ABK Acadiana with LA Bayou Society
Apr
20
6:00 PM18:00

ABK Acadiana with LA Bayou Society

We are so excited to have Dominick and Alex Chaillot, founders of the LA Bayou Society, speak at our April ABK Acadiana meeting! Louisiana Bayou Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to litter and debris removal from Louisiana’s Bayous and their watersheds. They partner with local stakeholders to provide logistical support for clean-up efforts. 

Alex Chaillot is a Louisiana-based conservationist and vice president of the Louisiana Bayou Society. Based in the Acadiana area, he is recognized for his hands-on, community-driven approach to environmental protection. Alex is also a professional caterer and private chef, an avid cyclist, and a volunteer who spends time assisting at local pet shelters. 

 

Dominick Chaillot is a community organizer, environmental advocate, and musician primarily known as the co-founder and president of the Louisiana Bayou Society. Dominick has a background in music, playing the bass guitar for the indie band FlecHaus, as well as numerous other projects. He formally ran a bed-and-breakfast in Austin, Texas, and for a brief period of time owned and operated a motorcycle fabrication company. He has worked for Apple Inc. for the last 15 years.

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10th Annual Save the Basin
Mar
22
11:00 AM11:00

10th Annual Save the Basin

10th Annual Save the Basin

Buy Tickets!

On Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper will host its 10th Annual Save The Basin event at Cypress Cove in Henderson!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles, live music, and dancing!

This year's lineup features incredible local talent, including Jordan Thibodeaux, Michael Doucet, Drew Landry, Dustin Dale Gaspard, The Babineaux Sisters, and The Forest Huval Band.

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guest speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some of the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin.

Ticket prices are:

  • General Admission: $25

  • Children 5-12: $15

  • Children 0-5: Free

Tickets available online and at the door.

(Donate $15 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Buy Tickets!

Sponsor Save the Basin

We’re gearing up for the Save the Basin event and are currently looking for sponsors who want to make a real impact! Sponsorship is a great way to show your commitment to saving the basin, while gaining visibility among local leaders, families, and organizations who care deeply about our environment.

Sponsorship Levels

Friend of the Basin            $500

  • 10 Event Tickets

  • Reserved Table

  • Logo in Sponsor Video on website

  • 2 Shout-outs on our social media (Facebook has 32K followers Instagram 30K)

  • Mention in Newsletter “Support the Supporters” section (>1,500 recipients)

  • Opportunity to distribute swag

  • 25 raffle tickets

Steward of the Basin            $1,000

  • 10 Event Tickets

  • Reserved Table

  • Logo in Sponsor Video on our website

  • 3 Shout-outs on our social media (Facebook has 32K followers Instagram 30K)

  • Mention in Newsletter “Support the Supporters” section (>1,500 recipients)

  • Opportunity to distribute swag

  • 50 raffle tickets

  • Mention from stage at the event

  • Private boat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin with Executive Director Dean Wilson (12 people)

 

Protector of the Basin          $5,000

  • 20 Event Tickets

  • 2 Reserved Tables

  • Logo in Sponsor Video on our website

  • 5 Shout-outs on our social media (Facebook has 32K followers Instagram 30K)

  • Mention in Newsletter “Support the Supporters” section (>1,500 recipients)

  • Opportunity to distribute swag

  • 75 raffle tickets

  • Mention from stage at the event

  • Logo on all digital media

  • Private boat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin with Executive Director Dean Wilson (12 people)

Buy Tickets!

Donate to Save the Basin

If you would like to show your love for the Basin through an art donation for the silent auction or by donating an item or raffle prize, click the button below! A significant advantage is that the item is tax-deductible, and we will be promoting it on our social media.

If you wish to donate an item for the auction, please get in touch with Kirby at kirby@basinkeeper.org and fill out the form below!

Item Donation
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ABK Acadiana: Basin Basics with Monica Fisher
Feb
23
6:00 PM18:00

ABK Acadiana: Basin Basics with Monica Fisher

We’re thrilled to have ABK Development Director Monica Fisher at our upcoming ABK Acadiana meeting! If you’ve heard even a little about her, you know this will be non-stop jokes and fun. Often described as an unstoppable force (and we can personally vouch for that), Monica is known for her persistence, strategic mind, and absolute refusal to accept “no” when the Basin is on the line. Case in point: within one year of meeting with the Colonel of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Coon Trap was closed, and East Grand Lake was saved. An extraordinary achievement considering East Grand Lake is the most important body of water for fish in the eastern Atchafalaya Basin. She was also instrumental in accomplishing the seemingly impossible, securing a signed MOU with the USACE to meet quarterly and collaborate on Basin issues.

Monica’s connection to the Atchafalaya runs deep. She spent much of her childhood exploring the Delta alongside her grandfather, a trapper and commercial fisherman. After spending 20 years in Northern Nevada, Monica returned to Louisiana in 2010. In January 2018, a tour of the Basin with Dean reignited that lifelong love and instilled a desire to protect this precious resource. Shortly after, Monica joined ABK and grew the organization to what it is today!

 

With a professional background in business management and public relations, Monica combines expertise with heart. She understands strategy, relationships, and how to turn vision into action, all while holding a deep, personal love for the Basin and its future. Join us on February 23rd to hear Monica’s story, learn all about the basin, and get inspired by what determined advocacy can truly achieve. 

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ABK Acadiana January - Jourdan Thibodeaux
Jan
19
6:00 PM18:00

ABK Acadiana January - Jourdan Thibodeaux

We are kicking the year off with a truly special gathering, and we want you there! Our January ABK Acadiana meeting will feature a guest speaker who embodies the heart, history, and soul of Louisiana: Jourdan Thibodeaux!

If you've ever heard him speak or play, then you already know the energy that he brings. Jourdan is a proud Cajun-French-speaking native of Cypress Island, Louisiana, and the lead of the beloved band Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rodailleurs. His music celebrates our heritage, and now he's joining to celebrate our culture and dive into what makes it so unique and important to preserve.

Fun fact: Jourdan will be performing at our upcoming Save the Basin event!

Want to learn more about Jourdan? Check out his Facebook and Instagram!

Space is limited for this event, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

ABK members will receive priority access to tickets before public registration opens on December 17th. 

The event is free to attend, but donations are always appreciated and help support Jourdan's work.

Meeting Location:  Cavalier House Books (formerly Beausoleil Books) - 302 A Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA 70501 

Details:  January 19, 2026, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

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Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting - Bayou Pigeon
Dec
10
5:30 PM17:30

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting - Bayou Pigeon

  • Bayou Pigeon Heritage Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Atchafalaya Basin MaNagement Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to learn how you can be part of keeping our community safe from flooding and protecting the Atchafalaya Basin.

Read ABK’s Master Plan concept here.

Check out our previous news coverage from the October 15th community meeting: KATC, KADN, KLFY

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Nov
17
7:30 PM19:30

ABK Acadiana Monthly Meeting - November

Meeting Location: 
Cavalier House Books (formerly Beausoleil Books) - 302 A Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA 70501

The guest speaker is our very own staff attorney, Brennan Spoor. His lecture will be, "Protecting the Atchafalaya Basin: Why it's so hard and how you can make it easier."

 

About Brennan:

Brennan attended Tulane Law School, where he spent a year with Tulane’s Environmental Law Clinic and graduated with a Certificate in Environmental Law. Originally from Kansas City, Brennan is an avid hiker and enjoys being in nature.  Brennan has spent the last two years as a middle school history teacher in Birmingham, yet his love for Louisiana and environmental law, instilled during his time with Tulane, has brought him to where his heart calls home.  As the staff attorney for ABK, Brennan seeks to be an integral part of protecting the people and environment of Louisiana. 

 We will not have a December ABK Acadiana Meeting! We will have the December Mailout instead.

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Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB) Field Trip
Sep
27
9:00 AM09:00

Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB) Field Trip

  • Plaquemine, LA, 70764 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We will meet at the boat landing at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 75 and Highway 404 in Plaquemine - Bayou Pigeon. Paddler's must provide their own equipment.

This field trip will be guided by founder and Executive Director, Dean Wilson. The trip will be approximately two hours with a self-pay lunch at Carbo's after. The paddle and guide are free, yet donations are welcomed and encouraged.

Please register via ticket purchase for either "Paddle Only" or "Paddle + Lunch".

Register here
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Sep
15
6:00 PM18:00

ABK Acadiana September Meeting - Basin Basics

ABK Acadiana Monthly Meeting

Our next meeting is September 15th, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

***NEW LOCATION***
Cavalier House Books - Lafayette
302 A Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501

Basin Basics - Monica Fisher, Development Director

Have you ever wanted to volunteer with Atchafalaya Basinkeeper? This month is your opportunity to learn all about volunteer training and the Basin itself! We are also inviting our current volunteers to join us and refresh their skills.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming volunteer training, Basin Basics, on September 15th, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Cavalier House Books - Lafayette (302 A Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501).

Basin Basics is held twice a year and is a fun, welcoming way to connect with like-minded people who care about protecting the Atchafalaya Basin. Food and good company are included, as is learning about our awesome Basin!

If you have never volunteered with ABK before and are interested in volunteering for future events, this meeting is mandatory. It is vital to the success of future events that our current volunteers attend this meeting as well.

Click here to sign up for future volunteer events!

About Our Speaker - Monica Fisher is ABK's Development Director extraordinaire. 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.


Show some love to our meeting host, Cavalier House Books - Lafayette!

Facebook: Cavalier House Books - Lafayette https://www.facebook.com/chblafayette/
Instagram: chblafayette

This is an incredible, local bookstore with so much to offer; you are missing out if you don't stop by!

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9th Annual Save the Basin Event
Mar
16
11:00 AM11:00

9th Annual Save the Basin Event

Purchase TIckets

ART AUCTION—LIVE MUSIC —GUEST SPEAKERS—RAFFLES

On Sunday, March 16th, 2025, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper will host its 9th Annual Save The Basin event at Rock and Bowl in Downtown Lafayette!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles , live music, dancing and bowling.

*Forest Huval Band * The Babineaux Sisters* Michael Doucet with LE PSYCHO SWAMP* Poisson Rouge*

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guest speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some of the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin.

General Admission is $25- Children 0-5 Free Children 5-12 $15

Includes Bowling and shoe use between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Tickets available online and at the door.

(Donate $15 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Artists, Please contact Monica @ 225-685-9439 to submit art for the silent auction.

Auction/raffle Contribution Submission Form
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Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting
Jan
16
6:00 PM18:00

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to help design a plan that will keep our community safe from flooding and protect the Atchafalaya Basin.

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Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting - West
Jan
15
5:30 PM17:30

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting - West

  • Catahoula Multipurpose Building (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Atchafalaya Basin Master Plan Community Meeting

The future of our community is in your hands.

This is an opportunity for you to help design a plan that will keep our community safe from flooding and protect the Atchafalaya Basin.

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Hike to our largest Bald Cypress tree
Nov
16
9:00 AM09:00

Hike to our largest Bald Cypress tree

  • Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are going to Cat Island! Join ABK for an easy hike to see the largest Bald Cypress tree in the country.

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

After the hike, The Francis has generously reserved seating for our group on the patio, under a beautiful oak. Lunch will be individual pay and the hike is free! RSVP before November 13th

abkoffice@basinkeeper.org or 225.692.1133

#supportthesupporters

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20th Anniversary Gala
Oct
4
5:30 PM17:30

20th Anniversary Gala

  • Hilton Baton Rouge Capital Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
purchase Tickets

ABK will be celebrating our 20 year Anniversary of protecting and preserving the Atchafalaya Basin.  This event is focused on education about the Atchafalaya ecosystems, supporting the rich culture, and the importance of the Atchafalaya Basin to the surrounding areas and on a global scale. 

As guests arrive they will be greeted by Dean Wilson, Executive Director of Atchafalaya Basinkeeper.  They will receive a gift from sponsors that support the Atchafalaya Basin.

Grammy award-winning Louisiana musician Louis Michot

The event will feature Grammy award-winning Louisiana musician Louis Michot against the backdrop of the setting sun over the Mississippi River in the Riverview Ballroom of the Baton Rouge Hilton.  The beginning of our program will showcase the film Majestic Atchafalaya. 

Director of Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, Lisa Jordan

Dinner will be served as the participants settle in to hear from Lisa Jordan, Director of Tulane’s Environmental Law Clinic, about her experience supervising students in the representation of clients in Louisiana who are impacted by destructive activities and reckless agency permitting that affect the environment, including the state’s wetlands and waterways.

Marine Scientist, Dr. Ivor van Heerden

Dr. Ivor Van Heerden will follow.  With a lifetime of research, since 1977,  in the Atchafalaya Basin he will discuss the importance of the Basin for Louisiana, our country and the world and needed solutions to the many threats to this amazing ecosystems. 

Waterkeeper Alliance CEO, Marc Yaggi

Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, will follow, sharing with us the importance of the waterway systems globally, what it takes to protect important ecosystems like the Atchafalaya Basin, the impact of the Atchafalaya Basin locally and beyond. 

Through this event our hope is to encourage and engage care, love and understanding of the richness of the Atchafalaya Basin in our own state.  

Dress code is: “Looking good” Nice”, but not formal.
Ties are not required, but welcome.
Dinner & celebration attire!

Purchase tickets & Sponsorships
book a hotel room
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8th Annual Save the Basin Event
Mar
17
11:00 AM11:00

8th Annual Save the Basin Event

Purchase TIckets

ART AUCTION—LIVE MUSIC —GUEST SPEAKERS—RAFFLES

On Sunday, March 17th, 2024, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper will host its 8th Annual Save The Basin event at Artmosphere in Downtown Lafayette!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles and stick around for live music

* Michael Doucet et Chad Viator * Forest Huval Band * The Babineaux Sisters * Drew Landry*

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guest speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some of the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event – including 10 percent of all food – will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin.

Admission is $15 - Tickets available online and at the door.

Purchase Tickets Here

(Donate $10 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Artists, Please contact Monica @ 225-685-9439 to submit art for the silent auction OR fill out this form with your submissions: Submission Form

Auction/raffle Contribution Submission Form
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Basin Admiration Amateur Photo Contest 2024
Feb
1
to Feb 29

Basin Admiration Amateur Photo Contest 2024

Have you visited the Atchafalaya Basin? Do you enjoy immersing yourself in nature?

Take your chance and enter the Basin Admiration Amateur Photo Contest!

Enter Contest

Link to Contest : https://forms.gle/vRWRj6J751BKgbX98

SPONSOR:

This photo contest is hosted by Atchafalaya Basinkeeper and sponsored by Louisiana Crawfish Co., and it is in no way sponsored or administered by Facebook or Instagram.

GUIDELINES:

  1. There will be 3 categories for submissions in the contest. Photos may be of the Atchafalaya Basin or swamps within the state of Louisiana.

    1. Wildlife: photos of any wildlife documented.

    2. Water: photos of or including bodies of water.

    3. Plant life: photos of the flora.

  2. Photos MUST be amateur, no watermarked or professionally taken photos will be accepted.

    1. All photos must be original work, taken by the entrants. No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.

  3. Submissions must include a caption describing the photo or inspiration behind the photo.

  4. Photos will be shared via our social media pages for voting via likes from our audience.

    1. By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos submitted can be used by ABK for voting and future media posting.

  5. Submissions will not be accepted once the deadline lapses.

    1. Entries may be submitted February 1-10, 2024.

    2. Voting will take place February 11-22, 2024 for Top 3 of each category by liking the photos.

    3. Finalist work will be published on February 23-27, 2024 for voting via likes.

    4. The top finalist from each category will represent 1st, 2nd, 3rd place based on likes named on February 29, 2024.

  6. Prizes must be collected by the winners and are non transferable.

  7. Up to THREE submissions per person! Only eligible for ONE prize.

ELIGIBILITY:

There are no age restrictions to enter. Entries must be submitted by non professional photographers. 

HOW AND WHEN TO ENTER:

Entries may be submitted February 1-10,2023 using this form: https://forms.gle/rjGUs6kNtJcm35zN8

Any questions or concerns with the form may be sent to: basinkeepermedia@gmail.com 

Entries must include the following:

  • Name of contestant

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Photo (in JPEG format)

  • Category selection

  • Caption describing photo or inspiration behind the photo

  • Acknowledgement of the information release consent (see below)

PRIZES:

  • Prizes are as follows:

  • ALL winners will have their photos printed and framed for the silent auction at our Save the Basin event.

INFORMATION RELEASE CONSENT:

All submissions will be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages for voting purposes as well as in future media posts to promote our community and Atchafalaya Basin. By submitting an entry to this contest, you agree to the use of your photos, captions, and name on our pages and website. Should you be selected as a winner, you consent to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper (ABK) to use your photo to be framed, printed and sold by silent auction at our Save the Basin event fundraiser. All funds from the event will be used to protect and preserve the Atchafalaya Basin. When submitting, please include acknowledgement of the above statements.

You know you want to win! Enter now!
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7th Annual Save the Basin
Mar
19
11:00 AM11:00

7th Annual Save the Basin

ART AUCTION—LIVE MUSIC -GUEST SPEAKERS—RAFFLES

 On Sunday, March 19th, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper hosts its 7th Annual Save The Basin event at Artmosphere in Downtown Lafayette!

Come enjoy the unique Cajun-inspired artists, silent auction, raffles and stick around for live music

*Michael Doucet, Chad Huval & Billy Ware*

*The Bucks * Poisson Rouge * Drew Landry*

*Forest Huval Band * The Babineaux Sisters*

Every attendee receives a raffle ticket for a swamp tour for up to 6 people with Basinkeeper Dean Wilson.

Guests speakers will be discussing our organizations’ most critical achievements in the Basin and some the most troublesome hurdles to date facing our progress in conservation.

This all day event brings together communities around South Central Louisiana in support of the beautiful Louisiana wetlands we all cherish. The Atchafalaya Basin the most productive swamp in the world and is vitally important to Louisiana’ Cajun culture; it supports a unique ecosystem of cypress-tupelo swamps found nowhere else on the planet, provides a habitat for our fishing and crawfishing economy, and plays a significant role as a safe harbor for thousands of migratory birds as well as protecting millions of people in South Louisiana from Mississippi River floods.

All proceeds from the event – including 10 percent of all food – will go directly towards protecting and restoring the Basin. 

Admission is $10 - Tickets available online and at the door.

(Donate $10 along with your ticket price and receive membership to Atchafalaya Basinkeeper!)

Purchase ticket

Artist,  Please contact Monica @ 225-685-9439 to submit art for the silent auction.

Atchafalaya Basinkeeper is a tax deductible 501c3 organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Atchafalaya Basin for future generations.

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