The Edward Wisner Donation – commonly known as the Wisner Trust and one of Louisiana’s longest-standing charitable land endowments – has launched www.WisnerDonation.com, a new website designed to provide the public with accurate, transparent information about the Trust’s origins, mission, beneficiaries, and ongoing legal proceedings.

Established in 1914 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Edward Wisner, the Trust was created to improve the quality of life in Louisiana through the responsible stewardship of 50,000 acres of coastal land. Mr. Wisner’s vision, formalized in a legally binding act of donation, named multiple beneficiaries: The City of New Orleans, Tulane University, Charity Hospital/LSU Health, and the Salvation Army. In 1930 the 40% interest of Mr. Wisner’s widow and two daughters in the Trust was recognized by judgment of the Civil District Court, Parish of Orleans, pursuant to a settlement.

Today, those lands and the revenues they generate continue to support coastal protection, natural disaster resilience, education, public health, and social services – without any cost to taxpayers or direct reliance on local governing bodies, including the City of New Orleans.

The new website has been launched amid ongoing litigation in order for the public to have a better understanding of the Trust, its management and the Trust’s property. The New Orleans City Council continues to pursue costly legal action in an effort to seize 100% ownership of the Trust, despite the City of New Orleans having been a 34.8% beneficiary for nearly a century. The Council’s effort would strip all of the long-recognized beneficiaries of their rightful shares. The Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal is currently reviewing the case under a suspensive appeal, meaning that despite City Council pronouncements to the contrary, the district court’s decision is not final, and the Trust remains governed as it has been for nearly 100 years. 

It is also an important reminder that the donation was never intended as a gift to the City alone – it was a shared vision meant to benefit the broader community. From any perspective the trust has always done just that.

The Wisner Trust is guided by a mission to responsibly manage its land and revenues for ecological, economic, and community impact. Funding comes from:

These revenues are reinvested to support wetland restoration, sustainable land management, storm resilience, and critical infrastructure projects – helping Louisiana prepare for the future while honoring Mr. Wisner’s original intent.

With Louisiana losing coastal land at one of the fastest rates in the world, the Trust plays a vital role in defending the state’s natural buffers. The Wisner Trust funds and manages restoration projects, hydrology improvements, and habitat protection, ensuring coastal wetlands continue to serve as storm barriers, wildlife ecosystems, and economic foundations. Since the 1990s, the Wisner Trust has led or supported more than 24 land restoration and improvement projects across coastal Louisiana through voluntary proportionate contribution by its beneficiaries, including the 40% interest of the Wisner heirs, successors, and assigns. Each initiative reflects the Wisner Trust’s core mission of conservation, sustainability, and community investment – honoring Edward Wisner’s vision and ensuring his legacy continues to serve the people and environment of Louisiana. The website details these substantial land restoration and improvement initiatives in protection of our coastline which include the Caminada Back Barrier Marsh Creation project; the Port Fourchon Terracing and Living Shoreline Project; Bayou Chevreuil Hydrologic Restoration, to name just a few.

A significant portion of the land donated by Edward Wisner lies in Fourchon, home to one of the most important deepwater oil and gas ports in the United States. The Wisner Trust, through its Board, manages leases and development on this land – ensuring that royalties and revenue generated contribute not only to environmental restoration and local economies but also respect Mr. Wisner's intended beneficiaries. This stewardship highlights how the Wisner Trust balances coastal ecosystem protection with economic vitality and responsible revenue management.

Port Fourchon is managed solely by the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) – a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana that serves residents of the 10^th ward of Lafourche Parish. While much of Port Fourchon sits on land either owned by the Port Commission and/or owned by the Edward Wisner Donation Trust, development and governance lies with the Port Commission. Both the Port’s tenants and the Port have made substantial investments in infrastructure on their leases. The Wisner Trust – through its Board – administers leases and development rights on surrounding land, ensuring that revenues support the trust beneficiaries and honor Mr. Wisner’s vision for sustainable, shared benefit.

The Wisner Trust also powers economic growth by supporting working industries such as fishing, shipping, and energy – all of which depend on a healthy coastal environment. In addition, revenues from land use fund public services and infrastructure improvements for Louisiana’s communities.

The Edward Wisner Trust Management Board, comprised of representatives of each beneficial interest, manages the Trust. The Mayor of the City of New Orleans serves as Trustee and Chairman of the Board.

For over 100 years, courts and administrations have consistently recognized all named beneficiaries as rightful recipients of Trust revenues and assets. The City Council’s recent attempt to seize control – by suing its own mayor and all the co-beneficiaries – represents a sharp break from both legal precedent and long-standing civic partnership.