Abstract: Louisiana has lost in excess of 4 000 km² of its coastal wetlands in the last 70 years. Much of this loss is directly attributable to man’s activities. A major coastal restoration effort is needed or many coastal communities will have to be abandoned. Recognizing the seriousness of the wetland loss problem, several federal and state programs were initiated in 1991 to attempt to address the problem. However, it was imperative that the state develop a long term comprehensive coastal wetland creation/restoration plan to aid the wetland restoration programs. The plan herein described was first presented to these agencies in 1993. Various aspects are now being implemented. The plan promotes diverting sediment and fresh water from the Mississippi River. It attempts to simulate natural delta growth processes by creating river diversions, re establishing former distributaries and restoring restoration of Louisiana’s barrier islands.

Key words: Mississippi River, coastal wetland, management plan