Sierra Club, New Orleans Group presents a two-part program entitled: "Protection of our Coastal Cypress Forests"

Sunday February 21, 2010:

Sierra Club, New Orleans Group presents a two-part program entitled:

"Protection of our Coastal Cypress Forests"

by John Ettinger (Environmental Protection Agency), and Rob Heffner (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).

For several years out-of-state companies have subjected Louisiana coastal cypress forests to an onslaught of clear cutting for primary use as garden mulch. Although many illegal operations have been stopped by citizen and federal agency involvement, this onslaught continues.

John Ettinger will discuss cypress logging in coastal Louisiana, particularly with respect to Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 404, the science regarding the sustainability or lack thereof of coastal cypress swamps. There will be an update of EPA activities and enforcement.

Rob Heffner will discuss the regulation of cypress logging in coastal Louisiana, particularly with respect to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA). Additionally, he will bring us up to date on Corps enforcement activities related to logging activities.

John and Rob have been working cooperatively to help protect our coastal cypress forests and enforce laws to prevent their destruction. Please come an hear an interesting and timely talk.

Audubon Zoo, Dominion Auditorium. Enter gate to far right of main gate. Look for Sierra Club banner. Parking plentiful and safe. Free and everyone welcome. Doors open 6:30 p.m. with refreshments. Program 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2010. Call (504) 780-8889. www.louisiana.sierraclub.org/neworleans