“El Paso Corporation is the largest donor of pipe in Ducks Unlimited’s southern region, and this particular donation is the largest in our history,” said Jerry Holden, DU’s director of conservation programs for Louisiana. “We credit the Houma and Lafayette chapters of Ducks Unlimited in Louisiana with making this transaction possible.”

Pipe donated to DU is typically used to construct water control structures that allow water management in restored wetlands. Biologists can then promote the growth of natural wetland vegetation, creating habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.

DU recently pledged $15 million to Louisiana for coastal marsh restoration (http://www.ducks.org/news/Article76.aspx). El Paso's donation will be used to help DU fulfill this pledge.

“We are grateful to El Paso and, specifically, its ANR Pipeline Company subsidiary, for their generosity to DU,” said Holden. “This relationship is a prime example of how DU and major corporations can work together to conserve wetlands.”

“Hurricanes Katrina and Rita took a tremendous toll on Louisiana’s citizens and coastal areas, as well on the state’s energy infrastructure, and it is incumbent that we work together as the state’s recovery continues,” said Stephen C. Beasley, president of El Paso Corporation’s Eastern Pipelines. “Ducks Unlimited provides excellent stewardship in preserving critical habitat, and we are pleased to make the donation benefiting DU and hard-hit areas of coastal Louisiana.”

DU continues to work towards achieving wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation goals along the coast. Wetlands in coastal Louisiana support wintering and migrating waterfowl species including blue and green-winged teal, gadwall, northern pintails, American wigeon and mallards.

El Paso Corporation provides natural gas and related energy products in a safe, efficient and dependable manner. The company owns North America’s largest natural gas pipeline system and one of North America’s largest independent natural gas producers. For more information, visit www.elpaso.com.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands ­- nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

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