For Immediate Release: April 28, 2010
Contact: Chris Macaluso
(225) 342-3972
chris.macaluso@la.gov

REMINDER: State of the Coast Conference Early Registration Ends April 30; Conference Set for June 8-10 in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE -- All interested in coastal ecosystem restoration and hurricane and flood protection in South Louisiana are reminded that early registration ends this Friday, April 30, for the inaugural State of the Coast Conference set for June 8-10, 2010 in downtown Baton Rouge's River Center.

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

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 State of the Coast Program Committee has made the conference agenda available. More than 20 sessions will highlight issues including Structural Protection, Sediment Management, Storm Surge Modeling, Dutch Perspective, Designing Diversions, Hurricane Impacts, Ecosystem Modeling, Lessons Learned and many more. In addition, expert panels will tackle topics on climate change, coastal visioning and integrating the roles of the federal agencies in three interactive plenary sessions. To view the full agenda, please visit http://www.stateofthecoast.org/agenda.html.

The agenda is packed with three full days of presentations, panel discussions and keynote speakers to highlight the issues and research occurring on our coast. An Interactive Poster Session will include research from more than 90 experts in coastal restoration and protection fields. Mid-morning and afternoon breaks will focus on the poster displays and exhibitor booths which allow for great networking opportunities. Keynote speakers will present to all attendees during lunches, which are provided as a part of your registration. The State of the Coast has also partnered with the American Society of Professional Engineers to provide Professional Development Hours for all registered professional engineers. Register online at http://www.stateofthecoast.org/registrationinformation.html.

"We are looking forward to the opportunity to join with our federal partners, the non-governmental organization 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.

"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, Commander 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."

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.