Lacassine_3_2025.JPG

In February 2025, Ducks Unlimited (DU) completed a conservation project at Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Cameron Parish, LA. Lacassine NWR is a historic refuge in southwest Louisiana (established in 1937) and includes an 830-acre impoundment called Unit B, which is an excellent habitat for migratory birds. Unit B is a waterfowl impoundment that is open to duck hunting for youths and seniors. It also includes a walking trail and observation tower for birding. 

“Before the project, Unit B lacked a sufficiently sized pump to remove water from the impounded area and, as a result, water depths were often too deep,” said Jude Fuselier, DU engineer. “With the assistance of a few key partners, we installed the right-sized pump to allow NWR staff to effectively lower water levels to grow annual and aquatic vegetation, which are great food sources for ducks. The new pump will adequately dewater the area in roughly one-third of the time of the old pump.”

DU’s Unit B project included the installation of a replacement 36” pump to increase capacity and improve forced drainage of the impoundment. It also included the installation of two 60” culverts to help improve drainage and make the new pump work most efficiently. Unit B desperately needed a larger pump to give NWR staff sufficient infrastructure to actively manage water levels within the waterfowl impoundment and improve habitat conditions. The new pump increased the gallon per minute (gpm) output from 8,000 gpm to 25,000 gpm. 

“We are very thankful for DU’s efforts to improve Unit B at Lacassine NWR,” said Shane Baxter from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). “This is an important waterfowl hunting area, and the drainage improvements will help make this unit a better duck habitat. We look forward to working with DU more in the future.”

This DU project was initiated in early December 2024 and completed in February 2025. It was accomplished via a contract with Welsh Irrigation. The USFWS staff also assisted with the installation of culverts. The total cost of the project was just under $500,000. It could not have been accomplished without the assistance of key partners such as Chevron, Dow, Williams, Phillips 66, USFWS, and numerous Gulf Coast Initiative supporters.

“Phillips 66 is proud to support Ducks Unlimited in their efforts to enhance wetland habitat at Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge,” Megan Monsour Hartman, Gulf Coast Public Affairs Director at Phillips 66. “Sustaining vital ecosystems like Unit B not only benefits migratory waterfowl but also provides valuable recreational opportunities for the community. We are committed to conservation initiatives that make a lasting impact, and we appreciate the collaboration with DU and other partners to improve this important habitat.”

Additional work is planned for Unit B. DU and USFWS have developed a list of priority needs for the waterfowl impoundment and will implement additional project phases as funding becomes available.