Project Investigations
Investigation #1: Coastal Master Plan
Investigation #4: Coastal Engineering
Investigation #2: Changing Salinity
Investigation #3: Ecology and the Economy
Investigation #5: Invasive Species
Did You Know?
Percent of Louisiana’s territory is considered either wetlands (32%) or open water (25%).
Percent of the nation's total coastal wetland loss has occurred in Louisiana.
Square miles of the Calcasieu-Sabine basin marsh were lost during Hurricane Rita.
You Can Make a Difference.
The role that each of us plays in helping to support conservation and restoration has a profound impact on our ecosystems. Learn more about what CWPPRA does and how you can join us.
Frequently Asked Questions About CWPPRA
What is the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) or Breaux Act?
The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, (CWPPRA pronounced kwǐp-rŭh), is federal legislation enacted in 1990 that is designed to identify, prepare, and fund construction of coastal wetlands restoration projects. These projects provide for the long-term conservation of wetlands and dependent fish and wildlife populations with cost-effective plans for creating, restoring, protecting, or enhancing coastal wetlands. In Louisiana, CWPPRA is often called the “Breaux Act” in honor of U.S. Senator John Breaux, who helped initiate the legislation.
What does CWPPRA do?
Since its inception, over 240 coastal restoration or protection projects have been authorized, benefiting approximately 100,000 acres as of May 2025. These restoration projects provide for the long-term conservation of wetlands and dependent fish and wildlife populations with cost-effective approaches to creating, restoring, protecting, or enhancing coastal wetlands.
For over 30 years, CWPPRA has provided the only joint Federal/State coastal restoration effort with a predictable and recurring funding stream designed to restore the vanishing wetlands of coastal Louisiana. The CWPPRA program continues to pursue a full slate of coastal restoration activities, and its progress and experience provide the foundation for restoration supported by one-time funding from various other sources. CWPPRA represents a collaborative effort and is managed by a Task Force comprised of five federal agencies and the State of Louisiana.
What is currently being done by CWPPRA to restore coastal Louisiana?
What causes coastal land loss in Louisiana? The basic reasons for coastal land loss include both natural causes and human activities. Natural causes include hurricanes, subsidence, wave erosion, sea-level rise and salt-water intrusion. Human activities causing land loss include the construction of a variety of devices that regulate water and sediment deposition in Louisiana. These include the construction of river levees, large water control structures, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, ship canals, and access canals.
Why are Louisiana wetlands important?
Louisiana wetlands are unique and vital ecological assets. Wetlands act as a storm buffer against hurricanes and storms. They act as flood control devices: holding excess floodwaters during high rainfall (much like a sponge). Wetlands replenish aquifers, and they purify water by filtering out pollutants and absorbing nutrients.
Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Coastal Louisiana lands are the breeding grounds and nurseries for thousands of species of aquatic life, land animals, and birds of all kinds – including our national symbol, the bald eagle. This ecosystem also provides a migratory habitat for over five million waterfowl each year.
People also benefit from Louisiana’s coastal lands. Louisiana is responsible for a major part of our nation’s oil and gas production, shipping commerce, fisheries industry, fur harvesting, and oyster production, accounting for over 55,000 jobs and billions of dollars in revenues. Additionally, wetlands are wonderful recreational resources and are part of Louisiana’s growing ecotourism business. To learn more about the economic value of our wetlands, read “The Cost of Doing Nothing” in WaterMarks (Summer 1999).
Your Efforts Make a Difference.
How can you help?
The first step is learning about Louisiana’s coastal land loss and restoration efforts. You may also choose to participate in public meetings so your ideas will be heard.
- Participate in Public Meetings & Events
Public meetings and activities keep you informed and allow you to take part in Louisiana’s coastal restoration activities.
Whether you want to attend a CWPPRA Task Force meetings, parish Coastal Zone Management meetings, or coastal conferences; the LUCC Calendar can help keep you informed about ways that you as a citizen can have your voice heard in issues related to Louisiana wetlands.
- You Can Write About It? Write About It!
Sure, as a U.S. citizen you can contact any of your elected officials to voice your opinion about Louisiana’s coastal restoration activities.
To contact your elected officials click here.
Get Involved
Each of us has some effect on our wetlands. Each of us can help save them. Our contributions may seem small, but they join with those of four million other Louisianians. You can help by learning about wetlands in your area and educating others about these unique and intriguing places.
Sign Up for the Newsflash
The CWPPRA Program would like the public to be aware of what is going on with our coastal wetlands. The CWPPRA Newsflash is sent out by email to do just that.
Want to sign up for the Newsflash? Questions about the CWPPRA Program? Email us at CWPPRA@USGS.gov with the subject “Subscribe to Newsflash”.
CLICK HERE to visit the CWPPRA website and learn more about the Newsflash.
A View From Above...
Historically, the Cameron-Creole area was a thriving freshwater marsh system. Over time, however, human-made modifications such as levees and water control structures disrupted natural water flow. This led to saltwater intrusion, increased salinity, and the gradual conversion of freshwater marsh to open water.
Observe the Cameron-Creole Freshwater Introduction Project on Google Maps.
1. What evidence of human engineering (like canals or water control) do you see?
2. How do you think water moves through this environment?
3. Why do you think CWPPRA chose to restore this area?
Click the “Show Satellite Imagery” icon in the lower-left corner of the map to see a satellite view of the area. Use the Zoom keys to see the terraces from space!
Meet the Project Partners
Crafting environmental outreach in a way that allows everyone to participate takes many different skillsets.
Meet the people who brought this project to life!
