Join us for the Working on the Water Summit Tuesday March 22 in St. Bernard at Docville Farm in Violet. Aimed at professionals in fisheries and water-related businesses seeking to grow in changing times. Speakers and panels will focus on resilience, government programs, and innovation. Learn from industry leaders, researchers, and peers about how to adapt and thrive. 9am to 3pm, free!

Register at http://workingonthewater.com

Join us for a conversation about building the Louisiana water economy.

This workshop is a series in the Water Challenge, an initiative funded by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, supported by the Economic Development Administration, and generously sponsored by Entergy Corporation.

This event is part of the Water Challenge series.

"The Draft Louisiana Wetland Rapid Assessment Method (LRAM) was placed on public notice with a start date of October 12, 2015.  This notice is to obtain public comments on the LRAM Guidance as well as the LRAM.  Below is the public comment  and public meeting schedule associated with the public notice.  For more details, click here."

                  LRAM Public Comment Schedule

October 12, 2015              Draft LRAM goes on public notice

October 27, 2015              Workshop #1 (Lake Charles)    

                                          6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Open House     
                                          6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Presentation and Discussion 
                                          Location: Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70611 

October 28, 2015             Workshop #2 (St. Martinville)

                                         6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Open House 
                                         6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Presentation and Discussion 
                                         Location: Cade Community Center, 1688 Smede Hwy, St. Martinville, LA 70582 

November 3, 2015           Workshop #3 (Houma)

                                         6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Open House 
                                         6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Presentation and Discussion 
                                         Location: Houma Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, LA 70360

November 4, 2015           Workshop #4 (Mandeville)

                                         6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Open House 
                                         6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Presentation and Discussion 
                                         Location: Fleur De Lis Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, LA 70471

November 26, 2015         End of public comment period.  All comments must be received by this date.

Link to draft assessment: http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Portals/56/docs/regulatory/publicnotices/October_2015_LRAM_PN.pdf

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Sea Grant College Program at LSU (Sea Grant) are proud to announce the completion of phase one of the Louisiana Fisheries Forward (LFF) initiative. These initial components include a web site (LaFisheriesForward.org), eight fact sheets and four videos approximately 35 minutes in length:

• Best Practices for Commercial Fishermen
• Best Practices for Seafood Dealers and Processors
• Best Practices for Commercial Crab Fishermen
• Best Business Practices for the Seafood Industry

A collaboration of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Sea Grant College Program at LSU (Sea Grant), LFF was established with the goal of improving the economic success and environmental sustainability of Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry. Though participation in LFF is voluntary at this time, leaders at LDWF and Sea Grant believe the program is making real impact.

Another four videos are planned in the next year, in addition to eight more fact sheets, workshops along the coast and the annual LFF Summit to be held Tuesday, March 1, 2016 in New Orleans.

• Barataria Barrier Island Complex Project: Pelican Island and Pass La Mer to Chaland Pass Restoration (BA-38)
• Lake Hermitage Marsh Creation (BA-42)
• Bayou Dupont Ridge Creation and Marsh Restoration (BA-48)
• Grand Liard Marsh and Ridge Restoration (BA-68)
• Pass Chaland to Grand Bayou Pass Barrier Shoreline Restoration (Ba-35)
• Little Lake Shoreline Protection/Dedicated Dredging Near Round Lake (BA-37)
• Caminada Headlands Back Barrier Marsh Creation (BA-143)

http://gopropeller.org/events/1316/

2017 COASTAL MASTER PLAN UPDATE

Join us for an interactive workshop and discussion on the 2017 Coastal Master Plan, the RESTORE Act, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

WHEN

Thursday, September 24, 2015
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

WHERE

Propeller Incubator
4035 Washington Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70125  Get Map

DETAILS

The 2017 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan Update is currently underway. The Master Plan is the key driver of coastal restoration efforts, as well as risk reduction projects along the Louisiana Coast. The state is required to “administer their regulatory practices, programs, contracts, grants, and all other functions vested in them in a manner consistent with the Master Plan and public interest to the maximum extent possible.” CPRAhas significantly updated the Risk Assessment, and has made a lot of its data publicly accessible, via the Flood Risk and Resilience Viewer, which is designed to provide information on flood risk, coastal land change, and community impacts. This workshop will provide an update on existing projects and potential projects that will be included in the 2017 Coastal Master Plan. We will also discuss the impact of RESTOREAct Funding on Coastal Master Plan implementation and opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

Agenda:
I. Current Status of 2017 Master Plan Update
II. Flood Risk and Resilience Viewer
III. Expected Additional Projects
IV. Status of Projects To Date
V. RESTOREFunding
VI. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in the Water Sector

Presenters:
Karim Belhadjali, Deputy Chief, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority 
Jennifer Gerbasi, Recovery Planner, Terrebonne Parish 
Chris Barnes, Legal Advisor, Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities
Justin Ehrenwerth, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council

REGISTER

Register for this Event

MORE INFO

This workshop is a series in the Water Challenge, an initiative funded by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and generously sponsored by Entergy Corporation.

This event is part of the Water Challenge series.

One of the exciting highlights of the week of commemorations honoring the decade of rebuilding since the catastrophic floods and storms of 2005 was the release of the City of New Orleans Resilience Strategy.

The selection of New Orleans as one of the first members of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative (funded by the Rockefeller Foundation) sparked the endeavor to create the strategy, which represents a major step toward a sustainable future. The 90 page document commits New Orleans to a path of adaptation, equity, and transformation.

From its opening paragraphs, bold, assertive language declares the city will adapt to climate change by “building on the confluence of Louisiana’s culture, history, and natural systems,” carrying forward the theme and intent of the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan to live and work more harmoniously with nature. In fact, the following paragraph declares, "We will implement our regional Urban Water Plan to reduce flood risk, mitigate soil subsidence, and beautify our communities.”

People in our region are eager to share experiences and help others facing similar challenges. And this week gave us a chance to express our profound gratitude to the world for supporting us. With the release of the Resilience Strategy, New Orleans earns that support by committing to a better, more thoughtful path—as leaders. It truly is a new day.

• K-12 Education: Monday, August 31 3-4:30pm, Keller Library. 
• Research and Policy: Tuesday, September 1, 11am-12pm, Myrtle Banks (3rd Floor Conference Room)
• Advocacy:  Wednesday, September 2, Noon - 1:00 PM, TBD Please contact Keith Twitchell directly for the location keithgct@aol.com
• Community Education: Friday, September 4, 9:00-10:30am, Myrtle Banks (3rd Flood Conference Room)
• Builders & Designers: Tuesday, September 8th, 4:00pm, Waggonner and Ball 

Study to Develop Strategies for 
Investment in the Regional Water Economy

(NEW ORLEANS LA) July 28, 2015—NOLAVibe, a New Orleans-based consultancy focused on social change, is conducting a regional study to guide investment of money, time, and resources to build Louisiana’s water economy.

Working with support of the Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN) and a $50,000 grant from the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), the study will identify regional water assets and challenges, examine interactions, align data with global market demands, and recommend strategies to build the region’s water economy.

 The research examines seven water sectors (identified in prior NOLAVibe research) across thirteen parishes in the Greater New Orleans area. Louisiana’s seven water sectors are:

•   Coastal and environmental management and restoration, including flood and surge protection systems, disaster management, and mitigation

•   Municipal sewer, water, and drainage infrastructure

•   Maritime, ports, and navigation

•   Industry and manufacturing

•   Agriculture and fisheries

•   Water law and policy

•   Cultural and ecological tourism

 “Southeast Louisiana is well-positioned to build a sustainable water economy,” said Ella Delio, Director of Environmental and Regional Initiatives at GNOF. “This research is an important step to gain a better understanding of our water assets and challenges and to provide strategies for effective investment and actions.”

 “We’re excited about this project,” said NPN Director Timolyn Sams Sumpter. “We see it as a roadmap for anyone seeking to be part of the water economy, and for the sustainability of our neighborhoods and communities.”

 “We’re asking two fundamental questions,” said NOLAVibe President, Grasshopper Mendoza. “What are our water assets, and how can we align these assets to be competitive in the global marketplace? In Louisiana, water is a powerful economic and cultural driver, and a truly indigenous resource. We’re excited about the potential of the Louisiana Water Economy, and to be part of a diverse team working to build strategies that create new opportunities for all.”

 The research phase of the study is underway and will continue through November. An online survey will be launched in October. The study will be released to the public in early 2016.

NOLAVibe is a New Orleans-based consulting firm founded by Grasshopper Mendoza and Steve Picou in 2012. NOLAVibe focuses on social change and building the Circular Economy. The Circular Economy is a new economic approach designed to transform the old, linear “take-make-waste” industrial model into a restorative and regenerative system that eliminates waste and works more harmoniously with (and within) the limits of the planet’s resources.

Neighborhood Partnership Network’s mission is to improve quality of life by engaging New Orleanians, individually and collectively, in neighborhood vitality and civic processes.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation serves the Southeast Louisiana region. For over 30 years, GNOF has been connecting donors to community needs. We help create a resilient, sustainable, vibrant community in which individuals and families flourish and the special character of our region is preserved, celebrated, and supported.