America's Wetland Foundation

Louisiana needs to work with Washington to save the coast: Letter

By: Valsin A. Marmillion, America's Wetland Foundation

Re: "La. needs federal help to restore our coast," Reflections, Jan. 27. It is rarely with such clarity that a columnist zeros in on the obvious.

How Drought on Mississippi River Impacts You

By: Johnna Rizzo, National Geographic News

But if you think that is the worst thing that's happened this winter to the river, you'd be wrong. The middle Mississippi—the 200-mile (322-kilometer) stretch from St. Louis to Cairo, Illinois—is experiencing drought conditions unrivaled in the last 50 years. That's been the case since November. From December to March, this part of the river is always at its lowest because extra feed from the Missouri is cut off when that river's navigation season ends. The Mississippi typically loses about three feet at St. Louis as a result.

Drought Causes Ripple Effect Along Mighty Mississippi River

By: Debbie Elliott, NPR

Low water upstream threatens cargo traffic, and saltwater has encroached on the mouth of the river. Now, officials up and down the river are talking about the need for a comprehensive water resources plan.

Healthy fields and rivers are this farmer's life work

By: Jim Adams, Star Tribune

Educator and long-time Dakota County farmer Dave Legvold is doing more than his share to keep farm fertilizer runoff out of the nearby Canon River and other tributaries of the Mississippi River. Legvold, a former Richfield science teacher and principal, believes in using fact-based information to determine how much fertilizer and plowing is needed.

What is Our Coast Worth (In Dollars)?

By: Scott Madere, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana

Our coastal wetlands have immeasurable worth to Louisiana in terms of culture. Our history, art, celebrations, recreational opportunities and so much more are tied to the muddy waters and vast green expanse of our swamps, forests and coastal marsh. Our love for our land defines us as a people, and we often cite it to those who are not from here as the main reason why Louisiana’s coast is worth saving.

Land project could begin in ’13

By: Amy Wold, The Advocate

Construction on a 13-mile pipeline that will deliver Mississippi River sediment into the Barataria Basin to create coastal land could start later this year. The long-distance sediment pipeline project involves building a structure that goes over the Mississippi River levee and crosses under La. 23 and a railroad, which will stay in place. A contractor will then build a pipeline that will head south and southwest from the river to two project locations.

App may help track cultural impact of coastal erosion in south La.

An Internet-based app under development may help a Web app may help document the disappearing culture of south Louisiana communities are they are displaced by coastal erosion. Called "Vanishing Points," the app is being developed by Florida International University student Sandra Maina, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.

New Web app could document land loss

By: Nikki Buskey

Technology has connected people all over the globe in ways never anticipated. Now, a Web app may document the disappearing culture in Terrebonne Parish communities for the world to see. Called “Vanishing Points,” the app is being developed by Florida International University student Sandra Maina, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.

Dredgers Keep Mississippi Navigation Channel Open (USA)

By: DredgingToday.com

Beginning in May 2012, and continuing these days, Corps and private dredgers contracted by the Corps, worked around the clock, seven days a week, to remove sediment deposited by the 2011 flood and fight extreme low-water conditions.

Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne pays tribute to the 'Big River'

In a move symbolic of the collaboration he says is needed to save the Mississippi River, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne traveled from the Mississippi’s delta to its headwaters this week to address a group of national river leaders. Speaking only a “doubloons throw away from the third longest river in the world,” Dardenne provided a unique perspective of the Mississippi River, combining a lively historical discussion with an emphasis on the river’s importance to the nation.

Mississippi River talks stop in Minn.

By: sctimes.com

A Louisiana-based wetlands group is pushing for a 31-state compact that would bring more political clout to myriad issues felt along the Mississippi River while providing a forum for seemingly diverse interests to come together.

Global warming is changing the way we live, national report says

By: NOLA.com

Global warming is already changing America from sea to rising sea and is affecting how Americans live, a massive new federally commissioned report says. A special panel of scientists convened by the government issued Friday a 1,146-page draft report that details in dozens of ways how climate change is already disrupting the health, homes and other facets of daily American life. It warns that those disruptions will increase in the future.

Mississippi River Level Disrupts Supply Chain

By: NPR

The Mississippi River is at historically low levels. The Army Corps of Engineers says the river will likely be able to stay open through the month, but soon it may be too shallow in parts for barge traffic. There have been calls for the corps to release water from reservoirs along the Mississippi.

'Eat Drink Delta' explores the food and culture of the 'soul of the South'

By: Nola.com

Years ago, my husband and I took a rambling road trip through the Mississippi Delta up to Memphis, Tenn. It was one of those excursions without a real agenda or itinerary.

Sea swallowing Galveston faster than thought

By: Houston Chronicle

Rising sea levels are likely to cover the coastal highway on the unprotected west end of Galveston sooner than previously predicted.