USGS National Wetlands Research Center: NWRC Weekly Highlights 9/27/2004

Weekly Highlights

MEMORANDUM

From: Susan Horton
Subject: Biology Highlights for National Wetlands Research Center, Sept. 27, 2004

I. Department/Bureau News
B. Current

USGS Studies Waterfowl Haven: USGS scientists Tommy Michot and Tom Doyle recently partnered with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to study Catahoula Lake in east central Louisiana. Catahoula Lake is significant as a stopover site for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds accounting for almost 25 % of the total North American population of canvasback ducks. The lake represents one of only 19 U. S. sites to be designated as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention. USGS will be conducting vegetation surveys, sediment core samples, and hydrologic surveys over the next 2 years. The surveys will provide a scientific base of information that LDWF can use to make the best decisions for the management of Catahoula Lake. (Tommy Michot, Lafayette, LA, 337-266-8664)

USGS Partners with America's WETLAND: On September 23, USGS was recognized as one of the education partners for America's WETLAND (www.americaswetland.com), a national campaign to save coastal Louisiana. The event held at the USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) featured the Estuarians, action hero mascots who were presented in costume to third graders from Broadmoor Elementary School. The students joined with Captain Eddy, Shelly the Starfish, Salty the Shrimp, Delta the Dolphin, Reed the Reptile, Rocky the Raccoon, Pierre the Pelican, Mossy the Water Moccasin, and Murky the Mud Catfish as the group toured NWRC to learn more about the importance of conserving and restoring Louisiana's vital wetland habitats. USGS continues to partner with America's WETLAND on educational materials and the creation of a coastal Louisiana wetland touch screen kiosk. (Susan Horton, Lafayette, LA, 337 266-8655)

III. Press Inquiries/Media

USGS scientist Tommy Michot was interviewed by WBRZ- TV 2 (Baton Rouge) and the Times Picayune (New Orleans) about Hurricane Ivan and the storm's impact on the Gulf Coast's barrier islands. USGS scientist Bob Stewart was also interviewed by the Daily Comet (Thibodaux, LA) about the Chandeleur Islands.

USGS was mentioned in stories run on KATC- TV 3 and KLFY –TV 10 and in the Daily Advertiser about America's WETLAND education initiative. USGS is one of the education partners.

USGS scientist Tom Doyle was interviewed by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune about the effects of Hurricane Charley on natural ecosystems and wildlife and Tom's previous work of hurricane impact and modeling in mangrove systems.

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