Delta Dispatches

In the final episode of Delta Dispatches 2.0, host Simone interviews two young rising leaders in coastal restoration, Kylie Miller and Franziska Trautmann. The episode delves into their backgrounds, experiences, and insights on tackling Louisiana's coastal challenges. Kylie Miller shares how her education, volunteer, and leadership experiences inspired her to focus on a career in the environmental field. Franziska Trautmann, co-founder and CEO of Glass Half Full, talks about the innovative ways her organization is using recycled glass for coastal restoration. Both guests provide advice for young people interested in environmental work and emphasize the importance of community engagement and foundational science in addressing the coastal land loss crisis. 01:02 Spotlight on Kylie Miller: A Rising Coastal Leader 02:54 Kylie's Journey and Insights on Coastal Restoration 13:38 Introducing Franziska Trautmann and Glass Half Full 17:08 The Science and Impact of Glass Recycling for Coastal Restoration 26:12 Advice for Aspiring Coastal Advocates

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, hosts Simone Maloz engages with Brad Miller from Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and Kristi Trail from Pontchartrain Conservancy. Brad Miller delves into the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project, emphasizing its significance and historical background. Kristi Trail discusses various initiatives by Pontchartrain Conservancy, including the FLOWS and CORE programs, which aim to enhance local education and resilience in communities. The episode also touches on upcoming events and fun activities hosted by Pontchartrain Conservancy. 01:15 Brad Miller on Reconnecting the Maurepas Swamp 06:18 Project Details and Challenges 12:49 Kristi Trail on Pontchartrain Conservancy 17:52 Pontchartrain Conservancy's Programs and Initiatives 26:33 Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks

In the 200th episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz celebrates this milestone by welcoming special guests to discuss the crucial work of restoring Louisiana's coast. Simone is joined by Charles Sutcliffe, the resilience climate and coastal policy specialist for the National Wildlife Federation, who talks about his extensive experience in coastal policy and resilience. The episode also introduces Donnie Davidson, the new Science Policy Research Fellow. Finally, making a nostalgic return, former co-host Jacques Hebert reflects on past coastal restoration efforts and his new role in Minnesota. Together, they share insights, experiences, and enthusiasm for the ongoing mission to protect and restore Louisiana's coast. 00:39 Introducing Charles Sutcliffe 04:11 Louisiana's Coastal Lessons 09:35 Challenges and Innovations in Insurance 18:21 Introducing Donny Davidson 27:47 Celebrating 200 Episodes with Jacques Herbert 32:04 Reflecting on Coastal Milestones 33:36 The Importance of Coastal Restoration

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses the importance of coastal restoration in Louisiana's Bayou Region with Bren Haase, Program Director at Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), and Jennifer Armand, Executive Director of the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF). Bren talks about his role at BTNEP, the organization's work in water quality and habitat preservation, and their upcoming events including the White Boot Gala. Jennifer highlights the community's resilience in the face of disasters like Hurricane Ida and the importance of mental health, housing, and other services in the Bayou Region. They also discuss the work of various nonprofit organizations supported by BCF and the upcoming White Boot Gala fundraiser. Both guests emphasize the need for continued support and collaboration to address the region's ongoing environmental and human needs. You can learn more about BTNEP at https://btnep.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/BTNEP/. You can learn more about BCF at https://www.bayoucf.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/BayouCommunityFoundation 01:22 Introducing Bren Haase and BTNEP 13:15 Native Plant Propagation at Nichols Farm 19:15 Upcoming Events and Initiatives 25:56 Introduction to Jennifer Armand 30:44 The Formation of Bayou Community Foundation 37:12 Hurricane Ida Recovery Efforts 44:13 Nonprofit Support and Conferences

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta, reflects on the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the importance of coastal restoration for Louisiana. Simone interviews Jessica Dandridge, Executive Director of the New Orleans Water Collaborative, who discusses the impact of these storms on her life. They also talk about the upcoming NOLA Water Week. In the second half, Simone chats with Sidney Coffee, former chair of the CPRA board, about the creation of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) post-Katrina, the significance of science-driven coastal restoration, and the ongoing need for education and investment in Louisiana's coast. You can learn more about the Water Collaborative at https://nolawater.org/ and https://www.instagram.com/nolawater/ and see the full schedule of NOLA Water Week events at https://nolawater.org/programs/nola-water-week 02:00 Interview with Jessica Dandridge: Water Justice and NOLA Water Week 10:09 Youth and the Legacy of Katrina 19:04 Exciting Events of NOLA Water Week 25:21 Introduction to Sidney Coffee and CPRA 36:18 The Role of Science in Coastal Restoration

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone talks with Allie Olsonoski of the Environmental Defense Fund and Katie Freer from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) about the importance of the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan and the development process of the upcoming 2029 Plan. Allie discusses her work tracking priority projects within the MRD coalition, while emphasizing the importance of community relationships. Katie shares insights on the origins and goals of the Coastal Master Plan, how it has evolved, and the critical role it plays in reducing flood risk and reversing land loss. Both guests highlight the current phase of project solicitation, encouraging community involvement to propose new project ideas that address local coastal challenges. The episode underscores the urgency of proactive coastal management and the collaborative efforts required at both state and community levels. 00:52 Meet Allie Olsonoski: Environmental Defense Fund 03:53 Understanding Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan 18:21 Introducing Katie Freer: CPRA Insights 21:34 The Evolution and Future of the Coastal Master Plan 31:11 How to Get Involved: Project Solicitation

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts, featuring conversations with Charles Allen and Arthur Johnson. Charles Allen, Community Engagement Director with Audubon Delta, recounts his extensive experience advocating for coastal restoration and community involvement in Louisiana's environmental initiatives. Arthur Johnson, CEO of the Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED), shares insights into the organization's history and its ongoing work in community engagement and environmental education. Together, they highlight the importance of community partnerships, youth involvement, and proactive coastal management to ensure a resilient future for Louisiana's coastal areas. 03:24 Charles Allen's Journey in Coastal Work 06:41 Engaging HBCUs in Environmental Advocacy 11:14 Challenges and Future Plans for Coastal Communities 22:23 Introducing Arthur Johnson: A New Guest 25:13 The Origins and Mission of CSED 32:44 Keys to Community Engagement 36:38 Current Initiatives at CSED

In the return episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz is joined by Dr. Alisha Renfro and Steve Cochran to discuss Louisiana’s coast, its people, wildlife and jobs, and why restoring it matters. Today we explore the ecological, economic, and community significance of the Louisiana’s coast and the challenges and implications following the state's decision not to move forward with the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. 01:47 Importance of Louisiana's Coast 02:28 Milestones and Successes in Coastal Restoration 14:08 The Role of the Mississippi River 19:43 Introduction of Steve Cochran 24:09 The Importance of Louisiana's Coastal Program 27:09 Challenges and Changes in Coastal Restoration 29:23 Implications of the Mid-Barataria Decision 37:26 Reflections and Future Directions

In today's episode of Delta Dispatches, we say goodbye to host Jacques Hebert, who leaves the show, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition to become the Communication Director for the McKnight Foundation. We're joined by several special guests (Chip Kline, Bren Haase, Steve Caparotta, and Steve Cochran) to reflect on 194 episodes of Delta Dispatches and the incalculable contributions Jacques has made to the restoration of Louisiana's coast. Join us in wishing Jacques good luck in new his endeavors!

Today’s episode explores the other end of the Mighty Mississippi by welcoming Trevor Russell, Water Program Director with Friends of the Mississippi River (https://fmr.org/). Based in Minnesota, Russell paints a picture of the upper river, discusses his organization’s work to enhance the health of the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities and beyond. In particular, he highlights the organization’s award-winning State of the River report, the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act (https://fmr.org/tags/mrrri) they are advocating for along with the Mississippi River Network (https://1mississippi.org/), and more!

Christopher Esposito, Ph.D., Research Scientist with The Water Institute of the Gulf, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from being an educator in a New Orleans math classroom to a leading scientist helping understand and inform coastal restoration efforts on Louisiana’s coast. Chris discusses the newly-launched Bay Denesse Living Lab Initiative (https://thewaterinstitute.org/projects/the-living-lab), a physical site in Plaquemines Parish where scientific research is combined with active restoration, as well as other projects from coastal science to river management.

On this week’s podcast, Jacques is joined by Arthur J. Johnson, CEO, of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED). Arthur was recently recognized by the River Network for his leadership and impact on communities along the Mississippi River. Arthur discusses new programs at CSED, including glass recycling for coastal restoration and a new young leadership cohort. Arthur also reflects on the need for restoration of the MRGO Ecosystem to support people and nature across the Greater New Orleans region. Learn more about CSED and support their work https://sustainthenine.org/ (https://sustainthenine.org/)

This week, Jacques spoke with John Ruskey, one of the most knowledgeable river guides and paddlers of the Mississippi River. John shares his life experiences gathered from over 40 years paddling the Mighty Mississippi. Tune in to learn about John’s work and how you too can experience the Mississippi firsthand!

With the start of Atlantic hurricane season, Simone and Jacques bring back one of Louisiana's most trusted weathermen, WAFB's Steve Caparotta, to talk about storm season, how to stay prepared and his new podcast Coast and Climate (https://www.wafb.com/video/2022/05/30/coast-climate-hurricane-week-garret-graves/).

With summer fast approaching, Jacques and Simone (united once again!) sit down with Kristi Trail, Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC). Kristi is excited to be in person with events again and PC has plenty of ways to get involved! They’ve got ongoing volunteer opportunities, the Lighthouse Museum is open again for tours, and this weekend they’re hosting their annual Storm Sweep, which kicks off this Saturday, May 28th! Be prepared this hurricane season at https://scienceforourcoast.org/stormsweep2022/.

This week Simone is joined by James Karst, Communication Director for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) to talk about all their exciting work in 2022 including next week's Coastal Stewardship Awards (https://www.crcl.org/coastal-stewardship-awards), which honors individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary commitment to our coast. Later in the episode, Simone is joined by three of this year's winners ( Raegan Creppell, Jonathan Foret and Genie Ardoin) who are being recognized for their tremendous work to help coastal communities recover from Hurricane Ida.

On today’s Delta Dispatches, we chat with long-time friend of the show and Executive Director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Bren Haase! Bren talks through an exciting year for Louisiana’s coast with the largestAnnual Plan to date, with over $1.35B in expenditures and 92 projects in construction. You can read the Annual Plan and use CPRA’s interactive map on their website: https://ap23.coastal.la.gov/ Bren also talks us through the upcoming Coastal Day at the Louisiana Legislature on April 5th.

On today's episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques chats with Grammy-award winning musician Louis Michot! Louis discusses how his upbringing in Louisiana's Cajun country shaped his love of the environment and Louisiana's coast and even inspired his music. Louis will be performing with his band, Lost Bayou Ramblers, at this year's Shell-A-Bration on March 25th! This community event is dedicated to raising awareness and engagement for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana's Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Learn more and buy your ticket here: https://www.crcl.org/shell-a-bration.

After a quick introduction by Jacques and Simone, we replay a recent episode from the American Shoreline Podcast! Hosts Peter Ravella and Tyler Buckingham turn their attention to the dynamic Louisiana coast and the struggle to protect the City of New Orleans from Mississippi River floods. Joining the show is Dr. Devyani Kar, Senior Manager and Scientist with the Environmental Defennse Fund, to share new research that shows how upriver river diversions can restore vital wetlands and reduce the impacts of Bonnet Carré Spillway openings, the current flood control measure (operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) that flows into Lake Pontchartrain. Then, we discuss how Louisiana stacks up against other state coastal restoration programs and why Louisiana's program is forging the way forward. We close our discussion with Dr. Kar with another project she is working on to harnessing nature-based solutions to reduce Gulf Coast flood and chemical exposure risk in Galveston Bay, particularly from petrochemical complexes.

On this episode, Jacques speaks with Kate Tannian, Visitor Services Manager, for Pontchartrain Conservancy about the history and program offerings of the conservancy’s New Canal Lighthouse. From a newly-named EPA Reactive Fish Sculpture to a newly-launched public seed station, there is a lot happening at the lighthouse these days in addition to its regular scientific and historical exhibits, unique gift shop, and more! Plan your next visit to this special part of the New Orleans Lakefront here (https://scienceforourcoast.org/lighthouse-museum-2/history/).