Expectations of Maurepas Swamp response to a river reintroduction, Louisiana

Fact Sheet 2018-3072
Prepared in cooperation with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) of Louisiana
By: , and 

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Abstract

Mississippi River reintroductions (freshwater diversions) into wetlands previously disconnected from the river have been implemented in southeastern Louisiana as a means to rehabilitate degraded and submerging wetlands. To date, all active Mississippi River reintroductions have targeted marsh habitat. However, a 57 cubic meter per second (2,000 cubic foot per second) river reintroduction is being designed and implemented by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana to rehabilitate a degraded and submerging swamp forest of approximately 16,583 hectares (40,977 acres) in the Maurepas Swamp; 30 percent of the project area is closed forest canopy, 58 percent is transitional forest, and 12 percent is open canopy wetland (severely degraded forest and open marsh). The goal of this project is to reduce or minimize loss of swamp forest habitat in the project area through reintroduction of Mississippi River water. River reconnection has often been stated as the most critical step necessary to rehabilitate and preserve the integrity of the natural and cultural resources of the Maurepas Swamp ecosystem.

Suggested Citation

Krauss, K.W., Shaffer, G.P., Keim, R.F., Chambers, J.L., Wood, W.B., and Hartley, S.B., 2018, Expectations of Maurepas Swamp response to a river reintroduction, Louisiana: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2018–3072, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20183072.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Expectations
  • Summary and Acceptable Ranges
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Expectations of Maurepas Swamp response to a river reintroduction, Louisiana
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2018-3072
DOI 10.3133/fs20183072
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 4 p.
Country United States
State Louisiana
Other Geospatial Maurepas Swamp
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details