$3.9M allocated for LA’s forests, wetlands |Environment
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The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has outlined plans for $17 million in funded projects focusing on areas in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee that have been affected by damaging weather. The funds, sourced from Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grants, will prioritize initiatives that combat invasive species, promote coastal resilience, and support climate adaptation. About $2.6 million will be used for ecological forestry to boost climate resilience in various wildlife refuges, while other projects will involve forest thinning to enhance carbon sequestration and improve habitats for wildlife.
Climate Resilience Projects Benefit from $17 Million in Grants
Projects aimed at promoting coastal resilience and climate adaptation in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, have been awarded a total of $17 million in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grants. These regions, part of the Lower Mississippi River Valley, have been identified by the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) as adversely impacted by weather events. Funds will prioritize initiatives tackling invasive species and provide data to support future natural resource resilience.
Ecological Forestry Projects Receive $2.6 Million Boost
Approximately $2.6 million of the funds will sponsor “ecological forestry to promote climate resilience” at several wildlife refuges in Louisiana. Key participants in these projects include the FWS, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, and the Arbor Day Foundation. The focus will be on restoring areas, removing invasive species, and planting native trees to sequester carbon and reduce heat stress and wildlife risk.
Forestry Thinning and Wetland Restoration Initiatives
Forestry thinning initiatives to enhance carbon sequestration and benefit air quality, wildlife, and migratory birds will take place at Tensas River NWR, North Louisiana NWR Complex, Black Bayou Lake NWR, and D’Arbonne NWR. Additionally, the Upper Ouachita refuge will use nearly $592,000 to restore Steep Bank Creek by removing dams and barriers to natural water flow.
Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Efforts
These restoration projects aim to improve forested wetlands crucial for flood control, resident wildlife, migratory birds, and waterfowl. In partnership with local industry and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, around 10,000 acres of wetlands will be restored. The Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex will also benefit from improvements such as upgraded levees and water control structures.
Community Benefits and Botomland Forest Preservation
These projects are expected to reduce weather-related damage in nearby communities while improving wildlife habitats. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries will collaborate with the Fish & Wildlife Service on a $750,000 forestry enhancement project. This project involves selective forest thinning across 2,500 acres and the removal of invasive plants on 400 acres, all contributing to improved outdoor recreation.
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