The Science and Policy of Louisiana Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

Coastal Land Loss 1.2 million acres (1,875 square miles) of land since the 1930’s. Primarily caused by imbalance between sediment deposition by the Mississippi River and its distributaries, and sediment loss due to subsidence and erosion. Largely the result of human activities. –Changes in the hydrologic processes The problem is compounded by global warming.

Environmental –Loss of habitat for many estuarine and terrestrial species. –Implications for food webs. Hurricane protection –Storm surge reduction –Reduced pressure on levees. Economic –Collapse of Fisheries –$100 Billion in existing infrastructure. –Tourism industry Consequences of Coastal Land Loss

Management Strategies Vegetation planting Beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM programs). Freshwater diversion projects. Mississippi River Diversion projects

Current Legislation Process Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA or the Breaux Act) Coast 2050 report Nov LCA Ecosystem Restoration Study April 2005 – ‘Coastal Area Restoration Bill’ and ‘Together-Immediately Defeating Erosion Act of 2005’ (Sen. Vitter)

Coastal Area Restoration Bill –“In General – The Secretary may carry out a program for ecosystem restoration, Louisiana Coastal Area, Louisiana, substantially in accordance with the report of the Chief of Engineers, dated January 31, 2005.” Together-Immediately Defeating Erosion Act of 2005 –seeks to “encourage Federal agencies to carry out comprehensive, interagency projects relating to the conservation, protection, and restoration of the coastal area of the State of Louisiana.

Points of Dispute Not enough action. The wetlands are being “studied to death” Not enough action. The wetlands are being “studied to death”Funding. Impacts on water quality Impact on fisheries The structure of the Science and Technology Program The involvement of the USACE

Conclusions