Restoring Wetlands and Protecting Communities in Southern Louisiana

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin is a 10,000-square-mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes (counties). It is one of the largest estuarine systems in the Gulf of Mexico, containing more than 22 essential habitats. Monsanto's Luling manufacturing facility is also near the lake.

Coastal wetlands such as the Lake Pontchartrain Basin are also important natural barriers against severe weather. By blunting the force of strong winds and tides, wetlands help to protect the adjoining dry land from storms, floods, and tidal damage. In addition, healthy wetlands are incubators for diverse forms of life. Wetland plants filter pollutants and increase sediment capture, creating an environment where organisms can establish themselves and enrich the soil.

The Monsanto Fund is working with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to restore coastal wetlands and natural habitats in southeastern Louisiana. In 2004, we gave the organization a grant to monitor water quality, to educate community members, and to conduct work to restore natural coastal barriers along the shore.

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation has developed a strategy called Multiple Lines of Defense to restore 10 coastal areas in southern Louisiana. According to John Lopez, Ph.D., director of the organization's Coastal Sustainability Program, this strategy can "for the first time truly integrate coastal restoration and flood protection projects in south Louisiana to sustain our wetlands, our economy, and our future."

oastal wetlands are important environmental assets that provide natural habitat and protection for people and property against severe weather. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 demonstrated the havoc that nature can cause. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation demonstrates the good that nature, with a little assistance, can do in protecting the environment, wildlife, and humanity.

$30,000
Since 2002, the Monsanto Fund has provided $30,000 to preserve and restore the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and conduct educational outreach.