Happy New Year! This year we are resolved to progress in our fight against coastal land loss. I am invigorated by the time that I have recently spent in the marsh chasing fish and birds, and I hope that you too have been able to spend some time on our coast this year.
To kick this year off, we have several immediate action items and opportunities to get involved: The state is currently accepting public comment on the CPRA 2025 Draft Fiscal Annual Plan, the due date for entries for the Cook-Off for the Coast art competition has been extended, and there are multiple volunteer opportunities with CRCL! Staying informed and getting involved will help us safeguard coastal funding, advance critical restoration projects, and protect the things that we love most about Louisiana. See more info on how to get engaged below!
We are also quickly approaching Mardi Gras season, and while the drought might be affecting crawfish production this year, King Cakes will still be plenty. We want to recommend some Black-owned bakeries local to the Greater New Orleans Area that you can support this season, and you can find more Black-owned restaurants to support all year long here.
|
|
|
|
|
Onward!
Nic Dixon
Outreach Associate
National Audubon Society
|
|
|
|
Submit a Comment on the FY25 Annual Plan
The Draft FY2025 Annual Plan is the largest, single-year investment in our coast to date, with $1.68 billion allotted to the design, engineering and construction of 121 projects. The plan highlights the funding and advancement of 121 active priority projects and continued funding and maintenance of over 190 completed projects along Louisiana’s coast. Given the urgency of our land loss crisis and the transition in our state's leadership, we have incredible opportunities and responsibility to move these projects forward—specifically through public comment. During the plan's public comment period, which is open until February 18th, you will have the opportunity to be on the record in support of this historic plan and all it will provide for coastal Louisiana, along with its residents.
Public comments may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Public Comments
150 Terrace Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
|
|
|
|
Join us on February 24th, 2024, at Docville Farm located at 5124 E. Saint Bernard Hwy in Violet, LA, for the sixth annual Cook-off for the Coast. Gates open at 11am, and free food samples will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cook-off for the Coast is a family-friendly event started in 2017 in St. Bernard Parish to help raise awareness about Louisiana’s land loss crisis and the urgent need for coastal restoration. This is a FREE event and open to the public. Proceeds from merchandise sales and donations benefit local coastal restoration projects.
Interested in joining as a cook team? Email Blaise Pezold at Meraux Foundation for more information.
|
|
|
|
Huge thank you to all of the artists that have entered so far, but by the request of several teachers with students returning from winter break, the contest deadline has been extended! You now have until February 10th to get your submissions in for judging.
This year, the theme of the contest is “Seasons of the Coast” and is open to all ages. All art will be displayed at Docville Farm on the day of the Cook-Off!
If you are an artist or a teacher and would like to submit your or your students’ artwork, please read the rules here, submit a cleanly scanned, clear, well-lit image of your art and sign this waiver. Please feel free to forward to any artists or art teachers in your network!
All entries must be submitted by 12pm on February 10th, 2024 for the judges to score, and the winners will be announced at the Cook-Off on February 24th, 2024. Any questions or images can be sent to Alex Jiles. |
|
|
|
Apply to be a Future Coastal Leader
Applications for CRCL’s Future Coastal Leaders program are currently open for the 2024 spring semester. The Future Coastal Leaders program provides students with experiential learning opportunities, peer connection, and professional skills to better prepare them for a future working on Louisiana’s most important coastal issues. If you are a student or know any students who are interested, feel free to check out the application here. |
|
|
|
Volunteer Opportunity: Nursery Maintenance & Tree Planting
CRCL is excited to have you join them in Violet, where they will be doing general maintenance, as well as nursery work, at their Restoration Headquarters. Installed in 2022, CRCL's Native Plant Nursery has grown several hundred trees from seed that will soon be planted along the coast. Volunteers will help prepare for next year by filling pots with mangroves and cypress seeds. Sign up for this opportunity and view all of CRCL’s upcoming volunteer events here.
|
|
|
|
CRCL Coastal Stewardship Awards
CRCL is seeking nominations for their Coastal Stewardship Awards. The Stewardship Awards are among the most prestigious honors in Louisiana’s coastal sector. If you know a person or organization that deserves an award, please consider nominating them as soon as possible. The nomination deadline is Feb. 16. Winners will be honored in Baton Rouge on May 9. |
|
|
|
Recipe Spotlight: Seared Duck Breast
As duck hunting season comes to a close, you may need a recipe for some of those dabbling duck breasts. Take inspiration from Bill Cooksey, a very experienced waterfowl hunter. This simple recipe for seared duck breast with a raspberry reduction sauce will do your harvest justice (just resist the urge to overcook the meat!).
|
|
|
|
|
