Belle Chasse, LA 1AUG2015
The Restore The Mississippi River Delta Coalition along with numerous sponsored held a Coastal Restoration Expo at the Bayou Barriere Country Club. Attendees learned about coastal restoration plans and projects from representatives from state agencies, NGOs and engineering firms. The event also served free boiled seafood and jambalaya.
Every hour, Louisiana’s coast line looses a piece of land the size of a football field. Since 1932, Louisiana has lost approximately 1,800 square miles of land, which is about the size of the state of Delaware. Protecting and restoring the coast line is important and beneficial to all those that live, work and enjoy the coast. The coast is a vital part of the ecosystem as well as the economy.
“Coastal habitat restoration typically creates at least 3-4 times as many jobs as road infrastructure or oil and gas projects for every $1 million invested” -Keith Bowers, President, Biohabitats, Inc.
These projects not only create new jobs, but they also rejuvenate older businesses and benefit small and medium sized businesses.
Before I attended this expo, I knew very little about this crisis occurring on our coast line. It’s very alarming to know that so much land is being lost and that some of the causes are not only natural, but man made as well. Since there are numerous causes for the loss, a variety of strategies are needed for effective restoration.
Governors and legislators have made continual progress towards protecting and restoring the coastal communities, economy and wildlife. The 2012 Coastal Master Plan was a vital turning point and the planning process for the 2017 Coastal Master Plan are in effect.
As with many things, I believe a solution will come from education and everyone understanding that any small part that make towards positive change will have a large impact.