La. 2012 Coastal Master Plan must be visionary, groups say

Contact: Sean Crowley, Environmental Defense Fund, 202-550-6524, [email protected]

(Baton Rouge) As the state of Louisiana released its draft 2012 Coastal Master Plan Thursday, conservation groups urged state officials to ensure that the final master plan utilizes the best available science to create a bold, clear vision for the future of Louisiana’s wetlands and communities.

“The disappearance of Louisiana’s wetlands – at about a football field per hour – puts Louisiana’s people, communities and economy at greater and greater risk each year,” said a joint statement from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Environmental Defense Fund, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy. “A healthier, safer and stronger coast for Louisiana’s future generations will become reality only through bold, decisive actions guided by the best available science.”

“The rigorous science-based process used to develop the master plan helps us clearly understand the range of possibilities for restoring and protecting our coast and wetlands,” the groups concluded. “We call on Louisiana’s leaders to support a comprehensive and visionary course of action guided by the best available science as the draft plan moves through the review process.”

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