Latest news: September 13, 2011
Conservation Fund purchase will preserve 675 acres of Maurepas Swamp
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). September 13, 2011.
“A consortium of conservation groups has arranged the purchase of 675 acres of cypress-tupelo swamp bordering the town of Maurepas, assuring its protection as a refuge for migratory waterfowl, neotropical songbirds and several species of ducks. Saving the trees from logging also protects them as a hurricane storm surge and wind barrier for nearby communities…”
Independent audit of fishers’ claims in BP fund is a welcome step: An editorial
By Editorial page staff, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). September 13, 2011.
“Kenneth Feinberg, who administers BP’s fund to cover losses from last year’s oil spill, has done a good job handing out money — paying $5.2 billion in claims in just more than a year, including $357 million to Louisiana fishers. But people who make their living catching and harvesting seafood in our state continue to raise concerns that many fishers have yet to be fully compensated for their losses…”
How $20 billion in BP fines can go to restoring the Gulf
By Paul Greenberg, Living on Earth (Public Radio International). September 12, 2011.
“Bill S-1400, going before Congress this fall, mandates the federal government to use the BP oil spill damages to fix the Gulf — and taxpayers won’t have to pay a dime…”
Dog treats, fur coats could help spell nutria’s doom
By Nikki Buskey, Daily Comet (Lafourche Parish, La.). September 12, 2011.
“Nutria-fur fashion and dog treats are some of the products that will be launched to help battle invasive species in Louisiana marshes…”
Height of the hurricane season: An editorial
By Editorial page staff, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). September 12, 2011.
“Tropical Storm Lee is a soggy memory for most of metro New Orleans, but the glorious week of dry, cool weather shouldn’t lull anyone into thinking hurricane season is over. The fact is, we are smack-dab in the middle of the most active phase of the season, the three weeks prior to and three weeks after Sept. 10…”