Office of Conservation
LONG-AWAITED EQUIPMENT TO ASSIST CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The Department of Natural Resources's (DNR) Office of Conservation Enforcement agents will soon cruise the bayous and waterways of south Louisiana and near offshore in its new vessel named "29-Bee". 29-B references to the established rules and regulations that govern oil and gas drilling, production, and disposal operations in Louisiana.
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.
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.
PROJECTS TO REPAIR DAMAGE TO ISLANDS BEGUN
Construction has begun on two projects designed to repair hurricane damage to Timbalier and East Islands, Isle Dernieres in Terrebonne Parish. The repairs are being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the projects are being managed by the Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Restoration Division.