The Maurepas Swamp in Louisiana, covering 176 square miles (456 square kilometers) west of New Orleans, represents one of the nation’s largest forested wetlands and is home to bald eagles, alligators, and migratory birds. Historically nourished by the Mississippi River, the swamp has faced significant ecological decline due to the levee system that blocks natural water flow. This restriction has deprived the area of essential nutrients, contributing to the poor health of iconic water tupelo and bald cypress trees. To address this, the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project was initiated, allocating $330 million to divert up to 2,000 cubic feet per second (57 cubic meters per second) of river water through a 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) channel. The project, set to be completed by 2028, seeks to rejuvenate 45,000 acres (182 square kilometers) of wetlands.

This initiative will provide the swamp with vital sediment, oxygen, and nutrients to combat the harmful effects of subsidence, a process worsened by fossil fuel extraction and rising sea levels. Funding from Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlements and collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highlight the synergy between ecological restoration and coastal protection. Enhanced biodiversity, including improved habitats for yellow-throated warblers and northern parulas, is a key benefit. Additionally, revitalized wetlands will serve as natural storm surge barriers, showcasing an innovative approach to conservation and disaster mitigation in hurricane-prone regions.