The latest coastal news, events and more from the Barataria & Terrebonne Basins
March 2021
Spring Has Sprung
Coastal projects are off to a fast start in 2021
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
― Leo Tolstoy

No doubt about it– spring has sprung, and there are exciting things afoot! Here are some recent coastal happenings underway:

Volunteer Beach Cleanup
ROR was proud to team up with BTNEP to host a spring cleanup at Elmer’s Island. The popular recreation spot along our coast near Grand Isle was recently restored to full glory, but it needed a little spring cleaning thanks to the unprecedented hurricane season of 2020 and marine debris washing up daily. Volunteers from Nicholls, Fletcher and Entergy participated, along with Rep. Joseph Orgeron (District 54), and we were able to target the east end of the shoreline headed towards Grand Isle. We look forward to hosting other events in the future, so stay tuned if you would like to help!
Coastal Annual Plan
Every year, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority releases a report of the coastal work recently accomplished, and also outlines coastal projects to be implemented in the upcoming three years. The Fiscal Year 22 Annual Plan intends to invest over $877 million in coastal projects in the next year alone, with $600 million for Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes over the next three years-- the majority will go to construction. Significant coastal investments like those outlined could lead to thousands of jobs for our area. Click here to read ROR's summary of the projects planned for our area.

Major basin-wide project reaches a milestone
At the beginning of March, the US Army Corps of Engineers released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. There was also a companion restoration plan released by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group, which oversees the spending of post-BP dollars funding the project, as well as the mitigation and stewardship required.


There is no shortage of ways to get active, to get engaged and to get to know more— let us know how Restore or Retreat can help you support the solution!
In the Field Again!
We are excited to get back out in the field and hope to see you on the coast soon


We were excited to tour the Wax Lake Outlet of the Atchafalaya River with Dr. Clint Wilson and students from the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute Student Chapter at Louisiana State University.

Huge thank you to LDWF and Louisiana Sea Grant for their assistance as well!


We had a great time partnering with GNO Inc and Restore the MS River Delta to host a series of field trips with legislators and others to places like David Pond.

It was great to experience the resiliency and vibrancy of coastal Louisiana again firsthand, so we hope to host more of these trips in the future!






We were lucky to visit Queen Bess Island again with LDWF to distribute sticks we helped to gather earlier this year. We saw one of the first eggs of the season!

The birds were so grateful for the nesting material, they took it away almost as soon as we placed it. We can't wait to see the island thrive this spring, along with its sister project at Rabbit Island in SW LA.


ICYMI
Restore or Retreat has offered a couple webinars recently- check it out!
News
Calendar
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board
Wed, Apr 21, 2021 -- 9:30 a.m.
LaSalle Building/LaBelle Room

Field Report: Port Fourchon- Where Energy Meetings the Environment
Thurs, April 29 at 11:30am

Atchafalaya River Basin Restoration & Enhancement Task Force Meeting
Tue, May 04, 2021 -- 9:00 a.m.

Coastal Day at the Louisiana Legislature
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Details Coming Soon!

Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board
Wed, May 19, 2021 -- 9:30 a.m.
Center for Coastal & Deltaic Solutions
Don't forget-- the first Monday of the month is always give back night at Off the Hook! Visit Houma, Thibodaux and now Gonzales for good food for a good cause!
Achieving comprehensive coastal restoration since 2000
Restore or Retreat is a non-profit coastal advocacy group created by coastal Louisiana residents and stakeholders who recognize that the Barataria and Terrebonne basins are the two most rapidly eroding estuaries on earth, and that this erosion represents an economic and ecological crisis. With a growing membership businesses and individuals, ROR seeks to identify and expedite the implementation of aggressive, large-scale restoration projects to protect this irreplaceable region.
Restore or Retreat, Inc. | 985.448.4485 | www.restoreorretreat.org