Parish Coastal Wetlands Restoration Program (PCWRP)

"Christmas Tree Program"

Factoids about the Christmas Tree Program

• The use of Christmas trees originated from a similar erosion-control technique created in the Netherlands.
• In 1989, LDNR/CED constructed a prototype brush-fence utilizing Christmas trees at the La Branche Wetlands in St. Charles Parish.
• In 1990 the PCWRP was offered to the 19 coastal zone parishes. LDNR/CED funds and oversees the work in each participating parish.
• Parishes are important contributors to the PCWRP because they:
  • Implement the program
  • Are familiar with sites
  • Solicit local volunteers to collect and move trees
  • Spend their funds within the local community
  • Increase local awareness of coastal restoration
  • Promote working relationship between the state and parish agencies
• This Christmas marks the 17th consecutive year of program.
• Through the past 16 Years of the PCWRP:
  • 40,000 linear ft of brush fences have been built, protecting and/or creating 250 acres of marsh.
  • 1,516,000 Christmas trees used
• The PCWRP is one of the best ways an individual citizen can get involved in the cause of coastal restoration by donating a tree or volunteering to place trees on a project.
• Brush fences function by reducing wave energies while still allowing the movement of water and sediment and the exchange of aquatic organisms.
• PCWRP Projects are Located in the Following Marsh Environments:
  • Open Water/Interior Marsh
  • Shorelines
  • Abandoned Oilfield Canals
  • GIWW
• Brush Fences are Effective in:
  • Creation of Marsh Habitat
  • Public Awareness/Education of Coastal Restoration Issues
  • Recycling
• Brush Fences Enhance Wetland Habitats by:
  • Providing an effective wavebreak
  • Increasing water clarity
  • Creating habitat for fish and crustacean species
  • Promoting formation of new marsh and vegetation
• With many of the Christmas trees being grown in Louisiana, utilization and conservation of two local natural resources is promoted.
• Most parishes utilize Christmas trees collected from within the coastal zone. However, Christmas trees from Lafayette, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Alexandria are used.
• During the Christmas of 2005 over 85 articles appeared in statewide and national newspapers.

LDNR/CED has provided input for brush fences which have been constructed at Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Staten Island in New York and Weeks Bay in Alabama. Other inquiries have been received from Texas, California, North Carolina, and Florida.

Parishes participating for the Christmas of 2008:

Christmas trees will be picked up curbside or as advertised locally. For additional information, e-mail Keith Lovell, or call (225) 342-0202.