Our Mission

The mission of Lower Mississippi RIVERKEEPER® is to protect, preserve and restore the ecological integrity of the Mississippi River Basin for current users and future generations through advocacy and citizen action.

Lower Mississippi RIVERKEEPER

Protecting the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana

 

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Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper on patrol

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Cypress Mulch

THE CURRENT THREAT

Endangered Coastal Cypress Forest Though Louisiana's wetlands face serious threats from coastal land loss and development, widespread clear cutting of cypress forests is also a very imminent danger.

In the past cypress mulch used to be a by-product of lumber mills. This is no longer true. The mulch purchased today comes from wide spread clear cutting of entire eco systems.

Loggers are operating with little to no oversight. No state laws exist to protect Louisiana's state tree; some that are more than 1,000 years old.

A mixed message: State and Federal Officials are asking our nation for billions of dollars to restore Louisiana's coast. However, it's not clear whether our cypress forests, which help to combat coastal erosion, are adequately protected from logging under current state and federal laws.

 

THE IMPACT

Though many areas that were logged in the early 1900s have regenerated, local scientists believe that many of Louisiana's coastal cypress forests would not grow back if they are now cut.

Read more about endangered cypress forests.
Article Title Date
Video - Cypress Mulch Friday, 19 June 2009
Interactive Map of Cypress Mulch Manufacturing in Louisiana Thursday, 19 February 2009
Endangered Cypress Forests Monday, 12 January 2009

Report a Problem

If you spot something fishy on the river call the toll free Lower Mississippi
RIVERKEEPER® hotline:
1-866-msriver (1-866-677-4837)

Our Partners & Friends

Louisiana Environmental Action Network Atchafalaya Basinkeeper Waterkeeper Alliance SouthWings Save Our Cypress Coalition