FALSE RIVER ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

False River Map

In 2011, House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) No. 168 urged and requested that the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDNR), in conjunction with the Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury (PCPJ), assume the role of lead project sponsor for the "False River Aquatic Resources Ecosystem Restoration Project" and coordinate with other state agencies, local governmental agencies, and stakeholder groups in order to help expedite the efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-New Orleans District (USACE) to restore the False River ecosystem.

The March 2012 False River Watershed Interim Report was developed pursuant to HCR 168. A draft Alternative Action Plan was prepared by LDENR pursuant to that directive and recent developments associated with the USACE's timetable for the above-referenced project. As of May 2012, the USACE's draft Feasibility Report for that project was not complete and is not anticipated to be completed without additional funding. Additionally, funding would have to be secured to implement and complete the recommended actions.

In 2012, House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) No. 123 created the False River Watershed Council with the purpose of (1) producing a report that will identify, review, and evaluate management strategies to facilitate the goal of improving the aquatic habitat of False River; (2) to provide recommendations for the optimal management and protection of the resources within the False River Watershed; (3) coordination of federal, state, and local efforts to improve and protect water quality; (4) surface water resource management and protection policies; (5) recommendations for the optimal management and protection of the natural resources in the False River Watershed; (6) identification of various funding options for ongoing maintenance of the False River Watershed; and (7) recommend changes to current procedures and practices to make the management and protection of the natural resources in the False River Watershed more efficient, comprehensive, and sustainable. The mandate of the Council was subsequently extended by HCR 230 of 2015, HCR 36 of 2016, HCR 52 of 2017, and HCR 35 of 2020.