Corey Miller

Location of Interview
Collection Name

I Hope: Visions for a Sustainable Future in Coastal Louisiana

Description

The goal of CWPPRA’s "I Hope" Project is to hear from Louisiana residents whose lives are touched by our coastal wetlands. Each advocate has a unique story as they share their hopes for coastal Louisiana's future.

Date of Interview
06-02-2022
Transcribers

Kacie Wright
Lauren Leonpacher

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Corey Thomas Miller, born in 1982 in Jefferson Parish in Metairie, is a prominent advocate for coastal restoration in Louisiana. Raised in Metairie, he attended high school in New Orleans and later pursued his higher education at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. After his undergraduate studies, Miller decided to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in sociology at the University of New Orleans (UNO). During his time at UNO, he was fortunate to secure an assistantship with the UNO Center for Hazard Assessment, Response, and Technology (CHART). This opportunity allowed him to work on various projects focusing on community resilience and fishing-dependent communities, which exposed him to the issues of land loss, coastal erosion, and coastal restoration. After his time at UNO, Miller transitioned into a career with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, where he currently serves as the Director of Community Resilience. In this role, he works tirelessly to advance the conversation around coastal restoration and encourages everyone to understand what's happening in their backyard and along the coast.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Corey Miller, conducted by Lauren Leonpacher on June 2nd, 2022, at the Bucktown Marina in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, provides an in-depth look into Miller's experiences and perspectives on coastal restoration in Louisiana. The interview begins with a brief introduction of Miller's background, including his upbringing, education, and how he became involved in coastal restoration work. Miller discusses his work with the UNO CHART and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and the challenges of land loss and coastal erosion. He also highlights the significance of the Louisiana coast, not only for its commercial and recreational value but also for sustaining communities and their unique way of life. Miller shares his vision for a realistic future of the coast, acknowledging that while it will never return to its past state, efforts should be made to retain as much land as possible and address climate change. He encourages everyone to play a role in this endeavor, from being aware of coastal issues to participating in public plans for restoration. The interview concludes with Miller expressing his hope for a vibrant and productive future for the coast, where people are more connected to the coast, where people are more connected to the wetlands and using the resources and the natural landscape to provide better resilience for the communities that will remain. He also shares personal anecdotes about his childhood experiences in Louisiana's wetlands, which he believes played a significant role in shaping his career path. The interview provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with coastal restoration in Louisiana, as well as the importance of community engagement and awareness in these efforts.


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