PREFACE 



The purpose of this ecological characterization was to compile existing information about the biological, physi- 

 cal, and social sciences for the Chenier Plain of Louisiana and Texas. Decisionmakers, among others, may use this re- 

 port for coastal planning and management. This is the first in a series of characterizations of coastal ecosystems that 

 will be produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Future studies will include the sea islands of Georgia and 

 South Carolina, the rocky coast of Maine, the coast of northern and central California, the Pacific Northwest (Oregon 

 and Washington), the Mississippi deltaic plain, and the Texas barrier islands. 



Funding for this study was provided through the Interagency Energy/Environment Research and Development 

 Program, which is planned and coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Energy, Minerals, and 

 Industry. Inaugurated in FY75, this program serves to coordinate the efforts of 77 Federal agencies and departments 

 to provide environmental data and technology for the protection of natural resources which may be threatened by 

 the development of domestic energy sources. 



Any suggestions or questions regarding this publication should be directed to: 



Information Transfer Specialist 

 National Coastal Ecosystems Team 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 NASA-Slidell Computer Complex 

 1010 Gause Blvd. 

 SlidelLLA 70458 



This report should be cited: 



Gosselink, J. G., C. L. Cordes, and J. W. Parsons. 1979. An ecological characterization study of the Chenier 

 Plain coastal ecosystem of Louisiana and Texas. 3 vols. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services. 

 FWS/OBS-78/9 through 78/1 1. 



U 1 



