Office of Coastal Management

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.

An interactive forum between parish officials and Secretary Caldwell, announcements on proposed local management projects through a federal/state grant program, and a presentation about the state's Coastal Wetlands Conservation Plan were featured on the meeting's agenda held at DNR headquarters.

Parish representatives and Secretary Caldwell discussed issues relative to the beneficial use of dredged material, current oil and gas activities, and wetland mitigation. This forum allowed DNR to hear and note firsthand what coastal matters are of top importance to the citizens in the local communities.

Federal coastal zone legislation provides that monies for small construction projects known as Section 306A projects be made available to local government entities. Proposals for these projects are submitted by local government to DNR. DNR's Coastal Management Division (CMD) reviews and nominates projects to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for grant approval. Parishes with proposed projects that are being submitted to NOAA for 1996-1997 funding include Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Bernard, Terrebonne, Cameron, and St. Mary. These small but important projects are aimed at facilitating increased access for the entire citizenry to the state's coastal resources. Projects aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for teachers to teach and students to learn about coastal zone resources also make excellent program choices for selection by NOAA, DNR officials cited.

Also discussed was the state's efforts to produce a Coastal Wetlands Conservation Plan which is authorized by the federal act known as Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA). The department is seeking public involvement in the development of the plan. Development of the state's conservation plan means a "no net loss of wetlands in the coastal areas of the state as a result of developmental activities" policy that could lower Louisiana's cost-sharing requirements for coastal restoration projects under CWPPRA.

Editors: For more information contact Greg DuCote, DNR's Coastal Management Division Program Manager at (504) 342-7591 or 1-800-267-4019.