Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana

🚧 Construction on the new Nicholls State University Coastal Center is well underway! 🚧 This 40,000-sq. ft. research-education-conference center will serve as the hub of coastal protection and restoration activity for the Terrebonne, Atchafalaya, and Lafourche Basins, including resilience solutions for coastal communities. 🌊 Recent progress includes pouring concrete to create the rear parking lot while framing and window installation are underway inside the Coastal Center. Once complete, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as the new home of the CPRA Thibodaux field office along with a few of our partner organizations!🌱 Visitors to the Center will have the opportunity to explore educational exhibits addressing coastal and climate challenges, solutions, and success stories—providing critical learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.🥽 In addition, the Coastal Center will work alongside the Coastal Field Research Station at Port Fourchon, the 277-acre University Farm, and other science facilities to form the Nicholls Coastal Campus, establishing a premiere center for hands-on coastal and estuarine research in Louisiana. Powered by Nicholls' 75-year history of service to the Louisiana Gulf Coast, the Coastal Center will: - Advance scientific research and solutions to restore, protect, and sustain the Louisiana coast. - Develop and implement strategies to nourish, manage, and sustain key basins and estuaries. - Partner with local, state, and federal agencies to implement Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan. - Focus on the culture, cohesiveness, and resilience of coastal communities. - Train new generations of coastal scientists and stewards through educational programming. - Support coastal protection and restoration efforts of professionals and volunteers. Ratcliff Companies DDG

Awesome news alert!!🚨 During today's Board Meeting, we awarded the contract for the first construction increment of the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project (MSP). South-Louisiana-based Phylway Construction, LLC will complete “Reach 6” of the project, which includes clearing, excavating, and building guide levees through approximately three miles of Hope Canal between U.S. 61, Airline Highway, and Interstate 10. 🚧 “Groundbreaking partnerships have allowed us to maximize resources, saving time and money and setting a new standard for future environmental restoration efforts,” said CPRA Chairman Gordon “Gordy” Dove. “The Maurepas Swamp Project has been a priority for Louisiana for over 20 years since its inception under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act program, and its positive impact will secure the future survival of these wetlands and the ecosystems and communities they support.” https://lnkd.in/gAYWAKv5 --------------------------------------------------- About this project: Located directly west of Lake Pontchartrain, the Maurepas Swamp is a prime example of Louisiana’s iconic swamp habitat, providing a home to a wide range of wildlife species. As one of the largest forested wetlands in the nation, the Maurepas Swamp presents a wealth of eco-tourism and recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, birding, kayaking, and more for local residents and out-of-state visitors alike. The River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp Project (MSP) will divert fresh water from the Mississippi River back into the swamp through a 5.5 mile controlled-flow diversion. The project will improve the health of the cypress-tupelo swamp through the addition of much-needed nutrients and the flushing of stagnant, lowoxygen water. Additional benefits are anticipated from the delivery of fine river sediment and from the ability to freshen the swamp if salinity rises to unhealthy levels for the trees. Read more here ➡ https://lnkd.in/gPMBfcHB

CPRA July Board Meeting happening this Wednesday in Baton Rouge!🔔 Join us at the State Capitol to learn more about the projects happening around your community plus a big update from the Chandeleur Islands! 📃See Agenda Here: https://loom.ly/q0nW81c 📹View Livestream Here: https://loom.ly/v9kLv90

It was our privilege to host the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders during their visit to Louisiana earlier this month for a tour of the #LSU Center for River Studies! 🌍🌱 The fellows had the #opportunity to learn about the innovative #research and cutting-edge projects aimed at restoring and protecting our coast. Their engagement and insightful questions during our panel discussion highlighted the importance of global #collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. We are inspired by their dedication to #leadership and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their respective communities! About this group: The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Established in 2014, the Fellowship is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024 and has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.

#ProjectUpdate🔔: The Bayou Terre Aux Boeufs Ridge Restoration Project is a collaborative effort with St. Bernard Parish Government, aimed at protecting the Bayou Terre Aux Boeufs Ridge and the intersecting bayous near Delacroix, Louisiana. The ridge is facing deterioration due to shoreline erosion and rising sea levels. 🌊 Historically, the ridge and its vegetation🌱have reduced storm surge risk for the Delacroix community and provided a crucial habitat for fish and wildlife🌾. However, the ridge's elevation is decreasing, and gaps are forming, leaving it vulnerable to storm surge and tidal exchange. Protecting the remaining ridge through strategic armoring is the first step in restoring this important landform. https://lnkd.in/gm-zB8BC #louisianacoast #ourcoast #restoration #reforestation

Unfortunately, the upcoming First Free Sundays at the LSU Center for River Studies has been cancelled due to facility maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding! Stay tuned for updates on future events!☀️

We were happy to welcome the Governor’s Fellows earlier today for a tour of the LSU Center for River Studies!🌾🌊 The Fellows had a great time exploring the Center, where they learned more about the rich history of the Mississippi River and the importance of combatting Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands! During their visit, they had the opportunity to talk with our Executive Director, Glenn Ledet, about the ongoing coastal restoration and protection projects happening across our coast! Office of Governor Jeff Landry

#TeamCoastal is growing, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Multiple positions have just opened up in our Planning and Research/Feasibility Studies Division. See below for more details about these positions and how you can apply today! Coastal Resources Scientist 1-3 (*Hiring up to 3 positions*): https://loom.ly/f6X8kuM

During today’s board meeting, we were honored to present Reggie Dupre, Executive Director of the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District, with the R. King Milling Distinguished Coastal Service Award! 🎉 This award was established in 2022 to honor individuals or organizations that epitomize Milling’s unwavering support for the state’s coastal program. “Reggie Dupre has been a lifelong steward for coastal protection and restoration, much like King Milling,” said CPRA Chairman Gordon “Gordy” Dove. “His commitment to Louisiana’s Coastal Program and the people of south Louisiana is unmatched. The work Reggie has done in his decades of service will continue to positively impact the people of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes for generations to come. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor than my dear friend and colleague Reggie Dupre.” To read more about Dupre’s extensive coastal career and previous recipients: https://lnkd.in/gusgb8Et

#TeamCoastal was excited to showcase the great work happening along Louisiana’s coast to members of the Western Caucus Foundation (WCF) during their Energy & Conservation Field Tour & Forum in New Orleans. The day began with a tour of the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion to gain a deeper understanding of the conservation measures needed to effectively sustain Louisiana’s coastal energy economy, as well as its’ national impact. 🌱🌿 The tour was followed by a Coastal 101 presentation by CPRA Executive Director, Glenn Ledet which was followed by a discussion on GOMESA and revenue sharing legislation. This visit with the WCF gave us a great opportunity to discuss more about how energy production directly impacts coastal funding.🌊 About the Western Caucus Foundation: “The WCF is a non-profit organization that educates law and policy makers about the cultural and policy issues unique to the American West including natural resources, energy, and agriculture. While a separate organization from the Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses, the Foundation works with similar goals as the Caucuses to inform and educate policy makers and the public on ‘Western’ ideals.” #louisiana #coastal #conservation #restoration