The Pearl River map turtle could be the catalyst for halting a huge and controversial engineering project in Jackson, Miss., known locally as “One Lake.” Scientists and environmental groups warn that One Lake would be devastating for the map turtle, wiping out food sources along the Pearl’s riverbed.
Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator
Elise is an environmental reporter and Report for America corps member at the Louisiana Illuminator, focusing her coverage on water and its impacts throughout Louisiana and the Mississippi River Basin.
Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.