Ducks Unlimited was awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation grant to enhance over 5,728 acres of wetland habitat in Chambers and Jefferson counties along the Texas coast. Partners contributed more than $2 million to match the $1 million received from the federal grant. The project will restore high priority wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds within the Chenier Plain of Texas.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today released the first ever comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States, showing that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline due to habitat loss,
invasive species, and other threats.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. is now offering discounts for Hunter Education Instructors for 2009 and has announced its committed sponsorship of both Hunter's Handbook and the Hunter and Shooting Sports Education Journal. All of these tools support the Hunter Education network and are integral in effectively communicating safety in the outdoors as well as perpetuation of the sport.

Texas-Conservationists from California, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas have been named to new positions on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation board of directors.

GunBroker.com® (www.gunbroker.com), the world's largest online auction site for firearms and hunting/shooting accessories, observed its 10th Anniversary on March 15.

Today, the North American Grouse Partnership joined with Pheasants Forever, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Mule Deer Foundation to launch the Prairie Grouse Partners, a new conservation partnership with an aggressive goal of restoring 20 percent of North America's native grasslands.

The National Wild Turkey Federation distributed more than $194,000 in February toward wildlife conservation and protecting hunting traditions. The monies are distributed to states and programs through the NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission will consider a slate of wetlands conservation proposals later today (Wednesday, March 11). The panel, which authorizes wetlands restoration and conservation projects for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will consider 32 funding proposals for grants under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), as well welcome its newest member, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA), who was appointed to the Commission on Friday.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has generated $1.5 million from its first-ever convention in Texas.

Tune to The Sportsman Channel this week and watch the information packed episode of Yamaha Fishing Club Journal. Bass pro Karen Savik jumps at the opportunity to head to the Texas coast and fish reds for the first time. Dr. Hal Schramm weighs in on water turbidity. Plus, Buzz Ramsey has some thoughts on tipping your lures. Yamaha's Fishing Club Journal airs on The Sportsman Channel Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Thursday at 3:30 a.m., and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. All show times listed are EST. For a complete listing of shows and times, visit http://www.thesportsmanchannel.com