1. Introduction - Changing conditions in the Mississippi delta from 1700 to 2100 and Beyond: Avoiding Folly.- 2. A Brief History of Delta Formation and Deterioration.- 3. Levees and the Making of a Dysfunctional Floodplain.- 4. The Nutria in Louisiana: A Current and Historical Perspective.- 5. Optimum Use of Fresh Water to Restore Baldcypress - Water Tupelo Swamps and Freshwater Marshes and Protect Against Salt Water Intrusion: A Case Study of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.- 6. Energy and Climate - Global Trends and Their Implications for Delta Restoration.- 7. The Costs and Sustainability of Ongoing Efforts to Restore and Protect Louisiana's Coast.- 8. Large Infrequently Operated River Diversions For Mississippi Delta Restoration.- 9. Raising Urban Land: Historical Perspectives on Adaptation.- 10. Raising Buildings: The Resilience of Elevated Structures.- 11. Raising New Orleans: The Marais Design Strategy.-12. Eroding Communities and Diverting Populations: Historical Population Dynamics in Coastal Louisiana.- 13. Developing Legal Strategies for a Sustainable Coast.- 14. Summary and Conclusions.