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Delta Dispatches

As Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) advances its draft 2017 Coastal Master Plan, the next few months will be critical in the fight to restore Louisiana’s coast. To keep you engaged and informed, we will bring you discussions on important aspects of coastal restoration, the latest coastal news and events, interviews with relevant experts, business and community leaders, and more.

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The Rising Generation: Future Leaders of Coastal Louisiana

In the final episode of Delta Dispatches 2.0, host Simone interviews two young rising leaders in coastal restoration, Kylie Miller and Franziska Trautmann. The episode delves into their backgrounds, experiences, and insights on tackling Louisiana's coastal challenges. Kylie Miller shares how her education, volunteer, and leadership experiences inspired her to focus on a career in the environmental…

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Reconnecting the River (Parishes): Revitalizing Louisiana’s Largest Swamp and Focusing on the People of the Parishes

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, hosts Simone Maloz engages with Brad Miller from Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and Kristi Trail from Pontchartrain Conservancy. Brad Miller delves into the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project, emphasizing its significance and historical background. Kristi Trail discusses various initiatives by Pontchartrain Conservancy, including the…

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Milestone Moments: Celebrating 200 Episodes with Delta Dispatches

In the 200th episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz celebrates this milestone by welcoming special guests to discuss the crucial work of restoring Louisiana's coast. Simone is joined by Charles Sutcliffe, the resilience climate and coastal policy specialist for the National Wildlife Federation, who talks about his extensive experience in coastal policy and resilience. The episode also…

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Revitalizing the Bayou Region

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses the importance of coastal restoration in Louisiana's Bayou Region with Bren Haase, Program Director at Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), and Jennifer Armand, Executive Director of the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF). Bren talks about his role at BTNEP, the organization's work in water quality and habitat…

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Reflecting on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Impact, Lessons and the Future

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta, reflects on the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the importance of coastal restoration for Louisiana. Simone interviews Jessica Dandridge, Executive Director of the New Orleans Water Collaborative, who discusses the impact of these storms on her life. They also…

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From Plans to Projects: How Coastal Restoration Actually Happens

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone talks with Allie Olsonoski of the Environmental Defense Fund and Katie Freer from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) about the importance of the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan and the development process of the upcoming 2029 Plan. Allie discusses her work tracking priority projects within the MRD coalition, while emphasizing the…

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Caring for Coastal Communities: Conversations with Charles Allen and Arthur Johnson

In this episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz discusses Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts, featuring conversations with Charles Allen and Arthur Johnson. Charles Allen, Community Engagement Director with Audubon Delta, recounts his extensive experience advocating for coastal restoration and community involvement in Louisiana's environmental initiatives. Arthur Johnson, CEO of the…

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Back to the Bayou: Why the Coast Still Matters

In the return episode of Delta Dispatches, host Simone Maloz is joined by Dr. Alisha Renfro and Steve Cochran to discuss Louisiana’s coast, its people, wildlife and jobs, and why restoring it matters. Today we explore the ecological, economic, and community significance of the Louisiana’s coast and the challenges and implications following the state's decision not to move forward with the…

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See Ya Later, Alligator

In today's episode of Delta Dispatches, we say goodbye to host Jacques Hebert, who leaves the show, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition to become the Communication Director for the McKnight Foundation. We're joined by several special guests (Chip Kline, Bren Haase, Steve Caparotta, and Steve Cochran) to reflect on 194 episodes of Delta Dispatches and the incalculable…

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From Headwaters to the (Delta) Dispatches:

Today’s episode explores the other end of the Mighty Mississippi by welcoming Trevor Russell, Water Program Director with Friends of the Mississippi River . Based in Minnesota, Russell paints a picture of the upper river, discusses his organization’s work to enhance the health of the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities and beyond. In particular, he highlights the organization’s award-winning…

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Exploring a Living Lab on Louisiana’s Coast

Christopher Esposito, Ph.D., Research Scientist with The Water Institute of the Gulf, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from being an educator in a New Orleans math classroom to a leading scientist helping understand and inform coastal restoration efforts on Louisiana’s coast. Chris discusses the newly-launched Bay Denesse Living Lab Initiative , a physical site in Plaquemines Parish where…

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“River Hero” Arthur J. Johnson on Community Resilience and Coastal Restoration

On this week’s podcast, Jacques is joined by Arthur J. Johnson, CEO, of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED). Arthur was recently recognized by the River Network for his leadership and impact on communities along the Mississippi River. Arthur discusses new programs at CSED, including glass recycling for coastal restoration and a new young leadership cohort.…

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Paddling the Mighty Mississippi with John Ruskey

This week, Jacques spoke with John Ruskey, one of the most knowledgeable river guides and paddlers of the Mississippi River. John shares his life experiences gathered from over 40 years paddling the Mighty Mississippi. Tune in to learn about John’s work and how you too can experience the Mississippi firsthand!

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2022 Hurricane Season with Steve Caparotta

With the start of Atlantic hurricane season, Simone and Jacques bring back one of Louisiana's most trusted weathermen, WAFB's Steve Caparotta, to talk about storm season, how to stay prepared and his new podcast Coast and Climate .

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Storm Sweep 2022 with Kristi Trail

With summer fast approaching, Jacques and Simone (united once again!) sit down with Kristi Trail, Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy (PC). Kristi is excited to be in person with events again and PC has plenty of ways to get involved! They’ve got ongoing volunteer opportunities, the Lighthouse Museum is open again for tours, and this weekend they’re hosting their annual Storm Sweep,…

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The 2022 Coastal Stewardship Awards

This week Simone is joined by James Karst, Communication Director for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) to talk about all their exciting work in 2022 including next week's Coastal Stewardship Awards , which honors individuals and organizations demonstrating extraordinary commitment to our coast. Later in the episode, Simone is joined by three of this year's winners ( Raegan…

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Bren Haase Highlights A Milestone Investment in Louisiana's Coast

On today’s Delta Dispatches, we chat with long-time friend of the show and Executive Director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Bren Haase! Bren talks through an exciting year for Louisiana’s coast with the largestAnnual Plan to date, with over $1.35B in expenditures and 92 projects in construction. You can read the Annual Plan and use CPRA’s interactive map on their…

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A Coastal Convo. with The Lost Bayou Ramblers' Louis Michot

On today's episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques chats with Grammy-award winning musician Louis Michot! Louis discusses how his upbringing in Louisiana's Cajun country shaped his love of the environment and Louisiana's coast and even inspired his music. Louis will be performing with his band, Lost Bayou Ramblers, at this year's Shell-A-Bration on March 25th! This community event is dedicated to…

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Re-engineering the Mississippi Delta

After a quick introduction by Jacques and Simone, we replay a recent episode from the American Shoreline Podcast! Hosts Peter Ravella and Tyler Buckingham turn their attention to the dynamic Louisiana coast and the struggle to protect the City of New Orleans from Mississippi River floods. Joining the show is Dr. Devyani Kar, Senior Manager and Scientist with the Environmental Defennse Fund, to…

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A Visit to the New Canal Lighthouse:

On this episode, Jacques speaks with Kate Tannian, Visitor Services Manager, for Pontchartrain Conservancy about the history and program offerings of the conservancy’s New Canal Lighthouse. From a newly-named EPA Reactive Fish Sculpture to a newly-launched public seed station, there is a lot happening at the lighthouse these days in addition to its regular scientific and historical exhibits,…

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The Great Outdoors with Bill Cooksey

On today's show, we talk with Bill Cooksey, the Sportsmen Outreach Coordinator with Vanishing Paradise. This is a conservation program for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts. Bill brings his unique history as a hunter and communicator to raise awareness and support on a critical conservation issue of our time — restoring the Mississippi River Delta and Gulf Coast. You can learn more about Vanishing…

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Louisiana’s First Climate Action Plan

Earlier this month, Louisiana’s Climate Task Force approved the state’s first ever Climate Action Plan, a science-based plan consisting of 28 strategies and 84 actions to “limit the severity of climate change while positioning the state to maintain its economic competitiveness in a low-carbon future.” Lindsay Cooper, Policy Analyst with the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities, joins the show…

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Glass Half Full Wants to Help Restore Louisiana's Coast with Your Empty Bottles

Glass Half Full is a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans working to remove glass waste from landfills by recycling it into sand and other materials. To date, they have removed 1.8 million pounds of glass from landfills. On this episode, Jacques interviews their founder and co-director Franziska Trautmann who discusses how the idea was born by Tulane students over a bottle of wine, the…

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From River Road to Bayou Manchac: Writing about Louisiana’s Environs

On today’s episode, Jacques and Simone interview author Mary Ann Sternberg who has written a number of books, articles, essays and more about Louisiana’s unique places and people. Mary Ann discusses her writing, how Louisiana’s environment has inspired it and highlights some experiences that provided a unique vantage point of the Mighty Mississippi. Learn more about Mary Ann and her writing at…

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Louisiana Embarks on ‘Year of the Dredge’ to Restore its Coast

In the first episode of 2022, Simone and Jacques welcome back Gregory Grandy, Deputy Executive Director Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana, who discusses how 2022 will be one of the most significant years for Louisiana's coast with some of the largest, most ambitious restoration projects ever to move forward. These projects include marsh creation, or “dredging” projects as…

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Recapping 2021 on Louisiana’s Coast

For the last episode of 2021, Jacques and Simone discuss major events and milestones for Louisiana’s coast over the prior year and look forward to what’s to come in 2022. As a reminder, many families in Louisiana are still dealing with the lingering impacts of Hurricane Ida as we head into the holidays. Visit http://mississippiriverdelta.org/ida to learn how you can help those in need this holiday…

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A Conversation with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy

On today’s episode, Simone and Jacques are joined by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) who provides insight into the recently-signed bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what this significant legislation means for Louisiana’s coast and communities. Senator Cassidy highlights the funding coming to Louisiana for coastal restoration and resilience as a result of the infrastructure…

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Happy ‘Gatorgiving!

In this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, be on the lookout for the beautiful “Celebration Gator” float! We were inspired by this reptilian replica to record a riveting episode celebrating Louisiana’s most iconic animal. We’re joined by Dr. Andy Nyman, Professor, Wetland Wildlife Ecology at LSU and talk about the alligators, coastal restoration, and their future!

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Examining a “Living Laboratory” on Louisiana’s Coast: A Conversation with Scientist Molly Keogh

Scientist Molly Keogh, who received her PhD at Tulane University and is now a Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Oregon, Department of Earth Sciences, joins the podcast to discuss her latest paper, “Organic matter accretion, shallow subsidence, and river delta sustainability”, and its relation to Louisiana’s coast. Molly, who was featured for her research in the documentary film “Last Call for…

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New Science on Subsidence and the Mississippi River Delta

This week on Delta Dispatches, we talk to Elizabeth Chamberlain, Assistant Professor, Wageningen University, about her career as a coastal geologist. Liz got her start at LSU and Tulane researching the Mississippi River Delta and has gone on to study deltas around the world. She joins Jacques and Simone to discuss a new paper based on research in the Lafourche Delta, focusing on how subsidence…

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NOLA River Fest 2021

This week on Delta Dispatches, Jacques and Simone chat with friend of the show Helen Rose Patterson, senior outreach coordinator with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). She’s here to talk about NOLA River Fest 2021, happening this week! Don’t miss the virtual panels covering a range of interesting topics concerning the Mississippi River: https://www.facebook.com/MississippiRiverDelta/events/…

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Introducing Simone Maloz as the new Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta

On today’s episode, Jacques talks with Steve Cochran, who has served as Campaign Director of the Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) for the last six years, about some developments within the coalition. After successfully leading the MRD team, Steve is moving on to assume a new role leading state affairs within Environmental Defense Fund and none other than our very own Simone Maloz will…

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Water Quality Updates with Pontchartrain Conservancy

As impacts from Hurricane Ida continue to be assessed, Pontchartrain Conservancy's Water Quality Program Director Brady Skaggs discusses how the storm affected water quality across the region and what actions you can take to improve water quality in nearby waterways. Skaggs also highlights the newly-launched Lake and Coast App that puts water quality data at your fingertips. As a reminder, you can…

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Nature's Role in Climate Adaptation | A Conversation with SCAPE's Kate Orff

This week on Delta Dispatches, we’re excited to welcome Kate Orff, Founding Principal of SCAPE. Jacques and Simone talk with her about the role nature can play in adapting to climate change, how she is reimaging landscape architecture through her studio, as well as on-the-ground restoration opportunities from Louisiana to New York. SCAPE’s recent work includes OurFutureCoast.org (…

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Recovery in South Lafourche with Bless Your Heart Nonprofit

This week on Delta Dispatches, Jacques and Simone chat with Jeray Jambon Jarreau from Bless Your Heart Nonprofit. Jeray talks about life in South Lafourche after the devastation of Hurricane Ida. Bless Your Heart Nonprofit is working on the ground to address the needs of some of the most impacted communities in South Louisiana. Learn about the work they’re doing and how you can help through their…

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Hurricane Ida: How You Can Help & A Conversation with Scot Pilié

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, one of the most devastating hurricanes to ever make landfall in Louisiana, Simone and Jacques discuss ongoing impacts to communities and how people can help those in need. They also welcome Scot Pilié, EDF senior communications specialist and meteorologist, to discuss the extent of Ida’s impacts and why it was so destructive from a meteorological standpoint.…

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Photographing Louisiana's Coast with Matthew White

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Delta Dispatches! This week we’re chatting with photographer Matthew White about beautiful and inspiring work recently published in the New York Time. “ Beauty, Serenity, Stillness: An Ode to the Final Miles of the Mississippi River ” features photography of the landscape and communities of Plaquemines Parish. See more of Matthew’s work on his website…

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Breaking Down BTNEP with T. Bradley Keith

On this episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques interviews first time guest T. Brad Keith the new director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP). Founded in 1990, BTNEP is the oldest coastal organization in Louisiana and helps ensure access to sustainable clean water across the estuary. T. Brad talks about the history and future of this vital program for coastal Louisiana.

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The Economic Case for Coastal Restoration

On today's episode, Simone and Jacques are joined by Jasmine Brown, Public Policy Manager for Greater New Orleans Inc. Jasmine discusses the work her organization is doing, through its Coalition for Coastal Resilience and Economy (CCRE) and beyond, to advance coastal restoration in our region to protect people and the economy, as well as to create jobs and economic growth. Learn more about GNO…

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Exploring Louisiana's First Wind Week

Thanks for listening to the latest episode of Delta Dispatches! Today Jacques and Simone are joined by Harry Vorhoff, of the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, and Rep. Joseph Orgeron to discuss the state's first Wind Week, a series of public webinars on expanding wind energy in the Gulf. You can watch all Wind Week sessions online at: https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/124 .

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Reviving Bayou Lafourche

On today’s episode of Delta Dispatches, Jacques and Simone talk about the restoration of the “longest Main Street in the world!” First up, we catch up with Ryan M. Perque, Executive Director of the Friends of the Bayou Lafourche. He talks about the history of the waterway and the work his organization and others are doing to restore it. In the second half of the show, we continue our conversation…

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Beyond the Bayou Tours

As summer kicks off and tourism ramps back up in Louisiana, Simone and Jacques welcome Jared Sternberg, founder of Beyond the Bayou eco-tours , to discuss how and why he founded his business as well as their tour offerings, eco-tourism as a tool for coastal education, and a new partnership with the Old 77 Hotel in New Orleans to bring more people out into the swamp.

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State of the Coast with CRCL

This week on Delta Dispatches, Jacques brings back our friends from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana James Karst, director of communications and marketing, and Emily Vuxton, policy director. James talks about the upcoming State of the Coast conference ( registration open now! ) and Emily talks about things to keep an eye on in this year’s Louisiana state legislative session including the…

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The Guardian of the Wetlands

This week on Delta Dispatches we’re talking about the inspirational new exhibit at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art which features works from John Taylor, storyteller, environmentalist, self-taught artist and life-long resident of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. Here to talk about the exhibit is Mikhayla Harrell, the Museum Educator and Teen Intern Coordinator at the Ogden Museum and Amanda Moore…

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The Place with No Edge — A Conversation with Author Adam Mandelman on the Mississippi River Delta Past, Present and Future

On today's episode, Jacques and Simone welcome author Adam Mandelman to discuss his book, The Place with No Edge: An Intimate History of People, Technology, and the Mississippi River Delta, "a book about people’s dreams of mastering nature through technology in one of the wettest, most unruly landscapes of North America. Published with Louisiana State University Press in April of 2020, it…

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Discussing the Mid Barataria DEIS with the Army Corps:

On today's episode, Jacques and Simone welcome Jeff Varisco, Senior Project Manager, and Brad Laborde, Regulatory Manager, with the Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District. Jeff and Brad walk us through the milestone that is the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion, discuss how the public can engage in submitting comments over the…

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A Monumental Moment for Louisiana’s Coast

On this week’s episode of Delta Dispatches, Simone and Jacques bring back their first-ever guests, Dr. Alisha Renfro with the National Wildlife Federation and Steve Cochran campaign director with Restore the Mississippi River Delta and Environmental Defense Fund, to mark a big milestone for Louisiana’s coast -- the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement and Restoration Plan for the…

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Looking Ahead to 2021

This week on Delta Dispatches, we sit down with one of our favorite guests, Bren Haase, Executive Director for the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority. The CPRA is releasing their draft Annual Plan, which outlines the coastal projects moving forward in the next 12 months and Bren walks us through many of the big projects that will make 2021 a great year for coastal Louisiana.

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Cook-off for the Coast & Friends of Bayou Lafourche

On today's episode, Simone and Jacques welcome back National Wildlife Federation Outreach Manager Samantha Carter to discuss the fourth annual Cook-off for the Coast . Although this year's cook-off will be virtual, Sam highlights how it will still feature great content, including music from the Michot’s Melody Makers with special guest Leyla McCalla, a virtual coastal flyover, cooking…

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What is an Environmental Impact Statement?

This episode of Delta Dispatches features environmental law experts providing an overview of the legal and regulatory backdrop upon which Louisiana is executing its coastal restoration and protection efforts. Amy Reed, Staff Attorney, and Jarryd Page, Public Interest Law Fellow, both from the Environmental Law Institute, join Simone and Jacques to discuss the forthcoming draft Environmental Impact…

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