Press Release

THIBODAUX, LA – In order to help local residents identify invasive plants and help control their spread, the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) recently published a new residents’ guide titled Managing Invasive Plants. The publication identifies potentially damaging invasive plants and gives residents information on biological control, chemical control with herbicides, and techniques for manual or mechanical control.

Acorns that drop in front of Ellender Memorial Library on the Nicholls State University campus have been collected, grown, and shared with seniors from the 2018 graduating class. Alma Robichaux, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) Education/Outreach Coordinator, thought of the idea from acorns sprouting in her front yard and thought it would make a great gift for anyone. Robichaux connected with Dr. Mary Jackson, Allied Health Instructor and Advisor to the Nicholls GREEN Club, to suggest the gift giving project. The overall idea to grow the oaks and give them to the graduating seniors originated from the Nicholls GREEN Club in hopes that they plant the trees to improve the local ecosystem.

On April 16, 2018, the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) will share with the public its updated guidance document called a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). Since 1990 the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) has been engaged in the protection and restoration of the 4.2 million acres of land and water that lie between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers which has been at the heart of Louisiana’s land loss crisis. The modernized Plan has been revised and is now ready for public review.

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) held its 81st Management Conference meeting on November 2, 2017 at Nicholls State University. At the meeting, Al Levron officially announced his retirement as Chairperson after serving 15 years and Dr. Quenton Fontenot and Jean Landry were elected as the new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.

BTNEP would like to invite all students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who live in the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary System (BTES) to participate in BTNEP’s contest. Students are invited to submit their artwork for judging by Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 4pm to the BTNEP office.

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Nicholls State University (NSU) are asking for volunteers for their upcoming beach cleanup at Elmer’s Island on Saturday, September 16, 2017.

THIBODAUX, LA – On August 3, 2017, the Senate unanimously approved a resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 23 as National Estuaries Week. Senator Bill Cassidy was one of 28 Senators who co-sponsored the resolution. The bipartisan legislation recognizes the importance of coastal and estuarine regions to our national economy. That week, [...]

THIBODAUX, LA – The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) is entering into the second year of the Pointe Coupee Bluebird Trail that has now expanded from New Roads into the communities of Livonia and Morganza. Since the Spring of 2016, BTNEP has been working with the False River Parish Park, LSU Ag. Extension Service, Boy [...]

THIBODAUX, LA – The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) is in the final stages of preparations for Saturday’s Bayou Lafourche Cleanup event. Over 800 volunteers have signed up to ‘get the trash out of the splash.’ Volunteers include families, governmental agencies, parish officials, schools, churches, chambers and small and large companies. The cleanup will be [...]