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Today the state is breaking ground on the Maurepas Swamp Project in St. John the Baptist Parish. A freshwater divergence that will reconnect the Mississippi River to Maurepas Swamp. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Communication Director James Karst says CRCL is also working in conjunction with the state…
“The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is beginning a three-year project during which we will plant 4,500 trees in the swamp.”
River reintroduction involves redirecting fresh water and sediments from the Mississippi River into the swamp via engineered channels. This process replenishes nutrients, improves water quality, and mitigates subsidence by restoring natural sediment deposition. Karst says the reintroduction aims to counteract decades of wetland loss and create a healthier environment for native species.
“It cut off that natural hydrology that made the swamp what it was, and so the swamp has been unhealthy for a very long time.”
Volunteers and environmental groups will plant bald cypress and water tupelo trees, species essential for stabilizing the ecosystem and providing resilience against hurricanes and flooding. Karst says these trees also enhance carbon sequestration and support diverse wildlife habitats.
“You’ll see bald eagles in the swamp. Many other types of birds there, and it will really make what was once a beautiful, forested swamp land a beautiful, forested swamp land again.”
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