August 29, 2000

At the request of Governor Foster, a forensic ecology review panel will convene on September 12, 2000, to examine and evaluate the latest information on the extent and severity of salt marsh dieback in Louisiana. The review panel includes the following authorities who will review critical data and visual evidence compiled by the accompanying list of presenters:

Summary information from this review panel will be presented at a planning/strategy meeting on salt marsh dieback, which is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Thursday, September 14, at the Louisiana Room at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 2000 Quail Drive. The purpose of the 9/14 meeting is to develop an appropriate response to the salt marsh phenomenon, its approximate cost and potential funding sources. This response should reflect and be consistent with recommendations from the review panel about the extent of the dieback, probable causes and the potential for recovery/mitigation. A tentative agenda is shown on the accompanying page.

For further information call me at 225 342-3968.

Tentative Agenda for Salt Marsh Dieback Meeting on 9/14

Len Bahr (9:00-9:15)

Introduction and framing the issue
Charge to participants

Kerry St Pe (9:15-9:45)

Known extent and present severity of the problem
Climatic setting
Sea level history
River flow history

Greg Linscombe (9:45-10:15)

Findings of panel
Potential causes of the dieback
Expected degree of recovery
Recommendations

Q and A (10:15-10:45)

Break (10:45-11:00)

Facilitated discussion of appropriate management response (11:00-5:00 with 90 minute lunch break)