Greetings from the Louisiana Bayou

Smokestacks & clearcuts: Enviva’s industrial biomass forest destruction in Wiggins, MS

 

We’ve had several productive days here in the deep south. From touring the beautiful swamps with ally Dean Wilson to visiting a 150,000 ton Enviva Pellet facility located right on the boarder of the De Soto National Forest, we’ve had an opportunity to experience the full spectrum of the biomass issue in Louisiana.

Yesterday, we presented to a group of Louisiana allies, which included representatives from the Gulf Restoration Network, Sierra Club, Lower Mississippi Riverkeepers, SouthWings, Louisiana Environmental Action Network, and Atchafalaya BasinKeeper. Our top priority for the meeting was for these groups to jump completely on-board with the Our Forests Aren’t Fuel Campaign and to get excited about being our eyes and ears in Louisiana.

I’m happy to report that this was a success, highlighted by a comment from Cindy Sarthou, Executive Director for the Gulf Restoration Network:

“This is great. Now, how can we be the most helpful. Sounds like you need people down here to generate the story.”

Yes! I’m very excited for us to work with these organizations and individuals to challenge our corporate targets and help tell the story from the bayou.

 

No slacking when it comes to forest & climate destruction

 

Next up is a fly-over with SouthWings. We’ll be viewing Drax pellet-container domes, construction of a pellet facility and current clearcuts in Louisiana. After the flight, we’re headed back out with Dean Wilson to tour clearcuts from the ground.

Scot Quaranda

Scot has been with Dogwood Alliance since 2000 and has served as a campaign organizer, field director, campaign director and is currently the communications director. In his role he is in charge of story telling, creative, media relations, and PR. He has a dual BA from Drew University in Psychology and Philosophy and has worked previously with the Fund for Public Interest and in music PR for artists such as Buddy Guy and Ani DiFranco.