"Gaining Ground" the Atchafalaya River Expedition CBS13 Sacramento chats with Below the Surface via Skype to discuss the Atchafalaya River Expedition The Atchafalaya River is a distributary of the Mississippi River and Red River. The Atchafalaya (Native American for Long River) essentially drains water from these two rivers and carries it to the Gulf of Mexico; the river’s course flows through the center of Louisiana and runs through the largest (nearly one million acres) riverine swamp in North America.
Click on Photosynth image below to browse a 3D environment of the Cypress Bayou near Flat Lake, Click and drag to rotate and use mouse roller ball to zoom in and out. For more info, read "The Control of Nature" ATCHAFALAYA by John McPhee
Each year the delta surrounding New Orleans is shrinking due to the highly managed shipping passage of the Mississippi River. Upstream 180 miles, the Atchafalaya River branches off from the main channel and its natural marshlands filter the water as the plants consume nutrient rich water and natural sedimentation of the silt. Each year the Atchafalaya River is "Gaining Ground" along its coastal areas and Below the Surface is embarking on an Expedition along this more natural branch of the Mighty Ole Miss to see the water's purity increase as we head downstream through the wetlands and out into the Gulf of Mexico. Who: Below the Surface & the Quapaw Canoe Company (John Ruskey)
What: Explore the Atchafalaya River from the point where it diverges from the Mississippi and begins its cleansing journey towards the Gulf of Mexico. Atchafalaya River Sponsors Atchafalaya River Partners
Atchafalaya River 2010 Expedition The Atchafalaya Basin is a key estuary for nesting, breeding, and migration of 200 bird species. It is also the life-support system for close to 100 species of fish. One of the most profound aspects of the Atchafalaya River is its ability to improve water quality as the river runs it’s course. The question we aim to answer is, can other BIG rivers improve their water quality if given the chance? Objective: Gain an understanding of the river’s ability to cleanse itself as it flows downstream in comparison to the Mississippi River and to what degree the water quality improves once sources of pollution are limited Where: Meet in Clarksdale, MS to meet up with our guide, John Ruskey from the Quapaw Canoe Company then drive to Natchez, MS to put in on the Mississippi River and paddle to the Atchafalaya Distributary. The expedition will last approximately one week and conclude in Morgan City, LA. All participants will be transported back to Clarksdale, MS. When: February 2010 Where: Clarksdale, MS is the place of departure and conclusion. Memphis is the closest airport and rides from Memphis can be coordinated through Below the Surface and/or Quapaw Canoe Company personnel Why: It is imperative that we see first-hand, how a BIG river’s resiliency will improve water quality by natural processes. The Atchafalaya is one region of the delta that is actually growing in size.
How: Paddle Power in the famous ‘Junebug’ a 30' Voyager-style Canoe hand-carved from Cypress Eco-Warrior James Pribram
theSUPspot.com (Stand Up Paddle and Jodie Nelson)
Quapaw Canoe Company - The Cave
Quapaw Canoe Company in Helena, Arkansas with the MIghty Quapaw's
The Atchafalaya River 3D panoramic using Photosynth software.
Ground Zero Blues Club - Great Juke Joint in Clarksdale, Mississippi, this Photosynth was created during a performance by Super Chikan, during his cd release party. Which was streamed live over the internet at groundzerobluesclub.com
Shack Up Inn, Hopson, MS near Clarksdale
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Below the Surface - A Coast to Coast Exploration of America's Waterways
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