June 5, 2008
Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809
Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), with key funding assistance from Ameriprise Financial, announced today the purchase of more than 7,200 acres within the boundaries of Joyce Wildlife Management Area (WMA) from The Conservation Fund.
“The conservation and restoration of our state’s coastal wetlands, like those found around Lake Pontchartrain, are of utmost importance and these vital resources must be protected for generations to come,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “Our partners are to be commended for making this happen.”
The nearly $2.2 million purchase was finalized during a ceremony at the June 5 Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting. The land had previously been leased from The Conservation Fund, who purchased it from Octavia Partners, LLC in December.
“Coastal wetlands not only protect fragile ecosystems, but also provide important public recreation opportunities,” said Ray Herndon, TCF’s director of the lower Mississippi region. “This effort is a testament to the power of partnerships. It proves that all sectors – governmental, corporate and non-profit – can work together to achieve great outcomes. We commend all the parties involved, especially the members of Octavia Partners, for their commitment to this effort and their willingness to enable this important project.”
The state contributed funds for the purchase from LDWF’s Wildlife Habitat Natural Heritage Trust Fund and leveraged that with grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the North American Wetland Conservation Act program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through its partnership with Shell Oil.
Demonstrating its strong commitment to giving back to communities, Ameriprise Financial generously donated $200,000 to The Conservation Fund for this project, which the Fund passed on to the state.
“Environmental awareness goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to support organizations and programs that help build strong, vital communities,” said Brian Pietsch, head of community relations at Ameriprise Financial. “We are proud to be part of a partnership that has ensured the protection of this beautiful waterfowl habitat, which also serves as a natural storm surge buffer to portions of the greater New Orleans area.”
The 23,000-acre Joyce WMA sits five miles south of Hammond within the Lake Pontchartrain basin and consists mainly of cypress-tupelo swamp. Alligators, deer, rabbits, squirrel and waterfowl like mallards and woodducks call this area home. An elevated boardwalk at the northwest corner of Joyce WMA provides visitors easy access to view wildlife and vegetation within the ecosystem.
This project builds on The Conservation Fund’s long-term commitment to protect and restore coastal wetlands within the Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas basin. Since 1990, the Fund and its partners have protected more than 120,000 acres of coastal wetland and associated upland habitats. This effort continues, as The Fund and the state of Louisiana work together to preserve vital coastal wetlands across the region.
Ameriprise Financial is dedicated to using the firm’s resources, talents and volunteer time to improve the lives of individuals and build strong communities. Through grantmaking, volunteerism and employee and advisor gift matching programs, the company supports a diverse group of over 5,000 nonprofits across the country. Additional information on the company and its Community Relations initiatives can be found at ameriprise.com.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc., is a diversified financial services company serving the comprehensive financial planning needs of the mass affluent and affluent. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.
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1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300
Arlington, Virginia 22209-2156
Phone: 703-525-6300
Fax: 703-525-4610
Email: postmaster@conservationfund.org
