Also known as Mississippi River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp, this diversion project, near Garyville, Louisiana will channel fresh water and some sediment from the river to benefit the eastern Maurepas swamp. Dominated by bald cypress and water tupelo trees, this swamp is one of the largest forested wetlands in the nation. However, levees constructed along the river and the closure of Bayou Manchac have isolated the area from spring floods that once provided vital fresh water, nutrients and sediment. This along with higher salinities that were throughout the Pontchartrain Basin before the closure of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet has left the swamp in a state of rapid decline – trees are dying, and young trees are not growing to replace them. The East Maurepas Diversion will benefit the swamp by reconnecting it with the river, preventing further loss and the conversion to open water, and push back against future increases in salinity due to sea level rise. .

Fish and Waterfowl Benefits

Increased fresh water and nutrient input in the Maurepas Swamp will help prevent further conversion of swamp to open water and combat saltwater intrusion into the more than 100,000 acre Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area which offers opportunities for sportsmen to hunt white-tailed deer, ducks and alligator and fish for freshwater species, such as largemouth bass, sunfish, and crappie.

Latest News: $14.2 million awarded to design, engineer Maurepas Swamp diversion project