Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA)

06/16/2026

CWPPRA workgroups are currently performing site assessments for each of the ten candidate projects for PPL36! This evaluation process includes field trips to all project sites to collect environmental (Wetland Value Assessments) and preliminary design data. As is the case throughout the CWPPRA program, the candidate evaluation process is highly collaborative and values the expertise of landowners, local governments, project managers from all CWPPRA agencies, and members of the CWPPRA Academic Advisory Group.

Last week, CWPPRA workgroup members visited the site of the proposed Hog Bayou Stabilization and Marsh Creation project in the Mermentau Basin in Cameron Parish. Historically, wetland loss in the Hog Bayou watershed has resulted from storm surge, failed agricultural pump offs, limited freshwater input and increased water and salinity from the Gulf via Hog Bayou. Marshes near the Beach Prong area remained stable until Hurricane Barry (2019). Since then, marshes to the north of Hog Bayou have deteriorated due to greater inundation and salinity stress. The goals of this candidate project are to stabilize the northern bank along the east branch of Hog Bayou and to restore marsh which will reinforce the enhanced bank line. The marsh creation area will restore and enhance critical habitat for wildlife and fisheries and will indirectly support the LDWF-managed Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge.

This field trip was made possible with support from the landowner representative of Miller Five on the M.O. Miller, M.D. Estate, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, NRCS’ Contractor Marshland Equipment Rental, and the CWPPRA Academic Advisory Group.

05/28/2026

Happy Whooping Crane Day! Today, we celebrate the resilience of the endangered whooping crane and the people working to protect wetland ecosystems in Coastal Louisiana. Healthy wetlands don’t just support wildlife — they protect communities, improve water quality, and preserve Louisiana’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Learn more about the reintroduction of whooping cranes in Louisiana at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/whooping-crane.

05/15/2026

Did you know that nearly half of all federally listed endangered species rely on wetlands for food, shelter, and nursery habitat? By restoring and safeguarding wetlands, we’re strengthening nature’s ability to support biodiversity and vulnerable populations. This Endangered Species Day, let’s commit to supporting healthy wetlands in the fight to protect endangered species.

05/08/2026

Successful restoration relies on strong partnerships, and we have some of the best partners out there! Grateful for the dedication of all the people that make this work possible.

05/07/2026

On May 6th, the CWPPRA Task Force approved ten candidate projects for further evaluation in CWPPRA's 36th Priority Project List! Over the summer, CWPPRA workgroups will conduct field investigations to evaluate project areas, identify project feature locations, determine habitat conditions, and collect Wetland Value Assessment data for each candidate project.

PPL 36 project selection will occur at the December 2026 Technical Committee meeting and January 2027 Task Force Meeting. The public is welcome to submit comments on individual projects throughout the process.

05/07/2026

05/04/2026

Right now, in a galaxy not so far away.... Louisiana coastal wetlands are the guardians of ecological balance. 🌿🌊
Protect them, we must, to ensure life and culture continue to thrive.

05/01/2026

Louisiana’s wetlands are the heart of our coast. They support wildlife, protect our communities, and are the foundation for many beautiful coastal cultures. For over 30 years, CWPPRA has worked to safeguard these vital ecosystems through protection, restoration, storytelling, and partnership. This American Wetlands Month, we honor the history, voices, and futures that shape our coast, and we recommit to protecting it for generations to come.

We hope you get to spend some time in our magnificent wetlands soon, but until then, here's a virtual visit.

04/30/2026

The CWPPRA Task Force Meeting is next Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Thibodaux, LA! Please join us in-person at the Nicholls State University Coastal Center or virtually via Microsoft Teams. You can view the agenda and access the meeting link at:https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Portals/56/docs/environmental/cwppra/TF6May2026_Agenda_Draft.pdf

04/22/2026

This year, we are celebrating Earth Day by announcing the winners of the 5th Annual CWPPRA Wetlands Writing Contest! 🌎💚
We had over 200 submissions this year by young people from across Louisiana who wrote about their experiences in and passion for our beautiful and magnificent wetlands. You can read the selected submissions at https://tinyurl.com/CWPPRAWWC-26.

The CWPPRA Wetlands Writing Contest was established in November 2020 in memory of Jennifer Ritter Guidry, CWPPRA’s Public Outreach Coordinator from 2019-2020. Inspired by Jennifer’s passion for Louisiana’s coastal culture and communities, the CWPPRA Wetlands Writing Contest provides young writers the opportunity to unleash their creativity through sharing their own knowledge and experience of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. This contest combines a few of Jennifer’s passions: Louisiana culture, education, and the community spirit of coastal Louisiana. Jennifer never missed an opportunity to communicate with the public, adventure out into Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, or inspire young minds. She was a true Louisiana advocate and spread her knowledge and experiences whenever she could. It is in her honor and name that CWPPRA hosts the annual Wetland Writing Contest.

Special thanks to our partners and judges at Louisiana Sea Grant, South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, and U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, as well as Jonathan Mayers.