Bayou LaForche
A tidal marsh in Bayou Lafourche, Louisiana was degrading due to subsidence and sea-level rise, as well as a drought-induced die-off of Spartina alterniflora. 7.5 hectares of marsh was restored using thin-layer placement of dredged material. Sediment placement improved the recovery of the marsh and increased plant biomass.
Approach
This project implemented a comprehensive coastal marsh restoration restoration approach, combining scientific research with community engagement and traditional ecological knowledge.
Implementation Steps
- Baseline assessment and site selection
- Stakeholder consultation and community engagement
- Design and planning phase with technical experts
- Implementation with local workforce training
- Monitoring and adaptive management
Timeline
The project was implemented over a 3-year period, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance continuing beyond the initial implementation phase.
Environmental Benefits
- Significant increase in native species populations
- Improved water quality and regulation
- Enhanced carbon sequestration capacity
- Reduced soil erosion and improved soil health
Social & Economic Benefits
- Created local employment opportunities
- Improved community resilience to climate impacts
- Enhanced ecosystem services valued at $1M annually
- Strengthened traditional knowledge and practices
✓ What Worked Well
- Early and continuous community engagement ensured local buy-in
- Adaptive management approach allowed for course corrections
- Integration of traditional and scientific knowledge enhanced outcomes
- Multi-stakeholder partnerships provided diverse expertise and resources
⚠ Challenges Encountered
- Initial funding delays affected project timeline
- Extreme weather events required adaptive strategies
- Coordination across multiple agencies was time-intensive
- Some species recovery took longer than initially projected
→ Recommendations for Replication
- Invest adequate time in baseline assessments and planning
- Build strong local partnerships from the project outset
- Ensure long-term funding commitments for monitoring
- Document and share learnings throughout implementation
- Plan for climate adaptation from the beginning
Help spread knowledge about nature-based solutions
Copyright Notice
© 2026 Original Authors. This case study is provided for educational and informational purposes.
Contact Information
For inquiries about this case study or collaboration opportunities:
Citation
When citing this case study, please reference: Original Authors (2026).Bayou LaForche. Source: https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/nature-based-solutions-roadmap/case-study-search
Related Case Studies
Georgia
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a thin-layer placement of dredged material project at Jekyll Creek, Georgia. This project added dredged material to a subsiding, threatened coastal marsh. This project, covering 2 hectares, supports a variety of wildlife and native marsh grasses, and creates a more resilient coastal system.
Read MoreNew York
Big Egg Marsh in Jamaica Bay, NY was experiencing subsidence, erosion, plant mortality, isolation, and other threats related to sea-level rise. This marsh, adjacent to Broad Channel village, was chosen for a thin-layer placement restoration project to increase marsh elevation and vegetation. The site was restored to a silty-organic saltmarsh.
Read MoreGeorgia
This project was conducted in Brunswick, Georgia toevaluate the recovery response of salt marsh vegetation and impact of selected species upon thin layer placement of dredged materials. The study found that marsh elevation could be altered through thin layer placement of dredged material without loss of the functional values.
Read More