At a rate of an area of land the size of a football field lost every 30-38 minutes in coastal Louisiana, it doesn’t seem too far fetched to think that some day we could be paddling north to the beach. But we know that we can work together to reverse the tide.

We can rebuild our barrier islands. We can harvest sediment to rebuild our coastal forests and marshes. We can build river diversions to provide fresh water to nourish our wetlands without destroying communities in the process.

But just because we have the know-how to create a sustainable coast that can protect communities, it doesn’t mean that we will.

Right now, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is finalizing the 2012 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan, the legislatively required five year update to the first coastal master plan published in 2007. The 2012 Master Plan presents a list of specific projects that the CPRA believes represent the best investments for the coast.

The DRAFT plan was released for public review and comment on January 12, 2012 and can be viewed here. The plan will be presented to the Louisiana Legislature this spring for approval. Once approved, this plan will drive how the state believes it should act to protect and restore some areas of our dynamic coast.

Understanding the plan is critical to the future of our communities and we urge all residents to review the plan and share their thoughts and suggestions with the 2012 Coastal Master Plan team. Public comments are being accepted now. The public comment period ends February 25th. Comments can be made online or mailed to:

As Americans, we like to think that if we work hard and play by the rules, we have the ability to write our own futures—the ability to decide where we will live, where we will raise our families, where we will live out our days. But for  Americans living in south Louisiana, the future is uncertain and we must all work together to determine our fate.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is finalizing the 2012 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan, the legislatively required five year update to the first coastal master plan published in 2007. The 2012 Master Plan will present a list of specific projects that the CPRA believes represent the best investments for the coast.

The DRAFT plan was released for public review and comment on January 12, 2012 and can be viewed here.  The CPRA will host three public meetings (see below  for more details) next week and the public comment period will remain open until February 25, 2012.  The plan will be presented to the Louisiana Legislature this spring for approval. Once approved, this plan will drive state action to protect and restore our dynamic coast.

Attendance at the public meetings is critical to the future of our communities and we urge all residents to attend and share their thoughts and suggestions on the 2012 Coastal Master Plan. Please come out and learn about these efforts and show that you are “Committed to Our Coast”!

There will be an Open House between 1:00pm-5:30pm to learn about project selection, flooding risks, and how our landscape is changing. The formal public hearing will start at 5:30pm.

If you think that Coastal Louisiana’s land loss doesn’t have an effect on you, no matter where you call home, think again. This unique place we call home is important to all of us.  It can’t be replaced.  It’s up to all of us to do our part to save coastal Louisiana.  What can you do?

• Volunteer–whether it’s with Bayou Grace or other organizations focused on saving our coast
• Advocate–speak up and tell anyone who’ll listen why coastal La. must be saved
• Educate yourself–find out more about the problems and solutions affecting coastal Louisiana.  Louisiana’s 2012 Coastal Master Plan will be released today.  Review the plan at http://www.coastalmasterplan.la.gov/ or attend one of the state’s Master Plan meetings coming soon
• Get involved–be part of the solution!

There is only one coastal Louisiana.   Make a commitment today to do something to ensure that America’s wetlands are here today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

What’s your reason for saving coastal Louisiana?  Send your submission to photoproject@bayougrace.org.  Who knows, maybe your photo could be used to influence someone else’s decision to do the same!  And, don’t forget to check out the other submissions at Bayou Grace’s photo gallery.

What’s your why? Send us your submission today to photoproject@bayougrace.org. And check out our gallery with responses from all over the nation.

Since environment and economics is intricately woven together in south Louisiana, most kids living on the coast have a father or mother or brother or sister or aunt or uncle or grandparent whose livelihood depends on the health of our estuaries. Let’s continue to work together to ensure a sustainable Gulf Coast for all!

What’s your why? Send your submission to photoproject@bayougrace.org. See additional submissions by visiting the Why Gallery.

…and for the grandchildren of your grandchildren and the grandchildren of your grandchildren’s grandchildren. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, ad infinitum.

What’s your why? Send your submission to photoproject@bayougrace.org. Check out the Why Gallery here.

No argument there! The Louisiana wetlands are beautiful and they certainly do make Louisiana look good. Take a gander for yourself.

If you want to voice why you think we should save coastal Louisiana and this beautiful landscape for generations to come, send your why to photoproject@bayougrace.org today! To view other reasons, check out the Why Gallery.

Show us your support by becoming a Friend of Bayou Grace during our year-end fundraising campaign. Your generous tax-deductible gift will help ensure that we can continue our important work together.

Choose your level of support and in appreciation, we’ll send you (or that hard to shop for person on your list) a terrific thank you gift.

$25 Level of Support: The “Re-divert the Dirt” Shirt

Sport your bayou pride with this classic “Re-divert the Dirt” t-shirt. Available in S, M, L, XL, and 2XL. You know all the cool kids are wearing them! And so are all the geeky kids like us!

$50 Level of Support: Cooler/Lunch Bag

Whether you’re heading down the bayou for a day of fishing or heading to the links for a quick round of nine, this rugged Bayou Grace cooler will keep you looking cool and your beverages even cooler.

$75 Level of Support: 2012 Bayou Scenes Calendar

Plan your next trip down the bayou with this 13” x 10.4” 2012 calendar filled with beautiful scenes from our beloved coastal landscape. We suggest hanging this baby above your desk at work so you have something pretty to stare at during daydream breaks.

$100 Level of Support: “Why Should We Save Coastal Louisiana?” Photo Project Companion Book

You love tuning in for the Wednesday Why each week! Now get your very own 8 ½” x 11” hardcover “Why Should We Save Coastal Louisiana?” Photo Project companion book and enjoy sharing your love of the bayou with friends and family.

$250 Level of Support: 16″ x 20″ Canvas Print

Add a little bayou to your décor with this beautiful signature Bayou Grace scene. This 16×20 canvas print will be stretched over a wooden frame ready to hang in your living room, den or office. Heck, you can even hang it in your bathroom. We won’t be offended.

Becoming a Friend of Bayou Grace is E-Z (with a capital Z)! Just  follow the directions below:

Your support helps to affirm that our mission to restore and protect coastal Louisiana is a shared value and that Bayou Grace is part of a much larger network of individuals, organizations and businesses that share the vision of a healthy, sustainable and bountiful Gulf Coast for generations to come.

Thank You! Merci! Gracias! Danke! Mahalo! Grazie! Domo Arigato!

Looking for something to do this weekend? How about coming out to see how some local folks are working to eradicate a few pesky invasive species such as the nutria.

What is a nutria you ask? Nutria are large semi-acquatic rodents, native to South America, but brought to south Louisiana in the 1930s for the fur industry.

Why do we want to eradicate them from south Louisiana? Because nutria can cause extensive damage to our marshlands due to their nasty little habit of dining on our wetland plants.

What can you do to support the eradication of nutria from south Louisiana? You can come out to the 1st Annual Nutria Rodeo being held this weekend at Oak Ridge Park in Golden Meadow. The event is sponsored by Sassafras Louisiana, a super organization of young people dedicated to bringing youth together in the restoration and preservation of Louisiana.

The rodeo will take place this Saturday, December 3rd, 2011. The judging categories include the following: nutria, carp, feral swine, and coyote. Scales will open at 11 AM and will close at 4 PM. Besides the hunting, the rodeo will also feature various contests, raffles, delicious Cajun food, and fun and music for all.

Hope to see y’all for some good ole bayou fun! And if you’re interested in saving our wetlands by wearing more nutria, check out Righteous Fur for a few ideas for anyone on your holiday shopping list.