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Louisiana's Natural beauty survives Hurricane Katrina
By: Dani Copas
It will take a decade or more to repair the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Even after that time, there will be many traditional areas of the historic city of New Orleans that may never again be rebuilt because there are insurance concerns about the water levels. It is estimated that rebuilding costs will exceed 200 billion dollars. In view of all this, it seems implausible for people to even consider enjoying the outdoor adventures that are a hallmark of the great State of Louisiana.
However stark the situation may be for the city of New Orleans and surrounding parishes, the good news is that Louisiana remains a premier location to spend time enjoying the bounty of the great outdoors. While some popular tourist attractions and outdoor activities may have been interrupted by the devastating hurricane, the majority of the state's pristine landscape remains intact.
In fact, the very section of New Orleans that some planners are considering not rebuilding due to flooding concerns, were once wetlands. The entire New Orleans area was once wetlands and the destruction of this vital habitat definitely contributed to the massive destruction inflicted by the hurricane.
Although not all of the damage would have been averted had more of Louisiana's wetlands been preserved, the fact remains that wetlands act as a natural sponge that absorbs the water surge caused by hurricanes. Had not the area of New Orleans that was damaged the most been built, then the area would have still remained as wetlands and a lot of damage to the city been averted.
Most of New Orleans will certainly be rebuilt in time. But the state of Louisiana will be open to nature enthusiasts in a much smaller timeframe. The Louisiana countryside, with its cypress swamps, lush coastal marshes and rolling hills dotted with pine forests is still a natural splendor that beckons nature lovers.
If you wish to enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana, it offers many options. This magical spot offers visitors some fine camping, cycling, hiking, and fresh water fishing opportunities through its bountiful countryside. Air boats that glide across marshes and swamps offer some adventurous visitors an unusual means of relaxation. Louisiana remains a place that can offer many opportunities, whatever your outdoor passion may be.
One of the great attractions that lures so many people to Louisiana year after year is the mild winters. Situated in the southern part of the country, snow and frost are very rare sights. People love visiting Louisiana and engaging in some of the outdoor activities that they are incapable of doing due to weather back home. Offering year round outdoor possibilities and one of the most stunning environments on the planet, Louisiana remains the place to come and escape it all today, tomorrow, and into the foreseeable future.
In spite of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the best part of Louisiana remains intact. The marshes and swamps are still intriguing and filled with strange and wonderful creatures. The lakes, rivers, and streams still provide some of the best fresh water fishing opportunities in the world. Not to mention the abundant wildlife and pristine landscape that still remains intact.
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