field notes: on the 2017 coastal master plan

Every five years, government agencies, non-profits, and universities across the southeast work together to publish a Master Plan for a sustainable Louisiana coastline. The Plan seeks to reduce flood risk, protect and promote sustainable ecosystems, and strengthen communities by supporting recreational and commercial coastal activities. An impressive undertaking, the 2017 Coastal Master Plan weighs in at 92 pages and was published in January. This draft plan was open to public comments and updates through March 26th. The final version to be adopted by the state will be released later this year.

Highlights include:

• The $50 billion proactive investment in the coastline is expected to reduce damage due to flooding and resource loss by $150 billion over 50 years
• 120 projects that either build or maintain over 800 square miles of land are recommended
• Projects are expected to reduce annual anticipated storm surge damage by more than:
  • 75% for the Houma, Slidell, Franklin and Charenton, Edgard, Kenner and Metairie, lower St. Mary, and Prairieville and Sorrento regions, and
  • 90% for the Garyville, Ama, Laplace and Reserve, Algiers, Hahnville and Luling, Montz, Donaldsonville, Convent, Vacherie, Larose and Golden Meadow, Morgan City, Abbeville and Delcambre, and Iberia regions
• Projects will increase or improve suitable habitat for: wild crawfish, largemouth bass, alligator, mottled duck, adult bay anchovy, spotted seatrout, small juvenile white and brown shrimp, oyster, and green-winged teal

Learn more about the Master Plan and the planning process by visiting Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s website. As outdoorswomen, it’s our duty to protect the ecosystems from which we forage. This shows how Louisiana will do just that.

Happy learning!
Emily