The WaterMarks Interview: Donald Sagrera

Donald F. Sagrera is president of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury

Q It's well documented that Louisiana's coastal wetlands are some of the most valuable resources in America for marine organisms and wildlife. Besides that very significant aspect, what do the coastal wetlands mean to you and the people of Vermilion Parish?

A Because of the sheer amount of marshlands in Vermilion Parish, an estimated 328,000 acres, the people of the parish have always lived off its bounty. The marsh has had a tremendous impact on the history and heritage of the area. Some of the oldest families in Vermilion Parish were tied to the marsh in some way or another, and that makes the area pretty special. Today, in addition to seeing the productiveness of the area and its rich history, we also see how the wetlands help the environment - acting as a filtering system and also as a buffer from saltwater intrusion. The fresh marsh serves as a transition zone between the salt water we need for our marine organisms and the fresh water we need for rice and crawfish production.

Q Louisiana's barrier islands provide valuable protection to the state's eastern shoreline during hurricanes and tropical storms. How do your coastal vegetated wetlands compare to the barrier islands in providing protection to the residents of south Louisiana from such storms?

A Our very lives depend on our coastal wetlands! The buffer zone of wetlands between the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and our inland communities is as much as 10 miles or more in some places. This vital buffer zone does two things - it breaks the wind and breaks the tidal surge from tropical storms and hurricanes. It's estimated that for every mile of marsh, the tidal surge from a storm is reduced by one foot! We are indeed fortunate to have this buffer to weaken storms before they go inland.

Q Since the first CWPPRA priority list came out about four years ago, three projects have been completed or are under construction in your area. How do the local people feel about these projects?

A Our local people are very supportive of all the projects. When it was time for the parish to set aside funds for coastal restoration efforts, the people voted very favorably for those funds. At dedication ceremonies, we always have a tremendous turnout that shows excellent grassroots support. Many local people can relate to the wetlands because so many of their ancestors made a living from them. The people of Vermilion Parish really support the coastal conservation and restoration effort.

Q The Louisiana congressional delegation, specifically Senator Breaux and Senator Johnston, was instrumental in authoring the legislation for CWPPRA. What kind of response do you give to them as well as state legislators in support of CWPPRA and similar coastal conservation efforts at the local level?

A Senators Breaux and Johnston, and other members of the Louisiana delegation, as well as our state legislators, should be complimented for their foresight in obtaining monies and having those monies set aside for coastal restoration projects. There have been several projects completed in Vermilion Parish - some of them were totally state funded, others received funding from CWPPRA. My feeling is that none of those projects would have come about without the funds having been set aside specifically for that purpose. A heartfelt _thank you' to Senators Breaux and Johnston and all the legislators, state and federal, from the people of Vermilion Parish.

Q A majority of Louisiana's coastal wetlands are owned by local landowners. Have the landowners voiced any concerns about coastal restoration activities on their land?

A One thing that the landowners have asked is how can they get their coastal restoration needs and projects addressed. At the local level we try to help them with their requests and get those requests to the proper people. We have also had questions from some landowners as to who owns the land after it has been restored. That is one thing that should be addressed as soon as possible. In the long term, answering that question would be very helpful to landowners. I personally feel that landowners should retain ownership of properties that were lost and then reclaimed. Recognizing that fact would go a long way in successfully achieving the goals and intentions of Louisiana coastal restoration efforts.