Drawing Louisiana's New Map: Addressing Land Loss in Coastal Louisiana (February 2006)Report in Brief
During the past 50 years, coastal Louisiana has suffered catastrophic land loss due to both natural and human causes, and this loss has increased storm vulnerability and amplified risks to lives, property, and economies--a fact underscored by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This report reviews a restoration plan proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Louisiana, finding that, although the individual projects in the study are scientifically sound, there should be more larger-scale projects that provide a comprehensive approach to addressing land loss over such a large area. The report states that restoration efforts should be part of a comprehensive effort to rebuild New Orleans and coastal Louisiana in response to the recent hurricanes. It also recommends that restoration should be guided by a detailed map of the expected future landscape of coastal Louisiana that is developed from agreed upon goals for the region and the nation.