Jefferson Parish
Christmas Tree
Marsh Restoration
Project

SANTA SAVES THE MARSH

Louisiana is losing 25 - 35 square miles of coastal wetlands each year. The Barataria Basin is the fastest-eroding area of Louisiana's coast.  Jefferson Parish once had 50 miles of near-solid healthy wetlands between it and the Gulf of Mexico. The wetlands protect developed areas against hurricane surges, provide natural treatment for storm water, and provide a rich nursery ground for fisheries. Now, a large percentage of these wetlands have been converted to open water, significantly reducing storm protection.

• Since 1991, over 750,000 Christmas trees have been recycled by using them to rebuild wetlands rather than taking up valuable landfill space.
• Tree fences slow wave action, trap sediments, and combat erosion.
• Wetlands will be created and protected behind shoreline cribs and by filling in dead-end, abandoned, oil-access canals.
• Project increases public awareness of wetland losses, solid waste issues, and conservation of natural resources.
• Project received national attention in 1997 when we received seventy Christmas trees from the White House.
• Project is funded by Jefferson Parish and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Coastal Restoration Division.
• Project is largely dependent on community volunteers and assistance from other government agencies such as the Louisiana Army Air Guard and LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries.
• Project relies heavily on cash and in-kind contributions from corporations, such as past support frim ChevronTexaco, Shell, Exxon, Entergy, and Home Depot.
• 1994 - National Association of Counties Environmental Achievement Award
• 1995 - Bureau of Governmental Research Excellence in Government Keller Award
• 1996 - Renew America National Award for Environmental Sustainability
• 1999 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Regional Administrator's Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Education
• 2000 - SWANA/NCTA Christmas Tree Recycling Excellence Award.
• 2001 - Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisianas Coastal Stewardship Award.
• 2001 - Walter B. Jones Memorial Award: Excellence in Local Government for Coastal and Ocean Resource Management.

VOLUNTEER FOR THIS "HANDS ON" ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Projects like this would not be possible without you.
For more information please contact:
Jefferson Parish Department of Environmental Affairs
4901 Jefferson Hwy., Suite E
Jefferson, LA 70121
(504) 731-4612