If you wish to receive the Basin Bulletin by e-mail every month, please join our mailing list. It’s simple to do - just click here! Feel free to forward this email to any interested friends. If you are having trouble viewing this e-mail please copy this link into your browser http://www.saveourlake.org/bulletin.htm In This Issue Diverting New Orleans' Future To attempt to revive a 20 plus year old federal proposal that science has proven has little potential to achieve its stated goals and would likely induce significant ecological harm is hard to imagine. To do so, in light of the technical failures of other federal projects like our hurricane protection system is incomprehensible. To do this by what appears to be extortion of funding for Louisiana’s coastal restoration is the politics that we all know must stop. Yet, that’s exactly what Mississippi Senator Trent Lott appears to be doing with his actions pressing to construct the Bonnet Carre’ diversion project. The goal of the Bonnet Carre’ proposal was to increase oyster production 70 miles away in the Mississippi Sound. Oyster production there decreased because of increasing salinities. This resulted from another federal project, the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), and the subsequent demise of our coastal wetlands.
We can fix this and do much more for Louisiana and Mississippi. All we need to do is plug the MRGO at Bayou LaLoutre and reintroduce River water at or near Violet. This will replicate the natural plumbing of our coast, reduce salinities, enhance Mississippi’s oysters, and most important - begin to rebuild our natural coastal lines of defense against storm surges. Political shenanigans like this must stop. This is much more than just oysters. It’s about our common coast and the lives, property, and businesses of everyone in the region. It’s about the future of both Louisiana and Mississippi. We have the same goals. We must work together and do it right this time. Nature may not give us another chance. ____________________________________________ "The heart and soul of Pontchartrain's restoration is its countless volunteers and supporters. To my fortune, I've had the opportunity to meet many. Each volunteer is unique. Their common denominator is Pontchartrain and selflessness. Recently, one of these tireless champions, Adriel "Sparky" Arceneaux passed. Words are not adequate to describe the positive impacts that Sparky had on the Pontchartrain Basin, its environment, and our region. We will miss Sparky's physical presence but know that her spirit and sage advice will continue to help preserve and restore the Lake Pontchartrain Basin." ____________________________________________ Upcoming Events
Areas are designated for cleanup in St. Bernard, St. Charles, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes. This year's event will concentrate on "Makin' A Clean Sweep" by cleaning street curbs, storm drains and ditches that carry runoff to our lake.
Beach Sweep 2006 presented by Toyota is a wonderful opportunity to help in the rebuilding process of our metro New Orleans area. Groups volunteer and send a zone captain to a meeting on September 6th where he is given a zone the group will cover, trash bags, and data sheets to record trash that has been picked up. Our presenting sponsor, Toyota is also supplying free tshirts for all those who register. The group brings rakes, gloves, etc and handles any refreshments they bring out to their zone. The clean up lasts from 9-12 noon and is followed by a picnic for all participants. This year we want to get the word out to have a great turnout citywide. We will be just past the Katrina anniversary so it will be a good way for everyone to pull together to support New Orleans. If you can form a group to cover an area in our Beach Sweep 2006 presented by Toyota cleanup please let us know. Contact JoAnn at 504-836-2238 or email at joann@saveourlake.org 2006 Sponsors
“Let’s Make Waves” Mark your calendars for the Save Our Lake “Let’s Make Waves” party, scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2006 at the Lake Pontchartrain Maritime Museum. Please consider becoming a sponsor ($2,500 - $250) or donating an auction item to help make this night a successful event. Tickets for the party are $50 each. For more information, please call Sheila at (504) 836-2205. ____________________________________________ LPBF Announces New Artificial Reef Development in Lake Pontchartrain Since 2000, LPBF has worked with the Lake Pontchartrain Artificial Reef Working Group to construct artificial reefs in Lake Pontchartrain. By 2004, five new reefs were created under Phase I and donated to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The success of this program has led to the new Phase II program to construct four new sites in Lake Pontchartrain. Phase II has proposed two sites on the north shore and two sites on the south shore. For more information click here. ____________________________________________ Be a Part of National Public Lands Day at MANDEVILLE - The public is invited to Fontainebleau State Park for National
Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 30. Volunteers will be working from
7:30 am to 3:00 pm, to rebuild the trails and to make them into a great Standard day-use admission of $1 per person will be waived for all pre-registered participants. Fontainebleau State Park is located on 2,800 acres on the north shore of
Lake Pontchartrain. In addition to bird watching, the park offers visitors
camping, hiking and picnicking opportunities. The park entrance is located
southeast of Mandeville on US 190. Day-use visitors can attend all park
programs for the standard admission charge of $1 per person. For more
information call ____________________________________________ Now Hiring! The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation currently has an opening for a part-time (24-28 hours per week) administrative assistant for its Development & Outreach Program. General office duties include but are not limited to answering phones, filing, copying, large mailing projects, running errands such as making bank deposits and distributing event flyers. Position requires ability to work on multiple projects, strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Access. If interested, please email your resume to Sheila Ehren at Sheila@saveourlake.org or fax to 504-836-7070. ____________________________________________ |
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LPBF has had great achievements over the years, but there is more work to be done. Membership has its privileges!  |
LPBF merchandise makes a great gift. Visit our Gift Shop to get great gear and Save Our Lake. |
There are a number of Ways to Give to LPBF and they all help to restore and preserve our basin. |
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