Coastal advocates identify priority projects to restore Louisiana’s coast
18 Coastal Master Plan projects maximize investments by building land, benefitting economy, protecting communities
NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 10, 2024) — Today, leading national and state conservation groups, who make up the Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) coalition, released a list of 18 restoration projects from Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan that, if prioritized and implemented quickly, will help restore and maintain as much of Louisiana’s coast as possible to achieve a resilient future for the people, wildlife and industries of this nationally significant region.
“Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan offers a suite of actionable, science-backed projects to restore our vanishing coast across the state,” said Simone Maloz, campaign director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta. “Our priority projects provide a path of focus for restoration efforts and direction for much needed coastal restoration funds. These identified projects provide the best return on investment in terms of land restored, communities protected and economic benefits.”
Follow this link to view the full list of the 18 projects within the CPRA Coastal Master Plan that the coalition has identified as being a top priority for funding, community input, action and implementation. These 18 projects employ unified strategies in five basins to maximize coastal restoration and advance priorities benefiting the entire ecosystem.
“Scientists continue to issue dire predictions on coastal Louisiana’s future,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “We’re losing a football field of wetlands every 100 minutes, while also facing more frequent and intense storms. For 35 years our scientific research has prioritized restoration of our coast and the protection of our communities for people, wildlife and the economy. It is time for us to make a difference, to turn the tide with a purpose-driven passion that underscores the steadfast pursuit to coastal resilience.”
“These priority projects have been through a rigorous planning process and are backed by years of scientific research,” said Lauren Bourg, director of the Mississippi River Delta program for the National Audubon Society. “Louisiana voters overwhelmingly support tackling our land loss crisis head on. In a recent poll, 92 percent of voters agree that a comprehensive restoration plan backed in the latest science is critical for our coast’s future.”
“Significant threats jeopardize Louisiana’s world-renowned Sportsman’s Paradise, but these restoration projects meet the challenge,” said Amanda Moore, senior director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf program. “The state has substantial funding and immense public and political support for these priority projects. With urgent action, we can continue our progress on restoring the coast, but we have no time left to lose.”
“Without action, Louisiana stands to lose an additional 4,000 square miles over the next 50 years across its entire coastline,” said Will McDow, associate vice president of Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds for the Environmental Defense Fund. “Executing these 18 priority projects would maximize land-building across five coastal basins, reduce risks to coastal communities, and benefit the people, wildlife and jobs that depend on a healthy coastal Louisiana.
For a full list of the identified priority projects and more information about MRD please visit, mississippiriverdelta.org/priority-projects
Media Contact:
Annie Matherne
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annie@gambelpr.com
About Restore the Mississippi River Delta
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Composed of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. Learn more at MississippiRiverDelta.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.