characteristics, tidal amplitude, substrate characteristics, seasonal and climatic conditions, herbivore 

 pressure, transplant species, plant vigor, plant size, age of the plant at the time of transplanting, 

 and the stratification and distribution of the seeds. Soil texture, oxidation-reduction potential, the 

 amounts of organic matter, phyto-toxins, and relative abundance of plant nutrients are also 

 important to the successful establishment of a given species. 



Prioritization 



Given the magnitude of the marsh loss problem in Louisiana and the limited resources available, 

 a defensible method of setting project priorities must be developed. A cost/benefit approach, when 

 correctly applied, will maximize effectiveness. At the state-wide level, certain generalizations must 

 be made, and exceptions must be anticipated because of the different values of particular sites and 

 their varying suitability for vegetative projects. 



In general, however, vegetation projects should be located in areas with high rates of wetland 

 loss because successful projects in these areas will yield the most annual marsh acres per unit of 

 effort. A large portion of the State's coastal zone falls within the severe and very severe land- 

 loss categories (Figure 7). (This map was based on changes that occurred between 1956 and 1978 

 and it is likely that loss patterns have changed considerably since then. A more current map should 

 be used as soon as one becomes available, and the following priorities re-evaluated accordingly.) 

 We should focus first on areas in the very severe category. Thus, the rapidly eroding marshes at 

 1) Cameron Parish east and west of Lake Calcasieu, 2) Cameron and Vermilion parishes south of 

 White Lake, 3) eastern Terrebonne and southwestern LaFourche parishes, and 4) southern 

 Plaquemines Parish should be the highest priorities for vegetative marsh conservation measures. 

 These areas should be investigated in detail and all potential vegetative project sites evaluated using 

 the procedure outlined above. 



CONCLUSIONS 



The future of vegetative marsh management in Louisiana will depend on how well the above 

 questions are answered, and how promptly this knowledge is applied. Actual project specifications 

 should incorporate input from landowners and involved governmental agencies, but must ultimately 

 be based on a sound scientific evaluation of site conditions, the likelihood of success, potential 

 benefits, and project costs. A thorough analysis of existing projects is essential to develop a more 

 systematic and objective approach to site evaluation and project design than is currently available. 

 Vegetative plantings and all other available marsh management techniques must be put to their best 

 use if we are to remain the beneficiary of the many sustainable resources our wetlands provide. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 



The cartographic, editorial, and word processing sections of the Louisiana Geological Survey are 

 gratefully acknowledged for their invaluable assistance in the preparation of this manuscript. 



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