Funding for Marsh Die-Back Investigations

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Potential Funding Opportunity - Marsh Die-Back

In response to the emergency presented by the extensive marsh die-back
experienced in many parts of Louisiana in 2000, federal funding has been
made available to support investigations into the extent, causes, and
potential remedies for the problem.

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with the
State Wetlands Authority and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary
Program, expects to be distributing funds for this work within the next
few months. It is anticipated that funds to support research and
assessment efforts, as well as data management and synthesis aspects of
the response program will be distributed on a competitive basis. The
forthcoming conference, "Coastal Marsh Dieback in the Northern Gulf of
Mexico: Extent, Causes, Consequences, and Remedies" provides an
excellent opportunity for any party interested in working on this effort
to gain background information on the problem and what has been done so
far.   The conference will be held on January 11 & 12 at the Radisson
Hotel in Baton Rouge, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Call Traci Thibodeaux at
337-482-5712 for additional information.

More details of the potential funding opportunity will be distributed
soon. Potential contractors and cooperators are advised to take
advantage of the conference and the website
(http://www.lacoast.gov/brownMarsh/index.htm) for essential background
information on the issue in preparation for future announcements on
funding opportunities.

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