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The Migratory Bird Conservation Council approved a $3 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to Ducks Unlimited and partners for an ambitious coastal wetlands restoration project in Louisiana, targeting the restoration and enhancement of 5,000 acres of critical habitat in the Pontchartrain Basin.

"For more than 35 years, NAWCA has been the gold standard for wetlands conservation in North America,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “Every dollar invested in the program is typically doubled or tripled by matching contributions, making it an incredible return on investment that benefits America’s hunters, migratory bird populations, and outdoor economy. This program maintains its success through consistent, bipartisan support from Congress and the Administration, and we’re ready to help turn this investment into habitat that will further sustain waterfowl populations."

The project addresses Louisiana's urgent coastal wetland crisis. The state has the highest coastal wetland loss rate in the United States, having lost over 1.2 million acres since the 1930s. Without restoration efforts, Louisiana could lose up to 1.9 million additional acres over the next 50 years.

"Louisiana's coastal wetlands are not just environmental treasures, they're the economic backbone of our region," said Cassidy Lejune, Ducks Unlimited director of conservation programs in South Louisiana. "These wetlands protect our communities from storms, support our fishing and petroleum industries and provide critical habitat for millions of migratory birds."

Grant and partner funding will focus on restoration at Chandeleur Island, which has lost over 90% of its land area over the past century.

Led by the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), this $360 million project will restore and enhance over 5,000 acres of beach, dune and back barrier marsh habitat at Breton National Wildlife Refuge, including protection of the northern Gulf of America’s most diverse seagrass beds.

Beyond wildlife habitat, the project will provide critical community benefits, including enhanced storm protection through barrier islands and marshes that serve as natural buffers against hurricanes and storm surge. The restored wetlands will function as natural filtration systems that improve water quality by trapping sediment and removing excess nutrients from runoff. The project will also provide economic support through enhanced recreational fishing opportunities and increased tourism to the region, while contributing to climate resilience through natural carbon storage and protection against sea level rise.

The restoration is particularly significant given the area's recovery from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and most recently Ida's devastating 2021 impact, which caused extensive marsh loss throughout the region.

This grant funding represents a collaborative effort involving the St. Bernard Parish Government, CPRA, and a new partner, Chandeleur Island Brewing Company. Chandeleur Island is in the publicly accessible Breton National Wildlife Refuge and will enhance recreational fishing, boating, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing.