The habitat conservation project on Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA has restored hydrology to 4,736 acres of degraded marsh through installation of 4 hydrologic structures and construction of 1 exterior levee. Erosion, salt-water intrusion, and increased turbidity have degraded the once vast fresh, intermediate, and brackish marshes of southeast Louisiana.

Ducks Unlimited received $923,000 in funding through the North America Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to offset costs associated with levee refurbishment and installation of water control structures. In addition, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources provided $600,000 to complement NAWCA funds for this coastal restoration project. al

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will manage the area to maintain quality coastal wetland habitat for wintering waterfowl, while providing additional hunting opportunities. The restored marsh will increase the abundance and quality of submerged aquatic vegetation. Over time, emergent vegetation will spread across the project area. Open-water areas will be replaced by highly productive, shallow ponds that provide excellent habitat for waterfowl. ong the Mississippi River that are

The partners associated with the Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA restoration project include: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Ducks Unlimited, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Burlington Resources, Apache Louisiana Minerals Inc., Outback Steakhouse - Houma, Safari Club (Louisiana and Bayou Chapter), Dale Earnhardt Founda-tion, Ron and Jackie Bartels, and S. Gordon Reese.