East Texas Wetlands Project

In April 2001, Ducks Unlimited, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service forged a partnership and initiated the East Texas Wetlands Project (ETWP). The ETWP targets a 46-county area in northeastern Texas referred to as the West Gulf Coastal Plain. The purpose of the ETWP is to provide landowner assistance and incentives to restore, enhance, and manage wetlands and associated uplands, a purpose integral to DUs Mission.

In recent years, East Texans have had limited access to funds that could be utilized for projects to improve wetland habitat on their land. With the implementation of the ETWP, East Texas landowners have increased opportunities for technical guidance and cost-share support for improvement of migratory bird habitat. During the first five years of the ETWP, technical assistance was provided to over 300 landowners in the 46-county focus area. Eighty projects (approximately 5,000 acres of wetland and bottomland hardwood habitat) have been restored or enhanced to date. 

Before Construction             After Construction

For years, a small handful of wetland professionals in East Texas struggled to meet the ever-growing demand from owners and managers of wetlands. Until recently, limited resources and cost-share programs hindered habitat conservation efforts on private lands. The ETWP now offers landowners the expertise and a cost-effectfive means for habitat conservation on their land. Initial interest in the program by private landowners with potential wetland restoration opportunities suggests a long and successful future for this program.

For more information on this program, contact:

Keith McKnight
Regional Biologist
3334 S SW Loop 323
Ste. #110
Tyler, TX 75701
903.581.9570 
kmcknight@ducks.org