General DNR News
GRAND TERRE ISLAND BEING REPAIRED
A barrier island nourishment and wetland creation project at Grand Terre Island located in southern Jefferson Parish is now underway. This project will make use of approximately one-half million cubic yards of material dredged from the Barataria Waterway to benefit the island. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Project Manager Rachel Wilson said that an overwash area created by the forces of Hurricane Andrew threatens to breach Grand Terre Island, leaving inland areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other storms. Another component of the project involves the placement of additional material along the northern edge of the island to promote the development of vegetated wetlands. DNR Coastal Restoration Division officials anticipate the project will significantly prolong the life of the island while at the same time enhancing back-barrier wetland habitat.
VAUGHAN TAPPED TO HEAD STATE'S COASTAL OFFICE
Governor Murphy J. "Mike" Foster, Jr. has chosen Katherine G. Vaughan as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management (OCRM). Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jack Caldwell, to whom Vaughan will report, said "Vaughan is knowledgeable and tough, a good friend, and a fighter and defender for our coast."
STATE MINERAL BOARD HOLDS AUGUST MEETING
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale August 14, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1996-97 Fiscal Year totals.
DNR ISSUES FIRST PERMIT FOR RECLAMATION OF ERODED LAND
Under a new state waterbottom management law, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) now has authority to grant permits to private landowners to reclaim property lost to erosion. Before Act 55 of the First Extraordinary Legislative Session of 1996, sponsored by Senator Michael Robichaux of Raceland, permitting requests were obtained through the Division of Administration's State Land Office.
DNR WORKS WITH LOCAL COASTAL ADMINISTRATORS
Secretary Jack Caldwell of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) addressed a group of local coastal program managers from Calcasieu, Cameron, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Mary, St. Bernard, St. James, and Plaquemines parishes this week. Representatives from these coastal areas and DNR officials, along with Secretary Caldwell met to exchange and discuss information about their local programs.
RECYCLING EFFORTS IN RAPIDES AWARDED BY NACO
Rapides Parish has recently been awarded National Association of Counties (NACO's) prestigious achievement award for 1996, recognizing its recycling and waste reduction program. Members of the Rapides Parish Police Jury received the award in Houston, TX at NACO's annual convention this past weekend.
INDUSTRIES IN STATE CAN SEEK NICE³ AWARD ANNOUNCES DNR
The NICE³ Program (National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a cost-sharing grant program available through the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Industrial firms in Louisiana are now eligible to apply for the NICE³ grant program, announced DNR officials today.
DNR OFFERS COMMERCIALIZATION VENTURES PROGRAM
A cost-sharing grant program known as the Commercialization Ventures Program (CVP) is available through the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Energy Section. The program solicitation period is now open to Louisiana companies with projects that will accelerate the commercialization of emerging renewable energy technologies. The aim of the program is to put into the marketplace new energy technologies, as well as to improve or expand facilities for manufacturing renewable energy technologies.
STATE MINERAL BOARD BEGINS 1996-97 FISCAL YEAR
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale July 10, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1996-97 Fiscal Year totals.
STATE MINERAL BOARD RELEASES LEASE SALE TOTALS
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale June 12, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1995-96 Fiscal Year totals.