Conservation and Use of Coastal Wetland Forests in Louisiana

Predicting the retreat and migration of tidal forests along the northern Gulf of Mexico under sea-level rise

“…Nevertheless, the process and magnitude is expected to compromise the health and sustainability of coastal forests not already behind protection levees. Abundant evidence exists that show tidal and non-tidal freshwater forests and oak cheniers within the coastal zone are already drowning and degrading, and lacking the ability to regenerate by natural means (Pezeshki et al, 1990;DeLaune and Pezeshki, 1994;Chambers et al, 2005;Conner et al, 2005Conner et al, , 2007aFaulkner et al, 2007). The prospect of sustainability or restoration of forests in much of coastal Louisiana with or without effects of climate change may be compromised by land subsidence that will foster further forest degradation in decades rather than centuries.…”

Potential Effects of Sea-Level Rise on Coastal Wetlands in Southeastern Louisiana

“…Studies indicate that in salinity stress in some areas, such as the Maurepas swamp of these swamps to regenerate (Allen, Pezeshki, and Chambers, 1996;Faulkner et al, 2007;Shaffer et al, 2009;Thompson, Shaffer, and McCorquodale, 2002). Neither baldcypress nor water tupelo seeds can germinate while under water, and their (Keim et al, 2006).…”

“…Much of southern Louisiana is populated by baldcypresswater tupelo (Taxodium distichum-Nyssa aquatica) swamps although the extent and health of these systems has declined considerably over the past century due to a combination of factors, including logging and development, altered hydrology, nutrient and sediment deprivation, and saltwater intrusion (Faulkner et al, 2007;Shaffer et al, 2009). Studies indicate that in salinity stress in some areas, such as the Maurepas swamp of these swamps to regenerate (Allen, Pezeshki, and Chambers, 1996;Faulkner et al, 2007;Shaffer et al, 2009;Thompson, Shaffer, and McCorquodale, 2002).…”