HOUSTON, Tx. -

Ducks Unlimited has received a $50,000 grant from Coastal Conservation Association Texas in support of restoration work at the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson County, Texas.

"The marshes of the Texas Gulf Coast have experienced tremendous alterations and losses," Todd Merendino, DU manager of conservation programs, said. "The remaining wetland habitats support a rich diversity of wildlife and fish species, are vital to the sustainability of multiple wildlife populations and provide one of the most important wintering and migration areas in North America for waterfowl, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent migratory birds."

Factors including development pressures, urbanization, decreased rice agriculture, altered local and regional hydrology, saltwater intrusion and invasive species have contributed to the degradation and loss of important coastal habitats in Texas.

"CCA began in Texas, and we are pleased to continue our conservation efforts in the Lonestar State through this partnership with Ducks Unlimited," Robby Byers, CCA executive director for Texas, said. "It will take the combined efforts of diverse conservation-minded groups to ensure that the Texas Gulf Coast will continue to fulfill its historical role as a thriving fishery."

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