The BHP Terrebonne Biodiversity and Resiliency Projects employ cypress swamp plantings and marsh terrace creation—both proven ecological restoration approaches that improve the quality of lands and waters that support human, animal, and marine populations. This is especially evident along Louisiana’s fragile, eroding coastline.

The projects restored 125 acres of wetlands, with an estimated economic value of $1.2 million per year. In addition, 280 tons of carbon were sequestered per year, and the project eliminated up to 265 lbs of phosphorus and 10,600 lbs of nitrogen each year to improve water quality. Two of the projects were the first listed in America’s Wetland Conservation & Restoration Registry. This Registry is an inventory and reporting of private projects, consistent with Louisiana’s coastal master plan, which has been completed or planned and is available for private sponsorship and funding.

As an integral partner in the project, RES is restoring the historic Cypress-Tupelo Swamp habitat through the planting of 30,000 restorative cypress trees, plus invasive species management, with the goal set on bringing the area back to its historic state. Additionally, RES designed, permitted, and is constructing a 25-acre marsh terrace with 5,000 cypress trees and 35,000 marsh grass plugs. Our team is committed to the project through five years of monitoring, mapping, and reporting along with annual drone flights to demonstrate project success.

Client Benefits
• Estimated annual economic value of $1.2 million
• 336 tons of carbon sequestration per year
• Improved water quality (elimination of 266 lbs of phosphorus)
• Elimination of 106,000 lbs of nitrogen each year
• Enhanced biodiversity
• Community awareness via planting events and updates.
• Habitat restoration for Louisiana black bear, bald eagle, ivory-billed woodpecker, fish, and shellfish nurseries
• Reduced storm surges and flooding to vulnerable communities in Terrebonne Parish
• Reduction in loss of natural sediment