Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Project Awarded $500,000 from Chevron
Eugene L. 12.12.22
Ducks Unlimited (DU) has been awarded $500,000 from Chevron for its coastal wetlands conservation projects on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. These coastal wetlands are a major natural resource as well as a major economic driver for the region. The coastal wetlands act as a buffer protecting everything from storms coming in from the Gulf. Infrastructure, commercial fisheries, fish shellfish, and bird nursery grounds, and habitat for millions of waterfowl and other migratory birds are all supported by the wetlands.
“Ducks Unlimited wetlands conservation projects across the Gulf Coast provide economic, ecological and societal benefits that ripple across the country,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Corporate Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “We are proud to continue our partnership by helping to support these efforts.”
The $500,000 grant from Chevron will be used to support two coastal restoration projects. The southwest Louisiana Habitat enhancements at Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Unit 3 work on Rockefeller Refuge. Both of these projects fall under the Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Initiative.
“Working with partners like Chevron helps ensure our conservation work never stops,” said DU Director of Conservation Programs Cassidy Lejeune. “The projects that Chevron supports are critical to Louisiana’s wetlands and wildlife. Without support from them and other GCI partners, we could not accomplish what we do.”
The Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will have work done on replacing water-control structures and the refitting of the current surface-water pumping system with a new power unit on Unit B. Unit B is an 800-acre unit that is easily accessible by car and is one of the most popular areas of the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge.
The Rockefeller Refuge Unit 3 is a 3,800-acre marsh unit that is home to tens of thousands of migratory waterfowl each year. The work proposed includes refitting the surface water pumping system to improve water management.
