This is important for several reasons, one is that it's the first time in history that the spillway was opened two years in a row.
All of this water is normally controlled to prevent the Mississippi River from spilling over its banks, flooding New Orleans and rerouting itself. Rain, floods, and melting snow many miles north of Louisiana tend to come pounding along in huge volumes. The river carries silt, debris, trees (and whatever else it can pick up along the way) then deposits them just about anywhere along the route.
The Corps of Engineers keeps the river on course and navigable, controls flooding, ecosystem stewardship, and keeps the Port of Orleans operating. It also protects the coastline and keeps millions of people safe during hurricanes and storm surges.
When we're in Baton Rouge, or parts south thereof, this green sign in the center of the picture is a welcome one. Veering to the left means we're getting out of the city and close to home. Always a happy feeling!
Having a vested interest in everything Louisiana, I decided to research some of the issues and pinned several pictures to my "Louisiana, home" board. Do you have a Pinterest board specifically for the place you call home? If so, share the URL with us in the comments.
I'd never thought of a home-based board, and where I live isn't home in the way that yours is, I think, but it's an interesting idea so maybe I'll play around...
ReplyDeleteKaja, I don't add to the board often, usually there's some news event to remind me, but once I start pinning it's difficult to stop. I really love Louisiana and think that we can all be good ambassadors of place and culture.
DeleteYou could do two boards: "home right here" and "home where my heart is" and have twice the fun. Let me know if you do. I definitely want to follow. I know you're a great photographer and you get around. :)