Significant milestone for Hatchie–Loosahatchie ecosystem restoration project

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon has signed a Chief’s Report recommending the Hatchie–Loosahatchie Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Study to Congress for authorization.

The study began in 2021 with a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement signing between the Memphis District and the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC), the non-federal sponsor.

It was conducted to examine and address problems, opportunities, and solution-viability associated with Mississippi River ecosystem degradation along the Hatchie-Loosahatchie River reach, miles 775-736.

The Chief’s Report outlines USACE’s Ecosystem Restoration Plan to address ecologically important habitats along this 39-mile Mississippi River stretch in Arkansas and Tennessee without causing conflict with existing USACE navigation and flood-risk management mission areas.

The plan includes 38 different ecological restoration measures and two recreational measures that will benefit 6,282 acres.

If implemented, the plan would provide 4,673 habitat units annually to eight unique habitats, including bottomland hardwood, cypress-tupelo, meander scarp, moist soil, riverfront, seasonally herbaceous wetland, secondary channels, and slough.