CRCL Engagement

SAVE LOUISIANA’S COAST CONNECTING SCIENCE, COMMUNITIES AND ACTION TO

THE COALITION TO RESTORE COASTAL LOUISIANA

started in 1988 with th Tomorrow?” This “citizens’ plea for action” played a fundamental role in generating pub dedicated to coastal restoration in Louisiana, has grown from a small policy action grou future leaders, educates stakeholders, advocates for science-based policy and partners not sink into the Gulf. We seek to involve all communities affected by coastal land loss i

We bring bold, science-based solutions to our communities, econom

SINCE THE 1930S, NEARLY 2,000 ACRES HABITAT RESTORATION

OYSTER SHELL RECYCLING

Through our Habitat Restoration Program, CRCL protects wetlands and coastal beaches of south Louisiana, including important habitat for fish and migratory birds.

CRCL partners with restaurants to collect shell and use it to build oyster reefs. These reefs slow coastal erosion, create habitat for new oysters and other wildlife, and serve as a barrier to minimize damage caused by hurricanes.

We have planted close to 1 million plants and nearly 41,000 trees as part of the program, covering more than 4,000 acres of wetlands and beach.

We need your help. Sponsor a habitat restoration event or join us as a volunteer.

CRCL has built three oyster reefs with the help of more than 1,400 volunteers and 46 community groups. We have also established a public drop-off site for residents to recycle shell. Thanks to our partnering restaurants, sponsors and volunteers, we have returned 10 million pounds of oyster shell to the water.

You can support our work by volunteer to help us build a reef, supporting our restaurant partners or simply recycling your shell.

he publication of a groundbreaking report, “Coastal Louisiana: Here Today and Gone blic awareness of the state’s coastal land loss crisis. CRCL, the first statewide nonprofit up to a multifaceted organization that restores habitat, recycles oyster shells, develops s with businesses, communities and other nonprofits — all to ensure that our future does in our efforts, recognizing the benefit to embracing our diversity.

my and government to ensure that Louisiana thrives into the future.

OF LOUISIANA’S COAST HAS VANISHED. ADVOCACY

ENGAGEMENT

CRCL advocates for urgent action based to restore coastal Louisiana. CRCL plays an active role in the development of the Coastal Master Plan, and we engage government officials to press for science-based projects to protect our marshes, swamps and barrier islands. Through our action alert system, we mobilize supporters of coastal restoration to engage with policymakers. We also advocate for reintroducing nutrient-rich sediment from the Mississippi River into our wetlands as the most effective means of long-term, sustainable coastal restoration. We recognize that as our planet and our coast are changing, it is inevitable that fishing is changing, too. Fishing is an important part of our economy and our culture, and we envision a future where healthy fisheries are a part of our working coast.

CRCL recognizes that coastal land loss is a longstanding problem, and that restoration must be a long-term solution. We are recruiting and developing the next generation of professionals to restore our coast through our Future Coastal Leaders (for high school students) and Student Ambassadors (for college students) programs.

We also build relationships with communities and community groups across our coast, from the southwest to the southeast, as well as with the fishing community to ensure that they are involved in coastal restoration decisions and projects.

People can join creative engagement opportunities such as kayak tours, field trips to sites relevant to coastal restoration or by participating in events such as community gatherings and Restoration on the Half Shell.

JOIN US! Our work is supported by donations, grants, and corporate partnerships and made possible by our community volunteers.

We welcome corporate groups at our volunteer events; joining us is a team-building exercise that helps connect people with their environment.

Special events also fill our calendar, including our biennial State of the Coast conference, which can draw more than 1,300 people.

Foundation grants make up 57 percent of our funding. The remainder comes from government contracts, corporate donations, private donations, and special events.

A MESSAGE FROM

CRCL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIM REYHER Now more than ever, land loss threatens the future of south Louisiana — our communities, culture and economy. We are losing rich, productive wetlands, as well as the bounty of seafood they provide us, with consequences that reach far beyond the Gulf Coast.

We live on a river delta that is sinking. Meanwhile, our seas our rising. It’s a devastating combination.

Fortunately, Louisiana is taking action. Our state has a comprehensive science-based plan that has widespread support from federal, state and local officials and communities. After years in the

making, these plans are now on the verge of being implemented.

Our work at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana enhances and supports this vision for creating the best Louisiana for future generations.

We are proud of where we have come, but we know there is more work ahead. We hope that you’ll join us.

Best,

Kim

VISIT US AT CRCL.ORG. FOLLOW US ON

“ Jumping into a bayou full of soil, fish and grass just to plant more has been an amazing journey.”

MERVIN SMITH, CRCL VOLUNTEER

“ CRCL has persistently pursued creative ways to protect and restore coastal Louisiana, becoming the pre-eminent citizens’ voice for our coastal wetlands and barrier islands.”

CRCL BOARD MEMBER ROB GORMAN