Entergy Boosts Wetlands Conservation Efforts in Arkansas
Habitat enhancements will benefit water quality, waterfowl along the White River in Arkansas
Habitat enhancements will benefit water quality, waterfowl along the White River in Arkansas
More tourists, more ducks, and cleaner waterthese are the three things Entergy hopes to bring to eastern Arkansas with its support of Ducks Unlimiteds efforts to restore wetlands near the White River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) planned to create two new reservoirs on White River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) to enhance water quality, improve waterfowl habitat, and provide other benefits for wildlife and people. A $150,000 grant from the Entergy Environmental Initiatives Fund, which is funded by Entergy shareholder contributions, provided partial funding for the project. With the addition of a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant, DU will help the USFWS carry out this and other wetland projects on the refuge.
Entergy is committed to protecting our environment in big ways and small, said Rick Riley, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. Improvement projects that we help implement in our local communities through the Environmental Initiatives Fund are good for not only the land and water but also the local economy. Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts flock to this part of the state to enjoy the natural resources found here, and were happy to do our part to help preserve these delicate wetlands.
Ducks Unlimited conservation efforts across North America are possible because of support from partners like Entergy. The habitats that DU and its partners enhance for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife also improve water quality and flood protection. Public land projects like those on White River NWR enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone, including Entergys customers and employees.