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DNR Achieves Formal Federal Recognition of Coastal Zone Boundary Revisions

Recognition by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marks Final Needed Approval

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Stephen Chustz announced today that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has formally recognized the revised inland boundary of the Louisiana Coastal Zone approved by the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and state Legislature from the recommendations put forward by DNR’s Office of Coastal Management (OCM).

NOAA’s approval of the change to the coastal program is the final step in the first significant widespread boundary shift for the coastal zone in more than 30 years, and the recommendations came from a two-year, science-based study conducted by OCM on behalf of CPRA to ensure the boundary accurately reflects the most up-to-date scientific understanding of the functioning of the complex systems that shape Louisiana’s coast. The NOAA approval also provides formal recognition that the federal government must abide by the state’s coastal zone rules in the newly added areas.

The new boundary is based on the latest science indicating not only how the coastline has changed over time but how water quality and the ecologic health of coastal zone wetlands have been impacted by activities occurring outside the old zone boundaries, that some wetlands influencing the coastal zone were not included within the boundary and that the boundary was inconsistent with other programs related to the coast in the state. All of these factors were taken into account in the effort to determine a new boundary that incorporated all areas determined to have a high level of coastal influence.

The Coastal Zone Management Program, enacted by the federal government in 1972, creates state and federal partnerships with the goal of protecting, restoring and responsibly developing coastal communities and resources. Louisiana created its coastal zone management program within the federal guidelines in 1978. The program gives DNR the authority to regulate development activities and manage resources within the defined coastal zone.

“Louisiana’s coast is very different than it was three decades ago, from the long-term effects of erosion, to the sudden, drastic changes brought by hurricanes, to the growth in our understanding of how best to assess impacts and apply the best science to conserve and restore coastal resources,” Chustz said. “Revising the State’s coastal zone boundary, based on sound science, allows us to better manage the resources of our coastal wetlands and is critical to our efforts to conserve coastal resources, protect communities, and support economic growth. Coupled with the state’s new Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, this sends a strong message to the federal government about Louisiana’s commitment to the coast.”

The coastal zone designation is of importance to parish governments because it allows local government to host a local coastal program, giving parishes more input into the process that serves to protect their citizens and property.