Jindall pulls plug on recycling; Shreveport Green takes up slack
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: December 3, 2010
Even though Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal scrapped Louisiana’s tree recycling program that protected wetlands along the coast, Shreveport Green will continue to collect trees after the Christmas holidays.
The trees will be recycled into landscaping mulch, according to Donna Curtis, executive director. Recycling Christmas trees reduces the quantity of waste going to the local landfill and allows the wood to be re-used in an eco-friendly manner. Mulch will be donated to local parks and schools for pathways and landscaping.
The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources/Coastal Engineering Division”s Christmas tree recycling program rebuilt wetland areas. The coastal parishes will no longer receive funding to implement this program.
Over the past 17 years, the state’s tree recycling program - sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources/Coastal Engineering Division, - collected more than one million trees, using them to create 40,000 feet of brush fencing.
That fencing functioned as a wave-stilling device that decreased wave energy, resulting in the capture of suspended sediment in coastal marshes. More than 250 acres of wetlands were protected through this project. Wetlands help protect coastlines from hurricane damage, and help minimize damage from natural, or manmade disasters.
In addition to building the brush fence, the program was significant because it raised awareness of wetland erosion and the importance of wetland preservation and restoration. Shreveport Green, who participated in this program since its inception, collected trees locally, transported them to South Louisiana, and assisted with the brush fencing. Shreveport Green, participated in this program since its inception, collected trees locally,
In Shreveport, trees can be dropped off at Eco Mulch & Sod, 6105 St. Vincent Avenue, on Friday, December 31st, 9am-1pm, and Saturday, January 8th, 9am-1pm. For more information, contact Jennette Ginsburg, Shreveport Green, 219-1888, ext. 14.
