Randolph presented Wetlands’ award at restoration forum

Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph was presented America’s Wetlands “Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities” Award earlier this month during a two-day forum in Houma.

The award is recognition by the wetlands restoration foundation that Lafourche Parish has exceeded the levels for community care and awareness, according to a parish release.

“This award shows that the residents of Lafourche Parish are some of the most resilient in the nation,” Randolph said. “We have experienced Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and the BP spill and yet the people of Lafourche continue to rise up and meet the challenges of everyday life.”

The award was based on data collected from community stakeholders and landowners who were engaged through pre-forum research including interviews, meetings, and a focus group.

Randolph attended the forum to give a presentation on the strategies, challenges and opportunities pertaining to coastal restoration projects in Lafourche Parish.

She said the parish was in a “unique position” to receive coastal restoration monies.

“The amount of money that could come our way as a result of the BP spill will change the landscape of the marshes and wetlands in Lafourche Parish,” she said.

She discussed several projects during a presentation, including the six-mile Caminada Headlands Project, which would restore the first six miles of Fourchon Beach from West Belle Pass to Bay Champagne.