MONTEGUT – A coalition of state, local and federal entities, conservation groups and private enterprise, are working to restore 4,700 acres of brackish marshland within the Pointe Aux Chenes Wildlife Management Area in Terrebonne Parish.

Project partners provided details and tours today to officials gathered at the site off La. 665, southeast of Houma.

The $1.7 million project sponsors include Ducks Unlimited (DU), the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR), the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, Apache Louisiana Minerals, Inc., Burlington Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and S. Gordon Reese.

“This project represents another good example of how the department uses hydrologic restoration to enhance and protect a valuable natural resource,” said LDNR Deputy Secretary Randy Hanchey.

“Bringing marsh areas back to life in this manner benefits wildlife, the outdoorsmen who use this area for recreation and the residents of the area who have seen Gulf waters slowly change the natural terrain over the years,” said Parke Moore, LDWF Assistant Secretary, Office of Wildlife. “We are fortunate to have the support of the sponsorship group to improve our habitat management capabilities.”

Ken Babcock, director of operations at DU’s Southern Regional Office, welcomed the new partnership to restore coastal wetlands and waterfowl habitat at Pointe Aux Chenes WMA. “We are proud to partner in this cooperative effort,” said Babcock. “Our collective contributions will result in real, on the ground conservation with the net result being more waterfowl foraging habitat, improved fisheries, better birding and a healthier coastal ecosystem.”

Officially classified as a hydrologic restoration, the project work consists of channel excavation, levee construction and the installation of water control structures. The project construction contract was awarded to T. Baker Smith & Son, Inc. (Houma).

The project, scheduled for completion in October 2005, will increase breeding, wintering and migration habitat for migratory birds by reducing salinity levels and wave action to promote the growth of aquatic vegetation. Species benefiting from the improved habitat will include waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and other wetland dependent wildlife. Once completed, the new water control structures will be managed by LDWF.

Pointe Aux Chenes WMA encompasses 35,000 of marshland interspersed with numerous ponds, bayous and canals. La. 665 divides the management area between Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.