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2009 Marsh Maneuvers [Image: 2009 Marsh Maneuvers] [Image: 2009 Marsh Maneuvers] Eight Vernon Parish 4-H members and LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Chad Hagan attended one of four weeks of Louisiana 4-H Marsh Maneuvers held in Grand Chenier and across the Gulf Coast July 21-24, 2009.  C.J. Koch, Zac Cecil and Dallas Jeter of Anacoco Senior 4-H; Colby Tilley of Pitkin Senior 4-H; and Caleb Minion, Brett Rogers, Jacob Kay and Blaine Brister of Evans Senior 4-H joined eight other teens from across the state in a week filled with fun and educational activities focused on our Louisiana coastline. During the week, they studied alligators, determined the age of fish by cutting out the ear bone, learned how to crab and prepare them by boiling, and trawled on the Gulf to study the by-catch and caught shrimp. Participants also traveled to Avery Island in Iberia Parish where they not only toured the island gardens and McIlhenny Tabasco Plant, they also pulled marsh grass that they later planted in the Vermilion Bay to help with coastal erosion. Helping to teach were LSU AgCenter fisheries agent Mark Shirley and members of the America’s Wetlands Project. The participants also toured the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and many areas around the Gulf Coast to see the damage caused by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustauv and Ike and the need for coastal erosion projects along the Gulf Coast. Another highlight of the week was the opportunity to ride airboats provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Participants were also judged on their participation, a written test and question-and-answer sessions to determine which four of the 16 participants will be asked to return to an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers Camp which will be held in December. These names will be revealed later.

Last Updated: 8/3/2009 6:33:07 AM