Coastal Louisiana Alligator photo by South Florida Water Management District
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Overview of the Coastal Louisiana Program

Louisiana black bear cubsCoastal Louisiana is a national treasure. The coastal zone is home to nearly 2 million people and critical industries that help feed and power the nation. The islands, estuaries, and wetlands fringing the Gulf of Mexico provide habitat to migratory birds, economically-important finfish and shellfish, and federally endangered or threatened animals such as the Louisiana black bear.

Subsiding marshUnfortunately, Louisiana is experiencing the highest rate of land loss in the United States. Outlying communities are being submerged and wildlife habitat is shrinking. Stronger hurricanes and rising seas threaten family-supporting jobs and the integrity of coastal ecosystems.

Jean Lafitte National ParkThe good news is that Louisiana's coastal areas can be renewed and sustained if we restore the land-building power of the Mississippi River in a controlled way within the next ten years. National Wildlife Federation is partnering with Environmental Defense Fund and National Audubon Society to move bold restoration projects in Louisiana from plan to action.


Program Goals

Our overall objective is to ensure that coastal Louisiana is safe and sustainable for people and wildlife. To do this, we are working to:

  • Expedite the design and implementation of large-scale initiatives that restore the Mississippi River’s natural capacity to build land;
  • Ensure the safety of communities and businesses in coastal Louisiana by advocating for hurricane protection that includes coastal restoration and non-structural measures; and
  • Create sustained national and state funding and political will to move restoration from plan to action.


Partners

National Wildlife Federation is working with state and national groups to advocate for Louisiana's coast:

 Roseate spoonbill

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