Canal backfilling at landscape scale
Among the largest backfilling projects, the initiative increases hydrologic exchange and reduces storm surge.
Practices
Markets
Environmental monitoring for hydrologic and habitat restoration
Restoration at The Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve has addressed decades of wetland deterioration from canal excavation, subsidence, sea level rise and tropical storms. The project, funded by the RESTORE Act, restores natural hydrologic exchange, reduces saltwater intrusion and mitigates storm surge impacts.
Comprehensive ecological monitoring
Teams established 12 sites to monitor restoration progress, observing soil properties, water chemistry and fish communities.
Submerged aquatic vegetation recovery
A breakwater structure encourages regrowth, sustaining freshwater conditions despite environmental pressures.
A blueprint for future restoration
The delicate monitoring approach provides data for park managers and stakeholders planning similar interventions.
Louisiana's wetlands have steadily deteriorated since the 1930s due to canal excavation for natural resource extraction and transport, rapid subsidence, sea level rise and tropical storm impacts.
Working with CDM Smith's environmental specialists and expert biologists, the region was able to apply, monitor and sustain comprehensive restoration efforts that can serve as a model for future large-scale canal backfilling projects worldwide.
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