[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
AIR Ila ZZ7 44 awl. txk loin AN 'INTERACTIVE MPIMARY DISPLAY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 4191 for the `IMPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Gc 97.8 L8 AND DEVELOPMENT 158 `OASTAL RESOURCES PROGRAM 1978 lq7q COVER ILLUSTRATION This woodcut of the Marsh Settlement St. Malo is one of the earliest visual documents of the Louisiana Coastal Zone. For nearly one hundred yea rs there existed in the "southeastern swamp lands of Louisiana" a certain' strange settlement of Malay fishermen who lived in deep em- pathy and respect for their landscape. "Out of the shuddering reeds and banneretted grass on either side rise the fantastic houses of the Malay fishermen, poised upon slender supports above the Marsh, like cranes or bitterns watching for scaly prey. Odd craft huddle together beside them, fishing nets make cobwebby drapery about the ske leton timber work." (Hearn 1883) St. Malo existed as a fishing community in its watery wonderland until a tremendous hurricane in 1915 simply swallowed the entire settlement with strong wind and tidal wave. The bronzed skinned fishermen of St. Malo drifted westward to found the seven villages of Barataria Bay devoted to harvesting the bountiful underwater crop of Barataria Estuary. (Espina 1977) Drawn by Charles Graham from a sketch by J. 0. Davidson; 1883 woodcut from the Abbey Landscape Collection. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INSTRUCTORS Dan Earle Earl Broussard Buck Abbey GRADUATE ASSISTANT Mike Flanegin STUDENTS Sandra Barnes David Bodker Frank Burandt Steve Carey Ray Desselle Harry Dill Ginger Gonia Pan Hoggatt Peck Horton Pierre Lignieres Theresa Mouch Sarah Pearson John Perrone April Phillips Thomas Phillips Nancy SarwinsXi Ron Weber Published Fall 1978 TABLE OF CONTENTS AN INTERACTIVE ESTUARY DISPIAY Introductory Message* o * * - a - - * . . . . . . . . . . . 1 I. Louisiana Coastal Wetlands And Natural Systems A. Coastal Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 B. Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1. Definition 2. History C. Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1. Definition 2. History D. Barataria Basin 20 1. Function 2. History (Man) E. Component Parts of Coastal Wetlands and Processes 22 1. Physical Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 2. Parts of the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 3. Processes of the System . . . . . . . . . . . 24 F. Importance Of Coastal Zone As A Habitat . . . . . 25 G. The Importance Of Barataria Basin . 0 w . . . . . 30 1. Ecological and Geological Features . . . . . 30 2. System As A Whole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 II. Man And The Coast A. Coastal Benefits To Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 1. Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 2. Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 3. Trapping . . . . . . . 0 . 0 0 6 0 9 9 a 0 0 39 4. Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 5. Mineral Resources . a o s 9 a # . * & 42 6. Farming . . . . . . . 0 . . 43 7. Others 0 . . . . . . 44 B. Man's Impact-On The Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 1. Water Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 2. Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 3. Land Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 TABLE OF CONTENTS CON'T III. Display Systems For-Environmental Messacres A. To Convey A Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 B. Notes On Design of Short-Term Display System For Environmental Messages . . . . . . . . 57 C. The Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 D. Construction, Transportation, And Site Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 E. Graphic Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 F. Two-Dimensional Conveyances a . . * . . * - - 76 G. Three Dimensional Conveyances . . . . . . . . . 81 H. Electronic Conveyance Devices . . . . . . . . . . 87 I. User-Activated Conveyance Devices . . . . . . . . 89 IV. Display Specifications A. Design Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 B. Display Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE In his newly acquired dominance over-nature, man will love and cherish only what he can understand. For the first time in Western history, there exists a widespread, evergrowing knowledge of the natural world in its infinite variety and complexity; a recognition of the essential role played by each part in creating the living whole. The Louisiana coastal zone is a fascinating land form; complex, dynamic, and full of magic. Too often we approach our coastal wetlands and, finding them difficult to travel, we avoid them. Then we turn to maps, or look down from a plane, or more recently, we form conclusions from what we see out a car window as we race across a. seemingly monotonous swampland on a freeway built on fill. The margins of the coastal wetlands, as may be seen readily from the air, are likely to be curiously ill-defined. Unlike the clean-cut shore of sandy beaches outlined by a. white curve of surf, its shoreline is more likely blurred. The wetlands may look entirely different at high tide and low tide; what appears in the morning to be a vast wetland of mud and marsh with channels of shining water may be seen in the afternoon as a widespread shallow bay. The coastal wetlands, being the place where two active land forms encounter one another, is itself in a state of never-ending change. It is not suprising, then, that we so often consider our coastal region useless, even unpleasant, places, unfit for human habitation and waiting to be put to some good use. 2 On this assumption, we have diked and drained-and destroyed- a great many of our wetland areas, reclaiming them for farm- land or pastures or subdivisions. We have dredged others for harbors and at various points rimmed their shores with concrete. Therefore, from the point of view of both aesthetics and utility, there is no natural environment more in need of creative interpretation. As scenery, Louisiana's coastal wetlands do not have the sharp impact of a. snowclad mountain or a carved canyon; its beauty is more subtle than spectacular. Why not, one may well ask, put the coastal region to good human use as we do the rest of the.earth? What is so special about this particular land form? Why should we leave it alone or give it particular care? The answers from various sources readily begin to pour out. Because the region is one of the most naturally productive places on earth. Because it is a trap for solar energy as well as for nutrients essential to life. Because it is a place where these nutrients are put to work, employed by many life forms, exchanged and cycled. Because it is a spawning ground, a nursery, and a home, for numerous creatures of the sea. Because we, ourselves, depend upon many of these creatures for our food. Because it is rich in a variety of natural resources used by man. Because it is a place where our water and the air we breathe are naturally cleansed. Because it has played a vital role in the evolution of many different forms of life. 3 These are only a*few of the more simple answers. We need to inform the public and give them a more complete understanding of the Louisiana coastal zoneY a land'area so much overlooked or disregarded. That is the reason for this interpretive, interactive, informative display depicting Louisiana's coastal system. The following text has been assembled and is to be used as a guideline for the design and construction of this display. /M 4 THE COASTAL MARSH Here is the home of the mosquito, alligator and bullfrog. At sundown the insects rise like a thick fog over the lowland. In the darkness their presence is signaled by a sound like the boiling of innumerable caldrons. Worse than these are the great green-headed tappanoes dreaded by fishermen. Sandflies attack the colonist in warm weather; fleas are insolent at all hours; spiders of immense growth rival the net weavers of St. Malo, and.hang their webs from the timbers side by side with seines and fishing tackle. A marvelous variety of creatures haunt the surrounding swamp; reptiles, insects and birds. The prie-dieu, (prav god), utters is soprano; water-hens and plovers call across the marsh. Numberless snakes hide among the reeds, have little to fear save from the wildcats which attack them with savage recklessness. Rarely a bear or deer finds its way near the bayou. There are many otter and muskrats, minks and raccoons and rabbits. Buzzards float in the sky, and occasionally a bald eagle sails before the sun. (Lafcadio Hearn 1883) 5 COASTAL PEOPLE To the south of New Orleans and west stretch the lands of the other Louisianians whose ways are directly shaped by the Gulf. Some live on bits and ridges of land that extend like threads from the city. Until recently others could be reached onlv bv water and a number are still isolated in the same fashion. At various distances above the deep water a series of towns and cities advances across lower Louisiana to the Texas border. These were quiet men, obscure men, who had no means to acquire large holdings: Frenchmen, Acadians, Spaniards, a German or two. When they found a short stretch of Gulf ground that they likedthey took it; who was there to oDpose? From the sea and the low-lying lakes and bayous they took succulent fish, oysters and-shrim-P. They moved about the marshs and caught animals to send no rth. (Harnett Kane 1959, 1953) I I I I I I I I I I I I I LOUISIANA I COASTAL 11 WETLANDS I AND I NATURAL I SYSTEMS. I 1)EFI'N=IOY OF Tlz7. COASTAL REGION COASTAL REGION Coastal Louisiana is a vast region stretching from Texas to Mississippi, about 10 million acres, 112 million acres dryland and 81 million acres wetland, both swamp and marsh, salt and 2 fresh. There are more than 1.5 million people in the coastal areaj 4.1% of the state's population, and the population is increasing at a faster rate than any other area in the state. The unique beauty of the Louisiana coastal area, the wet- land in particular, rival scenic wonders throughout the world. The aesthetic value of the marshes and swampsis only matched by their economic value. TII@e natural resources of coastal Louisiana generate billions of dollars annually. 1Fatrik W. Rvan, Louisiana Coastal Resources (Louisiana: Louisiana State anning Office, 1977), Pg. 1. 7 THE BOUNDARY The definition of the coastal region can best be described CD in the elements describing its boundaries. "PrITTI 'S IT? T HEE @,T-p , @ I - 1,@ -_ , ,A", ?71 1 OU4 The vastness of L -Lsianals coastal wetlands, flood plains, and estuaries makes coastal area bounClIary determination an interesting and complex problem. A repo-rt was prepared entitled "A Rationale for Deter- mining Louisiana's Coastal Zone" by the Louisiana State University Sea Grant organization. This report 0 was written to provide a reference of information useful to decision makers in determining the final boundary decision. This report is available in the parish library in each coastal parish. In looking at geographic information was available, several subjects were selected to be investigated: I. Geology 2. Elevation 3. Soils 4. Vegetation 5. The 100-year flood zone(Highest level of flooding C, projected by Corps of Engineers to once every 100 years.) Other informatinn concerning biological indicators: 1. Salinity(salt content of waters) 2. Shellf ish a. The brackish water clam b. The bluecrab Fish a. Stingray b. Hogchoker c. Needlefish d. Striped Mullet 4. Mammals a. The eastern mole b. The least shrew c. The shorttailed shrew d. Muskrat e. Grey fox Reptiles a. Fence lizard(or horned toad) b. Coral snake c. Rough earth snake @@. Red bellied snake The unusual dropout of birds in their spring migration through Louisiana. 8 information was collected for this selected list and shown on charts of southern Louisiana. Twenty-one biological and geographical subjects were examined to determine if there was any one factor which controlled the distribution of any or all of the others. As each piece of data was overlaid over the other, a prelim- inary BEST FIT line was constructed. The BEST FIT process is explained in (Figure 2.) There were also other considerations brought to bear upon the discussions. They are as follows: 1. Areas which are adjacent to the coastal region and which are in the 100-year flood zone were determined not to be included. This is because these hazards occur so seldom and because they do not permanently alter the primary characteristics of the soil, the vegetation, the geology or the elevation. 2. Recent studies of the freshwater marshes and swamps show that they contribute vital nutrients to the nat- Ural systems of the coast, and, therefore, the in- land limit must at least include the river basins northward to a point, where the occurrence of marine water is normal. 3. There is a social element which must be taken into account, too. Pesidents along the Sabine, Atchafa- laya, Calcasieu, Mermentau, Pearl and Tchefuncte Rivers and along Bayou Lacombe indicate that the residents feel a COASTAL RELATEDNESS (or identity with the water, i.e., boats, seafood, livelihood), and this attitude seems to fit very well with mea- surements of salinity in the water and the presence of organisms associated with sea water. 4. The Atchafalaya Basin Floodway i s very difficult to divide. However, it is subject to management pro- grams at both the federal and state level and will require special consideration by state and local government. 5. Where the limits of a town or a city came close to the BEST FIT line, the area was determined to be included in the coastal area because it is known that pressure for further development into wetland areas will proceed from these centers of population. This development could be directed by local government as part of its "coastal management program". 6. Included within that BEST FIT line are high ground geologic features which are important to the coastal region but which are not wetlands; such as "cheniers (old beach ridges), natural levees,salt domes, constructed levees and fast lands (which are areas) surrounded by levees)." These areas have to be included as part of the coastal area by their location, but man- agement principles applied to wetlands would not be considered as appropriate for these areas. Make a close look at these subjects. Let's begin with fielevation". The lowest elevation delineated in Louisiana by U.S. Geological Survey is in close proximity to the 5-foot contour. It is drawn on maps at a scale of 1:24 000 which are the most detailed maDs available coas;wide. (This scale means 1"=20001).- The second point to examine is "'G-eology": the seperation between the old uplands (pleistocene) where often we see pine trees growing, and the more recent wetlands (cypress seamps and marshes) is calld the Recent-Ple-is- tocene contact and is extremely useful in delineating the coastal area. "Soil" is another subject to examine. A determination of upland soils and wetlands soils is simple according to Soil- Conservation Service criteria. There is only one area of the coastal area which contains soils of a transitional type which cannot precisely be assigned as either wetland or upland and that occur on the west side of the Atchafalaya Basin north of 1,,Tew Iberia. "Vegetation" is also easily identified as wetlaand or nonwetland types. Upland vegetation includes the praries and grasslands of westerm Louisiana, and in the east (such as in St. Tammany Parish) the uplands are forested with long-leaf pine and hardwoods. 'Wetland vegetation includes cypress and tupelo-gum swamps. Another subject concerns the 11100-year flood and tidal inundation level" information %.,-hich is generally avail- able in each parish. -River floods and storms which caused Gulf waters to cover our low-lying coastal area were considered. -Flood hazards are always an important point of interest to people living in the coastal area. "Salt water" is probably the most obvious indicator of a coastal environment. How far does salt water intrude into the river basins? The points to consider when dis- cussing salinity is the northernmost extreme that salt t-ater has been known to occur. Uso important is the length of time that salt water remained high and low. It is known that some creat-ares are found only in very specific areas. One of these is "Rangia cuneatall, the brackish water cla-m. Its history of location in brack- ish waters goes back thousands of yea-rs. Inland records of "blue crabs" which spend part of their lives in salt water are important. It is inter- esting to note that the locations from which blue crabs have been found. 10 The inland records of salt water fish a-re equally im- portant-. Where have marine fish been seen? It must have been cuite a surprise to the people of Simmesport to find our Atlantic stingray in the Atchafalaya River! L 11'D LeDtiles and ma:-.-mals" often indicate a preferred ha- bilUat or living area. Noticing distribution of the 11fence lizard" indicates an obvious upland species that feeds on insects and tends to be associated with sandy soils. It is not found in marshes because it burles its eggs in.soil; it could n6t reproduce in flooded areas. The "coral snake" is another indicator of an upland area. There are no records of the coral snake coming from forested %,.,etlands. The "rough earth snake" is also eliminated from habitats a) subject to flooding-because it is a burrowing reptile and feeds on earthworms and slugs. The "red-bellied snake" occurs in forested areas. It, too, eats worms and slugs an,_'@ is excluded from low areas because of flooding. The distribution of mammals in Louisiana was studied. Originally, -7.0 species were examined and then these were narrowed to five whose range boundaries show a habitat preference. 'The "eastern mole" does not occur regularly in coastal situations, not even on higher ground. Apparently any areas where the soil is flooded can act as a barrier to the movement of the species. The "least shrew" prefers grassy fields of thickets and often builds its nest in burrows up to 8 inches under the surface. Therefore, it would probably be sensitive to flooding. The "short-tailed s1l@rewfl occurs throughout the wooded portion of the state except in the coastal areawhere it appears to be absent. The "grey 'Lox" is fairly common throughout the uplands and other favorable habitats in the state. He prefers mixed pine-oak woodlands, pastures and fields. Based on the physical and biological information, a bounda-'ry was dilineated which approxirra'tes the 5-foot contour. Cl 1.@Pecifj_c location of this contour line on the ground waa accomplished by using manmade features such as roads, canals, railroads, range and township lines, and polit,Lcal boundaries. 2 Patrick W. Ryan, Louisiana Coastal Resources (Louisiana..- Uouisiana State Planning Office, 1977),PP.13-17. THE BARATARIA BASIN THE BARATARIA REGION 11 The Barataria Region includes seven parishes, each of which is intersected byone of the two waterways which, along with the Gulf of Mexico, form the bounds of the Barataria Basin. The Parishes of Assumption and Lafourche are each divided by Bayou Lafourche which runs approx- imately ninety miles in a southeasterly direction from the city of Donaldsonville on the Mississippi River, in Ascention Parish, to the Gulf. The parishes of St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and Jefferson are each divided by a 60-mile stretch of the Mississippi River which runs in an easterly direction from Donald- sonville to New Orleans. Plaquemines Parish is also split by the river which, turning south again, runs some 75 miles in a generally southeasterly direction to the sea. Plaquemines, Jefferson and Lafourche are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico.3 THE ECOLOGY OF THE BARATARIA BASIN The Barataria basin of southeastern Louisiana is one of the most productive natural areas in thE world. It encompasses 2,427 square miles, bounded bY Bayou Lafourche on its western edge and the Mississippi River to the east. This area is roughly triangular in shape, seventy miles long and thirty miles at its widest point, with the apex at Donaldsonville. While the Barataria Basin is composes of a number of subareas with differ- ent environmental characteristics, it functions in totality as an integrated ecosystem. That is, the various physical systems are interdependent, and act together so as to balance and regulate the Basin as a whole. ENVIRONMENTAL UNITS The Barataria Basin can be divided into five primary and two secondary environmental units. Primary units include: swamp forest, fresh marsh, brackish marsh (encompassing the sometimes dilineated intermediate category), saline marsh, and the offshore area. Beaches and other elevated areas--cheniers, natural levees, and spoil banks--are the two secondary units. Within several of the units a distinction must be made be- tween wetland proper (Land that is alternately flooded and drained) and associated water bodies (permanently inundated areas such as lakes and bayous). (The areal breakdown within the basin is presented in the Table to follow.) Unless otherwise specified, information in this section is from Bahr and Hebrard's work Bar- ataria Basin: Biological Characterization.' 3 Anthony J. Mumphrey, Jr. , The Value of Wetlands, in the Barataria Basin (Louisiana: Urbans Studies Institute, 1978 pd 4 I bid, pg 65 5 Ibid, Pg 75 t-JZ-q C@p UNITS IN TIE@ 12 E'@ AA T A R I A B AS T ",7 L.L N (IN, SQU."O.7 I-IILEIS) U 1,TT "n I A= I ITI LE S S QTJ- Fresh 'Alater swarnp 3178. 2 Fresh marsh 349.2 Brackish marsh 359.1 S'aline marsh 247.0 Topographic high areas 472.4 wate-- area 621.2 Total area 2,427.1 A 91*00 _90100, A 30,00 BARATARIA BASIN ....... ... .............. ;R@ ............. J 0 Y. U ChLo vegetation k3@p 4 Natural Lev ees(Urban, Agricultural Are fX 29:30 and Bollorriland Hardwood Forest) (k, - Forested Welland (Swomp) Fres@, Morsh Z' A I BrocK-Is@ Mwsh Soline Mars!i J, 0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 is 20 25 30 fen, F1 Environtitents -.1 Ltitits :Barataria mariag,;:?PiOrtL Units. (R. ChibrO_ck, J. T. Joanerl PilwLsano. 1968. VC.Oetative type Inap of the Louisiana coastal marshes. La. Wildlife a'n';d Neti Orle._;,ns, La./U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1973. Inventory of Basic Environmental Da Louisiana. /U.S.C.S . Infrared Aerial Pltotographs 1974.) 14 LOUISIANA COASTAL WETLANDS AND NATURAL SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION This section of the coastal development report covers a brief explanation and historical outline of the deltaic plain. Concerning the Mississippi River, there's a cronological eras list of the Deltaic Plains that existed from oldest regions to youngest. The second part of this report deals with the Barataria Basin. Location, function, and history of man is covered in this section. 15 MISSISSIPPI RIVERS DELTAIC PLAIN (HISTORY) 7_FFrTCTS OF GETOLOGICAL PROCESSES ON BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING OF THE BARATARIA FCOSYS]EM Altliough the coastal hydrologic regime integrates a set of biological processes and thus controls commun- ity productivity, this regime is itself a function of the long-term geological processes of sediment accre- tion and erosion and coastal subsidence. All geogra- phical characteristics of the castal area are basically the result of the Mississippi River with its historical switching behavior and massive sediment input. When the river shifts into a new channel, land is built rapidly. Many minor distributaries serve to spread the watter and sediment over fairly broad areas. Erosion takes place continuously, but the new delta is dominated by the river during the building stage of the cycle. The total length of land-water interface is rel- atively short during this stage. Asthe river begins to seek a new channel and dis- charges more and more water through major distributary channels, erosion becomes increasingly more important inthe delta area. (Thisjfocess extends over a period of several hundred years 'D @ecent Histo--y of Deltaic Plain Five major delta complexes where the master stream has flowed in the past or is presently.flowing dominate coastal Louisiana from the western margins of Vermilion Bay oastward to and includingthe Chandeleur Islands. These-delta complexes include the following from oldest to youngest: Maringouin-Mississippi Teche- Mississippi St. Bernard- Mississippi Lafourche-Mississippi D aquemines- Modern Mississippi .1 - These deposits are in varying degrees of deterioration because of subsidence and eustatic sea level changes_@. and are characterized by partially or completely buried levee ridges flanked by marsh and swamp deposits that grade to lakes or bays. They are bordered on their seaward margins by barrier islands, sand and shell beaches, fronting mainland marshlands. Along portions of the caost, little or no beach material has accumu- lated, and marshlands are exposed to direct wave attack. -Frazier (1967) and Gould (1970) summarize knowledge concerning delta complex development and sequences of stream networks that form relatively discrete areas where delta lobes were formed. Figure 1 outlines the delta complex areas of deposition. The Maringouin complex was functioning at a time 1 M[m I= Man, I M M M as M wo C1 ALIUVIAI, P1 IN N ItAt trV11 10 HAMM 11VII, -MAtOtH MAND (t-@ city k 8 1 UCT LA NMD I I A COM4 it tLICT MUO 11A VL r nnuoceo CUIC201, SUSAWROW N, UND ACCjt:,%A7,HS k ............. 00 OL.., % A e n u It Ar C 00 u Fie 4. ':@lta complexes of the Mississippi Delta Plain (Frazier 1967). 17 when sea level was several feet lower than at present. Coastwise subsidence and sea level rise occuring contemporaneously with more recent se.441-,ertr@tfon from adjacent distributaries has buried most...6f---the coastwise elements of this delta complex. The only surface remains of this delta complex are upstream. Bayou Teche served as the course of the Mississippi River during progradation of the Teche delta complex. '-"hen the river shifted to approximately its present course along the eastern flank of the flood plain during the growth of the St. Bernard complex. Later, Bayou Lafourche received the major flow and the Lafourche delta complex resulted. Presently the river is feeding the Plaquemines-Modern delta complex. 2 Center for Wetland Resources, Barataria Basin: Geological Processes and Framework (Louisiana: Sea %.'z'rant Publication, 19 pp. 15-17.' HISTURY (MAN) 18 PRE-HISTCRIC This land use trend is seen even among the earliest Indian inhabitants. Many earth mounds and shell mid- dens can be found adjacent to bayous and stream chan- nels. Earth mounds are very distinctive visual features in the castal landscape since they are elevated from the surrounding flatter topography. They are believed to hsve been built as burial structures or for reli- gious ceremonies. Middens represent sites inhabitated by Indians. They are usually shell accumulations, ridge shaped, and elevated a few feet above the ground. The age and culture periods of many of the recorded sites have been established from potsherds and other artifacts. Early Indian inhabitance in coastal Louisiana has been dated as far back as 10,OOOB.C. These cultures offer a record of how earlier people used and coped with the coastal Louisiana environment. The discovery of pre- historic Indian sites on any large tract of' land would L not be unusual. HiSrno,_R IC European settlers also took advantage of the rich natu- ral levee soils and higher grounds which provided them with ample space to grow their crops and to build their homes. Many historic homes and other historic structures remain today. A wide variety of culture groups settled in castal Louisiana. The first European settlers were French. They were explorers, soldiers, and farmers, many of whom later became plantation owners. Louisiana was controlled by Spain in the latter part of the 18th century. The Spanish were successful plantation owners and sugar cane growers. Acadians, who settled in the coastal area,engaged in farming and were also fisherman and trappers. The other major cultural groups in the coastal area included Germans, Italians, Africans, and Irish. These settlers developed distinctive cultunal patterns based in part on their heritage and in part on their adaptation th the unique physical features of the land as they tried to modify the existing environ- ment to suit their needs for land and expansion. Early settlement took place mostly on naturally drained lands and some attempts were made to protect marginal areas from flooding. CONTEPMPORARY After the Civil War, Louisiana's pl antation economy slowly began to change. Small vegetable and fruit farms appeared in the landscape. At the turn of the century, nearly all the virgin cypress forests were cut for lumber. Agriculture, fishing, aha trapping remained important- resources. 19 Modern times brought rapid changes in the coastal Louisiana landscape. Exploration and recovery of nat- ura-1 resources such as petroleum and gas were added to the list of wetland uses. AS industrialization and urbanization occurred, the area's economy began to change. Modification of the natural systems was made to accom- modate contemporary development needs. Some of these changes have greatly altered the original character of many areas of the coast, eliminating some of the past attributes which initially attracted settlers and add- ing other attributes to meet present needs. Cultural elements from all periods can be incor- porated into development plans. In this way the sense of continuity between people and their past can be preserved. Even more imprrtant, the variety and vitality of the reg-ion can be expressed through evelopment as coastal Louisiana continues to prosper. 20 BARATARIA BASIN: FUNCTION 0`,rLnLVI_01W OF ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING OF r-11IM-1 B-L@ATA'RIA BASIN L COSYSTEMS The following brief description of some of the more obvious features of the Barataria Basin ecosystem of southeastern Luuisiana includes division of the total system into five primary environmental units and two secondary units. At this time some general ecological principles are --resented to demonstrate that the primary units are all interacting components of a coherent ecosystem, and that-each possesses anal- ogous features and functions. A number of factors--the Mississippi River, the climate, and a set of biotic and physical gradients-- have inte--acted to create the specialized and highly productive Louisiana coastal ecosystem, of which the Barataria Basin is a key component. The entire coastal region of the state, including Barataria Basin, is probably the most productive natural area in the United States and is among the most productive in the world. The Louisiana coastal zone supports the nation's larg- est commerciall fishery, with the Barataria Basin during the period 1963-67 producing 30 percent of the states blue crab harvest, 27 percent of the shrimp harvest, and 47 percent of the menhaden harvest. The basin also provides its share of Louisiana's fur harvest, which is also the largest in the nation. The basin sits at the terminus of the Mississippi flyway--the largest waterfowl migratory route in North America--and pro- vides for millions of user-days of recreational activity. The Lac des Allemands swamps, at the headwaters of the basin, during the early decades of this century housed the world's largest cypress lumber industry, and the mas- sive petroleum productivity of the basin is proof of thF areasts biological productivity in past geologic times. In all, this tremendous biological productivity is immensely v@luable and deserves to be understood and maintained. 4Center for Wetland Resources,Barataria Basin: B,@1@010 ical Characterization (Louisiana: Sea G@@t PRblication, 1976), -PP 7. -6 _- 77. 21 "QTATEt, OF LOUISIANA BARATARIA BASIN NANS INTRODUCTION * little more than two thousand years ago, what is now the state U Of Louisiana was an area inhabited by man. * The ea--liest inhabitants apparently were hunters and fishermen who moved into the coastal areas where fish and game were avail- able in abundance. * About 500 years after the arrival of man in what is now Louis- iana, the descendants of those original settlers began to build villages and to work the softe- metals. When the earliest luroDean explorers arrived during the first half of the six- teenth century (that is, about a thousand years after the Indians had begun to establish permanent settlements) there were probably about 15,000 persons living within the present boundaries of the state. * The first European settlements in the Barataria Region were established in the eighteen-1 uh century along the Mississippi, upriver from New Orleans, in the area which is now pa@t of the parishes of St. Chaarles and St. John the Baptist. 5Center for Wetland Resources, The Value of Wttlands in the Barataria Basin (Louisiana: Sea Grant Publication, 1976), 22 COMPONENT PARTS OF COASTAL WETLAND AND ESTUARIES AND PROCESSES OF ESTUARIES This area of research is devoted to describing or defining, the component parts of coastal wetlandsv the component parts of estuariesq and the processes of estu- aries. Information included in the section on the parts of wetlands are brief definitions of natural levees, swamps, marshes (freshwater* brackish, and saline), shore- lines, barrier islandst stream channels, chenier plains, flood plains and estuaries. The next section of this re- port deals with parts--of estuaries and will describe the wildlifet the plant lifeg and water bodies and channels. The last section of research done under this subtitle is processes of estuaries which includes sea level rise and land subsidence processes, I. COMPONENT PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WETLANDS A. Natural Levees - These result when streams or rivers flood and deposit silt and clay along their banks, These levees are composed of stable soils and are higher in elevation thatn the surrounding wetlands. B. @w'amps - these are low, wet, tree cover .ed areas. The soilt which is generally saturated with water is composed of fine clays and organic matter, The soil is stable. C. Marshes - are wet areas that are covered with grasses or other aquatic plants..Because of their high bio- logical productivity they are known to-be good habitats for wildlife and recreation. Marsh soils range from clays to very spongy peats and muc)tt. 1. Freshwater marshes depend almost entirely on rainfall and local runoff for water supply. Seasonal stream flooding serves not only to supply additional freshwater but also to flush the systems and to supply nutrients. The marsh soil is composed primarily of peat beds, often as deep as 15 feet. When drained .these peat beds decompose and the,'land,sub- sides. Brackish marshe-s odcur in the intermediate area betwe,en the freshwater and saline marshes, The location of this marsh may fluctuate over time according to characteristics of freshwater flow and tidal action, Soils contain a large amount of peat# though generally not as deep as in the freshwater marsh. Tidal acti6n serves to flush detritus and other nutrients out into the salt marshes and estuaries, 23 3. Saline marshes occur in a zone adjacent to the coastline. Their water level is largely dependent on tidal exchange and wind direction. The peat layers are generally thin and under- lain by clay, silt and sand, Of the 3 types of marshest the saline marsh has the most stable soil. A major value of the saline marsh is to supply nutrients to marine fish and shellfish nursery areas, D. Shorelines are those areas at the interface between land and water. Erosion, subsidence and exposure to storms are common to the La, coast, E. Barrier Islands - are elongated islands or@narrow penisulas which front the seacoast. These islands ar6,'composed of sand or shell and their_sha@e and location change in response to change in sea,level, currents, sediment supply, and storms. Of primary importance to the stability of these islands.is the maintenance of dunes and therir vegetatione' 'The.denes are a fragile and constantly moving mass, , _ F. Stream Channels - include riverst streams-.,@ and creeks and intermittently flooded drainage-ways, sloughs$ and swales which convey land runoff toward the gulf. Vegetation along the waterways filters the runoff before it enters the streams-and rivers. G, Chenier Plains - composed of a series of shallow- based sandy beach ridges interspersed with marsh. The chenier ridges rest on marsh clay near sea level. Each chenUr ridge is generally narrow but mak extend for miles paralleling the-shoteline. The space between the ridges is often marshlaind, The ridges of the chenier plain are quitestable. H. Flood Plains - are river belts bounded by marginal back swamp basins. These features are low, leviel, and densely forested, They experience seasonal flooding, The soil is mainly clay and silt.'' I, Estuaries - are inshore water mixing areas that are transitional between marine and terrestia-l'ehvi- ronments. They have rapidly changing chemical condi- ti6ns and high biological productivitys',@This`area is'typically shallow. COMPONENT PARTS OF ESTUARIES A, Anim's,1:1"ife - (Wildlife) The'animal life, which.-. exist'in estuarike can be broken into two'catergories The.permanent residents and those species,,which enter at-high or low tide, principally to feed Fish and birds respectively). variety 1. Species which-are residents include a,'.. of zooplankton - small crustaceap decapod larvae - such as blue crab larvaet large planktonic forms - such as comb.jellies and- sea nettles, 2. Some species which are considered partial 24 residents because of their use of estuaries as nursery grounds are, penaid shrimp, men- hadden, mullet. oysterst bay anchovy-, Itlantic croaker, Atlantic thread fin# and spot fish, Estuaries in coastal Louisiana are utilized by well over 100 species of fish and invertebrae. The one listed above are of main commercial importance. 3. Predator species include fishp birds9 and mammals. The fish includes spotted sea trout, Mosquito fish# Killifi-shp Sea Catfish, Silver Sides# and Anchovies. Predator species among mammals includes Bottlenosed Dolphins muscrats, otter, mink, racoons and nutria. Inclusive in the bird catergory ares Brown pelican, White pelicans Reddish egrets Ospreys egret, Black vulture# Loggerhead shriket Peregrine falcon, gulls terns and types of diving ducks. 4. Other species common to the estuaries are, a tremendous variety of insectst snakes, bats, alligators, spiders# and a diverse form of 'r. animal life-known as detritivores (life which feed on dead organic matter E.G. crawfish and bacteria). B. The Plant Life - which lives in estuaries although few in species is large in numbers of individuals. They are : wire grass, oyster grasso dwarf spiker rush# black rushr salt grass# 3 cornered grass and a wide variety of phytoplankton, C, Water Bodies and Channels - There are several types of water bodies that contribute to the function of mixing salt and fresh water which is the essence of an estuary. These are bays bayous, lakesp tidal rivers# creeks and artifical canals. PROCESSES OF ESTUARIES A. Sea level rise - occurs as a result of the continen-' tal glacial melt. The sea level net rise is a bout 0,1 feet per century or a total of 3 feet so far. Part of this rise occured during the last 40-50 yrs. The marsh surfaces have kept up with this rise. B. Land subsidence - is one of the most critical problems in the coastal zone. Its' causes are highly complex. Some of the factors ares 1. Tidal (wave) action 2. Regional subsidence from sedimentary loading 3. Tectenic processes 4. Compaction of minerals 25 IMPORTANCE OF THE COASTAL ZONE AS HABITAT FOR OTHER NATURAL SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION A unique ecologic feature is defined as an area gr a resource that is either (1) a critical habitat for rare or endangered species, (2) of extremely high biological productivity, (3) of vital importance as a nestingo feed--- ing, wintering or spawning area for fish and wildlife, (4) a rare or unusual occurance for a species that may be near the limits of its range, (5) vital to the maint- enance of a coastal ecologic process. The brackish and saline marshes of Louisianas coastal zone serve as prim- ary nursery grounds for over 100 species of estuarine dependent fish and wildlife, this section(covers only a few of the unique zoological features of the Louisiana' coastal zone. ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT Southern Bald Eagle Eagles migrate into the area in september and nest in the winter months. Nests are usually built in large Cypress or Oak trees located on natural levee ridges such as found some rivers. Brown Pelican Pelicans can usually be found feeding from sand 26 spits or shell reefs and nest in black mangrove of these islands, Red Wolf The Red Wolf is usually found on the higher ridges and cheniers that are found throughout.the prarie marshes of the Chenier Plain. American Alligator Alligator is not considered rare or endangered in coastal Louisiana. Peak concentrations are seldom found in marshes where salinity greatly exceeds 10 ppt. SEABIRD COLONIES AND WADING BIRD ROOKERIES Seabirds and wading birds utilize the Louisiana coastal wetlands heavily for nesting. The-seabird colonies are most heavily used by Laughing Gullsp Least, Royal and Sandwich Terns; Black Skimmers and Willets. Wading birds occuring mostly in rookeries are Great Blue, Louisiana and Little Blue Heronst and Yellow and Black-crowned Night Herons; Americanp Commont Snowy. and Cattle Egretsj White Faced, White and Glossy Ibises and Anhingas, 27 PRIMARY FISH AND SHELLFISH GROUNDS Nursery grounds are shallow estuarine marshes and adjacent shallow water areas vital'to the juvenile stages of estuarine dependent fish and shellfish. The great majority of commercial and sport fish and shellfish kharvested along the Louisiana coast are dependent on the nursery grounds for completion of the early life history stages of their life cycle. Called nursery grounds because they are used during post larval and juvenile stagesq these areas are unique because they support one of the worlds largest estuarine fisheries. Estuarine dependent organisms rely on these waters to provide food habitat, favorable growth conditions and protection.from predators during vulnerable periods of their lives. The nursery grounds also provide important habitat for migratory waterfowl, fur bearing animals and many other forms of wildlife and support and increasingly important sport fishing and recreational industry. Although utilized by well over 100 species and in- vertebratest the dominant species are Bay Anchovyt Atlantic Croaker, Gulf Menhadeng Atlantic Threadfing Spotp White Shrimp, Brown Shrimpt and Blue Crab. 28 OYSTER SEED-GROUNDS Public oyster seed grounds are areas of natural seed grounds in which the state has planted cultch mat- erial (usually clam shells) as a supplement for the pro- duction of seed oysters. All oysters produced on these seed ground s are for the use aihd benefit of the oyster industry and are available to the public* OTHER UNIQUE WILDLIFE HABITAT Sea Turtle Nesting area, The Sea Turtle annually returns to the undeveloped besches to lay their eggs in the sand. The Chandeleurs are one of the few remaining barrier islands with beaches sufficiently remote for these large Sea Turtles to nest undisturbed. White-tailed Deer Numerous deer herds are scattered on scrub cypress tupelo forests# natural levee ridgesq cheniers, and in the marsh itself.throughout the coastal wetlands. Black Bear The bottomland hardwoods and swamps of the Atchafalaya Basing which is the bears prime habitat, represents probably the largest remaining overflow swamp in the United States. 29 Red Swamp Crayfish The Red Swamp Crayfish inhabits the shallow waters of lake edges, bayous, pondsv ditchest marshes, swamps, and other overflow lands in fresh to slightly brackish water. Roseate Spoonbill The Roseate Spoonbill, is a unique resident of the southwestern Louisiana prarie marshes. The spoonbill is noted for its pink and white color, spoon shaped bill and long leggs. Unique Ecological Featuers Of The Louisiana Coast Burk and Associates, Inc. New Orleans, 1978. Submitted by-, Ray Desselle October 1, 1978 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BARATARIA BASIN: AIN ECOLOGICAL VIE-4 30 The Importance of the Systems in the Barataria Basin There are five different systems in the basin: the wood- land swamp, the fresh marsh, the brackish marsh, the saline marsh, and the off shore area. The connecting element of all these systems is the water ways. This section of the report will deal with the importance of each system and its importance to the Barataria Basin itself. WOODLAND SWADIP Primary production of converting solar energy to stored energy is mainly made in the woodland swamp. This is because of the vast canopy of trees. This canopy also acts as a screen to light causing optimum conditions for dead leaves and branches to dc@cay rapidly. This decay has in it stored energy made by the chlorophyll in the leaves while they were still alive. This stored energy is rapidly passed through the system by m.eans of detrivores or animal that feed on decay. The decay that is not consumed passes down to the marshes and other parts of the basin by means of the water ways. FRESH nhRSh The fresh marsh is the intermediary system between the brackish marsh and the woodland swamp. This marsh acts as a protective agent against the intrusion of salt water into the swamp.. The fresh marsh uses its decay or detritus in quite a different way tnar does the swamp. The detritus is not used as a food source as much as it is used as a building agent to build up the fresh marsh. This is especially important to wildlife for homes and hunting areas. The dead plant sinks into the marsh where it decays. The plants send its fibrous roots into the decay and. entwines around to form a mat. This mat helDs to build up the surrounding marsh. BRACKISH 1&,@RSF, The brackish marsh is most important to aquatic life because it is the nursury ground for their young. This marsh is the furtherest unit from the shore that still is affected by tidal waves. Because of this, this system is more of an intermediate zone than the fresh water marsh. Sources; Bahr, L. M. and J. J. Hebrard (1976) Barataria Basin: Biological Characterization. Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Center for Wetland Resources,- Louisiana State University. DF Mumphrey, Anthony J., Jr. (1978) The Value of the detlands in the Barataria Basin. New Orleans, Louisiana: Urban Studies Institute, University of New Orleans. SAULNE MARSH 31 Because of wave action, the saline marsh has a highly irregular shore line. This shore line results in maximum interface (the area where land meets with water). This is important because the largest concentration of organisms occur near or at the interface@where detritus or decayed material collects. Because of this, a shore line of great interface can provide food for a large number of animals. This marsh area is loaded with shrimp,, oysters, crab., fish, and other aquatic life. The fish-eating birds migrate to this area because food is so plentiful. Alligators and snakes feed off of the birds and their young. Despite the fact that the water is salty where one might think that little life exists, the s4line marsh is teaming with life. OFFSHORE' AREAS The outflow of the Mississippi River makes the offshore area of the Barataria Basin'unique. The concentration of fresh water refuses to mix with salt water. This concentration act& as a barrier to salt water fish aiding in the concentration of them near the Barataria bay. Sometimes this concentration comes too near to shore resultingAn a njubilee". This "Jubilee" concentrates the fish too much that it results in a fish kill. This kill is necessary to keep the population of fish in balance. Another action the offshore area does is tidal action. This tidal action breaks down the coast causing a great interface, it cleans out the marshes,, and it builds upand breaks down barrier islands. WATER WAYS The water courses are most important.because they tie'the whole Barataria Basin,together. They transport,nutrients and detritus from the swamps down to other systems. The nutrients and detritus provide for a richer marsh in food production. They help to regulate salt intrusion. The meandering quality of the bayous helps to trap salt water and keeps it fz going too far. The,water ways also help to clean out the swamps and marshes of debris and-stagnate pools. One of the most obvious jobs and important jobs of the waterways is that they provide channels for wildlife and aquatic life to travel. The most lush and most varied vegitation occurs along the water c ourses. Naturally this is where most wildUre and aquatic life dwell. All of these factors prove that the water ways system is the circulatory system for the Barataria Basin. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BARA:TARIA BASIN AS A WHOLE The second part of this report deals with how the basin affects other parts of coastal Louisiana. The Barataria Basin is abundant in wildlife., water-fowl., aquatic life,, and plant life. Each of these parts have an effect on th6".basin. WILDLIFE 32 There is a wide variety of wild animals living in the basin. Herbivores (plant eaters) and carnivores (flesh eaters) have a system of checks-and-balances to help keep each other healthy in the basin. There are rabbits and squirrels, minks and raccoons,, deer, foxes,' and many other mammels in the basin. One of the most significant animals living in the basin is the alligator. Alligators seem to thrive in most all areas of the basin from the swamp to the salt water marsh. Other endangered species seem to do wellin the basin also. The most important thing about wildlife in the basin is that all natural species grow abundantly, even the endangered ones. BIRDS The system supports a diversified number of permanent residents as well as migratory birds. The permanent residents range from the birds of prey such as the osprey and the hawk, to the perching birds such as doves, woodpeckers and wrens. The migratory birds are classified into two groups: the winter residents and the summer residents. Ducks and geese are the inain winter migratory birds. Some species spend the winter in the coastal region while others use the coast as a resting spot. The sirmier residents use the coastal area tobreed after spending the winter in Central and South America. Besides these birds, there are several endangered species that make their home in the Barataria Basin. There has been sited two eyres of bald eagles in the basin. Several red-shoulder hawks make their home in t.,j eswamp area. The brown pelican in Louiaiana only lives on Queen Bess Island in the salt marsh. There are several other examples. These are just to name a few. AQUATIC LIFE The most outstanding thing in the basin is the abundance of fish. This is because of the sheltered rookeries the -reat interface between land and water, the abundance of.food, and the protected bay for the f ish to live. '.Not only fin fish such as the red snapper grow there, but other types of "fish" live there. The most productive oyster beds in Louisiana are found in the basin's salt marshes. Penaeid shrimp have rookeries in the brackish marsh and live in the salt water estuary. Crawfish, a detrivore, can be found in abundance in the swamp forest area. PLkNT LIFE, This landscape is one of the few landscapes where an elevation change of a few inches can change the vegitation drasticly. This elevation change along with water heights dete-zines whether the area is going to be a swamp forest or a marsh.. Because of the diver- sified amount of plant Life, a varied amoun@ of amix-le can live there. Because of the lushnear of the plants, the great amount, the rapid decay, and the wide variety of plants, an abundanso of animals can survive and survive well in the Barataria Basin, I I I I I I i I I I I t t 0 MAN AND I i THE . COAST. I 11-1 33 MAN'S BENEFIT FROM THE COAST The Louisiana Coastal Area is one of a very unique gift of the Mississippi River. For thousands of years the Mississippi River has carried the soil rich waters and deposited them where Louisiana lies today. Because the coastal area is very rich in resources, man has been 4 attracted to it. The benefits of the coastal area are manyt man uses this area for commercial fishing, trapping, recreation, navigation, agricultureq and many other activities. This part of the booklet will try to help you understand the resources the coastal zone provides for Louisiana's economy and man, OUTLINE A. Commercial Fishing I. Menhaden 2. Shrimp 3, Crabs 4. Oysters 5. Crayfish 6. Economics B. Recreation 1. Water Based Activities 2, Other Recreational Activities C. Commercial Trapping I. Animals a. Nutria b. Other Fur Bearers 2. Economics D. Navigation I. Intercoastal Waterways E. Mineral Exploration and Extraction I. Oil and Gas F. Agriculture . G. Wildlife.Protection Areas I. Migr-atory Fowl Areas Most of this information that has been compiled are factsp you are to chose the facts that is pertinent to your display. If more information is needed please refer to the bibliography at the end of this section. 34 COYWERCIAL FISHING Louisiana's valuable fish and game resources provide opportunities for alot of commercial enterprises. The wetlands produce the food for the feeding of the fish, for practically the whole Gulf itself. Louisiana's fishing industry is the largest in the United States, and leads in the export of fish. Unlike oil and gas, the wetlands which produce the fish is renewable, which can last for millions of years. The Barataria Basin is the richest feeding grounds of the wetlands in Louisiana, so it is a good example. Commercial landings of fish valued at 89 million dollars were taken in Louisiana last year, while the Barataria Basin alone produced 54 million dollars. Most of the commercial landings include menhaden, shrimp, crabo oysters, and other edible finfish. Commer- -cial fishing is one of the most valuable renewabl. resource Louisiana's economy has. PIENHA.DEN Menhaden is commonly known as (pogey). Supports the largest commercial fishery in North America. Since 1946, more pounds of menhaden have been landed annually by U.S. fishermen than any other fishery resource, - They are about one foot in length. - Menhaden are not caught for food, instead they are used for commercial manufacturing of oil. fish meal, and fertilizers, After the fish is presssed for oil, the remainder is is used for fertilizers. The menhaden fish meal is used as protein rich solubles in food supplements for hogs# poultry, mink, and other animals The oil is used in a variety of products; soaps, cosmetics, resins, putties, caulking compound, and lubricants for leather tanning. - Large quantities of menhaden oil is exported to Europe principally for making margarine. - Menhaden supplies 75% of all fish meal 80% of the marine oils So% of all fish solubles produced in the United States. - Menhaden is also used in the manufacturing of dog and cat food, 'The.menhaden industry is valued second in Louisiana, only the shrimp industry is number one. 35 SHRIMP Shrimp is the number one value catch in Louisiana. Last year the shrimp catch was valued at 41 million dollarsp while the Barataria Basin catch was valued at 25 million dollars. - The United States is the leading- country in the world to produce shrimp and shrimp products. - The United States is the principal shrimp nation in the world in two respectst 1. Produces more shrimp than any other country, 2. Imports and absorbs a large amount of the catch of the other nations. Louisiana is second only to California in the catching of shrimp. - The greatest bulk of shrimp is frozen or cannedt but can also be dried and salted, Louisiana is the only state that commercially produce dried shrimp. Louisiana account.s for one quarter of the United States shrimp landings. Some of the more popular food dishes made in Louisiana are: shrimp creole, shrimp gumbot and of course fried shrimp. CRkBS Crabs are a type of shelllfish, that have four pair of legs and a pair of pincers. . ............... ................, Louisiana crabs are caught off the coast in brackish type of water, Crab landings of 17.1 million pounds were last year, and was valued at 2.5 million dollars. If market value is good. the fishermen will-receive an average of 15 cents a pound.."or his landings. ; Som@! 6f@Lo@iisiana't dishes that they make out of*.crab, rel Deviled crabo-7.crabmeat casseroles of all kind@*,* crabmeat balls, and of course freh broiled crabs. - OYSTERS Louisiana stands second in oyster production of the United States. - Historically, mankind has consumed oysters in Louisiana for thousands of years - through the evidence of shell mounds found in Indian sites. ,lue @d al 4 shrim.0 nation 36 Dockside prices generally range from 4 to 6 dollars per sack. - Last year oyster landings of 13.7 million pounds of meat were taken, which does not include the weight of the shells. - The meat was valued at 7.2 million dollars. - Most of this catch was taken from private bottoms# and are not usually found,.,. in the open sea. Generally seed oysters are removed by dredging from stste managed farming operations and planted and cultivated on privately owned lands. 80% of Louisiana oyster production between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River is depended on seed oysters, which is obtained from beds East of the xississippi. Estimations of one boatload of seed oysters 1-3 inches in height bedded in September of one year will yeild 3-4 boatloads of marketable oysters 3-5 inches in height in April of the followinf year. - oysters are usually canned or frozen for later use.. - One of Louisiana's pasttimes are opening up a sack of raw oysters, schucking themt and eating them dipped in a sauce consisting of catsup, horseradisht and tobasco. CRAYFISH Crayfish are a small crustacean that resembles a small lobster, The are also. mmonly known as mudbugs, crawdads, ahd are pronounced (Crawfish). They are usually found on the bottom of freshwater ponds, streamst ditchest - ----- and lakes. They are between 3-6 inches long and are a ull brown to greenish in colour. - Crayfish are eaten by boiling them in water with Cajun seasoning. After they are boiled they turn a reddish colour. - The people in Louisiana usually have a big festival known as a crayfish boil, inwhich crayfish are boiled whole and people drink beer-and eat crayfish, - Some of Louisiana's dishes that they make out of cray- fish are; Crayfish Etouffeet Crayfish Bisque, and put crayfish in their seafood gumbo. - Crayfish is not usually a commercial enterprise, because most people crayfish for themselves. - Louisiana does not export these crustaceans because they are-usually sold to the local restaurants and residents. 37 LOUISIANA LANDINGS FOR 1975 SPECIES POUNDS DOLLARS@.' PRICE/POUND Menhaden 984tlO5,380 29,379,319 30 Catfish 7026t618 2t6159-550 34o Sea Trout lt896t6l6 695t978 370 Crabs 20t6399438 2,701,46o 15o Crayfish llt2859332 3,3301942 300 Oysters l3t686t982 7t174009 53o Shrimp 53,134tl88 409967055 770 Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission NON COMMERCIAL FISHING This is recreational and sport fishing. It is hard to put a value on this, but there are thousands of fishing licenses issued each year. Some of the common gamefish that is caught are: -Catfish -Bluefish -Bullhead -Croaker -Drum (red) -Drum (black) -Flounder -Grouper -Kingfish -Snapper -Sea Trout (spotted) -Sea Trout (White.) Some people for recreation also fish for t - Crab - shrimp - Oysters - Crayfish More detail about sport fishing for recreation.*will be given in the following pages. RECREATION 38 Recreation is o-, major importance to people all over L the country. The people of Louisiana are fortunate to have a coastal area that is presently offering many recreational activities for people of all ages and interests. There is also tremendous potential for much more for the future. WATER BASED ACTIVITIES Louisiana has an abundance of both fresh and salt water. Water based activities in Louisiana include fishing. boating# water skiiing, canoeing. sailingo crawfishingt crabbing, floundering, frogging and shrimping. Lakes, rivers or bayous were listed by Louisiana residents as their favorite vacation areas. The reasons for the tremendous appeal of water areas for outdoor recreation are not clearly undersoodo but it is certain that the demand for recreational waters and facilities for water based activi- ties will continue to rise at a rapid rate, BICYCIING - few designated areas but a very popular activity - coastal parks have much potential for bicycling SIGHTSEEING AND DRIVING - coastal areas attractive to this activity because of views and scenic areas. tours through the Antebellum homes is enjoyed by Louisiana residents and tourists. WALKING FOR PLEASURE - many areas through the coastal area for this activity. - -parks and scenic areas have facilities for hikers BIRD WATCHING - Louisiana has some of the best to offer, - Variety of habitats to experience TOURISM - another source of recreation is the study of archeo- logical and historic features.- - .70 identified archeological sites in St, Bernard Parish alone, without a detailed study. 39 COMMERCIAL TRAPPING Louisianals resources are not only found in the coastal waterst but are also found on land. The coastal wetlands generate income for the econmy through commercial game enterprises as well as fishing enterprises, The greatest number of pelts taken from the coastal area is nutria. Some other type of game animals are the muskrat# otter# mink, fox, etc. and of course alligators. NUTRIA - Nutrias are a large ratlike animal about 31 feet long, inwhich the tail takes up half the body, - They are usually golden-yellow in colour and weigh about 15 pounds. I - Historically they orginate from the Weat Indies and were transported here in Pre- Columbian times, In 1930 New Orleans trappers intro- duced them again for later trapping. The word "nutria" means Half mouse and half beaver", in Spanish. - The gratest number of pelts taken by Louisiana's trappers are nutria and muskrats. - The fur of the nutria is used for fur coats and hats, - But mainly the mea:t of the nutria is used in,the pro- duction of cat and dog food, 7 The rest of the nutria is used in commercial fertilizers. The only known predator of the nutria is the alligator, which is also captured for it's pelt. The most outstanding characteristic of the nutria are the orange-yellow fang-like fron;t teeth 40 ALLIGATORS - An alligator is a large lizard of the crocodile group that ia found in the coastal of area of the United States. - An alligator has a tough leather-like hide which makes them a valuable game resource. - There is an alligator season in which hunters can get licenses to legally hunt them. - The alligator season was opened on September 9 through October 8 in 19769 which was regulated in the coastal parishes. - At one time the alligator was an almost extinct species through the hunting of them, - Now under government regulations they have made a come back. - The number of alligator licenses issued were determined by the size of the area to be hunted and the quality of habitat, - Special precautions are taken to prevent-illegal poach- ing of the hides. - In 1976 there was 198 hunters and between all of them they caught 4,389 alligators. - The value of one alligator was $116.71 per hide. - There are also research centers such as the Rockefeller Research Center on Alligators for conducting tests on the raising of alligators on farms for profit. There are a few alligator farms, but most alligator hides are taken from the coastal area wilds. 1975 - 1976 COMPARATIVE TAKES OF FUR/ANIMAL IN LOUISIANNA COASTAL AREA ANIMAL NO. OF PELTS VALUE PRICE/PELT Nutria 1,525,5o6 7,464,777 $4.89 Muskrat 740,814 3,ll3,256 $4.20 Raccoon 181,031 l,238,248 $6.84 Otter 5,730 253,876 $44.30 Mink 36,268 143,250 $39.49 Fox 4,704 108,102 $22.98 Oppossum 34,682 60,694 $1.75 Bobcat 1,269 63,450 $50.00 Coyote 570 7,980 $14.oo Beaver 207 1,035 $5.00 Skunk 445 668 $1.50 Alligator 4,389 501,977 $116.71 ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------- 41 NAVIGATION The Louisiana coastal area has more water than land. This area is full of canals and channels for thousands of miles, so of course navigation is very important to the people who live there. Of all the Gulf waterways the Inter- coastal Waterway has the most traffic and is vital for the import and export of goods throughout the South. INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY - In 1976 the Gulf Coast Waterways-shipped 77,billion tons of goods. Some of these goods are: Petroleum, coal, coke, iron ore, steel, iron, sand, gravel, stone, grains, logs, lumber, chemicals, seashells, and other commodities, - The Gulf Coast InterwaterWays in 1976 exported 72,373,420 tons and received 43,410,869 tons of goods. LOWER MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST INTERWATERWAYS OF 1976 SHIPMENT OF TONS PRODUCTS SHIPPING RECEIVING Farm Products 5,836,694 40,888,611 Marine Products 8,274 1,121,300 Coal 6,058,551 18,338,135 Crude Petroleum 10,052,910 l5,895,715 Non Metallic Fuels 9,O82,396 l1,5l9,835 Chemical & Allied Products l1,830,950 6,978,043 Petroleum and coal Products 23,726,665 26,400,707 Other 16,160,282 18,201,806 WATERWAYS TOTAL 85,756,722 139,344,l52 INTERCOASTAL WATERWAYS 72,373,420 43,410,869 42 MINERAL EXPLORATION AND EXTRACTION The mineral industry of Louisiana greatly enhances the whole-United States economy, Louisiana produces nearly one-fourth of the petroleum# and more than one- third of the natural gas produced domestically. Louisiana not only produces oil,and gas, but produces limet clayso sulfur# and other m1nerals. The total value of the mineral production in1976 was"$8,598 million dollars. The bad news is that oil and gas are non-renewable resources and that in twenty years the oil and gas reserves will have been used up. Louisiana oil and gas companies employee more people than any other industry. OIL AND GAS Today Louisiana is America's leading ga's producing state and ranks second to that of of Texas in oil production. Louisiana has refining capacities of more than two million barrels of oil produced per day and ranks Louisian third in that category. It costs an average of $459,937 to drill and equip an oil well in Louisiana, more than three times the average cost in the United States. - The average cost of a gas well in Louisiana is $496,287t which is almost double the national average. Louisiana costs are high because much of the oil and gas.come from offshore areas and also the oil that is found come from very deep wells, - The total income to the state of Louisiana in taxes between 1945-1977 was $39282t750000 dollars. - Natural gas production in 1976, which was just under 7 trillion cubic feet, is almost six times the amount that was produced back in 1952. - Our reserves of crude oil have been -steadily declining. since 19?0,' Louisiana oil and gas companies hire employee.'s.for various activities, some of them includes -Exploration -Drilling -Oil and-Gas Well Operations - Oil and Gas Well Maintainence - Ope-ration of Gasoline Plants Louisiana's oil and gas industry, which has functioned efficiently in providing energy for America for more than three-quarters of a century# and will continue to play a dominant role for years.to come. 43 OTHER MINERALS The total value of mineral production in 1976 was $8,598 million dollars. Louisiana continues to rank second nationally in mineral production, - Louisiana is the leading producer of saltst crude petroleum# natural gas# natural gas liquids, and sulfur. In addition# important quantities of alumina# metallic aluminum, nickel, and cobalt are refined from imported ores. - Louisiana's mineral industry is valued at 8.6 million dollars. MINERAL PRODUCTION IN LOUISIANA-IN 1976 MINERAL QUANTITY Clays 531,000 short tons Lime 485#000 short tons Natural Gas 7,101,4o6 million cubic feet Natural Gas Liquids 27,617000 42 gallon barrels Petroleum 59792569000 42 gallon barrels Salt 13,318,000 short tons Sand & Gravel 15,900,000 short tons Stone 9,2529000 short tons Sulfur Company would not disclose this infOrmation --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- SOURCEs Bureau of Mines FARMING Coastal Louisiana's farmers make unique contributions to the nation's food basket, - They produce about 40% of the mainland sugar cane harvest and nearly a quarter of the nation6s rice, - The farmers also produce a substantial amounts of soybeans, cattleg and timber, - Louisiana lumbering enterprise once consisted mainly of cypress, now with the cypress swamps nearly-depleted the lumbering industry has now focused on pine. - Agriculture has now begun to feel the pressure of com- peting land uses and urban sprawl as.-beipin to-take over prime agriculture land. - Mechanization and new technologies have brought changes in farming methods; thus there has been a decline in the number of farms, Although farm acreage in coastal Louisiana has steadily declined, agriculture is an important part of Louisiana's economye 44 WILDLIFE PROTECTION AREAS There are-many Wildlife Protection Areas in the Louisi- ana coastal area. Efforts are being made to protect both the environment and the many different types of wildlife. MIGRATORY FOWL - 216 species of birds in the Barataria Basin alone - they perform a variety of important ecological functions throughout the coastal ecosystems -- ex. insect control 7 major groups of birds 1. fishing birds - use the offshore areas as feeding and resting areas. The endangered Brown Pelican is almost always observed here. 2. shore birds - feed along mudflats ext ploverst sandpipers, snipe 3. birds of prey - Red-shouldered hawk, Sparrow hawkq Marsh hawkO Barred owl 4. wading birds - large segment of coastal bird population. Most abundant are Snowy egret# Great egrett Louisiana heron, green heron, White ibis,-American bittern, 5. Waterfowl - Dabbling Ducks feed in shallow waters. Most diverse group of waterfowl that winter in Louisiana. Mottled Ducko Mallard Black Duck. 6. Passerines - perching birds - 43% of 216 birds are of this type. there are 4 cater-&e gories, l.winter residents -yellow bellied sap- sucker, tree swallow, house wrent Robin 2.summer resident - Common nighthawk, Eastern kingbird, yellow billed cuckoo. 3.permanent residents -Rock pigeon, Blue jay, commoz-;crow, Mockingbird, 4.transients -Black billed cuckoo, Black and white warblert Chuck-willls widow, Catbird, 7. Rails and gallinu*lee - important consumer species. It eats snails, crabs, insects, spiderst fish, and plants. 45 STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ACRES 1. Biloxi Wildlife Management Area 39,583 2. Bohemia Wildlife Management Area 33,000 3. Manchac Wildlife Management Area 35,261 4. Pearl River Wildlife Management Area 26,716 5. Point au Chieu Wildlife Management Area 28,404 6. Sabine Island Wildlife Management Area 8,103 7. Salvador Wildlife Management Area 30,604 8. Wisner Wildlife Management Area 22,153. 9. Bonnet Carre Public Shooting Area 3,789 10. Pass a Loutre Game and Fish Preserve 66,000 STATE REFUGES 11. La. State Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve l3,OOO 12. Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve 86,000 13. Russell Sage Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve 78,000 14. St. Tammany Wildlife Refuge 1,600 NATIONAL REFUGES 15. Breton 4,507 16. Delta 48,799 17. La Cassine 317,65 18. Sabine 142,845 19. Shell keys 8 AUDUBON SOCIETY 20. Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve 26,161 TOTAL 696,298 NUMBERS REFER TO MAP SEE NEXT PAGE k.D 14 17 12 2 13 "19 0 to 20 30 io so MJ*$ 92, 91* 90* 47 CONCULSION As shown from the report, man's benefits from the coastal area are varied and abundant. Commercial fishing, recreation, commercial trapping , and other resources are vital to Louisiana's economy. Without these resources that the coastal area provides, Louisiana's economy would not flourish. These are some of the many uses of the wetlands provide for man, and man must regulate them for they might be destroyed by the very people who benefit from them. BIBLIOGRAPHY Firth, Frank, The Encyclopedia of Marine Resources. New York: Van Nostrand, 1975. Lowery, George H. Jr. The Mammals of Louisiana and it's Adjacent Waters, Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1974. Ryan, Patrick, (editor). The State of the State in 1977 an economic and Social Report to the Governors. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State Planning Commission, 1977. p.45-47, p. 69-74. Division of Oysters, Water Bottoms and Seafood. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, Technical Bulletins 6-10. State of Louisiana, 1973- Domestic Waterborne Trade of the United States, Maritime Administration: Office of Domestic Shipping, 1972-74. Louisiana Department of Transportation and Developments- The Value of Wetlands in the Barataria Basin, New Orleans: Urban Studies Institute, 1978. Louisiana Oil and Gas Facts, Louisiana Division, Mid- Continent Oil and Gas Association. 16 th edition, Baton Rouge, 1976. Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission. State of Louisiana Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. 1970-l975. prepared by: Terry Mouch Nancy Sarwinski 48 MAN'S IMPACT ON THE COAST The major impact of human development within the coastal zone is the modification of the water/wetland relationship. These modifications have greatly affected water circulation, water quality, and land loss, all of whichs 1. harm fish nurseries causing a decline in fishing industry 2. reduce., the amount and quality of recreational land, 39 reduce agricultural productivity 0 4. cause a decline in trapping from salt water intrusion into the fresh water habitats of the animals 5, accelerate the depletion of our non-renewable resources 6. reduce the capability of wetland areas to function as a waste buffer and a storm barrier Man has modified the physical environment continuously for the past lOtOOO years in order to survive extremely rough climatic conditions. This relationship between man and the environment is even more important today due to the needs of a population that increases exponentially. Wise coastal management can help people to recognize the physical and cultural choices available and the way they will be affected by these choices, The Modifications A. Water Circulation 1. Blocking natural drainage a. Dredging b. Road placement c. Filling land 2, Blocking waterways a. Structures obstructing waterways piers b. Dead end channels vs. loop system c. Dredging low areas B. Water Quality - Pollution 1. Raw sewage 2. Canal dredging 3. Agricultural runoff 4. Urbanization - camps 5. Mineral exploitation C, Land Loss 1. Channels' 2. Land reclamation 3. Flood control 49 WATER CIRCULATION Blocking Natural Drainage rut0frF 6 Dredging spoil banks are usually spoil mounds are better placed in a continuous line -?-' Road Placement - roads across wetland's block place roads along natural drainage levees if possible - results: water impoundment and vegetation loss Filling Land extensive fill area can - fill only where it is result in habitat loss necessary - fill land above flood plain level Blocking Waterways fit C1 r-@ Structures Obstructing - Piers &rVjAIIVz_ - structures built on fill structures built on piers restrict water movement and allow freer movement of sediment movement water and sediments with less harm to aquatic life 50 4AIM Dead End Channels vs. Loop System - dead end channels easily loop system allows adequate become stagnant circulation and cleaner - pollution concentration due to water area runoff and channel usage Dredging Low Areas - the dredged portion of a - dredge only if necessary channel is lower than - try to minimize drastic surrounding areas level changes at the channel - circulation of water at bottom the bottom of the channel is inhibited by--the low area - bad for plants and wildlife 51 WATER QUALITY Raw Sewage 70 VFOII@Iil@ raw sewage discharged into use'a standard sewage water can cause health disposal system for the problems health of fish and people causes an increase in the amount of algae which reduces available oxygen for fish j. Canal Dredging -pLj t-AAW dis urbs sediments along - combine several utility bottom and releases systems into one lineal pollutants corridor for reduced impact Agricultural Runoff Mrmkt-@t@T releases chemicals and silt transition zones would help which clog waterways alleviate the problem and benefit agricultural productivity 52 Urbanization causes excessive runoff axid group camps together to pollution if not controlled form clusters sharing typical camp layout is-not common facilities such as efficient bathroomsp utilitiest and docks less expensive system with less pollution Mineral Exploration - chemicals are released into channels should be arranged streams harming nurseries in a loop system rather - increased turbidity than in a dead end system - 1ess shoreline for recreation 53 LAND LOSS Channels NN i and, erp@'to . 0 *i Cb oar% k-'4 - pipeline or navigation - canals allow saline water channels dredged through to intrude into fresh - marsh areas or barrier water areas islands - resulti vegetative damage - channels widen with use and erosion due to lack of due to wake-producing protective plant cover boats and wetland vehicles Land Reclamat*on jal A clexXcf 47) hero origig @,v6 *danca, a M a 1 via" too, marsh areas drained for - it is better to develop agricultural, industrialg parcels of land in areas and residential development that are already partially levees are constructed developed around development areas, - avoid costly sprawling surface water is pumped to development into wetlands the other side of leveesq (utilities and services and ground water levels will need to be extended are lowered resulting'in ________.to.development areas soil subsidence Flood* Control 9_4v tr 4.0 n bine4tw *'@Ml men&,;, man built artifici 1 levees sediments are now falling to protect himselfilrom into the depths of the gulf periodic flooding f the., new land is no longer being Mississippi River created in the form of a th e delta has been built river delta nation up to the edge of th continental shelf P9 54 CONCLUSION While rich in natural and cultural resources, the coastal area of Louisiana is a fragile system. Louisiana estuaries are major breeding grounds for many commercially important fish and shellfish. The marshes are also valuable for their '.abilities to buffer wastes and reduce the impact of storms upon development further inland. Development needs to consider the fragility of wetland areas and realize the higher ,-benefits that are attainable when conservation and development .aare balanced. The goal of a coastal resource management program would be to balance conservation and development by encouraging reasonable and suitable uses of land. BIBLIOGRAPHY Handbook for Development in Coastal Louisiana v"_ tso Inc. prepared by Coastal En ironmen June 1977 A Process for Coastal Resources Management and Impact Assessment prepared by Coastal Environmentst Inc, August 1976 Cumulat ve Impact Studies in the Louisiana Coasta 1 Zones Eutrophication, L d Lose edited by N. i. J. W. Day Jr. June 1977 Citizen Perception of Coastal Area Planning and Development Undseyg Patersong and Bertrand March 1976 Information compiled bys Pan Hoggatt April Phillips I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DISPLAY I SYSTEMS I FOR I ENVIRONMENTAL I MESSAGE$. 'I 55 To Convey a Message one way of describing democrary is to refer to it as a government by communication. The very essence of our system of democrary is communication between persons and groups of persons. Communication is the interchange of information and of points of view under all kinds of circumstances: informal and formal, unplanned and planned, small and large, graphic and verbal. In fact, since the days of Socrates of Greece the ideal society has been characterized as a highly.communicating society and the ideal citizen has been described as one who is both informed, articulate and open to communication.from. others. Communication is the process of attempting to arouse meaning in the receiver which approximates the meaning in the source. The process of communication involves the transmitting of a message from the source to the receiver via a vehicle or medium of communication. Effective communication results, therefore, when the meanings of facts, judgments, interests, knowledge, opinions or ideals in the mind of the person or group whom is sending the message are perceived by the receiver just as the source intended. 56 The important elements, or variables in the communications process are: (1) the source (communicator, speaker, writer, artist, CZM group), (2) the channel (medium, 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional interactive display), (3) the message (speech, book,.picture, CZM display), (4) the receiver (listener, reader, observer, Louisiana citizen), (5) the effect (response, consequence, impact, changed behavior), (6) the feedback (communication back to the original source). The CZM Design Group hopes to respond to the challenge of furthering democracy by presenting a clearly transmitted message in an attractive way that will alter or effect behavior in regards to the understanding or utilization of Louisiana's great coastal zone resource. The media for communicating has been studied and discussed by the Display System for Environmental Messages (DSEM) Subgroup. Our findings are herein presented for the use of any "communication designer" wishing to know what communication chan- nels are available for his use in designing a public display. 57 Notes on the Design of a Short-term Display System for Environmental Messages A modular display system can be designed for temporary exhibits of Environmental Messages. Modular systems can be designed with a variety of movable, removable and interchanging parts. A system such as this can be created in response to a museumis or gallery's need for a visual, flexible and structurally adaptable system. A modular system can provide for ease of installation and maintenance with minimal involvement by museum exhibit staff. The term modular exhibit system often implies a structural framework for panel and exhibit case components. The framework of a modular system for a temporary exhibit is judged on its strength, availability, appearance, flexibility, cost and how it is put together and maintained. A temporary exhibit system is not necessarily support and case structure alone. The design of a short-term exhibit is the outcome of a design process which involves research, planning, curating, exhibit concept development, exhibit preparation, script development, label writing, catalogue assembly and construction of the exhibit. The complexity of the exhibit preparation and design is determined by the specific theme, the number and diversity of artifacts, maps, diagrams, photographs, and audio-visual, user- activated devices. Short-term exhibits can be planned to introduce a subject, simplify a complex subject, give a detailed description of a subject, present an image of an idea, or provide a tool for museum and/or outside instructor to use in teaching. Reasonable 58 production time for exhibits of this nature require simplicity in the organization of the theme and content, clear expression through graphic design of the message, ease in construction and assembly of structural components, and simplicity in prepa- ration and installation methods. The framework of a modular system for the display of environ- mental messages may rely upon: 1. A Structural System 2. Exhibit Cases 3. Framed Panels 4. Presentation Surfaces 5. Labels 6. Props and Supports 7. Graphic Systems and Lighting 8. Material to be Presented a) Two dimensional conveyance devices; b) Three dimensional conveyance devices; c) Electronic conveyance devices; d) User-activated conveyance devices. 59 The Designer The designer of a display for Environmental Messages is charged with developing ideas and messages into visual form determining and arranging the media to enhance an d clarify the content of the exhibit. The same basic material can be dealt with in a variety of ways, and the choice of content depends upon the "design concept" which is established to balance the factors of content, audience, objectives and'design inspiration. The amount of information to be included should be deter- mined. Minimal, medium or considerable information may be provided. If more than minimal information is required, the following are some ways of maintaining audience attention: 1. Choose the level of expression of vocabulary and visual information. Can the subject be expressed visually and with simple language? If not, to what extent is the exhibit's useful- ness limited, and in what ways can this be overcome? 2. Establish a hierarchy in size, placement, and contrast from the headline down to smaller, detailed information. The organization can indicate importance, sequence, or relationships. 3. Use supplementary exhibits, keeping the primary exhibit simple and giving detailed and technical information in the others. 4. Use supplementary materials to provide additional informa- tion, freeing the exhibit from becoming overburdened with too much technical text. Some exhibit information can be reproduced in a form that visitors can take away, such as maps, drawings, photo--.-- graphs, reading lists, or booklets. These can be free or sold at a nominal cost. 60 5. Arrange material so that objects relate or contrast with each other. This can be done chronologically, geographically, or by use and function. Various combinations can be used. For example, objects could be separated into groups based on where they were produced. Within a particular group, they could be arranged chronologically, by function, etc. The designer is called upon to draw from his mental stockpile of design techniques and media throughout the design process. Conceiving the concept and implementing the results is a big task for the exhibits designer. The following checklist should prove valuable to the designer in schematically outlining the media possibilities open for the designer to use. The appending chapters to this report present more specific information concerning two- dimensional, three-dimensional, electronic, and user-activated devices. MEDIA ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERATIONS Hall surfaces' Wood., paint, carpet, acoustic Affects looks, maintenance, tile, etc. sounds Climate control Use air-conditioning? Hall and case lighting Natural The "real thing", but not pre- dictable or controllable Artificial Light can be: viewed itself (i.e., lights in a sequence); directed onto object; directed through object; used to contrast objects and areas. The amount, kind, and placement can alter moods, attention, and color balance Environmenal setting Circulation Image Panels Words Hand-lettered, LeRoy, stencil Usually appeaTr antiquated and Words should augment visual cheap unless appropriate to information. When they become subject, such as old farminq the primary information equipment, etc. carriers at the expense of objects, the purposes of a Individually applied flat For short captions, numbers three-dimensional exhibit are plastic and rub-on subverted MEDIA ALTERNATIVES -1CONSIDERATIONS Typewritten or typeset Can be used directly, enlarged photographically, set on film* for making silkscreens. Silk- screening is the most varied, flexible, and expensive method, but worth it Dimensional Cardboard, cork, plaster, plas- tic, wood, metal, made-to-order. High-quality style and finish necessary to avoid cheap, ama- teurish look. For short cap- tions, numbers Case design Variety or consistency of shape, Determined by available space, "Case"'is used here to include dimension, and proportion size of objects, organization all settings for objects on of story line, aesthetics display, whether encased or not. Funding and other Access from top, sides, back, Access from front allows facts may bring pressure to or front arrangement of material from design and build cases same view as visitor's before enough information on their content is available. Avoid this if at all possi- ble. 0) MEDIA ALTEP34ATIVES CONSIDERATIONS Pictures Drawings, paintings, diagrams Done directly or reproduced Monochrome photographs Black and white, sepia or other single-color effect, hand- tinted Color photographs Type C will fade, Dye transfer and other processes last longer, give truer color, and are more expensive Transparencies One image, slides, or filmstrip. Same considerations as color prints Film, television (live or tape) Motion attracts attention. Film imparts more substantial feel- ing but less immediacy than television Sound Live or tape Can be restricted to an ear- piece or area, or spread throughout eNhibit Touch Main exhibit or a specifically Imparts feeling of immediacy. separated item Deteriorates, but if a separate item, can be easily replaced 0) W 4W 40 4W 40* 00 00 JW 6W 4ft tW AIV W* 4W 4W NO MEDIA ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERATIONS Three-dimensional objects Specimen It is'the actual thing.: needs preservation Reproduction (same size, Cast, sculpted, or constructed. smaller, larger) Smaller to encompass large objects in available space, cost, etc.; larger to show detail Dimensionality Flat or flat image on cut-out shape; low or high relief for economy. Fully rounded is most realistic Realism (simplified, stylized, Simplified and stylized for detailed) clarity or economy Color Realistic; some parts colored; Coloring only parts or coloring symbolic colors; one overall symbolically provides emphasis color and comparison or contrast; single color *provides clarity and economy Movement Live demonstration by person or Needs salary or maintenance specimen Mechanized exhibit or part Needs maintenance User-activated devices 0') 4W Im @W a* "a W_ on IN* me 4" am,% 40W 01=1 M MEDIA ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERATIONS Enhanced viewing Object transparent or cut away; For clarity magnifying and reduction glasses Mirrors To see reverse side. To fade one scene into another by alternately lighting and dimming directly viewed object and object reflected at same location. When space and other considerations do not allow original object to be in proper location. To reduce image size. To enlarge pro- jected image size (slide or film) Illusion of movement Edge-lighted carved acrylic Sequence of lights and sheets sheet provides illusion Rear-lighted polarized material Light through two sheets of material varies light quan- tity and gives limited effect of movement through varied orientation Fiber optics Varied effects including illusion of movement and situ- ation of lights In otherwise inaccessible places 40 490 on, 40 2-ft Im ow aft, an "N' lag on gov am an JW- 410 4M iM MEDIA ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERATIONS Modified settings Example: a bird in a forest Removal from "total" context can be shown in the forest, can be done with biological, on a tree, on a branch with environmental, and cultural foreground accessories, on a settings branch by itself, or on a plain wood dowel Manipulation of adjacent Shape, color, size, placement, Organize exhibit by diagramma- matter material, texture, etc., of tic and symbolic usage. Espec- physical structures surround- ially useful in conceptual ing object exhibits Security Guards Proximity to other people- em'plovees or public.: distance from visitors; height and depth Glass Most secure. Vertical may cause reflections; angled reduces reflections; curved eliminates them Acrylic sheets Scratches easily and attracts dust; therefore, not practical for permanent installations 0') 0) 67 Construction, Transportation and Site Requirements The purpose of this report is to present criteria and suggestions for the design of a display system for communica- ting an environmental message. There are many types of display methods that could be utilized. The information to be included in the display will play a major part in the determi- nation of which system will be used. 1. General Criteria All physical displays and supportive structures must be able to be loaded into a small truck or van for transporting. The display must be easy enough for one person to set up, and take down, in a minimum of time. The display should not rely on suppo rtive equipment that would have to be furnished by the display building. Certain aspects such as walls, floors, and ceilings cannot be taken for granted as being readily available for use in every display facility. 2. Display Types: Depends upon actual design. 3. Materials: The materials for building the display systems are almost endless. Expense of the materials themselves should be.considered carefully. Ease of assembly and moving is another concern to be weighed. Functional and attractive displays are of major concern and sacrifices can be madein other areas if they are justified. 68 The total design of the display system should make use of color, texture, form and line. The use of "natural" materials in the display (unstained boards, logs or even limbs) could be used if done correctly. Supplemental material of any kind may be used in the display structure. Any type, size, shape, or color of hinges, nails, brackets, screws, wire, metal or wood may be included. Painting, staining, coating, or spraying may be used if the designer so decides. 4. Sources of Materials and Supplies There are several stores in the Baton Rouge are that theset' and other types of materials, are readily available. 1) ABC Brick and Supply, Inc., 7925 Tom Drive; 2) Baton Rouge Lumber, 8375 Choctaw Drive; 3) Baton Rouge Supply Co., Inc., 6515 Greenwell Springs Road; 4) Besser Vibrapac Blocks, 1160 Joplin Avenue; 5) Central Lumber Co., Inc., 1267 Choctaw Drive; 6) 64 Lumber Co., 4748 S. Park Drive; 7) Handy City, 7979 Florida Boulevard; 8) Paneling Factory Outlet, 2333 Florida Boulevard; 9) State Lumber and Supply, 2646 Highland Road; 10) Wallboard Supply Company, 8124 S. Choctaw Drive; 11) Gulf-Wandes Corp., 8325 S. Choctaw; 12) Ace Hardware Store, 7460 Highland Road; 13) Chenevert True Value Hardware; 2021 N. Poster Drive; 14) Perkins Road Hardware; 3043 Perkins Road; 69 15) Ed Price Building Materials, 7835 Airline Highway;. 16) Gulf States Industries, 10721 Cherry Hill Avenue: 17) Rubber House of Baton Rouge, 8357 Madrid Avenue. Another concern the designer should be aware of in regard to materials is that the display will be moved very often and will be subjected to constant stress. Therefore, durability is a very important aspect of the designer's consideration. 5. Packing Think of protection for fragile items, also, since free- standing squares, cubes, and rectangles can be packed easily, see if components of display can be put into these formats. 6. Structural Systems for Exhibit Use The combining of materials into a functional and attractive system is the goal of the designer. Several systems of display are illustrated below. These are, however, only suggestions and should be improved or altered to fit the total system. Color, texture and size will be left to the designer's discretion. Several structural systems are commonly used in exhibit design. They include: 1. Table top displays; 2. Wall displays; 3. Free-standing placard displays; 4. Modular displays; 5. Hanging displays; 6. Combination displays, augmented with models, audio-visual equipment, electronic gadgets and user-activated devices. 70 PL kY .......... CA F, 71 I N IPA AI om 15 1 N #17 1 ON 72 Graphic Systems Graphic systems are the'basis of any type of visual presentation. These systems are the primary means to convey the message of a display to the viewer. This phase of the report deals with the graphics of color, lighting and lettering. 1. Color Color has a great effect on people and must be used care- fully. Warm colors tend to be exciting. They increase blood pressure and pulse rate. Cool colors tend to be quieting. They reduce blood pressure and pulse rate. These effects must be considered when using color for the CZM display. The designer must consider the effects his color scheme will have on the people who view the display. Bright colors may be hard on the eyes while cool ones may not. However, if used properly, either could work to help emphasize desired feelings. Color Effects on Emotions: Red - exciting, activity Yellow - cheerful Blue - tranquil Color Symbolism: Yellow or gold - honor, loyalty Red bravery Blue sincerity Black - grief Green - youth Purple - royalty Orange - strength, 73 2. Paints Paint is one of the most common media to use for displays. The basic kinds of paints are either of the oil or water base variety. Water base paints are very attractive to use because of easy application and clean up. Oil base paints while excellent in durability and covering are much more difficult to apply and clean. A great advantage of both water and oil base Paint is that they can be mixed to form almost any color the designer may want. Another option in Paint is the use of sprays. Sprays are an excellent way to cover large areas rapidly and without any mess. Spray paint can be used to paid small detail areas where a brush would be ineffective. Their disadvantage is they cannot be mixed. 3. Contact paper Contact papers are also available. These can be used instead of Paints to cover or mask wall surfaces. Contact papers can be cut and shaped to the desired design and then be easily applied to walls and display cases. Contact papers are nice since they can be used with no mess or clean up. 4. Lettering When doing lettering the designer must consider a lettering hierarchy. Important labels or titles must gather attention. Less important detail labels need not be so apparent. There are many lettering types available on the market. These include Plastic, press on and dimensional letters. Labels can be typed on paper and dry mounted onto mounting boards. 74 Dimensional letters are very effective for important titles. Because of their raised surface these letters Pop out and seem dominate in a display. When these letters are placed in the proper position the observers of the display will recognize their importance and stop to read the label. Dimensional letters can be made from a variety of materials. These materials include .wood, metal, cork and plastic. Wooden letters can be highly desirable because of the high quality appearance. However, when using dimensional letters care must be taken to avoid a cheap looking label. Plastic letters are also available for use. These letters are individually applied and are very effective for short captions and titles. Plastic letters come in a variety of colors and sizes. Press on letters are similar to plastic letters except that they are less durable. They are also good for detailed labels and individual titles. Type Use Brands Plastic labels, small titles, Chartpak VinylSignline, short captions Letrasign Press on labels, small titles, Chartpak, Artype, Letroset, short captions Normatype Dimensional large title, emphasis Should be done profession- ally 75 5. Other Graphic Devices Many other graphic devices are available to the exhibit designer. They include such items as color films, projectable color films, pattern and shading films, projectable lettering, die cut symbols, transfer symbols, Magnyl magnetic tape, border tapes, color tapes and pattern tapes. 6. Lighting Lighting of a display is very important. Generally a display will be lighted from all angles to give it a soft, even effect. Bu having a low light all around an object and then throwing a spotlight on a specific object that object will tend to become a focal. Flashing lights might also be an option. Their possible use intensifies the amount of attention an object receives. The most effective light for general full coverage is fluorescent, while incandescent is most effective for spotlighting. Resources: Paints - Devoe Paint Company, 2026 Wooddale Sherwin Williams Paint Company, 119139 Florida Yarberrys, 4343 Government Jim's Art Center, 9354 Choctaw Lettering - Yarberrys, 4343 Government Baton Rouge Blue Print, 207 St. Ferdinand C & D Reprographics, 2112 Scenic Highway Dimensional Letters & Wood Cutters - New Dimensions, 438 Glenmore Charlie's Sign Service, 203 Hammond Highway Old World Designs, 3112 9th, Metairie, Louisiana Lighting - Ace Lighting Company, 2450 N. Sherwood Forest Thomas Lighting, 6366 Government Other Graphic Devices Charrettes of Cambridge, Chartpak Corpora- tion, Letroset USA Corporation, Artype Corporation, Keuffel and Esser Company 76 Two-Dimensional Conveyances The success of an illustration depends on how well it tells a story or suits a purpose. One way to convey a message is by the use of a two-dimensional presentation. Since two-dimensional illustrations are used as common tools of communication, it is imDortant for the designer to become familiar with the different processes and methods available which would further enhance the communicative value of the two-dimensional display. MAPS, DIAGRAMS, PHOTOGRAPHS Several types of maps and diagrams are available for reference use and for display. For the most part, these are referred to in the reports of the other research committees. The value of nhoto- graphs is evident in that they create mood, image or scale. Some photographic methods which are available are: A. Line drawings (without color) are enlarged, placed on masonite, and coated with an epoxy material. These resemble wall murals and act as good large images to set the scale. B. Color photgraphs can be enlarged for a large type of wall mural. ART REPRODUCTIONS AND PRINTING Certain art reproductions can be displayed or used in a brochure, pamphlet, or any type of handout the designer may wish to include in the display. For this reason, some different Droce.sses of Drin- ting are available to choose from: A. Letter nress - this is better for jobs that require type only; however, generally, the offset lithography process is faster and superior. B. Hand-pulled Lithographs - These prints are generally more 77 desirable than offset lithography printing, for each print is not a copy, but an original. C. Offset Lithography Reproductions - This is a "photo- mechanical" process in which the camera breaks down the artist's blend of colors into gradations of four inks - red, yellow, blue and black. These tiny dots of color, indiscernable to the naked eye, blend together to reproduce the original art as a copy on paper. Some special techniques of this process are: 1. Typesetting 2. Photography 3. A Four Color Process 4. Screens 5. Ink 6. Paper D. Blueprinting - Brown line, Blue line, and Black line prints are available. E. Special Printing Services - reproducing and enlarging F. Silk Screening G. Diazochrome Process - 1. Technascheen - a photograph is reproduced as a dot screen and run through a blueprint machine on 8k"xll" photosensitive diazochrome paper. A very abstract image is produced which looks like colors on aluminum. 2. Images can be presented in black on clear ascetate at any dimension. Examples of these processes will be available in the Research Room 78 MATERIALS Any two-dimensional message display on the wall, table top, floor or ceiling must be fastened securely and safely. The best way to attach them is under plexiglass plates with glass fasteners. SOURCES OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL CONVEYANCE DEVICES Public Records: LSU Archives - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana Louisiana Room - LSU Library - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Coastal Resources Program, Department of Transportation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Louisiana State Museum - New Orleans, Louisiana Department of Marine Sciences, LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission New Orleans Center for Louisiana Studies - USL Library Lafayette Coastal Resources Program - LSU - Baton Rouge Coastal Environments, Inc. - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Office of State Planning - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Nichols State University - Thibodeaux, Louisiana Lafayette Natural History Museum - Lafayette, Louisiana McNeese State University - Lake Charles, Louisiana U. S. Geological Survey - Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Tulane University Library - New Orleans Morgan City Research Project Morgan City Library 79 Nature Photographers: Charles Fryling - Dept. of Landscape Architecture, LSU Mike and Andree Stansbury, Lafayette, Louisiana C. C. Lockwood, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Landscape Photographers: Ellmore Morgan, Jr. - Lafayette, LA - Dept. of Art - USL Buck Abbey - Dept. of Landscape Architecture - LSU - Baton Rouge, LA Reproduction Specialists: C & D Reprographics - Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge Blue Print and Supply - Baton Rouge, LA LSU Printing Office - River -Road - Baton Rouge, LA Charrettes/Stones of Cambridge Meisel Photochrome Corporation of Dallas Franklin Press of Baton Rouge Tom Gates Incorporated of Monroe Art-Vertising, Inc. of New Orleans Snider's Poster Process Company of New Orleans Graphic Unlimited of Baton Rouge Ortlieb Press Incorporated of Baton Rouge Buds PhotoLab of Baton Rouge Gulf Coast Aerial Mapping of Baton Rouge (+i4l Uo U19M QIRD Qlu rim. scn.m:* H-WQP Ul 4@,-A @Vcn +Q40W - - .?Qqt- Ia Sol a7." Foool CM I A ")A 9 ecr,@ Mang [email protected]:; -41yinow +umw s5Q)@XZ6, 93QJ@Y,0-4 CY16-a-DIS-, FOOM 08 81 THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONVEYANCE DEVICES The three-dimensional elements of an exhibit will be the easiest to perceive, experience and remember. objects in the third dimension will immediately or eventually bring about some type of reaction from most people. In an interactive or hands-on display direct contact with the exhibit becomes a very meaningful experience. Objectives for a display of this type are to stimulate and educate the public while at the same time providing entertainment and quality design. Arranging this space to reflect our goals is critical to the success of the exhibit. As in any design, the art elements and principles should be a major consideration. Unity should be obvious in the relationships of the visual elements. Rythm or repetition may aid in the transition from one part of the exhibit to the next. A relationship between objects, labels and spaces should lead the visitor's eye throughout the display. A dominant element may be large enough to set the exhibit's theme at a distance or it may be a focal point within a display case. Color may be manipulated to give a feeling of three-dimensionality to "set the mood", and to unify the total exhibit. The arrangement of the structural elements which make up the display will crate an immediate three-dimensional perception (See Figure A). Free-standing units will be the most useful in a tra- veling exhibit. These may consist of panels, cases, platforms and combinations of these. A feeling of enclosure may be achieved by the use of a "false front" ceilincr or with an "island" platform with a self-supported ceiling (See Figure B). 82 The audience will include children and adults, therefore, the visual elements should be arranged to be seen easily by all. Special considerations for the handicapped should be researched. Labels in braille may explain to the blind person what the object is that he is handling. The desired message may have more.impact if all five senses are stimulated. The objects to be used as display or interactive items may be obtained from various sources or may be designed specifically for the exhibit. Since we are dealing with the natural history of the coast as well as the cultural'histo ry of man, many display objects are possible. Three-dimensional display objects include dioramas, models, relief maps, specimens, artifacts, replicas, sculptures, mannequins, and mobiles. Many artifacts are too precious to be experienced directly by the exhibit-goer. There- fore, replicas may be made, allowing freedom in handling the object. Three-dimensional displays may be created from two-dimensional objects. The Louisiana Arts and Science Center has a display depicting the changes in the Mississippi River's course. Plexi- glass panels seem to float above one another, each showing one course in the history of the river. By using a diorama, foreground may be used effectively to create a three-dimensional quality (See Figure C). Take-home three-dimensional objects are another possibility. A very useful example of this is a button (badge) which can be worn by the visitor. Eager kids will be encouraged to visit the display to receive a button as a reward for operating an interactive device. 83 Some ideas on how to use three-dimensional objects: 1. Sea shells on display; 2. Driftwood; 3. Glass cubes filled with different soils or sands from the coastal zone; 4. oil well drill bit; 5. Artifactual remains from a coastal dig; 6. Shrimping net; 7. Cork model showing contours along coastal zone; 8. Scale model of a shrimp boat; 9. Three-dimensional "Dark Box" (objects are placed in an enclosed box to be experienced only by touch)- 10. Replicas of animals which are animated somehow. (An alligator whose mouth opens and tail moves.) 11. Artifacts of early man arranged to reflect their use. 12. Jars of water from different coasts to show the amount of sediment the Mississippi carries. 13. Fossils from the coastal area. 14. Plexiglass panels showing the changing coastline. 15. Model of microscopic organism greatly enlarged for dramatic effect. These elements combined with two-dimensional conveyances and other communication systems may work together to create a very dynamic display. 84 --ThIA zi 7"' 15L.A"12 f2t.-ATFOFM 85 lwo%m 4t PIORAMA 86 SOURCES OF ARTIFACTUAL 14ATERIALS Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Wildlife Museum, New Orleans Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Archaeological Survey and Antiquities Commission, Baton Rouge Louisiana Maritime Museum, New Orleans Natural Science Museum, LSU, Baton Rouge Geoscience Museum, LSU, Baton Rouge Louisiana Nature Center, New Orleans Louisiana Arts and Science Center, Baton Rouge Cities near the coast Private firms and individuals in the coastal zone LSU Union Arts & Crafts Shop (button machine), Baton Rouge 87 Electronic Conveyance Devices This section deals with various visual presentation methods. Electronic conveyance devices such as slides, film, videdand audible tapes are among the most convenient, flexible, versatile and interesting, if converted to devices activated by the user. Slide projection may be counted on heavily as a presentation medium. By utilizing projected information, communication effectiveness and audience interest can be greatly increased. Single or multiple slide projection set up is perhaps among the most interesting of presentation modes. Many variable must be thought about before a slide presentation is selected. Here are some of those variables: - Will the unit se self-contained or is projector detatched? - Is one projector sufficient? - How can more than one projector be programmed to operate in harmony? - Rear or front projection is possible, - Does the designer want an audio message to coincide and how is it done? - What effects are available with special lenses (life size, zoom, etc.) - What size of projection is possible. - Portability, some very good examples are available. - Price. Examples of these variables will be available in Research Room. 88 If the designer wishes to create a multi-media presentation, motion pictures and video tape lend themselves very well as an al- ternative system. There are many types of movie projectors on the market. Available also are many types of screen systems. Examples of these will also be available in Research Room. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1. Product catalogs 2. Publications In Bibliography 3. Local retail outlets: Bert's Cameras & Records, 421 N. 3rd Bolex Motion Picture Equipment, 2978 Government Kadairls, University Shopping Center Southern Camera Service, 2978 Government LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS AVAILABLEINI RESEARCH ROOM Audio Slide Projectors Sl ide Projectors Multi-Media Systems Rear Screen Projection Diagrams Rear Screen Slide Console Video-player Console projectors Rear projection screens Screen size chart 89 USER-ACTIVATED CONVEYANCE DEVICES If an exhibition is to be successful in conveying an idea, audience participation must be encouraged. Tests have shown that visitors to exhibitions retain more factual information when they have been exposed to even the simplest challenge. The most important devices which encourage the visitor to participate are those which require eye, mind or hand movement. The Display System for Environmental Messages Subgroup (DSEM) has named this type of communication-mode User-Activated Conveyance Devices, U.A.C.D. The U.A.C.D. is simply a mechanical or electrical machine which requires audience participation to activate the device. An example of a U.A.C.D. could consist of a panel with buttons. The machine would display a question of which one of three available answers are correct. A wrong answer would result in a try again display and a right answer results in a possible reward of a button or other saveable item. Considerations must be made for adult as well as child users. Competitiveness of questions and answers and size and height of display panel would be different for young and old. Also instead of written answers, for a child it may be a match-the-figure situation. The pushbutton type of U.A.C.D. is the most commonly used and misused means of encouraging participation. These can become meaningless when visitor traffic is high and it is not possible to see the exhibit as the designer planned it. Blinking lights 90 and pushbuttons imply that most of the audience will have the time to at least observe it, even if they may not fully grasp its meaning. No participation device has the slightest chance of success unless there is adequate time and room for the visitor to comprehend and respond. A user-activated conveyance device can add much interest to even the dullest exhibit and can convey information in such a way that the audience can easily remember the facts. This justifies the high cost factor of a U.A.C.D. These people have electrical wiring skills and are available for answering electrical questions: Rod Fredricks 357-4034 Paul Templet 923-0765 RESEARCH MATERIAL AVAILABLE: Exhibition Techniques, James Carmell DIAGRAM OF A USER-ACTIVATED CONVEYANCE DEVICE WRONG WHY TRY AGAIN WRONG WHY TRY AGAIN RIGHT WHY REWARD PANEL WITH ANSWER REASON RESULT PUSHBUTTONS I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I s y I "% WM mc s r C A I I% *OR I a- A 92 DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS The following guideline specifications are presented for the benefit of each display designer. The criteria used in formulating this list are based upon portability, flexibility, safety, economics and design quality. - The display should be easily transported by enclosed pickup truck or step-in van. The exhibit will be transported 10 times. - Boxing or packing material should be provided to protect the exhibit and its components during transport. - Assembly and disassembly sh ould be relatively quick and easy to perform. Tools required for this action should be kept to a minimum. Pliers, screwdrivers and small wrenches are preferred for flexibility and easy assemblage. Instructions should be included. -*Space in most museums will be quite restricted and most likely be limited to a space not much larger than 10 x 10 or 8 x 15. The smaller and more compact the display the better. The maximum heigh t should be 7 to 8 feet. The structural system to be flexible should be of a free-standing nature adaptable to a variety of floor space situations, lighting conditions and access approaches. 93 Wiring and electrical work may be self-contained but must be limited to 110 volts. Provisions should be made whereby' the complete electrical system can be shut off during closed museum-hours. - Display items which cannot be secured will most certainly walk off. For this reason measures must be taken to secure everything in the exhibit. - Finger contact is expected in galleries and usually occurs and may be desirable. All drawings, diagrams and other two-dimensional graphic displays should be mounted under plexiglass. Glass is not suitable for traveling displays because of the extra care in handling. - Maintenance concerns are real important to the gallery exhibiting a traveling display. All design direction should provide for minimal maintenance by gallery and museum staff. - Groups of school age youngsters travel to museums and galleries throughout the school year. Provision must be made to keep display elements low enough so that children can see them. It is also good to remember that groups of school children require extra space so that they all may gather around during explanations. 94 The display must have interactive components'so that the user can have a "hands on" involvement with the exhibit. The interactive parts can be mechanical or electrical. The display should be designed to capture the spirit of the region, message or function of the exhibit. To do this, of course, one must rely upon form, color, texture, value, line, space and movement. The elements of art are the tools of design that the designer will use to make this a successful message conveyance. A three-year durability requirement is requested as is fire hazard avoidance. - The audience will be children and adults from throughout Louisiana with special emphasis placed on coastal zone parishes. - Attention span of audience should be established for 10 minute visitation. Seating would be a fine addition for automated audio-visual shows of six minute duration. - Estimated budget for in-place design is $7,500.00. - Presentation requirements Display System for Environmen- tal Messages (DSEM) 1. Scale model, (1" = l'), illustrated with scale figures and firmly attached to a 1" plywood base. 2. Script of proposed message which includes a list of utilized photographs, diagrams, maps, models, arti- facts, and UAD's, electronic. 95 3. Material list and estimated budget 4. One-half page design concept statement 5. Supplemental drawings, sketches, materials as needed to present design. Presentation Requirements Environmental Message Automated Slide Show 1. Presentation of slides 2. Written script (typed) audio indicated 3. One-half page concept statement 4. Preliminary cost estimate Presentation Requirements Environmental Message Brochure 1. Mock up of Design 2. outline of script including photograph, diagram, sketch and map list 3. Preliminary cost estimate 4. one-half page concept statement Presentation Requirements Environmental Message Poster 1. 18" x 24" drawing on mat board 2. one-half page concept statement 96 BIBLIOGRAPHY Display System for Environmental Messages The Designer "Exhibits, A Production Checklist"; Eugene Bergmann; Curator, Quarterly Publication of the American Museum of National History, Vol. 19, No. 2, June 1976 Graphic Systems - "Chartpak Catalog", Times Mirror Corp. - "Charrette Catalog,", Charrette Corp. - "Mecanorma Graphic Products Catalog", Keuffel and Esser Corp. - "Artype Catalog", Artype, Inc. - "Graphic Arts Products Catalog", Letraset USA, Inc. Two-Dimensional Conveyances - "Architectural-Illustration", Leavitt Dudley, Chapter 18 - "Charrette/Stones Catalogue", Charrette/Stones Corp. - "Meisel Catalogue of Services", Meisel Photochrome Corp. - "Graphic Concepts Monograph", Neely Blueprint Co. Three-Dimensional Conveyances - "Museum", Alvin Schwartz - "Museums for the 1980's", Kenneth Hudson, Chapt. 4 - "Exhibits for the Small Museum**', Arminta Neal - "Hands On Museums.", Educational Facilities Lab Electronic Conveyance Devices A. Product Catalogs - "Catalog of Audio-Visual Teaching Equipment, Materials & Supplies", 715 Girod St., New Orleans, La. 70130 - "Kodak Audio-Visual Products Catalogues", 6300 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, Texas 75235 B. Publications - "Visual Marketing", Earnest Burden, Eastman-Kodak - "Design for Projection", Eastman-Kodak, DEDT 412L, Rochester, New York 14650 lommillolm 3 6668 14103 8721