The Parish recognizes the need to shift the dominant restoration philosophy in the region from a defensive strategy to an offensive strategy. Continuing to wall off vast expanses of coastal wetlands in hope that it will preserve them indefinitely is no longer an option. Simply writing off aggressive action to restore ecosystem structures and functions at a scale commensurate with their ongoing loss as “too expensive” is no longer acceptable. Rather, the Parish must seek to optimize the influence of all available freshwater resources (riverine, drainage outfalls, and sanitary systems), rebuild critical landscape features which help to maintain an estuarine gradient (without isolating wetlands from sediment sources and important fishery species), and lay the ground work for restoration activities beyond the scale at which they are currently practiced. This Comprehensive Plan for Coastal Restoration in Terrebonne Parish (CPCR) is a vital first step in a long process to realize the conceptual vision articulated in the State’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. It will enable the Parish to take an increased leadership role in planning and decision making for activities affecting the Parish.
