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DNR Recognized for Isles Dernieres Project by American Shore Group

Shown above holding the American Shore and Beach Preservation awards are DNR Coastal Engineering Geologist Syed Khalil, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management Gerry Duszynski, and Coastal Engineering Project Manager Gregory Grandy.

Louisiana’s Isles Dernieres Coastal Restoration Project has gained national recognition from a leading group of coastal officials and researchers.

The Department of Natural Louisiana Department (DNR) Office of Coastal Restoration and Management was presented with the 2004 Coastal Project Award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) during its annual meeting held in New Orleans in September.

The Isles Dernieres Project was recognized by ASBPA for its innovative approaches to both barrier island restoration and environmental protection on a large scale.

Syed Khalil, geologist for DNR’s Coastal Engineering Division, and Darin Lee, coastal resources supervisor of Coastal Restoration Division, monitored the three islands of Isles Dernieres. Khalil brought international focus on the project when he presented “Restoration of Isles Dernieres, Louisiana: Some reflections on Morphodynamic Approaches in the Northern Gulf of Mexico to Conserve Coastal/Marine Systems” during an international coastal symposium held in Brazil of March 2004.

Khalil said the project received special attention because of its uniqueness. He said, “Unlike the coastal restoration projects elsewhere the design of a barrier island restoration project in Louisiana is different since beach nourishment was needed on the gulf side and marsh creation was necessary on the bayside.”

The project was authorized in 1991 to provide storm protection to close breaches caused by major hurricanes using beneficial sediments from Cat Island Pass.

Approximately 11.6 million cubic yards of sediment was placed to restore three islands and adjacent wetlands. The project created 448.5 acres of beach and dune and protected thousands of acres of wetlands and upland infrastructure in Terrebonne Parish. Since that time, this restoration work has withstood the impacts of several hurricanes including Georges, Isidore, and Lily.

Along with the state, the federal sponsor, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded the project at a cost of $26.4 million.

---Founded in 1926, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association represents the scientific, technical and political interests along the coast in an effort to shape national research and policy concerning shore and beach management and restoration. The group strives to engage a factual debate on coastal issues and economics that will foster sound, far-sighted and economical development and preservation of our shores and beaches; thereby aiding in placing their benefits within the reach of the largest possible number of people in accordance with the ideals of a democratic nation.