Latest Mississippi River Delta News: Feb. 21, 2014

Recycled Christmas trees dropped in Bayou Sauvage
By KATC. Feb. 21, 2014.
“More than 12,000 Christmas trees collected in Orleans Parish after the holidays were airlifted into the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge…” (read more)

Book recounts oil and gas exploration history, effects on La.’s coast
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. Feb. 21, 2014.
“The history of the impact of oil and gas production on coastal Louisiana’s ecosystems has been a long and sometimes bumpy one that continues to this day…” (read more)

FEMA declares New Orleans area levee system accredited, clearing way for lower flood insurance rates for many
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 20, 2014.
“The Federal Emergency Management Administration on Thursday declared the New Orleans area levee system accredited, clearing the way for the improved storm surge protection…” (read more)

Levee board begs corps to get a 10-year jump on subsidence — at local expense
By Bob Marshall, The Lens. Feb. 20, 2014.
“Death and taxes may be the only certainties of life in the rest of the nation, but residents of southeast Louisiana have one more: subsidence…” (read more)

Governor would have more say in appointing levee authority members, under proposed legislation
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 20, 2014
“Gov. Bobby Jindal would have the authority to reject individuals recommended by an independent committee for seats on the two New Orleans-area levee authorities…” (read more)

La. House budget hearings delayed by Mardi Gras, will start after legislative session begins
By Associated Press. Feb. 21, 2014
“The Mardi Gras calendar is disrupting lawmakers’ review of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s budget proposal…” (read more)