[Image: Coastal Marsh Plants Field Day]Establishing more resilient and superior native coastal plants that help build a productive estuarine ecosystem to achieve its full functionality is one of the goals of the LSU AgCenter Coastal Plants Development Programs. Tremendous coastal land loss at the estimated rates of 65-91 km2 annually has prompted two contrasting points of view.
One side leads to complete overhaul to save the coast through coastal marsh reconstruction, revegetation and planning that require massive budgeting. Louisiana's coastal marshlands and water bodies are a productive estuarine system that supports an abundant population of fish, shellfish and wildlife. It provides 30% of the country's annual commercial harvest of fish and shellfish and 40% of its furs. Louisiana's estuarine system overwinters 66% of the migratory birds that use the Mississippi flyway. Because of that, maintaining the current land mass is considered very important.
On the other hand, using predicted long-term geological trends, global sea-level rise and a decreased natural supply of sediment, the opposite point of view finds no plausible solution to the problem and regards it as a losing battle in the long term. According to this view, it will be more productive to accept the fact and start finding ways to relocate coastal communities. Much in-depth discussion using more scientific data, however, will be needed to carefully weigh these two opposing views.
In any scenario, though, the most important thing is to preserve a full functionality of these estuaries. Whether it involves the entire physical size of the current coastal marsh system or a smaller version of it, the productivity of this ecosystem needs to be maintained in order to protect the life and culture of many people who depend on this ecosystem and also protect our national interest. More productive native plants, efficient methods for large-scale restoration, effective monitoring tools, future models of engineered wetlands and better planning may help achieve this goal.
The objective of the Coastal Marsh Plants Field Day is to introduce some experimental lines of native coastal plants, smooth cordgrass, California bulrush and sea oats that are expected to be released soon. Experimental polycross seed (PolyC15) developed from 15 genetically diverse and high-seed-producing smooth cordgrass lines, two elite lines of California bulrush and elite lines of sea oats will be introduced and discussed. During the field day, there will be a series of presentations to cover various aspects from the plant-development program, forecasting, modeling, planning and practices that precisely reflect the complexity of the coastal restoration efforts. The discussion section is intended to promote direct communication among various disciplines, agencies, plant nurseries and private landowners to find common ways to advance restoration techniques and coastal erosion control as new, superior, native plants are becoming available.
Field Day Program
For the Coastal Plants Field Day Program, please click on the link below under Related Files. <[Image: PolyC15]/b>
Who Should Attend
The meeting will bring together researchers, government agencies and private sector leaders who are interested in coastal wetland restoration efforts. The expected audience will include individuals with interest in plant development, resource management, restoration and conservation.
Attendance (Pre-registration is required)
Pre-registration is required for meal and accommodation preparations. Anyone interested is encouraged to register before October 14, 2009. The registration form is attached and can be accessed from the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Web page.
Directions to the Rice Research Station
Directions to the Rice Research Station are attached. Please call 337-788-7531 if you need additional information.
Parking
There is not a lot of parking space in front of the Rice Research Station. However, there is plenty room in the back or by the labs. Please DO NOT park your vehicle on the grass.
Hotel Accommodations
Attendees who plan to spend a night before or following the meeting may reserve hotels in Crowley area directly [La Quinta Inn, Crowley, 9565 Egan Hwy., Crowley, Tel. 800-531-5900; Crowley Inn, 2111 N. Cherokee Dr., Crowley, Tel. 337-788-0970; Acadia Hotel (Days Inn), 9571 Egan Hwy., Crowley, Tel. 337-783-2378]. These hotels are about 5 minutes away from the Rice Research Station.
Program and Contact Information:
Herry Utomo -- E-mail; Tel. 337-788-7531
Mark Shirley -- E-mail; Tel. 337/898-4335
Kevin Savoie - E-mail; Tel.337-898-4335