Wintering waterfowl and other wetland-dependent bird species, various fish and marine organisms, and wetland acreage will all benefit because of this work.
North Carolina Project Supports Habitat Conservation and Public Access
In North Carolina, a $3 million NAWCA grant will support coastal conservation efforts, leveraging more than $8 million in matching funds from project partners, including the North Carolina Coastal Federation, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
The projects will permanently protect 1,628 acres, restore 80 acres and enhance 26,669 acres of wetlands and associated upland habitats across Bladen, Carteret, Halifax, Hyde and Pender counties. Conservation efforts include acquisitions that will expand public access opportunities through game lands and preserve habitats at the North River Wetlands Preserve.
Habitat enhancements at Lake Mattamuskeet and restoration work at the Roanoke River Correctional Institution will improve conditions for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent birds.
Texas Gulf Coast Restoration Continues
The Coastal Texas VI application received a $3 million NAWCA grant, matched by more than $6.1 million in partner contributions, to advance wetland conservation efforts along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Included projects will restore 3,904 acres of wetlands and coastal habitats across Brazoria, Cameron and Matagorda counties. Work will focus on improving wetland function, enhancing colonial waterbird nesting islands and supporting conservation priorities near Laguna Atascosa, Big Boggy and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges.
Partners include Apex Clean Energy, the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Department of the Interior Gulf Coast Restoration Office, Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust, the North American Development Bank, Texas General Land Office and Thunderbird Hunting Club. The project will provide benefits for species including Mottled Duck, Northern Pintail, Yellow Rail and Reddish Egret.
Continuing a Legacy of Conservation
Since its enactment in 1989, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act has provided critical funding for wetland conservation projects that benefit wildlife, local economies and outdoor recreation opportunities across the continent. Through strong partnerships and strategic investments, NAWCA continues to deliver lasting conservation outcomes in areas most important to waterfowl and people alike.
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Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 20 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
