Resources

Louisiana's natural resources include varied ecosystems and environments, from oak forest to cypress swamp. Extremely fertile soil and a long growing season are conducive to agriculture. Extensive coastlines, along the Gulf of Mexico and the state's many rivers, contribute to extensive wetland areas. As for non-biotic resources, the state also has sizable reserves of oil, natural gas, salt and sulphur.

With 15,000 miles of coastline, Louisiana has extensive coastal wetlands. The coastal basin is divided into nine regions, each with slightly different environments and ecosystems. For example, the Teche/Vermilion Basin in south-central Louisiana primarily has fresh and brackish waters, with very few salt marshes. In the southwestern corner of the state, the Calcasieu/Sabine Basin has a balanced mixture of fresh, brackish and salt marshes. The region's wetlands are estimated to be 3,500 years old.