An environmentally sound concept of maximizing the benefits of the Mississippi River sediment load is proposed by allowing the river to naturally change its course to the Atchafalaya while maintaining navigation and flood control in the present channel of the Mississippi. A sediment lean, minimum necessary flow is determined for the lower Mississippi River to insure navigation and freshwater needs. Some of the political and economic ramifications are anticipated and discussed. The need for a new engineering study is addressed. Finding an effective way to utilize the sediment load of the Mississippi River is essential if the coastal wetland ecology of southern Louisiana is to survive and flourish. Allowing the river to naturally change its course is ultimately the only viable option. The short comings of other means of using the river sediment load are discussed.