Monthly Meeting Video
September 15, 2025
Our recent Basin Basics meeting with ABK's Development Director, Monica Fisher, was both fun and informative! Attendees learned valuable information about the Atchafalaya Basin and the many ways to get involved as a volunteer. To make the evening even more engaging, we played games and gave out sweet prizes, including chocolate and local honey. It was a great time filled with learning, laughter, and connection. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and can’t wait for the next Basin Basics!
As we have expanded in both our team and in membership, ABK is working to create a volunteer program! Please be on the lookout for future volunteer opportunities
About Monica:
Monica Fisher is ABK's Development Director. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Monica spent much of her childhood exploring the Atchafalaya Delta with her grandfather, a trapper and commercial fisherman. After living in Northern Nevada for 20 years, Monica returned to Louisiana in 2010. In January 2018, she visited the Basin on a tour with Dean and immediately fell back in love with its beauty. After just five months of volunteering, she officially joined ABK in October 2018.
With a professional background in business management in public relations, Monica brings expertise, passion, and a deep love for the Basin to everything she does.
August 18, 2025
The August Acadiana/Community meeting was truly one you didn’t want to miss!
Our Executive Director, Dean Wilson, gave an in-depth update on the Atchafalaya Basin Management Plan, emphasizing its critical role in protecting our communities from flooding. The room was filled with energy and engagement, with over 30 participants in attendance. The group included local officials, fishermen, community leaders, and other dedicated stakeholders who care deeply about the Basin’s future.
Following Dean’s presentation, the conversation opened up into a lively and productive discussion. Participants shared perspectives, raised important questions, and explored ways to work together to ensure the Basin remains a thriving ecosystem and a reliable source of flood protection for Louisiana.
These meetings are not just updates; they are opportunities for collaboration, learning, and action. We strongly encourage everyone to attend future sessions and add your voice to the conversation. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the Basin and our communities.
If you would like to read more about the management plan, click here!
About Dean:
Captain Dean A. Wilson is our Executive Director and Basinkeeper. American-born, Dean grew up in Spain but came to Louisiana. He fell in love with the swamps, lakes, bayous, and rivers of the Atchafalaya Basin. Dean chose to stay in the Basin, working as a commercial fisherman before forming Basinkeeper in 2004, a proud member of the Waterkeeper Alliance. His passion for the Basin is evident to all who know him.
June 16, 2025
At our June monthly ABK Acadiana meeting, we discussed the Louisiana Black Bear with Terrestrial Wildlife advocate Machelle Hall!
Machelle works to safeguard endangered species and their habitats, combat cruel wildlife management methods, and improve the regulation of wildlife.
After working as an archaeologist, Machelle Hall graduated from Tulane Law School in 2008 serving as the Editor in Chief of the Tulane Environmental Law Journal. She then worked in private practice, taught at the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, served as the Section Chief of the Environmental Section of the Louisiana Attorney General's Office, and now works for the Animal Welfare Institute in the Terrestrial Wildlife Program. Ms. Hall is currently working on children's education and public education about the Louisiana Black Bear and lives in Baton Rouge.
