NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

1/13/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- The Department of Biological Sciences at Northwestern State University has received a grant from the Coypu Foundation for a native plant conservation initiative. The $86,000 grant will be used to rescue sensitive plant species in Louisiana wetlands.

Through cooperation with community organizations, local companies and states and federal agencies, the project will include four components: assessment of wetlands, erosion correction, developing a management plan and education outreach. The proposal will cover two years of field research. Success of the project will be measured through feedback and documented records from land managers.

Louisiana bogs, adversely affected by land development and timber practices, are in steep decline, according to Dr. Michael Bodri, head of the Department of Biological Sciences. Many bogs are the exclusive habitat of animal species and many rare plants found in these sites are threatened with extinction.

"The primary objective of this proposal will be to determine if bog restoration can be achieved by erosion control, species propagation, and reintroduction of acid bog species aimed at preserving high quality bog plant habitat," Bodri said.

Bodri plans to establish a pilot upland wetland propagation facility at NSU and a satellite facility near Fort Polk.

"Preservation programs such as the one proposed here will help reduce the causes of habitat degradation and preserve these unique wetlands," Bodri said. "The efforts combined with monitoring, improved management practices and dissemination of educational information will ensure survival of vital habitat for endangered species and provide cover, breeding and nesting sites for area wildlife."

The Coypu Foundation is an organization founded by the estate of the late John S. McIlhenney that supports environmental and ecology projects. Last year, NSU received an endowment from the Coypu Foundation to establish a professorship in biological sciences. Coypu is the Latin term for nutria rat.

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