Transcript Establishing a National Estuarine Research Reserve In Louisiana What is a National Estuarine Research Reserve?  NERRS was established by the Coastal Zone Management Act (1972)  Protects.

Establishing a
National Estuarine
Research Reserve
In Louisiana
What is a
National Estuarine
Research Reserve?
 NERRS was established by the
Coastal Zone Management Act (1972)
 Protects > 1 million acres of wetlands
 Includes 25 reserves in 21 states
 First reserve was established in
1974 and the last reserve in 1999
 The smallest reserve has 571 acres
and the largest 365,000 acres
 NERR is a part of the solution for
maintaining healthy coastal
resources
Goals of NERRs
 Ensure a stable environment
for long term research
 Address coastal management
issues
 Enhance public awareness and
understanding of estuarine
areas
 Promote state, and public use of
reserves for estuarine research
 Conduct and coordinate
estuarine research within the
system
NERR programs
Ecosystem health evaluation
 Monitor water quality and wildlife
populations
Educational programs
 Develop curriculum for schools
 Provide information to coastal
decision makers, lawmakers,
teachers, students, and public
 Interactive programs such as
educational cruises, lectures,
nature trails and exhibits
 Habitat mapping
 Develop restoration alternatives
 Student fellowships
Facilities at NERRs
 Interpretive center
 Nature trails
 Research field station
 Conference room
 Overnight accommodations
 Boats
 Public boat access
 Docking facilities
 Weather Station
FAQ:
Q. Will the estuarine reserve affect my
ability to use this area for fishing,
hunting, birding, etc.?
A. No, the reserve program is nonregulatory. In fact money is available
through this program to improve access
for these activities
Q. How much money will it cost to establish
the reserve? And will my taxes increase
as a result of the program?
A. The federal government provides the
funding, $100,000 - $700,000 per year.
The state contribution is a 30% match
generally in the form of services or
facilities. No additional taxes!
Steps to establish
a NERR…
1. State Applies for $100,000
federal assistance grant
2. Receive approval for plan
3. Implement land designation (up
to $5 million federal money
available)
4. Apply for building funds
Contact Information:
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB:
www.lanerr.lsu.edu
Jason Blackburn
Joseph Macaluso
Brian Milan
Jennifer Spicer
R Eugene Turner
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Louisiana State University
Dept of Oceanography and
Coastal Sciences
Baton Rouge, LA 70803