PROJECT INVESTIGATIONS
Investigation #1: A Tale of Two Riverbanks
Investigation #2: Studying the Delta With CRMS
Investigation #3: A Dynamic System
Investigation #4: Engineering Solutions
Investigation #5: Biodiversity
Investigation #6: Life in the Delta
You Can Make a Difference.
The role that each of us plays in helping to support conservation and restoration has a profound impact on our ecosystems. Learn more about what CWPPRA does and how you can join us.
Frequently Asked Questions About CWPPRA
What is the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) or Breaux Act?
The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, (CWPPRA pronounced kwǐp-rŭh), is federal legislation enacted in 1990 that is designed to identify, prepare, and fund construction of coastal wetlands restoration projects. These projects provide for the long-term conservation of wetlands and dependent fish and wildlife populations with cost-effective plans for creating, restoring, protecting, or enhancing coastal wetlands. In Louisiana, CWPPRA is often called the “Breaux Act” in honor of U.S. Senator John Breaux, who helped initiate the legislation.
What does CWPPRA do?
Since 1990, CWPPRA has funded wetland enhancement projects nationwide, designating between $30 and $80 million annually for work in Louisiana alone. As of July 2011, there were over 155 CWPPRA coastal restoration projects in Louisiana, helping to build new land and demonstrating the use of new techniques or materials.
A total of approximately 100,000 acres have been created and over 355,647 acres have been enhanced in Louisiana using CWPRRA funds.
What is currently being done by CWPPRA to restore coastal Louisiana?
Why are Louisiana wetlands important?
Louisiana wetlands are unique and vital ecological assets. Wetlands act as a storm buffer against hurricanes and storms. They act as flood control devices: holding excess floodwaters during high rainfall (much like a sponge). Wetlands replenish aquifers, and they purify water by filtering out pollutants and absorbing nutrients.
Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Coastal Louisiana lands are the breeding grounds and nurseries for thousands of species of aquatic life, land animals, and birds of all kinds – including our national symbol, the bald eagle. This ecosystem also provides a migratory habitat for over five million waterfowl each year.
People also benefit from Louisiana’s coastal lands. Louisiana is responsible for a major part of our nation’s oil and gas production, shipping commerce, fisheries industry, fur harvesting, and oyster production, accounting for over 55,000 jobs and billions of dollars in revenues. Additionally, wetlands are wonderful recreational resources and are part of Louisiana’s growing ecotourism business. To learn more about the economic value of our wetlands, read “The Cost of Doing Nothing” in WaterMarks (Summer 1999).
Your Efforts Make a Difference.
How can you help?
The first step is learning about Louisiana’s coastal land loss and restoration efforts. You may also choose to participate in public meetings so your ideas will be heard.
- Participate in Public Meetings
Public meetings and activities keep you informed and allow you to take part in Louisiana’s coastal restoration activities.
Whether you want to attend a CWPPRA Task Force meetings, parish Coastal Zone Management meetings, or coastal conferences; the LUCC Calendar can help keep you informed about ways that you as a citizen can have your voice heard in issues related to Louisiana wetlands.
- You Can Write About It? Write About It!
Sure, as a U.S. citizen you can contact any of your elected officials to voice your opinion about Louisiana’s coastal restoration activities.
To contact your elected officials click here.
Get Involved
Each of us has some effect on our wetlands. Each of us can help save them. Our contributions may seem small, but they join with those of four million other Louisianians. You can help by learning about wetlands in your area and educating others about these unique and intriguing places.
Sign Up for the Newsflash
The CWPPRA Program would like the public to be aware of what is going on with our coastal wetlands. The CWPPRA Newsflash is sent out by email to do just that.
Want to sign up for the Newsflash? Questions about the CWPPRA Program? Email us at CWPPRA@USGS.gov with the subject “Subscribe to Newsflash”.
CLICK HERE to visit the CWPPRA website and learn more about the Newsflash.
Meet the Project partners
Crafting environmental outreach in a way that allows everyone to participate takes many different skillsets. Meet the people who brought this project to life!
Looking Down On The Delta...
Observe the Fort St. Philip Delta Management Project on Google maps.
What do you notice?
What do you think the view will look like in another 10 years?
Click the "Show Satellite Imagery" icon in the lower-left corner of the map to see a satellite view of the area. Use the Zoom keys to see the terraces from space!
Take It Further!!!
Want to dig deeper into environmental science? Order classroom activity kits, enroll in CWPPRA professional development, or book a boat-based field trip for your class into the Mississippi River Delta. Use the links below to find out more!
Order Class Kits
For Grades 6-12
Sign Up for Teacher Training
Free PD and Kit!
