The importance of Louisiana's coastal wetlands and marshes can not be overstated.  For centuries that swamps and marshes along our coastline have created a barrier against saltwater intrusion into some of our most delicate wildlife habitats. The marshes also provide a natural barrier against storm surge. This past year our marshes and wetland got quite the workout with the storms of Hurricane Season 2020. 

Construction is now underway on the Cameron Meadows Marsh Creation and Terracing Project. The project hopes to restore 308 acres of coastal marsh habitat and create 11 acres of earthen terraces. The project which is expected to be completed by the end of the year is located just to the northwest of Holly Beach.

Funding for the $32 million projects comes from the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act. The project, in addition to helping humans, will be a benefit to wildlife as well. The project is being constructed in an area that is part of the Mississippi Flyway. A well-known route for migratory birds. Many of those birds make a stopover in South Louisiana during their seasonal migration.

The project is also located near the Sabine Wildlife National Refuge, so it will help protect the area within that refuge as well. In fact, the project will be adding acreage between the sea and the more heavily populated areas of Southwest Louisiana. That additional landmass could prove critical in the event of more tropical storms or hurricanes.

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