Floods Threaten Historic Sites, Not Tourist Favorites

There has been good news over the past 24 hours for Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Diversion of rising Mississippi River waters though the Morganza Spillway northwest of the cities and into the Atchafalaya River basin appears to have helped lower the chances that the urban areas will be swamped.

Major tourist attractions and historic sites seem likely to be spared, including a necklace of antebellum-era plantations along the Great River Road. A few, including the white-pillared Nottoway Plantation, posted assurances of their dryness online, along with photos of nearby levees keeping water contained.

But what's good for Plantation Country and the Big Easy has required sacrifice in the rural, swampy area west of the Mississippi. And the toll includes not just homes, displaced residents and the swamping of vast acres of cropland.

It also includes historic and archaeological sites that are likely to be underwater for weeks to come. And state officials are bracing for damage that the diverted water could wreak on those sites.

While displaced, the animals will seek any habitat they can find, though they'll probably steer clear of people, he says. His advice to humans? "Leave the animals alone. They are going to be stressed, and they are not going to stay." Though it will present problems for farmers, displaced wildlife will also find a ready food supply in the agricultural areas along the levees.

Reed says that some animals will drown — "you know they're going to take a hit" — though experts haven't been able to estimate the mortality rate. The deer population is about the same as in 1973, when spillway gates were last opened. But the populations of feral hogs and black bears are much larger, making mortality calculations difficult.

Indian Village And War Sites

"The primary concern for damage is relatively close to the spillway and near the channels, where silt could harm sites," says Chip McGimzie, Louisiana's state archaeologist.

Louisiana's Historic Preservation office has also been compiling a list of which of the state's more than 1,200 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places — ranging from buildings to designated districts and landscapes — may be affected.

State officials, however, have noted that the area affected by floodwaters released through the spillway is sparsely populated and, while important, is not chockablock with properties on the National Register. The Morganza release is the first in 38 years.

Top New York Tourist Attractions ... - New-Mexico travel guide.

Top New York Tourist Attractions

When it comes to visiting America, the first place one thinks of is – New York City. The city and its fast life has drawn tourist by thousands over the years and it just keeps on increasing by the day. If you are planning to visit New York City soon, then you need to visit the top tourist attractions. New York City will announce a .3 billion plan today for new parks, housing, ferry service and environmental improvements for its 578 miles (930 kilometers) of shoreline to boost real-estate development and recreation. This brings good news for the entire tourism sector. Without visiting these places, your visit to this megacity will be left unfulfilled.

Here are the top destinations in the New York City. Check them out!

1. Empire State Building – The iconic building is thronged by hundreds and thousands of people from across the globe. Many begin their trip of New York by visiting this building. The observation decks on the building offer a breathtaking view of the city. If you want to make the most of your time, then be sure to buy the tickets online. Furthermore, you can buy Express tickets which, although priced a bit high, give you the advantage of cutting through the queue. If you are ready to spend a bit more money, you can get the tickets for 102nd floor. It is less crowded and offers a fascinating experience.

2. Statue of Liberty – Make the most of your time away from the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a cruise to the Statue of Liberty. Here, not only will the visit be a wonderful experience, but will the boat ride for the kids in the family as well.

3. Central Park - The lungs of the city, Central Park has been the pride of New Yorkers for well over 150 years. Enjoy a picnic, or may be a simple walk with you loved one by your arms along the winding pathways of the park. You will love the experience.

4. Rockefeller Center – At the heart of the rich New York culture is the Rockefeller Center which has numerous museums and number of restaurants which will invigorate your senses.

Make the most of your time by visiting the top New York tourist attractions . By visiting these places, your trip to New York will be complete!

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