Looking to the FUTURE
It’s widely recognized that man’s presence threatens the survival of Region Four’s wetlands. Locks, canals, navigational channels, and oil exploration continue to alter hydrology, cause erosion and allow saltwater intrusion. In addition, new concerns, such as a proposal to draw water from the Sabine River (Trans Texas Water Plan), seem to arise with disturbing regularity.
Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau Photo
And yet, there is good cause for hope. Breaux Act projects in the region have demonstrated that if dollars are available, not only can wetlands be preserved but in some instances they can also be restored. Additionally, at press time, Congress was considering legislation (Conservation and Reinvestment Act) that would provide Louisiana with a portion of the money it needs to protect its wetlands. But more important is the fact that federal, state and local governments; the scientific community; and ordinary citizens of Louisiana have found common ground. They now stand together in a course of action articulated in a master plan—Coast 2050. This plan is unique in that it represents a consensus on a broad conceptual framework, as well as specific strategies for action. It identifies what must be done in concrete terms, and it does so with a timetable in mind. While there are never any guarantees, Region Four, as well as Louisiana as a whole, has never had a better reason to look to the future with optimism.
Quick News
Dying Grass Threatens Marsh
During the past several months, scientists have observed browning of
expansive stands of Spartina alterniflora in Louisiana’s intertidal
marshes. Affected areas have been observed along much of Louisiana’s
coast, but hardest hit are the marshes lying between the Mississippi River
and Atchafalaya River, within the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary.
Research is underway to determine the cause and severity of the brown marsh phenomenon. Scientists and managers are working together to determine what, if any, remedial actions can be applied. Future issues of WaterMarks will include more information on the brown marsh. For regularly updated and more detailed technical information, visit the www.lacoast.gov Web site; click on “Brown Marsh Update.”
Breaux Act Reauthorized
U.S. Senator John Breaux’s Office has announced that Congress has
reauthorized the Breaux Act (CWPPRA) for another nine years. This action
provides more than 40 million dollars for Louisiana’s coastal wetlands
fund and is tied to the Pittman-Robertson Act, which now goes to the
president for signature.