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It's the end of the year, but our work for the coast never really stops. As you'll see below, we're hitting the ground running in the new year with the CPRA Annual Plan public meetings, but the brief pause for the holidays still seems like a good time to reflect on where we've been and where we're going.  

This year has seen some huge losses for our coast with the cancellations of two major sediment diversions that were sorely needed to address rapid land loss in Plaquemines Parish, putting ecosystem restoration and storm protection further out of reach. The news hasn't all been bad, though: 2025 also saw wins like the completion of the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project and a signed design agreement on the long-overdue MRGO Ecosystem Restoration Project.

On a more personal note, this year I've enjoyed getting to talk with more of y’all and hear your stories and hopes for the future of our coast, whether it was during project solicitation meetings for the 2029 Coastal Master Plan, expressed in art form as a “Hope for the Coast” prayer flag at one of our tabling events, or just in casual conversation. A vision for the future of our coast only works if it includes all of us, and making your voice heard will continue to be crucial in the new year and beyond.  

Happy holidays,  
Jordan Phillips
Outreach Coordinator
Restore the Mississippi River Delta

FY27 Annual Plan is Live!  

We’ve been talking a lot this year about the Coastal Master Plan, especially as the 2029 Plan is in the development process, but did you know there's an Annual Plan, too?  

CPRA releases the Annual Plan each fiscal year to outline which projects in the Coastal Master Plan will move forward during that time. Once approved by the board and state legislator, it allows the CPRA to spend those funds and move forward on those projects. You can view the draft plan for fiscal year 2027 here. The public has an important role in providing feedback and raising clarifying questions on the draft plan to CPRA about projects and funding sources, either in writing or at one of three public meetings:  
 
  • January 6, 5:30pm: The Coastal Center at Nicholls University, Thibodaux, LA
  • January 8, 5:30pm: Joseph S. Yenni Building, Jefferson, LA
  • January 12, 5:30pm: LSU AgCenter, Abbeville, LA

Written comments are due February 17th (also known as Mardi Gras Day – so get ‘em in early!)  

Want help understanding the Annual Plan? Have a specific project you want to learn more about? Reach out to us at [email protected]. You can also view our coalition statement on this year's annual plan here. 

Ways to Engage: A Sneak Peek at 2026 

There are so many ways to get involved in supporting strong solutions for Louisiana's coast. Here's a preview of opportunities coming up in the new year (and some actions you can take all year long!)

Volunteer! Tree planting season is underway, and our partners have lots of chances for you to get your hands dirty and learn more about our coast. Sign up for these events below:
Gather! Supporting the coast can be a great time. Come eat and dance with us at Cook-Off for the Coast on February 28th, or host your own gathering to learn more about restoration with friends (we can help!)

Be Loud! Make your voice heard throughout the year, starting with the Annual Plan meetings in January and at CPRA board meetings. You can also write a letter to the editor, a guest post on our blog, or share your coastal story in an interview (find out how!)  

Follow Along! Keep up with us on social media @restoredelta to get the latest updates

Coming Soon! Cook-Off for the Coast 2026

One of my favorite events of the year is coming around again at the end of February – the eighth annual Cook-Off for the Coast! We've got a great event planned for y’all this year, with new and returning cook teams serving delicious food, music by T Marie and Bayou Juju, and more!  

This year, for the first time ever, we held a design contest for our official Cook-Off t-shirt and poster. Congrats to Jenna Callais on her winning design (sneak peek below!) And a huge thanks to everyone who submitted their artwork.  

Missed this round? Don't worry, you still have a chance to showcase your art at Cook-Off for the Coast. The Hope for the Coast Art Contest is coming soon! Keep an eye on coastcookoff.com for details.