This week on Delta Dispatches, hosts Jacques Hebert and Simone Maloz go big on America’s beaches! Their first guest, Derek Brockbank is the Executive Director of the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). Derek talks about his role and how beaches and coasts differ from state to state, what role beaches play in Louisiana. Later in the show, Jacques and Simone are joined by Lauren Averill, the Jefferson Parish Coastal Zone Coordinator and ASBPA Central Gulf Coast Board Member. Lauren talks about her background, the biggest challenges facing the parish from a coastal perspective, the partnership between Jefferson Parish & ASBPA, why northern parish residents need to pay attention to coastal issues and the importance of coastal restoration.

American Beaches: They're a Shore Thing

As Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) advances its draft 2017 Coastal Master Plan, the next few months will be critical in the fight to restore Louisiana’s coast. To keep you engaged and informed, we will bring you discussions on important aspects of coastal restoration, the latest coastal news and events, interviews with relevant experts, business and community leaders, and more.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

Government

In today's episode of Delta Dispatches, we say goodbye to host Jacques Hebert, who leaves the show, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition to become the Communication Director for the McKnight Foundation. We're joined by several special guests (Chip Kline, Bren Haase, Steve Caparotta, and Steve Cochran) to reflect on 194 episodes of Delta Dispatches and the incalculable contributions Jacques has made to the restoration of Louisiana's coast. Join us in wishing Jacques good luck in new his endeavors! 

See Ya Later, Alligator

Today’s episode explores the other end of the Mighty Mississippi by welcoming Trevor Russell, Water Program Director with Friends of the Mississippi River. Based in Minnesota, Russell paints a picture of the upper river, discusses his organization’s work to enhance the health of the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities and beyond. In particular, he highlights the organization’s award-winning State of the River report, the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act they are advocating for along with the Mississippi River Network, and more!

From Headwaters to the (Delta) Dispatches:

Christopher Esposito, Ph.D., Research Scientist with The Water Institute of the Gulf, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from being an educator in a New Orleans math classroom to a leading scientist helping understand and inform coastal restoration efforts on Louisiana’s coast. Chris discusses the newly-launched Bay Denesse Living Lab Initiative, a physical site in Plaquemines Parish where scientific research is combined with active restoration, as well as other projects from coastal science to river management.

Exploring a Living Lab on Louisiana’s Coast

On this week’s podcast, Jacques is joined by Arthur J. Johnson, CEO, of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED). Arthur was recently recognized by the River Network for his leadership and impact on communities along the Mississippi River. Arthur discusses new programs at CSED, including glass recycling for coastal restoration and a new young leadership cohort. Arthur also reflects on the need for restoration of the MRGO Ecosystem to support people and nature across the Greater New Orleans region. Learn more about CSED and support their work https://sustainthenine.org/

“River Hero” Arthur J. Johnson on Community Resilience and Coastal Restoration

This week, Jacques spoke with John Ruskey, one of the most knowledgeable river guides and paddlers of the Mississippi River. John shares his life experiences gathered from over 40 years paddling the Mighty Mississippi. Tune in to learn about John’s work and how you too can experience the Mississippi firsthand!

American Beaches: They're a Shore Thing

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