Conservation Priority Report Louisiana

Helping People Help the Land

9.19.2011
Saving Louisiana's Coastal Wetlands
Since the 1930s, one million acres of Louisiana's coastal wetlands have been lost to open water. This loss has been primarily attributed to changes in the amount of sediment available to build and maintain our coastal wetlands, construction of canals in wetland areas, wave erosion, and subsidence.

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) is federal legislation enacted to identify, engineer and design, and fund the construction of coastal wetlands restoration projects. These projects provide for the long-term conservation of wetlands and dependent fish and wildlife populations. Projects funded by CWPPRA are cost-effective ways of restoring, protecting, and enhancing coastal wetlands. CWPPRA has a proven track record of superior coastal restoration science and monitoring techniques in Louisiana.

Coastal Restoration Success

Since 1990, the net Louisiana wetland area that CWPPRA has protected, created, or restored is 112,000 acres. Greater than 426,000 acres have been enhanced.

CWPPRA Partners

State of Louisiana
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service

CWPPRA Success

149 Active Projects

91 Completed Projects

11 Active Construction Projects

47 Projects Currently in Engineering and Design

11 of the 47 Projects are Scheduled for Construction
in FY 2012

For more information about CWPPRA and coastal restoration in Louisiana visit www.lacoast.gov.
While you are there, check out the great resources available for teachers and students.

ATTENTION: Native American Farmers and Ranchers
Meetings have been scheduled to provide information on the claims process for the Native American Farmer and Rancher Class Action Settlement (Keepseagle v. Vilsack).

In Louisiana: Marksville, Louisiana - September 20, 21, 22, 2011 - 9:00 a.m.
Paragon Casino Resort, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, LA

Other meetings are scheduled across the nation. CLICK HERE FOR A complete list of meetings.
THE CLAIM FILING DEADLINE FOR THIS SETTLEMENT IS DECEMBER 27, 2011

Commitment to Equality
USDA believes every farmer and rancher should be treated equally and fairly, and we are committed to resolving all cases involving allegations of past discrimination by individuals.

Referral Guide for USDA Settlements and Claims Adjudication Process

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Women and Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers Claims Adjudication Process
If you believe that USDA improperly denied farm loan benefits to you for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000 because you are a female or because you are Hispanic, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. To request a claims package by telephone, call 1-888-508-4429. To request a claims package online, please visit www.farmerclaims.gov

Native American Farmer and Rancher Class Action Settlement (Keepseagle v. Vilsack)
If you are a Native American who was denied a farm loan or loan servicing by the USDA between January 1, 1981, and November 24, 1999, you may be eligible for benefits from a Class Action Settlement. To request a claims package by telephone, call: 1-888-233-5506. To request a claims package online, or for more information, please visit: www.indianfarmclass.com

African American Farmer and Rancher Class Action Settlement (Pigford II)
If you are an African American farmer (a) who submitted a request to file a late claim on or between October 13, 1999, and June 18, 2008, under the 1999 USDA settlement in the earlier class action known as Pigford v. Glickman ("Pigford") and (b) who did not receive a merits determination on your discrimination claim, you may be eligible for benefits from a Class Action Settlement. To hear information by telephone, call 1-866-950-5547 or 1-866-472-7826. To find information online, please visit: www.blackfarmercase.com

USDA NRCS Access Opportunity Equity Partnerships

To find out more about this conservation opportunity and more, contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Office Locator