gulf coast

Migration Alert: Waterfowl Numbers Increasing in Louisiana Hunting resumes tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 14) in Louisiana's East and Coastal Zones after a five-day split and a 12-day split, respectively. (Hunting in the West Zone has been open since Nov. 16 and closes Dec. 15 for a six-day break.) Biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) are completing their December waterfowl survey as this report was being written.

The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation: A Partnership to Protect the Coast The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation is a strong Ducks Unlimited partner on the Gulf Coast. Moore-Odom is working with DU through the Gulf Coast Initiative to conserve the best wintering habitats for ducks and geese on the Gulf. Their story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Report reveals disturbing national trend of increased coastal wetland losses WASHINGTON – Nov. 22, 2013 – An alarming national trend of increased loss of coastal wetlands was announced yesterday in a report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Waterfowl among first beneficiaries of oil spill criminal settlement HOUSTON – Nov. 15, 2013 – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently announced five projects to restore and enhance habitats for species impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Disaster, including the Gulf Coast Migratory Waterfowl Enhancement Project. Funded through the NFWF-administered Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, these are the first restoration projects in Texas resulting from the RESTORE Act.

Migration Alert: Waterfowl Season Off to a Strong Start on Texas Coast It's a good time to be a duck hunter on the Texas Gulf Coast. Timely rains and cold fronts have made for a great beginning to the waterfowl season in this region. The rice prairies of Matagorda, Wharton and Colorado counties have more water now than they have had in recent years, providing vital habitat for wintering ducks, geese and sandhill cranes.

DU hires longtime LDWF biologist to oversee Louisiana conservation programs LAFAYETTE, La. – Nov. 13, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently selected Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Biologist Director Mike Carloss as the new manager of conservation programs for Louisiana.

DU says water-use decisions not critters vs. people HOUSTON – Oct. 7, 2013 – As the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) seeks permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to cut off inflows to Matagorda Bay, Ducks Unlimited reminds Texans of the intrinsic link between environment and economy along the Colorado River and the need for all users to share in conserving water.

DU, NFWF meet to discuss Gulf Coast restoration The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) met with Ducks Unlimited staff in Port Arthur, Texas, in late July to discuss DU’s Gulf Coast Initiative.

DU's Gulf Coast Initiative Turning the tide of wetland loss in this important waterfowl wintering area

Ducks Unlimited receives Wells Fargo grant to support Gulf Coast conservation RICHMOND, Texas – June 10, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently received a grant from Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) to support wetlands conservation along the Texas coast. The $50,000 grant is part of a $3 million Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program, which awarded grants to 64 community-based nonprofits nationwide to help support land and water conservation, energy efficiency, infrastructure and educational outreach.

Gulf Coast Initiative Saving the most critical wintering waterfowl habitat in North America by conserving coastal prairies and marshes along the rapidly disappearing Gulf Coast.

DU engages in RESTORE process Through the RESTORE Act, as much as $15-20 billion may be channeled to the Gulf Coast for a variety of economic and ecological restoration projects. Ducks Unlimited is engaging in stakeholder meetings, public hearings and partnership-building efforts to best represent the interests of waterfowl and coastal wetlands restoration through the planning process.

LCRA again decides to restrict water to rice growers The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has again decided to restrict the water supply to rice growers for the upcoming growing season. Ducks Unlimited is once again disappointed in the decision.

Garret Graves honored at 2013 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards Ceremony MEMPHIS, Tenn. – April 1, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2013 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held in Arlington, Va., at the Crystal Gateway Hyatt. This year's recipient of State/Provincial Agency award is Garret Graves.

Ongoing drought forces second year of water withheld from Texas rice growers RICHMOND, Texas - March 2, 2013 - Although not unexpected in the face of ongoing drought conditions, Ducks Unlimited is once again disappointed in the decision to restrict the water supply to rice growers for the coming growing season.

Ducks Unlimited supports initial Gulf restoration strategy Ducks Unlimited is pleased by the progress toward Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration represented in the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council’s newly released report, “The Path Forward to Restoring the Gulf Coast.” The report details the strategy for allocation of Gulf Coast restoration funds directed by the RESTORE Act.

Comeback on the Coast - Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chapter Just as the oceans' tides ebb and flow, the life cycle of a Ducks Unlimited chapter often experiences ups and downs. This cycle has been especially notable in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over the last few years, as decreased committee engagement and poor event timing led to falling attendance and support. The all-time low came in 2011, when just a handful of dedicated volunteers showed up for the chapter's sponsor banquet.

Continental Generosity - Daryl and Mary Pennington Waterfowl are a continental resource that rely on habitat from their northern breeding grounds to their southern winter homes and all points in between. It takes a visionary to see beyond his backyard and support habitat conservation on a continental scale. Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation trustees Daryl and Mary Pennington of Ethel, Louisiana, are prime examples of such broadly committed sponsors, their generosity shining even more brightly given that Daryl and Mary began duck hunting less than 15 years ago.

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council convenes for first time The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council held its first public meeting in Mobile, Ala., in December to update residents on the progress of implementing a portion of the RESTORE Act. Southern Region Manager of Mitigation Programs Eric Held represented Ducks Unlimited at the meeting.

DU responds to LCRA water allocation decision AUSTIN, Texas - Nov. 16, 2012 - The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) board, after lengthy testimony dominated by a large Highland Lakes contingent, passed an emergency order that will likely provide enough water for first crop rice on approximately 50 percent of the fields in Texas's Wharton, Matagorda and Colorado counties.

Portion of funds from $4.5 billion BP settlement to benefit Gulf Coast fish and wildlife MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 15, 2012 - BP announced today that it will plead guilty to several criminal charges under a settlement agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice over its role in the 2010 disaster involving the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, in which an estimated 200 million gallons of crude oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. Under the terms of the settlement, BP will pay approximately $4.5 billion in installments over a five-year period, with nearly $2.4 billion going to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), an independent non-profit conservation group chartered by Congress in 1984.

New Senate chairman visits Louisiana to see coastal concerns The new chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources visited the state of Louisiana to learn more about coastal restoration issues.

Ducks Unlimited supports off-channel reservoir development to benefit Texas coast wetlands, waterfowl and rice AUSTIN, Texas - Nov. 9, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited fully supports the Lower Colorado River Authority's (LCRA) move to develop off-channel reservoirs to provide much-needed water resources for Texas mid-coast rice agriculture and wetland management.

DU joins U.S. senator for Louisiana Gulf tour celebrating RESTORE Act passage Hot on the heels of President Obama's signing the Transportation Package and passing the precedent-setting RESTORE Act, Ducks Unlimited officials joined U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (LA) for a coastal parish tour to celebrate the promise RESTORE Act funding holds for coastal restoration.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates victory for Gulf Coast restoration Ducks Unlimited is pleased that key elements of the RESTORE Act were included in the Surface Transportation Extension Act reported out of conference committee today.

Texas water organization and DU meeting to discuss rice agriculture, importance to waterfowl The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has invited Ducks Unlimited to their June 19 Water Operations Committee meeting in Austin, Texas. The LCRA denied water for rice agriculture uses in the Texas Mid-Coast this year, essentially eliminating 60,000 acres of important habitat for wintering waterfowl in one of DU’s highest-priority conservation regions.

Louisiana legislators approve 2012 Coastal Master Plan On May 22, the Louisiana legislature unanimously approved the updated, $50 billion, 50-year Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, aimed at stopping coastal land loss in Louisiana, the last step in an approval process that began in January.

With support, waterfowl benefits may survive in federal highway bill Efforts by Ducks Unlimited and allies are underway to support provisions added to the federal highway bill that would provide significant benefits for waterfowl. One provision of the bill - commonly known as the RESTORE Act - calls for 80 percent of the fines paid by those responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to be committed to restoring the area most affected - the U.S. Gulf Coast.

New report says addressing Louisiana coastal loss is worth national investment A recent report by the Mississippi River Delta Science and Engineering Special Team addressed 10 fundamental questions about saving the Mississippi River Delta, including how to reverse coastal marsh loss, what impacts could result from restoration efforts and the economic blow to Louisiana and the nation if this important coastal ecosystem is lost.

"Caller-Times" columnist David Sikes honored at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's winner in the Communications category is David Sikes, outdoors columnist for the "Corpus Christi Caller-Times."

Senate vote advances historic conservation funding for Gulf Coast, other key waterfowl habitats WASHINGTON - March 9, 2012 - After months working side by side with legislators, Ducks Unlimited applauded the Senate's passage of an amendment that could impact not only restoration efforts along the oil-spill-stricken Gulf Coast, but also expand funding for land conservation nationwide.

Ducks Unlimited, partners brief Congress, urge coastal restoration WASHINGTON - March 5, 2012 - It's been nearly two years since the nation witnessed the largest oil spill in U.S. history. In that time, Congress still has not passed legislation to direct oil spill penalty funds to the Gulf Coast and its multi-billion-dollar natural-resources-based economy.

DU comments on Louisiana coast master plan The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has issued a draft of Louisiana's 2012 Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. After public input, the final plan will go to the legislature March 26 for approval.

Ducks Unlimited disappointed in LCRA decision to withhold water RICHMOND, Texas - March 1, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is gravely concerned by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) decision to deny water for agricultural uses in Colorado, Wharton, and Matagorda counties this spring.

Gulf Coast Task Force releases final strategy for restoration efforts The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled a final comprehensive strategic plan that addresses the long-standing issues contributing to the deterioration of Gulf ecosystems.

Visit the New Gulf Coast Public Policy Page In order to raise awareness about this critical region, Ducks Unlimited has launched a new Gulf Coast Public Policy section on its website.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative In the summer of 2010, as the Deepwater Horizon disaster poured oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Ducks Unlimited, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation joined forces to provide alternative habitat for the millions of migratory birds that would soon wing their way to the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Coast Restoration Legislation in the 112th Congress For decades, DU has been working to promote long-term large scale wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast region to pair with our on-the-ground restoration efforts. Since the spill, DU and its partners have been successful in getting Congress to introduce legislation that ensures penalties paid by the responsible parties under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region for restoration.

DU Gulf Coast Public Policy Efforts To recover from the oil spill, Louisiana's wildlife and habitats need legislative action from Congress.

Issues Facing the Gulf Coast Long-term wetlands loss; impacts of the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill

Efforts to restore Gulf Coast continue to gain momentum After years of urging top national policymakers to prioritize restoring the U.S. Gulf Coast, Ducks Unlimited is pleased to see the effort to use Clean Water Act penalties paid by the parties responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is gaining momentum in Congress.

Ducks Unlimited concerned about drought impacts to waterfowl, rice River authorities throughout the state, including the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), are struggling to balance the limited supply of water with the needs of various user groups, including agricultural, municipal, industrial, and wildlife management interests.

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support the Ducks August recess is a great opportunity to reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to support the ducks by supporting conservation programs in FY 2012.

Gulf Coast Public Policy If actions are not taken now to conserve and restore these vital marshes and wetlands, the continent’s most critical wintering habitat for waterfowl will be lost forever.

The importance of migration habits to waterfowl While factors on the breeding grounds tend to influence overall waterfowl populations more significantly than others, without sufficient winter and migration habitat, waterfowl return to the breeding grounds in poorer condition.

DU Commends Senate Effort to Restore Gulf Coast After Spill Ducks Unlimited lauded a group of U.S. Senators from Gulf Coast states last week as they introduced legislation that supports ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region. The legislation, known as the RESTORE the Gulf Coast Act of 2011, would direct 80 percent of BP penalties paid under the Clean Water Act toward the long-term health of the Gulf region's coastal ecosystems and economies.

Nestlé Waters North America Continues Commitment to Wetlands Conservation #1 Bottled Water Company in the U.S. Contributes $250,000 to Ducks Unlimited

DU Lauds Senate Effort to Restore Gulf Coast After Spill DU commended a group of U.S. Senators from Gulf Coast states as they introduced legislation that supports ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

DU CEO joins America's WETLAND Foundation Board of Directors In a recent announcement from America's WETLAND Foundation (AWF), H. Dale Hall, Ducks Unlimited CEO, was named to the AWF Board of Directors. Hall will assist with the organization's decision making process as AWF works throughout Louisiana.

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation's Leaders Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year's oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts properly funded by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region. However, these calls so far have gone unanswered.

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation’s Leaders Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year’s oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Policy News 3-21 Passage of NAWCA reauthorization bill critical to program's future; Shell Oil contributes half-million dollars to Gulf Coast restoration; Conservation Easement Incentive Act introduced in House with strong support

Ducks Unlimited to Sportsmen: Ask Congress to Direct Oil Spill Fines Back to Gulf Coast Restoration During a national sportsmen’s teleconference that drew more than 5,000 listeners, DU CEO Dale Hall and National Wildlife Federation CEO Larry Schweiger urged sportsmen to ask Congress to support legislation that ensures penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative sheds light on critical habitat One year ago, the deadly oil spill from British Petroleum’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico had Ducks Unlimited waterfowl biologists fearing the worst possible scenario – potentially millions of barrels of crude oil washing into an already threatened marsh habitat along Louisiana’s Coast.

Gulf Oil Spill: One Year Later Join DU and NWF on national teleconference call this Wednesday (4/21/11) at 8 p.m. EDT

Saving America's Marsh Coastal wetland loss and degradation are threatening Louisiana's rich hunting and fishing heritage

DU calls attention to threatened Gulf Coast wetlands on 14th annual World Wetlands Day Tomorrow marks the 14th annual celebration of World Wetlands Day, when government agencies, non-governmental organizations and citizens seize the opportunity to recognize the importance of wetland ecosystems for humans and wildlife alike.

Abita Brewing Company Supports Ducks Unlimited's Louisiana Coastal Conservation Initiative Louisiana-based Abita Brewing Company recently donated $100,000 to Ducks Unlimited, leader in wetlands conservation, for restoration of important wetland habitats along Louisiana’s imperiled coast.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative program update Responding to the possible impacts of the Louisiana oil spill in June 2010, Ducks Unlimited, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service partnered up to put habitat on the ground for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. In this video update, DU CEO Dale Hall explains the benefits of this partnership.

Ducks Unlimited supports "100 Miles, 1,000 Acres" Restore Coastal Alabama initiative MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 16, 2010 - To combat the decades-long downward trend in the amount of coastal marsh habitat and oyster reefs in Alabama's Mobile Bay, the nonprofit Restore Coastal Alabama project based out of Mobile, Ala., will rely on a "100 Miles, 1,000 Acres" initiative to restore and enhance these lost habitats on the northern Gulf Coast.

Louisiana Coastal Conservation Initiative

Gulf oil spill puts millions of Canada's migratory birds at risk While the Gulf oil spill certainly has far-reaching consequences for people, the environment and industry, from a purely bird-centric view, the spill occurred in one of the worst possible places.

Crude Awakening In the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill, Ducks Unlimited calls for a renewed commitment to saving the region's imperiled wetlands

Gulf Coast / Yucatan - Mexico An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Gulf Coast / Yucatan - Mexico priority area.

West Gulf Coastal Plain An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the West Gulf Coastal Plain priority area

Peninsular Florida An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Peninsular Florida priority area

Gulf Coastal Prairie An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Gulf Coastal Prairie priority area.

Gulf Oil Spill Q&A Questions and answers from the experts about Gulf Coast habitat and the oil spill

DU Gulf Coast Response Team Ducks Unlimited's Gulf Coast Response Team was formed to address the oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico and to lead the coastal marsh restoration efforts in the region.

Gulf Coast Facts & Figures

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Videos Ducks Unlimited's video collection about the Gulf Coast and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Ducks Unlimited Gulf Oil Spill Resource Center Ducks Unlimited's resource center for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Louisiana Coast: The Time Is Now Louisiana's coastal marshes are in danger. Ducks Unlimited is working to save them. Learn more about the historical loss of the Louisiana coast.

Wetlands on the Edge Threatened by development, pollution, and rising seas, coastal marshes face an uncertain future

West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study: Expected Outcomes Expected outcomes of Ducks Unlimited's West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study: Primary Investigators Primary investigators involved in Ducks Unlimited's West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study Overview of Ducks Unlimited's West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

Conserving Texas Prairie Wetlands Working to reverse habitat declines in this important wintering area

Louisiana Coast Quick Facts

America's Marsh A third of Louisiana's coastal marsh is gone, and 50 more acres are lost each day. Can this crucial wintering ground be saved?

Freshwater Wetland Conservation for Redheads Research done by DU's Geographic Information Systems department on freshwater wetlands along the Gulf Coast of Texas to benefit redheads.

Quantification of Surface Water Geographic Information Systems research done by DU and the Gulf Coast Joint Venture to analyze surface water in Gulf Coast marshes.

View from the Gulf Gary Koehler shares the story of Louisiana waterfowl hunters and the unseasonable weather that impacts their hunting success.

Louisiana Conservation Projects Ducks Unlimited habitat conservation projects in Louisiana. These projects benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people. View sample projects, project map and more.

Marsh Terraces as a Conservation Practice

Two Tickets to Paradise One for Hunting, Another for Fishing

Hurricane Impacts on Wetlands & Waterfowl South Louisiana wetlands may suffer significant long-term damage from hurricanes.

Gulf Coastal Prairie - More Information More info on the Gulf Coastal Prairie of Texas and Louisiana and Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work there.

Peninsular Florida - More Information Background information on DU's Peninsular Florida conservation priority area

Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont - More Information Background information on DU's Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont conservation priority area

West Gulf Coastal Plain - More Information Background information on DU's West Gulf Coastal Plain conservation priority area

Migration Alert: Waterfowl Numbers Increasing in Louisiana

Hunting resumes tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 14) in Louisiana's East and Coastal Zones after a five-day split and a 12-day split, respectively. (Hunting in the West Zone has been open since Nov. 16 and closes Dec. 15 for a six-day break.) Biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) are completing their December waterfowl survey as this report was being written.

The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation: A Partnership to Protect the Coast

The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation is a strong Ducks Unlimited partner on the Gulf Coast. Moore-Odom is working with DU through the Gulf Coast Initiative to conserve the best wintering habitats for ducks and geese on the Gulf. Their story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Report reveals disturbing national trend of increased coastal wetland losses

WASHINGTON – Nov. 22, 2013 – An alarming national trend of increased loss of coastal wetlands was announced yesterday in a report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Waterfowl among first beneficiaries of oil spill criminal settlement

HOUSTON – Nov. 15, 2013 – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently announced five projects to restore and enhance habitats for species impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Disaster, including the Gulf Coast Migratory Waterfowl Enhancement Project. Funded through the NFWF-administered Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, these are the first restoration projects in Texas resulting from the RESTORE Act.

Migration Alert: Waterfowl Season Off to a Strong Start on Texas Coast

It's a good time to be a duck hunter on the Texas Gulf Coast. Timely rains and cold fronts have made for a great beginning to the waterfowl season in this region. The rice prairies of Matagorda, Wharton and Colorado counties have more water now than they have had in recent years, providing vital habitat for wintering ducks, geese and sandhill cranes.

DU hires longtime LDWF biologist to oversee Louisiana conservation programs

LAFAYETTE, La. – Nov. 13, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently selected Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Biologist Director Mike Carloss as the new manager of conservation programs for Louisiana.

DU says water-use decisions not critters vs. people

HOUSTON – Oct. 7, 2013 – As the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) seeks permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to cut off inflows to Matagorda Bay, Ducks Unlimited reminds Texans of the intrinsic link between environment and economy along the Colorado River and the need for all users to share in conserving water.

DU, NFWF meet to discuss Gulf Coast restoration

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) met with Ducks Unlimited staff in Port Arthur, Texas, in late July to discuss DU’s Gulf Coast Initiative.

DU's Gulf Coast Initiative

Turning the tide of wetland loss in this important waterfowl wintering area

Ducks Unlimited receives Wells Fargo grant to support Gulf Coast conservation

RICHMOND, Texas – June 10, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited recently received a grant from Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) to support wetlands conservation along the Texas coast. The $50,000 grant is part of a $3 million Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program, which awarded grants to 64 community-based nonprofits nationwide to help support land and water conservation, energy efficiency, infrastructure and educational outreach.

Gulf Coast Initiative

Saving the most critical wintering waterfowl habitat in North America by conserving coastal prairies and marshes along the rapidly disappearing Gulf Coast.

DU engages in RESTORE process

Through the RESTORE Act, as much as $15-20 billion may be channeled to the Gulf Coast for a variety of economic and ecological restoration projects. Ducks Unlimited is engaging in stakeholder meetings, public hearings and partnership-building efforts to best represent the interests of waterfowl and coastal wetlands restoration through the planning process.

LCRA again decides to restrict water to rice growers

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has again decided to restrict the water supply to rice growers for the upcoming growing season. Ducks Unlimited is once again disappointed in the decision.

Garret Graves honored at 2013 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards Ceremony

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – April 1, 2013 – Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2013 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held in Arlington, Va., at the Crystal Gateway Hyatt. This year's recipient of State/Provincial Agency award is Garret Graves.

Ongoing drought forces second year of water withheld from Texas rice growers

RICHMOND, Texas - March 2, 2013 - Although not unexpected in the face of ongoing drought conditions, Ducks Unlimited is once again disappointed in the decision to restrict the water supply to rice growers for the coming growing season.

Ducks Unlimited supports initial Gulf restoration strategy

Ducks Unlimited is pleased by the progress toward Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration represented in the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council’s newly released report, “The Path Forward to Restoring the Gulf Coast.” The report details the strategy for allocation of Gulf Coast restoration funds directed by the RESTORE Act.

Comeback on the Coast - Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chapter

Just as the oceans' tides ebb and flow, the life cycle of a Ducks Unlimited chapter often experiences ups and downs. This cycle has been especially notable in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over the last few years, as decreased committee engagement and poor event timing led to falling attendance and support. The all-time low came in 2011, when just a handful of dedicated volunteers showed up for the chapter's sponsor banquet.

Continental Generosity - Daryl and Mary Pennington

Waterfowl are a continental resource that rely on habitat from their northern breeding grounds to their southern winter homes and all points in between. It takes a visionary to see beyond his backyard and support habitat conservation on a continental scale. Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation trustees Daryl and Mary Pennington of Ethel, Louisiana, are prime examples of such broadly committed sponsors, their generosity shining even more brightly given that Daryl and Mary began duck hunting less than 15 years ago.

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council convenes for first time

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council held its first public meeting in Mobile, Ala., in December to update residents on the progress of implementing a portion of the RESTORE Act. Southern Region Manager of Mitigation Programs Eric Held represented Ducks Unlimited at the meeting.

DU responds to LCRA water allocation decision

AUSTIN, Texas - Nov. 16, 2012 - The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) board, after lengthy testimony dominated by a large Highland Lakes contingent, passed an emergency order that will likely provide enough water for first crop rice on approximately 50 percent of the fields in Texas's Wharton, Matagorda and Colorado counties.

Portion of funds from $4.5 billion BP settlement to benefit Gulf Coast fish and wildlife

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 15, 2012 - BP announced today that it will plead guilty to several criminal charges under a settlement agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice over its role in the 2010 disaster involving the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, in which an estimated 200 million gallons of crude oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. Under the terms of the settlement, BP will pay approximately $4.5 billion in installments over a five-year period, with nearly $2.4 billion going to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), an independent non-profit conservation group chartered by Congress in 1984.

New Senate chairman visits Louisiana to see coastal concerns

The new chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources visited the state of Louisiana to learn more about coastal restoration issues.

Ducks Unlimited supports off-channel reservoir development to benefit Texas coast wetlands, waterfowl and rice

AUSTIN, Texas - Nov. 9, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited fully supports the Lower Colorado River Authority's (LCRA) move to develop off-channel reservoirs to provide much-needed water resources for Texas mid-coast rice agriculture and wetland management.

DU joins U.S. senator for Louisiana Gulf tour celebrating RESTORE Act passage

Hot on the heels of President Obama's signing the Transportation Package and passing the precedent-setting RESTORE Act, Ducks Unlimited officials joined U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (LA) for a coastal parish tour to celebrate the promise RESTORE Act funding holds for coastal restoration.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates victory for Gulf Coast restoration

Ducks Unlimited is pleased that key elements of the RESTORE Act were included in the Surface Transportation Extension Act reported out of conference committee today.

Texas water organization and DU meeting to discuss rice agriculture, importance to waterfowl

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has invited Ducks Unlimited to their June 19 Water Operations Committee meeting in Austin, Texas. The LCRA denied water for rice agriculture uses in the Texas Mid-Coast this year, essentially eliminating 60,000 acres of important habitat for wintering waterfowl in one of DU’s highest-priority conservation regions.

Louisiana legislators approve 2012 Coastal Master Plan

On May 22, the Louisiana legislature unanimously approved the updated, $50 billion, 50-year Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, aimed at stopping coastal land loss in Louisiana, the last step in an approval process that began in January.

With support, waterfowl benefits may survive in federal highway bill

Efforts by Ducks Unlimited and allies are underway to support provisions added to the federal highway bill that would provide significant benefits for waterfowl. One provision of the bill - commonly known as the RESTORE Act - calls for 80 percent of the fines paid by those responsible for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to be committed to restoring the area most affected - the U.S. Gulf Coast.

New report says addressing Louisiana coastal loss is worth national investment

A recent report by the Mississippi River Delta Science and Engineering Special Team addressed 10 fundamental questions about saving the Mississippi River Delta, including how to reverse coastal marsh loss, what impacts could result from restoration efforts and the economic blow to Louisiana and the nation if this important coastal ecosystem is lost.

"Caller-Times" columnist David Sikes honored at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's winner in the Communications category is David Sikes, outdoors columnist for the "Corpus Christi Caller-Times."

Senate vote advances historic conservation funding for Gulf Coast, other key waterfowl habitats

WASHINGTON - March 9, 2012 - After months working side by side with legislators, Ducks Unlimited applauded the Senate's passage of an amendment that could impact not only restoration efforts along the oil-spill-stricken Gulf Coast, but also expand funding for land conservation nationwide.

Ducks Unlimited, partners brief Congress, urge coastal restoration

WASHINGTON - March 5, 2012 - It's been nearly two years since the nation witnessed the largest oil spill in U.S. history. In that time, Congress still has not passed legislation to direct oil spill penalty funds to the Gulf Coast and its multi-billion-dollar natural-resources-based economy.

DU comments on Louisiana coast master plan

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has issued a draft of Louisiana's 2012 Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. After public input, the final plan will go to the legislature March 26 for approval.

Ducks Unlimited disappointed in LCRA decision to withhold water

RICHMOND, Texas - March 1, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is gravely concerned by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) decision to deny water for agricultural uses in Colorado, Wharton, and Matagorda counties this spring.

Gulf Coast Task Force releases final strategy for restoration efforts

The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled a final comprehensive strategic plan that addresses the long-standing issues contributing to the deterioration of Gulf ecosystems.

Visit the New Gulf Coast Public Policy Page

In order to raise awareness about this critical region, Ducks Unlimited has launched a new Gulf Coast Public Policy section on its website.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative

In the summer of 2010, as the Deepwater Horizon disaster poured oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Ducks Unlimited, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation joined forces to provide alternative habitat for the millions of migratory birds that would soon wing their way to the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Coast Restoration Legislation in the 112th Congress

For decades, DU has been working to promote long-term large scale wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast region to pair with our on-the-ground restoration efforts. Since the spill, DU and its partners have been successful in getting Congress to introduce legislation that ensures penalties paid by the responsible parties under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region for restoration.

DU Gulf Coast Public Policy Efforts

To recover from the oil spill, Louisiana's wildlife and habitats need legislative action from Congress.

Issues Facing the Gulf Coast

Long-term wetlands loss; impacts of the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill

Efforts to restore Gulf Coast continue to gain momentum

After years of urging top national policymakers to prioritize restoring the U.S. Gulf Coast, Ducks Unlimited is pleased to see the effort to use Clean Water Act penalties paid by the parties responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is gaining momentum in Congress.

Ducks Unlimited concerned about drought impacts to waterfowl, rice

River authorities throughout the state, including the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), are struggling to balance the limited supply of water with the needs of various user groups, including agricultural, municipal, industrial, and wildlife management interests.

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support the Ducks

August recess is a great opportunity to reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to support the ducks by supporting conservation programs in FY 2012.

Gulf Coast Public Policy

If actions are not taken now to conserve and restore these vital marshes and wetlands, the continent’s most critical wintering habitat for waterfowl will be lost forever.

The importance of migration habits to waterfowl

While factors on the breeding grounds tend to influence overall waterfowl populations more significantly than others, without sufficient winter and migration habitat, waterfowl return to the breeding grounds in poorer condition.

DU Commends Senate Effort to Restore Gulf Coast After Spill

Ducks Unlimited lauded a group of U.S. Senators from Gulf Coast states last week as they introduced legislation that supports ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region. The legislation, known as the RESTORE the Gulf Coast Act of 2011, would direct 80 percent of BP penalties paid under the Clean Water Act toward the long-term health of the Gulf region's coastal ecosystems and economies.

Nestlé Waters North America Continues Commitment to Wetlands Conservation

#1 Bottled Water Company in the U.S. Contributes $250,000 to Ducks Unlimited

DU Lauds Senate Effort to Restore Gulf Coast After Spill

DU commended a group of U.S. Senators from Gulf Coast states as they introduced legislation that supports ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act are directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

DU CEO joins America's WETLAND Foundation Board of Directors

In a recent announcement from America's WETLAND Foundation (AWF), H. Dale Hall, Ducks Unlimited CEO, was named to the AWF Board of Directors. Hall will assist with the organization's decision making process as AWF works throughout Louisiana.

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation's Leaders

Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year's oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts properly funded by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region. However, these calls so far have gone unanswered.

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation’s Leaders

Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year’s oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Policy News 3-21

Passage of NAWCA reauthorization bill critical to program's future; Shell Oil contributes half-million dollars to Gulf Coast restoration; Conservation Easement Incentive Act introduced in House with strong support

Ducks Unlimited to Sportsmen: Ask Congress to Direct Oil Spill Fines Back to Gulf Coast Restoration

During a national sportsmen’s teleconference that drew more than 5,000 listeners, DU CEO Dale Hall and National Wildlife Federation CEO Larry Schweiger urged sportsmen to ask Congress to support legislation that ensures penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative sheds light on critical habitat

One year ago, the deadly oil spill from British Petroleum’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico had Ducks Unlimited waterfowl biologists fearing the worst possible scenario – potentially millions of barrels of crude oil washing into an already threatened marsh habitat along Louisiana’s Coast.

Gulf Oil Spill: One Year Later

Join DU and NWF on national teleconference call this Wednesday (4/21/11) at 8 p.m. EDT

Saving America's Marsh

Coastal wetland loss and degradation are threatening Louisiana's rich hunting and fishing heritage

DU calls attention to threatened Gulf Coast wetlands on 14th annual World Wetlands Day

Tomorrow marks the 14th annual celebration of World Wetlands Day, when government agencies, non-governmental organizations and citizens seize the opportunity to recognize the importance of wetland ecosystems for humans and wildlife alike.

Abita Brewing Company Supports Ducks Unlimited's Louisiana Coastal Conservation Initiative

Louisiana-based Abita Brewing Company recently donated $100,000 to Ducks Unlimited, leader in wetlands conservation, for restoration of important wetland habitats along Louisiana’s imperiled coast.

Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative program update

Responding to the possible impacts of the Louisiana oil spill in June 2010, Ducks Unlimited, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service partnered up to put habitat on the ground for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. In this video update, DU CEO Dale Hall explains the benefits of this partnership.

Ducks Unlimited supports "100 Miles, 1,000 Acres" Restore Coastal Alabama initiative

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 16, 2010 - To combat the decades-long downward trend in the amount of coastal marsh habitat and oyster reefs in Alabama's Mobile Bay, the nonprofit Restore Coastal Alabama project based out of Mobile, Ala., will rely on a "100 Miles, 1,000 Acres" initiative to restore and enhance these lost habitats on the northern Gulf Coast.

Louisiana Coastal Conservation Initiative

Gulf oil spill puts millions of Canada's migratory birds at risk

While the Gulf oil spill certainly has far-reaching consequences for people, the environment and industry, from a purely bird-centric view, the spill occurred in one of the worst possible places.

Crude Awakening

In the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill, Ducks Unlimited calls for a renewed commitment to saving the region's imperiled wetlands

Gulf Coast / Yucatan - Mexico

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Gulf Coast / Yucatan - Mexico priority area.

West Gulf Coastal Plain

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the West Gulf Coastal Plain priority area

Peninsular Florida

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation efforts in the Peninsular Florida priority area

Gulf Coastal Prairie

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Gulf Coastal Prairie priority area.

Gulf Oil Spill Q&A

Questions and answers from the experts about Gulf Coast habitat and the oil spill

DU Gulf Coast Response Team

Ducks Unlimited's Gulf Coast Response Team was formed to address the oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico and to lead the coastal marsh restoration efforts in the region.

Gulf Coast Facts & Figures

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Videos

Ducks Unlimited's video collection about the Gulf Coast and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Ducks Unlimited Gulf Oil Spill Resource Center

Ducks Unlimited's resource center for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Louisiana Coast: The Time Is Now

Louisiana's coastal marshes are in danger. Ducks Unlimited is working to save them. Learn more about the historical loss of the Louisiana coast.

Wetlands on the Edge

Threatened by development, pollution, and rising seas, coastal marshes face an uncertain future

West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study: Expected Outcomes

Expected outcomes of Ducks Unlimited's West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study: Primary Investigators

Primary investigators involved in Ducks Unlimited's West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

Overview of Ducks Unlimited's West Gulf Coast Mottled Duck Study

Conserving Texas Prairie Wetlands

Working to reverse habitat declines in this important wintering area

Louisiana Coast Quick Facts

America's Marsh

A third of Louisiana's coastal marsh is gone, and 50 more acres are lost each day. Can this crucial wintering ground be saved?

Freshwater Wetland Conservation for Redheads

Research done by DU's Geographic Information Systems department on freshwater wetlands along the Gulf Coast of Texas to benefit redheads.

Quantification of Surface Water

Geographic Information Systems research done by DU and the Gulf Coast Joint Venture to analyze surface water in Gulf Coast marshes.

View from the Gulf

Gary Koehler shares the story of Louisiana waterfowl hunters and the unseasonable weather that impacts their hunting success.

Louisiana Conservation Projects

Ducks Unlimited habitat conservation projects in Louisiana. These projects benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people. View sample projects, project map and more.

Marsh Terraces as a Conservation Practice

Two Tickets to Paradise

One for Hunting, Another for Fishing

Hurricane Impacts on Wetlands & Waterfowl

South Louisiana wetlands may suffer significant long-term damage from hurricanes.

Gulf Coastal Prairie - More Information

More info on the Gulf Coastal Prairie of Texas and Louisiana and Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work there.

Peninsular Florida - More Information

Background information on DU's Peninsular Florida conservation priority area

Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont - More Information

Background information on DU's Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont conservation priority area

West Gulf Coastal Plain - More Information

Background information on DU's West Gulf Coastal Plain conservation priority area

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