urbansplanus

27th January 2012

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High Resolution Image of Earth

The image, actually a composite of a number of satellite photos stitched together, captures the earth’s surface on January 4, 2012.

The finished product, a massive 64 megapixels, is so detailed it captures clear images of Mississippi River mud falling off the outer-continental shelf.

Although the river ran unusually high three weeks ago, it was far from flood stage.

The brown areas seen in the picture represent some of the millions of cubic feet of sand and mud that, trapped in the Mississippi levee system, flow into the Gulf of Mexico.

Coastal advocates have argued the government should capture more of that silt to rebuild islands and marsh in the delta.

f funding were made available, the Corps estimates up to 17 million cubic yards annually could be used to “enhance coastal wetlands through marsh creation, wetland nourishment, barrier island restoration, ridge restoration, and other techniques.”

via the Environmental Defense Fund’s twitter

Tagged: louisianamississippi riverwetland restoration

26th January 2012

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Natural Defense Instead of Military Defense

More than six years after Hurricane Katrina plowed into New Orleans and the Mississippi River delta, a plan has finally emerged to protect the area from future storms. It relies heavily on the restoration of wetlands to cut down high surges of ocean water like those that flooded the city in 2005—somewhat of a surprise, considering past efforts focused on levees and seawalls.

One of the recommendations of my thesis was to restore wetlands and rebuild barrier islands, and I’m going to a reception on wetlands restoration tonight. So excited!

Tagged: new orleansmississippi river deltalouisianawetlands restorationbarrier island

24th January 2012

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Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast

“Most of the $50 billion goes to getting the Mississippi River back into the wetlands and rebuilding marshes, which has always been the only way we could fashion a future here. The projects chosen south of New Orleans put 50 percent of the river’s flow into the starving deltas so critical to fish, wildlife and flood protection. Only $12.7 billion goes to levees statewide.

The agency said its decisions were made using a planning tool based on two uncompromising drivers: Flood protection and land-building.

Under current forecasts of subsidence and sea-level rise because of global warming, the $50 billion could build 859 square miles in 50 years. But with $100 billion, the plan could expand and build between 900 and 1,400 square miles in 50 years.”

(Source: nola.com)

Tagged: louisianamaster plansustainablecoastdelta