The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Task Force has released its final strategy for long-term ecosystem restoration for the Gulf Coast. The new Gulf of Mexico Initiative will focus up to 50-million dollars, over three years, in conservation assistance to farmers and ranchers in priority areas along seven major rivers that drain to the Gulf.  The effort includes all five states along the Gulf Coast—Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. 

National Association of Conservation Districts President Gene Schmidt says, – we’re excited to be a part of this locally-led, cooperative effort to bring cleaner water, more abundant wildlife, and healthier fisheries to Gulf Coast communities. The Gulf hosts a diverse array of habitats from coral reefs and hyper-saline lagoons to emergent wetlands and vast sea grass meadows. In fact, more than 50 percent of the United States’ coastal wetlands, approximately 5-million acres, are found adjacent to the Gulf.

Conservation districts have always believed that in order to make a lasting impact for conservation on the ground, it’s critical to engage farmers, ranchers, landowners and other local leaders throughout the conservation delivery system. By using this approach in the Gulf Coast, Schmidt says, – I’m confident that we’ll see measurable, long-term improvements in the region.