Latest Blog Post: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion — What you Need to Know Now and Why
Marsh Creation

Golden Triangle Marsh Creation

The 4,420-acre Golden Triangle Marsh project proposed in the 2017 Coastal Master Plan provides a vital wetland buffer along urban areas of New Orleans. The area has has been significantly impacted by human intervention. Dominated by brackish marsh, this area was badly damaged by saltwater intrusion and erosion following the dredging of the now-closed Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).

This project used sediment from nearby Lake Borgne to create and restore marsh. Restoration of this area is critical as it provides flood protection and enhances community resilience for the Greater New Orleans area, while also provides estuarine habitat for fish and wildlife in Lake Borgne and the Mississippi Sound.

Construction of the Golden Triangle Marsh Creation project began in 2021 and is now complete.

About This Project

Project ID: 001.MC.13
Parish: Orleans, St. Bernard
Type: Marsh Creation

CMP17 Project ID: 001.MC.13
Annual Plan Project ID: PO-0163
Parish: Orleans, St. Bernard
Type: Marsh Creation

Project Updates

  • Construction underway on project.

  • Construction permit has been obtained, but still working through landrights.

  • CPRA announced 4Q 2020 is out for bid. 

What is a Marsh Creation Project?

Graphic depiction of Marsh Creation Projects by SCAPE. Found in 2023 Coastal Master Plan.

Graphic by SCAPE, published in 2023 Coastal Master Plan.

Marsh creation or “dredging” uses sediment from the Mississippi River, nearby water bottoms or offshore shoals to build land in shallow, open water areas, typically where land has been lost. These projects can build land fairly quickly, but will eventually fall victim to the same process that caused the land to disappear originally. This type of project can be used in conjunction with sediment diversions to trap sediment, and sediment diversions can lengthen the lifespan of marsh creation projects by providing a continual source of sediment to the new marsh surface.

Other Marsh Creation Projects

Large Scale Barataria Marsh Creation | New Orleans East Marsh Creation | Central Wetlands Marsh Creation and DiversionThree Mile Pass Marsh Creation and Hydrologic Restoration | Delacroix Marsh CreationEast Bayou Lafourche Marsh CreationCalcasieu Lake Marsh CreationBelle Pass-Golden Meadow Marsh Creation | Calcasieu-Sabine Large-Scale Marsh and Hydrologic Restoration Project

Ecological Highlights

Supporters Spotlight

A Local’s Take on the Golden Triangle Marsh Creation Project – John Taylor

Resources