The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Thursday, Jan. 13, announced the completion of the Cameron Creole Freshwater Introduction project on the east side of Calcasieu Lake in Cameron Parish. The project restored the function, value, and sustainability of 22,510 acres of marsh and open water by improving hydrologic conditions in the Cameron-Creole Watershed.
Hurricanes coupled with increased saltwater intrusion and reduced freshwater retention have impacted thousands of acres of marshland in Southwest Louisiana in recent years, causing significant damage and decreasing the likelihood the marsh would recover without comprehensive restoration efforts. By reconnecting the area to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), the Cameron Creole project increased freshwater input and restored favorable hydrologic conditions in the region.