By ROBIN SHANNON
L’Observateur

MANCHAC — There is likely no better way to celebrate Earth Day than setting aside a piece of our planet for restoration and wildlife protection.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) did precisely that last Wednesday with their announcement of the acquisition of roughly 1,700 acres of cypress swamp on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

The property, which is dominated by large cypress and tupelo trees, stretches from Manchac, in northern St. John Parish, to Ruddock. Wildlife and Fisheries purchased the land from The Conservation Fund, a group dedicated to preserving land across America, as an addition to the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area. The addition expands the protection area to almost 7,800 acres and provides a new economic opportunity for the area.

“This acquisition extends our mutual efforts to preserve wildlife habitats and save vital coastal wetlands, which are an important barrier from storm surge,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “Our partners are to be commended for their efforts we celebrate here on Earth Day 2009.”

Barham said the purchase was made possible through a grant from Entergy, who donated nearly $300,000 as part of a new environmental initiative. Additional funding came from the state and a federal grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Renae Conley, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, said the partnership stems from an understanding of the value of wetland protection as a way to not only preserve the natural habitat but also keep homes, businesses and communities safe from flooding caused by a potential storm.

“Stable wetlands have always been a key element of hurricane protection in Southeast Louisiana,” said Conley. “We want to make sure we don’t lose that valuable resource in the future.”

Raymond Herndon, director of the Lower Mississippi Region of the Conservation Fund, said the property is in very good shape, but would require some degree of monitoring and reforestation. He said the habitat is home to a large population of deer, alligators, and migratory waterfowl such as the American white pelican, northern pintail, greater white-fronted goose and little blue heron.

“By protecting these wetlands, the public gains new places to fish, bird-watch and explore,” Herndon said. “Our plan is to improve the land by enhancing the water quality and planting or replacing some of the population of cypress and tupelo trees, which are a significant part of the state’s rich natural heritage.”

Herndon said Wednesday’s announcement builds on the Conservation Fund’s commitment to protect and restore coastal wetlands in the Lake Pontchartrain/Lake Maurepas basin.

“Since 1990, the Fund has protected more than 127,000 acres of coastal wetland and associated upland habitats, including the establishment of the Maurepas Swamp management area,” Herndon said. “We hope to continue working with Louisiana to preserve this vital protection element across the region.”