Office of Coastal Management

CITIZENS CALLED TO PARTICIPATE IN HOLLY BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN

Cameron parish residents are invited to participate in a public hearing on the Holly Beach Segmented Breakwaters Enhancement and Sand Management Plan held by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Police Jury Building, 110 Smith Circle in Cameron.

DNR's Coastal Restoration Division Project Manager Jon Porthouse said the project is part of the Coast 2050 Plan aimed at implementing cost-effective measures to fight coastal erosion in the chenier plain between Holly Beach and OceanView Beach.

Since 1991, some 85 breakwaters have been constructed for shoreline stabilization and to protect about 31,000 acres of marsh in the area along Highway 82 at Holly Beach, Constance Beach, Peveto Beach, Ocean View Beach, and Johnson's Bayou communities. Sand and breakwater projects over the years have helped decelerate wave and current action from the Gulf of Mexico but coastal officials are suggesting that a comprehensive sediment management plan be developed for a 20 year period.

Along with state funding for the project, the federal sponsor, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will also participate with Breaux Act funds.

Discussion of engineering services, project planning and features, and citizen input will be the primary focus of the meeting, Porthouse said.

Editors: For more information, please contact the DNR Public Information Office at 225-342-8955.