Wetlands Wasting Away In Sportsman's Paradise, Says DU

Ducks Unlimited
Thursday, 24 January 2002

Americans overwhelmingly view wetlands as an important natural resource, yet the country continues to lose wetlands at an astonishing rate of over 100,000 acres every year. The coastal marshes of Louisiana provide a poignant example of wetlands that are virtually wasting away.

"Wetland loss is taking place throughout the U.S., and tends to be especially dire in certain coastal areas, where development and erosion are rapidly eliminating natural resources," said Dr. Alan Wentz, group manager of Conservation Programs at DU. According to Dr. Wentz, wetland loss in California has been so severe that less than five percent of the state's original wetlands remain. On the East coast, losses have been significant, but are eclipsed by coastal losses out west and in the south. "About three quarters of our annual wetland losses takes place in one state: Louisiana. The coastal marshes are breaking up and vanishing into the Gulf at a rate of 25 to 35 square miles a year."

Wetlands absorb and blunt the impact of floods, protecting individuals and their homes in flood prone areas. Wetlands also provide critical habitat to an estimated 900 species of wildlife. "The coastal marshes represent a critical wildlife hub, supporting large populations of migrating and wintering waterfowl and shorebirds which feed on the seeds, invertebrates, and leafy vegetation that thrive in healthy coastal marshes. These shallow marshes and associated mudflats along the coast supply the meat and potatoes of their diet," said Dr Keith McKnight, DU's Director of Conservation Programs. Conservation goals are ambitious, says Dr. McKnight, noting that DU has identified Louisiana's coastal marshes as a high priority area. "We're presently working with government agencies, corporations, foundations and private landowners to conserve habitat on close to 70,000 acres across 14 parishes."

DU's blueprint for wetland restoration includes some unusual solutions, like "Duck Wing" terraces, which are being constructed in highly degraded marshes. The terraces extend about 500 feet and then make a 30-degree turn, creating a wing like shape. The structures will help reduce wave and wind action, which will in turn decrease turbidity and allow for the growth of submersed vegetation. In all, about 26 miles of terraces are being installed to help recover these important wetlands.

In an effort to stop the rapid decline of coastal marshes in Louisiana, the state is asking the federal government for $15 billion dollars to support restoration plans, almost double the $8 billion budget approved last year by legislators to restore the Everglades. "We have a problem that's far bigger than the Everglades problem," said John Hall, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers.

"The Everglades has an identity that extends way beyond Florida, which helps the state attract broad support from across the nation. One of our goals at DU is to generate a broader awareness about natural resources in lesser-known areas such as Louisiana. One way we're doing this is through a bottom up approach that includes educating youth about wetlands," said Dr. Wentz. DU's "Greenwing" program for wetland enthusiasts under 17 has its highest membership in the state of Louisiana. Added Dr. Wentz, "We must let the broader public know how important the Louisiana coastal marshes are to our wildlife and to our nation. The area merits a much higher ranking on the national agenda for conservation."

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