Schatzel, E. G. (2023, August 10). Largest single restoration project in U.S. history breaks ground. National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2023/8-10-23-Mid-Barataria-Sediment 

The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion in Louisiana marks a historic moment in U.S. ecosystem restoration as they break ground in the largest single project of its kind. The National Wildlife Federation sees large-scale sediment diversion as a pivotal step in reconnecting the Mississippi River to surrounding wetlands. Louisiana, facing significant land loss, is implementing a soft engineering strategy to restore coastal wetlands, the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion is predicted to restore up to 27 square miles of wetlands in the Barataria Basin. This project mimics the natural land-building processes, it is expected to create vital wildlife habitats and serve as a crucial buffer against storm surges for coastal communities.

The restoration of coastal wetlands is important because it will rehabilitate ecosystems home to small organisms that help support larger wildlife, as well as help renourish the ground to protect it from erosion and decay. This approach to habitat restoration is also unique as it serves as a form of protection from sea level rise due to climate change. Restoring wetlands ensures that when waters rise they have the ability to absorb excess water through soil and the roots of the vegetation. I think this project is great because of its ambitious large-scale efforts at removing this built-up sediment. By moving the sediment and allowing the wetlands to be restored, it allows wildlife to reinhabit these areas which reduces competition for space among organisms, this can allow more life to flourish in the river and surrounding wetlands.