Sherrill Sagrera

Location of Interview
Collection Name

CWPPRA Personal Reflections: Environmental Portraits and Oral Histories of Louisiana’s Coastal Wetlands Stakeholders

Description

The goal of CWPPRA’s Personal Reflections Project is to capture the lives and stories of Louisiana residents who have been stewards of the wetlands and storytellers who open the door to the world of habitat protection and preservation. Each person has a unique tale, but the Louisiana wetlands have been a part of all of their lives.    We invite you to learn more about these coastal caretakers. We have tried to capture our Louisiana guardians in two ways; the first with an environmental portrait and the  second with an oral history.

Date of Interview
08-02-2012
Transcribers

Taylor Suir

Video
Supplemental Material
Biographical Sketch

Sherrill Sagrera is an advocate for the preservation and restoration of Louisiana's coastal wetlands. Born on November 12, 1941, in Abbeville, Louisiana, Sherrill grew up in Cheniere au Tigre, an island in South Vermillion Parish. His family's connection to this ecosystem goes back generations, as they owned and managed land that was once a thriving resort community. Sherrill witnessed the island's evolution from a bustling community with a hotel, dance hall, and school to a region grappling with wetland loss and environmental challenges. Throughout his life, Sherrill has been a vocal proponent of responsible land and marsh management. He has served on various committees and organizations, such as the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) and the Rainey Conservation Alliance. His advocacy extends beyond Louisiana's borders, as he seeks to educate people about the importance of wetlands preservation at both local and national levels.

Scope and Content Note 
The interview with Sherrill Sagrera, conducted by Susan Testroet-Bergeron on August 2, 2012, provides valuable insights into the memories and experiences of a lifelong resident of Louisiana's coastal wetlands. Sherrill discusses the history of Cheniere au Tigre, an island in South Vermillion Parish, detailing how it once thrived as a resort community before facing challenges due to wetland loss, saltwater intrusion, and environmental changes. The conversation delves into Sherrill's observations about the impact of hurricanes, such as Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike, on his community and the region's wetlands. He highlights the importance of managing marshes and restoring wetlands to protect against future storm surges and maintain vital fisheries. Sherrill emphasizes the need for proactive involvement in coastal restoration and urges individuals to get informed, engaged, and advocate for responsible land management. The interview captures Sherrill's passionate advocacy for coastal preservation and the challenges facing Louisiana's wetlands. His experiences and insights serve as a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between human activities, environmental changes, and the urgent need to protect and restore these critical ecosystems.


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The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

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