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For the Bayou was founded in San Francisco
in 2008 by Louisiana natives. Our mission is to increase public
awareness of the disappearing Louisiana coastal wetlands, foster
restoration and protection of this economically and culturally
significant coastal environment, and support the people of Louisiana.
Our approach involves creating opportunities for the public to participate in culturally significant activities that showcase the food, music and art that is native to the Louisiana coast, including crawfish boils, Jambalaya parties, concerts, auctions and more.
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BAY FOR THE BAYOU BENEFIT 2012 A
HUGE SUCCESS!
Over $40,000 in NET proceeds were
raised at the 2012 Bay For the Bayou Benefit in
San Francisco. For the Bayou has approved
granting these funds to assist in restoring Raccoon
Island, a Barrier Island of the Isle
Dernière chain along Louisiana's coast that
contains sensitive, disappearing salt marshes, is as a major
nesting ground for Brown Pelicans and shorebirds and acts as
a barrier to inland marshes and wetlands. The restoration will
be an effort led by the organization's partner, Restore
the Earth Foundation, along with assistance and financial
support from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries, the Coypu Foundation and
other generous sponsors. |
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VIEW
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
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THE CRISIS
Every 30 minutes Louisiana loses the equivalent of one football field of wetlands.
These are America’s largest wetlands, and this is the most urgent ecological
crisis in the history of the United States. |
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WHAT'S AT STAKE?
The economic, ecological and social value of
the Louisiana wetlands is essential to the security and prosperity
of the United States.
Environment at Stake
- 40% of US coastal wetlands are in Louisiana
- 90% of coastal wetland loss occurs in
Louisiana - one acre every half hour
- Over 2 million people call this area home, including
the unique Cajun and Creole cultures who’s food and music
are enjoyed nation-wide
- Every 2.7 miles of wetlands diminishes storm surges by
1 foot, buffering against hurricanes and storms
- Louisiana wetlands support hundreds of species of birds,
plants, trees and other wildlife
- Louisiana wetlands provide about 280,000 acres of National
Wildlife Habitat
- It is the #1 US winter habitat for millions of migratory
waterfowl
- It is the #1 Nursery in the Caribbean Basin
Industry at Stake
- 30% of U.S. commercial seafood comes from Louisiana
- 30% of US crude oil production & 20%
of US natural gas production comes from Louisiana's coast
- Direct maritime commerce is enjoyed by 31 U.S. States through
the waterways and wetlands of Louisiana
- The largest US port (based on tonnage) is
located in South Louisiana & the 5th largest of the
15 largest US ports is in South Louisiana.
- $2 billion in revenues is created annually from recreational
fishing in South Louisiana
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CAUSES OF WETLAND LOSS
- Mississippi River Dams and Levee Architecture
- Saltwater Intrusion caused by manmade canals for federally-maintained
waterways
- Hurricanes and Storm Surges
- Oil Spills
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