Atchafalaya Discussion
No projects have been completed in the Atchafalaya Basin; therefore, there are no results of project performance. However, these projects are similar to sediment diversions implemented in the Mississippi River Delta and results are expected to be similar. The projects in the Mississippi River delta have proven extremely successful in creating new wetlands and enhancing existing wetlands in that basin. Riverine processes provide the essential components for wetland creation and maintenance, and results obtained from projects in the Mississippi Delta have proven that management of these riverine processes is the most effective method of wetland creation available. Maintenance of navigation channels in the Atchafalaya Basin has contributed to disruption of natural riverine processes in the Atchafalaya Delta. However, as more knowledge is obtained, maintenance dredging of the navigation channel is being conducted in ways that restore natural riverine processes and thus enhance and create wetlands.