PREFACE 



This document is one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Reports providing critical 

 information to operational personnel, natural resource managers, and decisionmakers. The 

 objective of this report is to present the proceedings of a symposium on "Marsh Management in 

 Coastal Louisiana," held in Baton Rouge, LA, in June 1988. 



The symposium brought together a diverse group of more than 300 individuals to discuss the 

 topic of marsh management in coastal wetland habitats, particularly the coastal wetlands of 

 Louisiana. Speakers of the symposium represented many of the Federal and State agencies having 

 scientific and regulatory responsibility for Louisiana's coastal wetlands; also present were public and 

 private marsh managers, university scientists, consultants, and private citizens. Speakers for the 

 symposium were solicited in an effort to realistically present the variety of views, opinions, and 

 ideas presently surrounding the topic of marsh management in Louisiana. Papers were reviewed 

 and edited with care to retain the views, opinions, and ideas of the speakers. Readers are 

 encouraged to compare the sometimes contrasting opinions presented and draw their own 

 conclusions. The opinions, views, and ideas presented in this report do not necessarily represent 

 those of either the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources or the US. Fish and Wildlife 

 Service. 



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