For Immediate Release: April 1, 2010
Contact: Chris Macaluso
(225) 342-3972
chris.macaluso@la.gov

Registrations Now Being Accepted for State of the Coast Conference Set for June 8-10 in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE -- All interested in coastal ecosystem restoration and hurricane and flood risk reduction in South Louisiana are encouraged to register for the inaugural State of the Coast Conference set for June 8-10, 2010 in downtown Baton Rouge's River Center.

The State of the Coast Conference is a collaborative effort by the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and many others to discuss current efforts to restore and protect Louisiana's vital but fragile coastal ecosystems and communities and how those efforts will advance into the future.

The conference will consist of three full days of presentations and discussions involving many of the world's foremost experts on wetland and ecosystem restoration and hurricane protection and will revolve around three overarching themes: science and engineering, coastal planning and management, and coastal policy

"We are looking forward to the opportunity to join with our federal partners, the non-governmental organizations that have committed themselves to the restoration and protection of our coast and the scientists and engineers who are helping guide this effort to rebuild our coastal wetlands and protect our communities in this three day event," said Dr. Steve Mathies, executive director of the Louisiana Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration.

Sessions will focus on key policies needed in state and federal government to advance coastal restoration and hurricane protection work over the next two years. Also, presentations pertaining to ecology, engineering, hydrology, water quality, information systems, planning and policy, economics and ecosystem valuation topics will be given as well.

"The protection and restoration of coastal Louisiana requires immediate action to determine and implement the best practices and programs within the funds allocated," said Col. Alvin Lee, of the Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District. "This will require collaboration and dedication from all agencies involved, and we look forward to working with all our partners for the people of Louisiana."

The conference will feature a host of keynote speakers involved in coastal restoration and protection policy as well as "Café' and Beignet" session, during which conference participants can interact with and ask questions to coastal policy makers, scientists and engineers regarding key issues.

"We've recently seen significant progress on restoration and protection efforts in coastal Louisiana," said Steven Peyronnin, Executive Director for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. "The State of the Coast conference will build on that momentum by bringing together our state, federal and public partners to share current knowledge, tackle tough questions and develop real solutions that move us more quickly toward a sustainable coast."

Registrations are currently being accepted with rooms reserved at the Baton Rouge Hilton Capitol Center. Those who want to attend are encouraged to register before April 30, 2010. Registration information is available by clicking here http://www.stateofthecoast.org/registrationinformation.html

Sponsors for the State of the Coast include Shaw E & I, United States Geological Survey, CH2M Hill, Environmental Protection Agency, GEC, Lonnie Harper, Inc., Louisiana Sea Grant, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, CH Fenstermaker and Associates, Coast Builders Coalition, CWPPRA, Ducks Unlimited, HDR, Moffatt & Nichol, National Wildlife Federation and Restore or Retreat.

For more information about the State of the Coast Conference, please log on to www.stateofthecoast.org or call the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana at (225) 767-4181.

For more information about Louisiana's coastal restoration and hurricane protection efforts, please contact Chris Macaluso at (225) 342-3972 or by e-mail at chris.macaluso@la.gov.