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Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom. Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.

Playing Politics On The Coast Harms Us All

Sunday, July 30, 2006
Source: Times-Picayune

To attempt to revive a 20-plus-year-old federal proposal that science has proved has little potential to achieve its stated goals and would likely induce significant ecological harm is hard to imagine. To do so, in light of the technical failures of other federal projects like our hurricane protection system, is incomprehensible.

To do this by what appears to be extortion of funding for Louisiana's coastal restoration is the politics that we all know must stop.

Yet, that's exactly what Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott appears to be doing with his actions pressing to construct the Bonnet Carre diversion project.

The goal of the Bonnet Carre proposal was to increase oyster production 70 miles away in the Mississippi Sound. Oyster production there decreased because of increasing salinities. This resulted from another federal project, the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, and the subsequent demise of our coastal wetlands.

We can fix this and do much more for Louisiana and Mississippi. All we need to do is plug the MR-GO at Bayou LaLoutre and reintroduce river water at or near Violet. This will replicate the natural plumbing of our coast, reduce salinities, enhance Mississippi's oysters, and, most important, begin to rebuild our natural coastal lines of defense against storm surges.

Let's please stop all these shenanigans. Sen. Lott, this is much more than just oysters. It's about our common coast and the lives, property and businesses of everyone in the region. It's about the future of both Louisiana and Mississippi. We have the same goals. We must work together and do it right this time.

Nature may not give us another chance.

Carlton Dufrechou
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Metairie

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