Help needed for coastline project in Cameron

(mgnonline.com)
A state coastal restoration organization wants at least 25 more volunteers to help install 9,000 feet of sand fence along a two-mile stretch of coastline west of Long Beach Road in Cameron Parish this week.

Hilary Collis, community-based restoration coordinator for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, said the project will run June 14-16. She said up to 200 rows of sand fence — posts and wooden slabs connected with wire that catch sand to create dunes — will be installed.

“The dunes and shoreline are our first line of defense,” Collis said. “This project could help restore up to five acres of coastline. It’s a very simple and effective way people can make a substantial difference in an area that is in need of it.”

So far, Collis said, about 50 volunteers have signed up to work on the project. She said they would like to get up to 75 volunteers.

The project is funded by nearly $70,000 in federal and private grants, Collis said. It is a continuation of a state-funded effort to install sand fencing west of Holly Beach and was discussed for several years before it was organized.

“Once or twice a year, we go out and do projects in the southwest part of the state, like planting dune grass,” she said. “This time, we wanted to do something slightly bigger. Our goal is to come back next fall and add more plants.”

Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. They can sign up to work for one day or multiple days, and the coalition will provide equipment, food and water.

The coalition has organized similar community-based restoration programs within the state for nearly a decade. Collis said about 8,000 people have volunteered on those projects, and 3,600 acres were restored.
 
americanpress.com

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