Storm Mitigation
Due to changing climates and warmer global temperatures, the number and severity of hurricanes that
reach the shores of Louisiana have increased. This past hurricane season was extremely active and
the Garcia Wetland Complex was hit hard. The area experienced high winds and multiple flooding
events, reducing vegetation cover in and around the ponds. This lack of protective vegetation lowers
the carrying capacity (K) of the ponds and increases mortality rates due to bullfrog tadpoles
washing away in the floods, an influx of invasive fish predators, and reduced refuge for adults from
extreme weather conditions.
