Federal, State and Local officials and the public are invited to participate in activities featuring five CWPPRA (Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act), also known as Breaux Act, projects located in Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines and Terrebonne parishes on Friday, June 16, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Isle State Park.

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has partnered with the EPA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to build these projects that are nearing completion. The projects are built with funding from the state’s CWPPRA Trust Fund and formulated on a cost-share basis.

Speakers will include DNR Secretary Scott Angelle, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chief of Staff Scott Rayder, NRCS State Conservationist Don Gohmert, EPA’s Chief for Marine and Wetlands Jane Watson, and Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard. LSU scientist Dr. Greg Stone will also give a presentation on the importance of barrier shorelines during the scheduled luncheon at Bridge Side Marina after the ceremony.

Children are also invited to the event to meet and take pictures with the celebrated America’s WETLAND characters — the Estuarians, including Reed the Alligator, Delta the Dolphin, Pierre the Pelican, and Captain Eddy the Eagle.

For more information and directions to the Grand Isle State Park, 108 Admiral Craik Drive, Grand Isle, LA., see these websites:
www.lacoast.gov
www.dnr.louisiana.gov  

Casual dress and shoes are suggested.

• View additional details and directions in the CWPPRA Project Dedication Ceremony invitation
• View related news advisory, On the Front Line of Defense