CASTA

SA ' TA f A l

WO I . Sfrt

17 * A
REPRODUCTION QUALITY NOTICE

This document is the best quality available. The copy furnished

to DTIC contained pages that may have the following quality

problems:

* Pages smaller or larger than normal.

o Pages with background color or light colored printing.

* Pages with small type or poor printing; and or

• Pages with continuous tone material or color

photographs.

Due to various output media available these conditions may or

may not cause poor legibility in the microfiche or hardcopy output

you receive.

~If this block is checked, the copy furnished to DTIC

contained pages with color printing, that when reproduced in

Black and White, may change detail of the original copy.
Acknowledgments

Beth Vairin, U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands

Research Center, was the primary author and project leader

for this booklet. Dave Fruge and Jane Ledwin, U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service. Jimmy Johnston, USGS National

Wetlands Research Center; Denise Reed, Louisiana

Universities Marine Consortium; and Steve Underwood,

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, were major

contributors to the text.

Members of the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation

and Restoration Task Force and Outreach Committee (listed at the end of this document) were technical advisors;

Keith Taniguchi, USFWS, advised on progress with the

Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, and

Douglas Ryan, USFWS, advised on the North American

Wetlands Conservation Act.

Glenn Guntenspergen, USGS Northern Prairie Science

("enter, provided scientific review. Other helpful reviewers

were Kirk Rhinehart, Louisiana Department of Natural

Resources, and Sarah Spell-johnson, Lafayette, Louisiana.

Herb Bourque, Cindy Steyer, and Paul Wallace, Natural

Resources Conservation Service, provided many photographs of completed restoration projects. Staff members

of the National Wetlands Research Center provided editorial, graphics, and printing expertise.

Megan Barra, Lafayette, Louisiana, designed the booklet.

Photo credits: Cover and upper left page photos on pages

4, 10, 12, & 16 by David Seawell. Upper left page photo

on page 2 by Ronnie Paillc, USFWS. Pages 8 & 9 by

Christina Saltus and John Barras, U.S. G(cological Survey,

National Wetlands Research Center. Upper left page photos

on inside front cover, pages 6 & 14 by Louisiana

Department of Natural Resources.

Suggested citation:

Vairin. B.A. 1997. Caring [or Coastal Wetlands:

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and

Restoration Act. U.S. Geological Survey, National

Wetlands Research Center. Lafayette. Louisiana. 20 pp.

~~t~ a 
Form Approved REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE I OMB No. 0704-0188

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewig the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503.

November 1997

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS

Caring for caostal wetlands: The Coastal Wetlands

Planning, Protection and Restoration Act

6. AUTHOR(S)

Vairin, B.A.

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

U.S. Department of the Interior REPORT NUMBER

.U.S. Geologial Survey

9. SPONSORING /MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING / MONITORING

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

12a. DISTRIBUTION /AVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

Release unlimited. Available from the National Technical

Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield,

VA 22161 (1-800-553-6847 or 703-487-4650). Available from

the Defense Technical Information Center, 8722 Kingman Rd,

Suite 0944. Fort Belvoir. VA 22060-6218 (800-225-3842).

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words) Caring for Coastal Wetlands is a short, colorful companion to a technical report

submitted to Congress by the Louisiana Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task

Force. The 1997 Evaluation Report to the U.S. Congress on the Effectiveness of

Louisiana Coastal WEtlands REstoration Porjects. It provides a brief history of

wetland legislation and overviews of wetland values and problems associated with

wetland loss. Most of the booklet, however, describes the Coastal Wetlands Planning,

Protection and Restoration Act, passed by Congress in 1990: how funds are provided

for wetland restoration to Louisiana and other states, how restoration projects are

designed and what their progress was through 1997, and how the Act provides for

future monitoring of wetland restoration projects.

14. SUBJECT TERMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES

coastal wetlands, wetland restoration, Breaux Act, North 16 p.

American Wetlands Conservation Act, wetland loss, wetland 16. PRICE CODE

habitat

17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

OF REPORT OF THIS PAGE OF ABSTRACT

Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified

NSN 7540-01-280-5500 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18

298-102
CARING

COASTAL

WETLANDS

This document is companion to a report submitted to Congress by the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and

Restoration Task Force, The 1997 Evaluation Report to the U.S. Congress on the Effectiveness of Louisiana Coastal Wetlands

Restoration Projects. The report to Congress provides many more details about Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and

Restoration Act accomplishments in Louisiana and will be featured on the Act's web site (www.LAcoast.gov).

------.-. .-. ..- ....... ........ ............... ..1 9 9 8 0 8 0 5 0 5 4

:Q191 QUALIT MO8PW =B I
Caring For Coastal Wetlands

Though wetland bout half the U.S. population The value of seafood

loss occursA species that depend on

across the lives along the countrys coast, wetlands is $1 billion per

country, and people who do seem to know year in Louisiana alone.

Louisiana more than ever before about the processes shaping their neighboring

accounts for over

80% of total coastal wetlands. With that knowledge has come a sense of responsibility

coastal wetlands for the care and protection of the fragile systems along the coast on which

lost in the lower the country depends for fish and shellfish production, natural protection

48 states, at a against storms, recreation, and many other values. The Coastal Wetlands

rate of 25-35

square miles Planning, Protection and Restoration Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-646)

per year. is the most significant acknowledgment to date that public awareness of

these vital areas and concern for their future have grown.

Wetland Values... Economic: Freshwater

Wetland Loss Public and saltwatcr marshes

awareness of the provide habitat for many

importance of coastal species that humans use

wetlands has marked for economic and

the latter part of the recreational reasons.

20th century We will u Waterfowl, wading birds,

enter the 21st century alligators, and furbearcrs

with a deep all need wetlands for

appreciation for the way

these areas function and Once endangered, brown

the important values pelicans such as this young

they provide. one have made an

outstanding comeback in

Louisiana's wetlands.

2
some or all of their lives. Shellfish such with their location and when the events

as shrimp and crabs and many fish occur. This makes understanding the wetspecies use coastal wetlands as nursery land systems even more difficult.

habitat as well as for spawning and

feeding grounds. Meeting the Challenge Recognizing

the importance of coastal habitats and

" Habitat: Coastal habitats such as their vulnerability, legislators and voters

swamps and barrier islands also sup- began to call for wetland protection in the

port numerous threatened and endan- 1970's with passages of laws such as the

gered species, such as the bald eagle,

brown pelican, and piping plover.

" Storm Protection: Barrier islands,

coastal marshes, and bottomland hardwood forests protect our cities and

other inland habitats from the threat of

flooding brought by storms such as

hurricanes.

Recreation: Coastal wetlands provide

unique opportunities for professional

and amateur photographers and birdwatchers. Boaters also enjoy wetlands.

With an appreciation of the importance of coastal wetlands has come the

realization that these habitats are fragile

and that coastal wetland loss in the 20th

century has been high. Though wetland

loss occurs across the country, Louisiana Estuary Protection Act in 1970 and the Hurricane winds can fold

accounts for over 80% of total coastal wet- Coastal Zone Management Act in 1972. coastal marshes like an

accordion, but these marshes lands lost in the lower 48 states, at a rate In addition, federal and state agen- and other coastal wetlands

of 25-35 square miles per year. cies began projects that led the way to cur- help reduce the threat of

storm surges from Furthermore, Louisiana's coastal wetlands rent programs for restoration of wetlands, hurricanes.

provide wintering habitat for 20% of the especially in Louisiana. For instance, the

nation's waterfowl and supports the largest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began to

fishery in the lower 48 states. use dredged material to rebuild marshes.

The reasons for the losses vary: storm In addition, the State of Louisiana and the

damage, sea-level rise, subsidence, and Natural Resources Conservation Service

floods combine with human alterations began sponsoring planting projects to

such as oil and gas exploration, navigation reduce erosion in local areas. And for

canals, flood control levees, and urban and some time, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

agricultural expansion to constantly chal- Service has acquired wetlands for proteclenge survival of coastal wetlands. tion of natural resources and routinely

Furthermore, the response of individual manages them to help ensure longevity of

wetlands to these events varies greatly both coastal habitat.

3
The Breaux Act T he passage of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection

and Restoration Act in 1990 has been a powerful statement about the nation's concern for conserving and

restoring coastal wetlands. The Act is called the "Breaux Act," referring to

its major author, Senator John Breaux of Louisiana. Because Louisiana

faces the most alarming wetland loss rates, the Act's primary focus is on

restoration and protection of those wetlands.

Cooperative Care of Wetlands m atching contribtlitions, which come from

The Act is specific and succinct. Over its 9- staics and private sourCeS, cithcr as cash

ycar lifespan the Act gives careful guidance or in-kind scrviccs. By its very naturc, the

for the restoration of the vital coastal Act encourages partnerships in rcducing

wetlands of Louisiana. It also establishes wetland loss. (See box on page 6 for morC

the Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant information about Breaux Act activities

US'°° Cor, ..... Program to help preserve ctln and outside of Lousiana.)

.1 Erg[ .... 8ou a"Tp restore other coastal wetlands

LOU i. the United States. Under The Cost And where is the money

that program, any coastal coming from? Taxes on fishing cqtIipment,

state other than Louisiana import duties, and stuall engine and

that "submits a proposal motorboat fuels arc put into various

su1bstantial in character and accounts maintained by the T-casury

design to carry out a coastal Depart ment. About 18% of those tax

wetlands conservation revenues are set aside to fund Breaux Act

project" is eligible to recei\-e a activities, with no more than $100 million

iatching grant for that each year designated for these aclivities.

project. In addition, it Although this amount of money sounds

pro-idces funds to further like a lot, one large-scale restoration project

.!. assist states and other alone can cost more than $200 million.

" wtland conservation Since 1991 the Breaux Act has

programs under the North pro\ided $33-44 million per year in

American 'Wetlands Conservation Act, federal funding for Louisiana restoration

Senator John Breaux of passed in 1989. projects. For nationwide projects, the

Louisiana was the major The Brcaux Act designates that 70% Coastal Wetlands Conservation Gtant

author of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, of its authorized funds go to Louisiana Program and North American \Wetlands

Protection and Restoration restoration projects, 15% to the Coastal Conservation Act each receive about $7-9

Act of 1990. Here he helps Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, million per year in federal funds from the

break ground for a

restoration project. and 15% to North American \Vetlands Brcaux Act. In addition to this critically

Conservation Act projects. But all projects important funding source, more tesotrces

that protect and restore wetlands with are needed if restoration efforts are to

Breaux Act funding require non-federal match the scale of coastal wetland loss.

4
44

44

*

44 -~ ~ 444~~, 4~~;

~4 -~

~ a..

U 4

~

4 _ ~~44 4

- ___ ~

-. ~24>

- 4 -

A .4 4 -, -
The Breaux Act in Other States

Ithough Louisiana's unique wet- Habitat restoration in a 75-acre

diked wetland in Oregon was lands and associated problems possible through the Breaux

Act via the Coastal Wetlands are specifically provided for in Conservation Grant Program.

the Breaux Act, it also recognizes and addresses Year-round nesting and foraging

areas for bald eagles and other

wetland loss nationwide. The National Coastal species are available in the

wetland, which will also be Wetlands Conservation Grant Program and the featured in local wetland

North American Wetlands Conservation Act both education programs.

receive funds authorized under the Breaux Act, and they too are meeting the

challenges of wetland protection and restoration. Coastal wetland projects in

all U.S. states and territories can seek assistance from these sources

(Louisiana is not eligible for the National Coastal Wetlands Grant Program).

COASTAL WETLANDS CONSERVATION level from both state and private sources.

GRANT PROGRAM With this careful pooling of funds, more

Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife than 75 projects have been assisted in U.S.

Service, 15% of the funds from the Breaux states and territories. Through the proAct can be made available to coastal states gram, over 51,000 acres of wetlands have

and territories through this program for been or will be protected through their

wetland conservation. Up to $9 million per purchase and by restoring once degraded

year has been generated through the exist- wetlands. For instance, the Great Lakes

ing funding mechanism. Matching funds have large amounts of interior coastal wetfor projects must be supplied on the state lands that feature large populations of 6
waterfowl as well as nursery habitat for American Wetlands Conservation Act purfreshwater fish. Through the Coastal chase and restoration projects. As of mid

Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, the 1997, about $40 million ($7-9 million a

State of Wisconsin, in partnership with The year) in grants have assisted in the conserNature Conservancy and other private par- vation of 130,000 acres of coastal wetlands

ties, purchased 220 acres of Lake Michigan in the United States.

shoreline, wetlands, and forest. Some of the projects funded through

This purchase is another step in pro- the Breaux Act in conjunction with the

viding a much larger habitat corridor for North American Wetlands Conservation Act

migratory birds, such as waterfowl, and occur in wetlands already identified by the

other animal and plant species. Land North American Waterfowl Management

managers and wetland researchers have Plan as being areas of significant imporrecommended protection of these corn- tance-"joint venture" areas-for waterfowl.

dors, which are critical blocks of undevel- These areas are essential breeding habitat,

oped habitat. The larger and more contin- wintering grounds, or migratory staging or

uous the corridor, the more benefits it can stopover sites for waterfowl and other

provide to humans, plants, and animals. migratory birds, including Neotropical

Through the grant program, many species like warblers, and for shorebirds.

other proposals have been approved for One project made possible through funds

assistance that address restoring sites that from the Breaux Act as well as contributions

range from former dredge disposal sites to from the Massachusetts Audubon Society,

seagrass beds. Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, and

several individual donors was the purchase

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS and protection of wetlands included in a

CONSERVATION ACT larger protection effort of Aliens Pond, a

The North American Wetlands coastal salt pond on Buzzards Bay, Aliens Pond, Mvassachusetts,

Conservation Act was passed in 1989 to Massachusetts. Through this proect, six dif- which supports

promote governmental and private part- ferent habitats that support more than 150 many wildlife

species, is now nerships to conserve wetlands, specifically bird species are now protected. Whether protected by

in their support of migratory waterfowl resting, feeding, or nesting, birds find refuge partnerships,

and other fish and wildlife. Projects funded in Aliens Ponds mosaic of brackish tidal including one

a h sassisted by the

through this act work much the same as marshes, coastal dunes, salt marshes, beach- Breaux Act through

the National Coastal Wetlands cs, coastal oak woodlands, and a red the North American

Wetlands

Conservation Grant Program in that they maple-black gum riparian forest. Conservation Act.

must also be matched by funds from nonfederal sources. Again, the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service administers the funds. .1

Projects are selected by consensus of two

boards: the North American Wetlands

Conservation Council, made up of representatives from federal and state government and private conservation organizations, and the Migratory Bird Conservation

Commission. As with the National Coastal

Wetlands Conservation Grant Program,

each year 15% of the federal funds authorized by the Breaux Act go to North

7
.'V

a '-

All~

t44

' <

Sabine

Calcasie
LUSANA COASTAL WTAN

Prjc * prvd19

* roec ap*proe 1992

"~~ Prjc apprve 1996

Hydrologic Uni

fAS

1§7 * , oim

Ponchrtai

Breton

BaaaiS.issip
The Act in Louisiana

The severe loss of oastal wetlands In Louisiana is the primary target of the Breaux Act, both in funding and in careful

instruction on how that funding will be used. Those funds

marked for Louisiana enable a comprehensive approach to wetland restoration: they fund the actual wetland restoration projects, but just as significantly, they fund the coordinated planning of those efforts as well as monitoring of the projects to measure whether or not they are effective.

The Louisiana Planning rhe Act calls

Coastal Wetlands upon federal and state

Conservation and governments to pull

Restoration Task togcther into an

Force-made up of unprecedentcd task IorCe

representatives to ensure that a hreadth

from five federal tof wet land Iu are 0[ Weiland ISSueCs arc V

agencies and the d aIddressed.

Governor of

Louisiana- has a Representatives Irom the

comprehensive U.S. Departments ol the

restoration plan for Army, Interior,

addressing coastal (ommerce, and

Louisiana's severe AriculturC, and the

wetland loss Environmcntal P'rotcction

problem. Every Agency, along with the

year, this Task Governor of L-ouisiana,

Force approves arc mandated hv the Act

and reports to to work together.

Congress priority In I993. the Tsk

lists of projects; F-orce prepared thc

every 3 years, it Louisiana C]oasl

reports to

Congress on the Wetlands Restoration 'In

effectiveness of to assist in identiflying and selecting the The tremendous problem of larqe-scale wetland

projects. highest priority restoration projects. The loss in Louisiana has to be net wvir arge-scale

efforts, which are costly Fpasibiitv studiespartners made extensive efforts to fostcr such as the Mississippi F:ver Sednment

involvement in the planning process by Nutrient, and Freshwater RedistrtoIoon Study (MRSNFR shown above' nd the Lo,,siana

university scientists, lando\vners, local Barrier Shoreline Feas~bwty Study--sve the

governments, and a wide variety of other Task Force information to weigh lo-c-term

projects against proposec benefits Outlines are interests and the general public through boundaries of hydrologic sass's :'-' the

public hearings, briefings, and interactive MRSNFR study area; red dots represent

local meetings. potential diversion sites.

The Plan identiies hasin-level to implement those str itc,'ics ,rd outlines

restoration strategies and projects needed objcctivCs -or Breaux Act prieccts.

10
Drawing largely from potential projects

identified in that plan, the Task Force 4 .

(with the help of its technical personnel)

annually evaluates a list of candidate projects based on the following criteria:

" cost effectiveness

" longevity and sustainability

" risk and uncertainty

" supporting partnerships

" public support

" support for the restoration plan.

As of mid 1997, the Task Force Projects: How, Why, Where This constructed rock

approved six annual priority lists, resulting Projects are carried out by the federal bulkhead, located where

Boston Canal meets

in selection of 80 projects to address wet- agencies represented on the Task Force, in Vermilion Bay in south

land loss in nine coastal hydrologic basins close cooperation with the state. The pro- Louisiana, is now protecting over 400 acres of marsh

along Louisiana's coast. Of those projects, 62 jects must take less than 5 years to design along the northern edge of

are anticipated to create, restore, and protect and construct, while monitoring them the bay. Plantings of smooth cordgrass along the

over 73,000 acres of wetlands over the next over 20 years will tell us how effective shoreline are further

20 years. Four projects have been deautho- they are in protecting, creating, or restor- protecting the coastal

rized after initial selection for various rea- ing wetlands. wetlands from physical erosion. Six months after

sons such as inability to obtain land rights. Scientific assessment of whether or the project began, about 5

Fourteen are small projects intended to not projects are reaching their desired feet of sediment were

deposited landward of the

demonstrate new techniques for protecting goals is typically not possible until at least bulkhead and almost 90%

and restoring wetlands. The Task Force will 3 years after completion. Funds for moni- of the cordgrass had survived.

approve two more priority lists during the toring Breaux Act projects are set aside

current funding phase of the Breaux Act. throughout their duration, which usually

The Task Force is also looking to

the future in an even larger way by fund- . By using dredged sediment,

nearly 350 acres of new ing feasibility studies of longer-term, larger g vegetated wetlands now

scale projects. One study addresses the l exist in Bayou LaBranche, , Louisiana; the lighter areas most active natural contributor to wet- show the wetland gain. As

lands in Louisiana: the Mississippi River. expected, initial plantings of

millet (an annual plant) have Over 3 years, this study will identify the Sbeen milen replaced e pla by naturally ntra

most efficient, effective, and complete plan . occurring species.

for achieving wetland restoration while

still providing for navigation, flood control, water supply, and other uses of the

river. This study will determine if the

investment of federal and state funds in

such a plan can be justified by the anticipated benefits. The other feasibility study

is addressing the potential for restoring

barrier shorelines to protect Louisiana's

coastal wetlands; results of that study are

expected in 1998. l 111
is assumed to be 20

years. If a project is officially cicautthorizCd, those

funds can be redirected. :'

This setting asidc of project funds is yet another

action that recognizes the

dynamics of wetlands

ovcr time and the need

for their long-term care.

Breaux Act projects

in Louisiana have

focused on both creating

and restoring coastal

wetlands already lost and

reducing future wetland

losses associated vith

The Breaux Act naitral processes and o rmenned if ale.'Q sr al! proatural procestes and sc;Vc xrld areic, t o shmwvcine

prects selecte human activities. resfcrind medhor; At t alotml

of May 1997 are are Cama', neocr n errrc oum i ,

anticipated t Restoration projects are w r n rv nc, arc now

create, restore, or generally grouped as protcnn 1,500 fft of shorn(lne

and many acnr, ccf newly plnrmtr protect over 73,000 snonlr cornrrnj;r; in tire nenrlry

acres of coastal* vegCtalive, involving Marr;h frnm en0or

wetlands in planting in vulnerabie

Lotisiana. areas and with appropriate kinds of hydrologic, controlling the am1oulntl of

plants (such as salt-tolerant ones) to water and. when needed, salinity, flowhel l) pieeint erosion and trap sedimcnt ing into or out of wetlands, cvcnltially

restoring more natural flows and salin-

* sCdimentary', creating or nourishing ity,' patterlns

wetlands hy using diverted or dredged

sediments: A major accomplishmntl of the

Blrcatx Act rcstoration p1hmning pro,,ss

* structural, using materials such as rock wvas to delineate the uni(luC lan(lscapC leabreakwaters to protect existing wet- tures and key processes affecting wetlands

lands that are threatened by erosion: in each of the nine hydrologic basinus in

coastal L I ou SilMa Tlhe vari ouis CauSes Of'

-" e land loss, and the specific solitions for

offsetting tlIosc losses, vary fromii basinii to

hasi ii. Somel specific prhcil andlc hlow

they\ are hking add i-cssed thlrotigh Breaux

Act pr-ojects follow\

.:" . ...... . i Thc hasins withI active delas, those of

7 ,! the NIississi ppi and Atchafalaa Rivers,

mhave CCn afltcced hv lintlnance of

To date, 80 projects, such as plantings to h, c'l-Cie nl lheill mioll lllrouth ile

prevent erosion, have been approvord to reduce n 1 c

wetland loss in Louisiana dCelas. Rcstoralion efforlts foctis ol

12
improved management of sediment carried by those rivers, to

facilitate accretion of new

deltaic marsh. Small-scale sediment diversions (artificial

crevasses) created in the

Mississippi Delta provide clear

evidence that large-scale deltamanagement projects will be

successful as well.

The Pontchartrain, Breton

Sound, Barataria, and

Terrebonne basins are inactive

delta regions where the

Mississippi River once provided

abundant sediment. Causes of wetland Mermentau, and Calcasieu/Sabine Acres

loss in these regions include subsidence, basins-the greatest threats to wetlands 1993 1996

sea-level rise, erosion, excessive pond- are shoreline erosion, saltwater intru- Water 241 117

ing, saltwater intrusion, and urban sion, excessive ponding, and reduc- Emergent 52 118

development. Projects reintroduce river tions of fresh water and nutrients. The marsh

water, sediments, and nutrients by a loss of the shoreline causes breakup of Transitional 40 98

variety of means, such as siphons and interior wetlands by allowing salt water wetland

large-scale freshwater and sediment to penetrate further into fresh marsh Net increase 124

diversions; use dredged material to areas. Once plants die, fragile organic of marsh habitat

restore wetlands and barrier islands; marsh soils can be easily eroded.

reduce erosion by wetland plantings; Stabilization projects such as marsh These mages (1993, left,

and restore natural hydrology to reduce plantings and breakwaters protect 1996, right) and data show

excessive ponding in marshes and banks from further erosion, and water results from a Breaux Act

project in Bayou Sauvage

swamps and prevent salt water from control structures modify salinities and National Wildlife Refuge,

moving into previously fresh areas. water levels. Dredged material helps Orleans Parish, LA, where

water levels were drawn

replenish what has been lost by creat- down to expose mudflats

In the chenier plain of southwestern ing new marsh. and allow plants to grow (lighter areas on 1996 Louisiana-the TecheNermilion, image).

Monitoring Efforts Before project Monitoring data collected

design is even completed, a plan for from Breaux Act projects

systematic evaluation of the results is can be far reaching in usefulness. Data can be

developed. The monitoring plan for a reviewed'and used world

Sproject defines protocols for collecting wide for similar restoration

8 data and information used to scientifically efforts,

- evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration

- ___ : project. Standardizing how this

- information is collected is vitally

- important so that everyone involved can

get an overall picture of how well a project An unexpected benefit of a Breaux Act project. is working. Researchers from Louisiana's

Pelicans are using the project site at Raccoon

Island for roosting. universities help plan monitoring efforts as

13
well as review results,

thus broadening the

base of technical

expertise involved with

restoration.

Cooperative efforts

among the federal and

state agencies continue

well after a project is

completed as participants collect data from

the field, aerial photographs, and satellite

images and provide their

findings to the Task

Force in a series of regular reports. That information can be used When 75'. of a restoration project has heen

to develop modifications in the operation desined. plans begin for monitoring the

effectiveoness of that project Monitoring

of those projects or to point out the need activities have started for ahout 30 projects.

for design changes in future projects to

better achieve wetland goals. In extreme the federal and state agencies involved

cases, a project might be dCleauthorized if it with restoring Louisiana' coastal wetlands

is not achieving its goals. (call 504 862-2786 or 862-2201 for more

Information about XX btermarlks).

Education Public awareness of the need The Task Force also recognized the

to maintain and restore coastal wetlands is need to better inform the public about

crucial to their future survival. One of the wetlands, the Act, and its accomplishearliest achievements in the Breaux Act ments, so an outreach committee of rcprcprocess was the understanding that the scntatives from the cooperating agencies

public had to be involved in the was formed in 1995. Interested citizens

identification and prioritization of can now find more information about the

projects. Public meetings occur Act in slide shows, brochures, and a site

throughout coastal Louisiana to assist in on the World \Wide Web

identifying wetland restoration issues. The (wvww.lAcoast.gov) where information

Task Force carefully considered input from about restoration projects is literally at a

previous public meetings during their user's fingertips.

development of Louisiana's coastal wetland

restoration plan. In addition, the Task

Force works closely with the Citizen

Participation Group, made up of a variety

of statewide organizations varying from

local landowners to voters groups.

The Breaux Act newsletter,

Watcrmarks, is published quarterly The

newsletter features articles about creation

and restoration projects and issues as well

as pieces focusing on the individuals and

14
21st Century Challenges

roject results are starting to show that the Breaux Act has

been an innovative catalyst for coastal restoration nationwide. The National Coastal Wetlands Grant Program and

the component of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act funded by the Breaux Act ensure a strong foundation for continued wetland

conservation and the benefits wetlands provide to fish, wildlife, and the

American people. * The Breaux Act in Louisiana has been extremely successful in leading many federal, state, and private efforts to develop an integrated, comprehensive, system-wide approach to wetland restoration.

Large-scale feasibility studies will be paramount in setting the future course

of major restoration projects. The unprece- in other coastal areas of the nation, and

dented monitoring program will provide additional restoration will be achieved

an invaluable record of program effective- with projects authorized via the remaining

ness as well as the feedback needed to two priority lists. But if the rate of 25-35

fine-tune restoration efforts. square miles of Louisiana's coastal wetAlthough projects approved under lands lost each year continues, hundreds Even though over 73,000

acres of Louisiana's the eight priority lists will be designed, of thousands of acres could be lost during coastal wetlands are

constructed, and monitored over the next that same time. Loss of that magnitude expected to be created, protected, or restored

20 years, authorization of the Breaux Act indicates that a larger-scale restoration over 20 years because of

itself will end September 30, 1999 unless effort is clearly needed to sustain the eco- current Breaux Act

extended by Congress. The anticipated logic and economic productivity of the projects, these projects are only a first step in

benefits of over 73,000 wetland acres cre- nation's largest coastal wetland complex. balancing the anticipated

ated, protected, or restored over 20 years Making that effort is the challenge loss of hundreds of

thousands of acres in

in Louisiana exceed those of similar efforts facing us as we greet the 21st century that same time,

J1

15
Where to Go for More Information

ON THE COASTAL WETLANDS PLANNING, Louisiana's Coast. Louisiana Sea Grant College

PROTECTION AND RESTORATION ACT Program, Baton Rouge, LA, and U.S.

Department of the Interior, Lafayette, LA.

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Hefner, J.M., B.O. Wilen, T.E. Dahl, and WE.

Restoration Act. Public Law 101-646, Title III. Frayer. 1994. Southeast Wetlands: Status and

Breaux Act web site: www.LAcoast.gov Trends, Mid-1970's to Mid-1980s. U.S.

Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife

Restoration Task Force. 1997. The 1997 Service, Atlanta, GA.

Evaluation Report to the U.S. Congress on the LaRoe, E.T., G.S. Farris, C.E. Puckett, PD. Doran,

Effectiveness of Louisiana Coastal Wetland and M.J. Mac, eds. 1995. Our Living

Restoration Projects (will be available on web Resources: A Report to the Nation on the

site and in libraries). Distribution, Abundance, and Health of U.S.

Watermarks, the CWPPRA Newsletter. U.S. Army Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems. U.S.

Corps of Engineers Public Affairs Office, PO Department of the Interior, National Biological

Box 60267, New Orleans, LA 70160-0267. Service, Washington, DC.

CWPPRA Outreach Coordinator, U.S. Army Corps Louisiana Department of Natural Resources,

of Engineers Public Affairs Office, PO Box Coastal Restoration Division. 1997. Working to

60267, New Orleans, LA 70160-0267 (504 Save Our Coastal Wetlands. Baton Rouge, LA.

862-2786 or 862-2201). In press.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

ON COASTAL WETLANDS AND LOUISIANA Damage Assessment and Restoration Program.

WETLANDS 1995. Reversing the Tide: Restoring the

Nation's Coastal and Marine Natural Resources.

Coreil, PD. 1995. Wetlands Functions and Values NOAA Damage Assessment Center, Silver

in Louisiana. Louisiana State University, Spin, M.

Cooperative Extension Service and Sea Grant Watzin, M.C., andJ.G. Gosselink. 1992. The Fragile Fringe: Coastal Wetlands of the

College Program, Baton Rouge, LA, and U.S. FaieFig osa elnso h

Cnvrollege Pro, al on Rugend UContinental United States. Louisiana Sea Grant

Environmental Protection Agency College Program, Louisiana State University,

Dahl, T.E., and C.E. Johnson. 1991. Wetlands: Bon rog; uisand Wide Service,

Status and Trends in the Conterminous United Baton Rouge; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

States Mid-1970's to Mid-1980's. U.S. Washington, DC; and National Oceanic and

State o teIntror, ishandWildU iAtmospheric Administration, Rockville, MD.

Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Wells, J.T., and C.H. Peterson. 1986. Restless

Service, Washington, DC. Ribbons of Sand: Atlantic and Gulf Coast

Field, D.W, AJ. Reyer, PV Genovese, and B.D. Rboso ad tatcadGl os Fel, ., A9. Reyerl WVGetnso e, n BBarriers. ted U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Slidell,

Shearer. 1991. Coastal Wetlands of the United LadLusaaSaGatCleePorm

Stats: n f Acouning aValubleNatinalLA, and Louisiana Sea Grant College Program,

States: An Accounting of a Valuable National Baton Rouge, LA.

Resource. National Oceanic and Atmospheric U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Crisis on Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife LusaasCat mrc' os e

Service.Louisiana's Coast ... America's Loss. New

Service. Orleans District. (No date) Frayer, WE., T.J. Monahan, D.C. Bowden, and EA. Williams, S.J., K. Dodd, and K.K. Gohn. 1991.

Graybill. 1983. Status and Trends of Wetlands Cast in C. US . oc Surve

and Deepwater Habitats in the Conterminous C i Cri75.

United States 1950's to 1970's. U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory, Contact the associated agency for availability of these

St. Petersburg, FL. publications.

Fretwell, J.D., J.S. Williams, and P.J. Redman, compilers. 1996. National Water Summary on

Wetland Resources. U.S. Geological Survey

Water-Supply Paper 2425.

Guntenspergen, G.R., and B.A. Vairin. 1996.

Willful Winds: Hurricane Andrew and

16
LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS CONSERVATION LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS

AND RESTORATION TASK FORCE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION.

TASK FORCE PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Member Representative

Mr. Jim Addison (Chairman)

Governor Dr. Len Bahr U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

State of Louisiana Executive Assistant for Coastal (504) 862-2201; Fax: (504) 862-1724

Activities e-mail: addisonj@smtp.lmn.usace.armymil

Office of the Governor

PO Box 94004

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004 Mr. Herb Bourque

Natural Resources Conservation Service

(318) 473-7762; Fax: (318) 473-7682

Admini stator Mr. William B. Hathaway e-mail: hbourque@la.nrcs.usda.gov

Environmental Protection Division Director

Agency Water Quality Protection Division

USEPA Dr. Paul Coreil

1445 Ross Ave. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service

Dallas, TX 75202 (504) 388-2266: Fax: (504) 388-2478

e-mail: xtecon@lsuvm.sncc.lsu.edu

Secretary Mr. David W Frugd

Department of the Interior Field Supervisor Ms. Phyllis Darensbourg

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Louisiana Dept. of Natural Resources

825 Kaliste Saloom Rd. (504) 342-8955; Fax: (504) 342-3442

Building 2, Suite 102 e-mail: phyllisd@dnr.state.la.us

Lafayette, LA 70508

Ms. Beverly Ethridge

Secretary Mr. Donald Gohmert U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Department of Agriculture State Conservationist (504) 389-0735; Fax: (504) 389-0704

Natural Resources Conservation e-mail: ethridge.beverly@epamail.epa.gov

Service

3737 Government St.

Alexandria, LA 71302 Mr. Jay Gamble

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 6

(504) 862-2786; Fax: (504) 862-1724

Secretary Mr. Thomas E. Bigford e-mail: gambleja@smtp.lmn.usace.army.mil

Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service Mr. Gordon Helm

Office of Habitat Conservation National Marine Fisheries Service

1315 East-West Hwy (301) 713-2370; Fax: (301) 713-1452

Silver Spring, MD 20910 e-mail: gordon.j.helm@noaa.gov

Secretary of the Army Col. William Conner Ms. Jane Ledwin

(Chairman) District Engineer U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (318) 262-6662(x230); Fax: (318) 262-6663

PO Box 60267 e-mail: r4fwelala@fws.gov

New Orleans, LA 70160-0267

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant North American Wetlands Conservation Act

c/o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service c/o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Division of Habitat Conservation North American Wetlands and Waterfowl Office

.4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Room 400 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Room 110

Arlington, VA 22203 Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 358-2161 (703) 358-1784 .1