General DNR News

Group Tours Lake Verret on Spring Trip of Basin

Plans to upgrade this boat landing include raising the parking lot, which is now partially under water.

Baton Rouge—Trekking through Assumption Parish on a lovely spring day to learn more about Atchafalaya Basin Program (ABP) improvements, is one way ABP Executive Director Sandra Thompson Decoteau enjoys her days out in the field. Today, she and a large group of citizens journeyed by boat on Lake Verret and surrounding bayous to get a firsthand look at how APB projects will enhance this area within the over 500,000-acre basin system.

Lake Verret is just south of Napoleonville, and at the Attakapas Landing site participants gathered to see the $1.5 million proposed plans, where a boat launch and dock, sewer improvements, new parking areas, vegetative plantings, and a handicap ramp will be constructed with funds from the state Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Assumption parish (local sponsor) will cost-share in a proposed $5 million Lake Verret Ecosystem Restoration project that could possibly begin as early as July of this year.

Assumption Parish President Marty Triche said "the only public landing on Lake Verret is now ready for revitalizing with thanks and appreciation to all that have worked so closely with us." He said ‘the lake' has, over the years, degraded due to siltation. The project will improve habitat for many forms of fish and wildlife in Lake Verret.

Area legislators, Senator Butch Gautreaux, and Reps. Carla Dartez, Emma Devillier, Roy Quezaire and many community activists helped to assess the aquatic ecosystem problems and offer input on how to improve the lake for restoration and for optimal recreational use.

Decoteau introduced the federal sponsor project manager Mark Wingate of the Corps' New Orleans District to the crowd to give a detailed explanation on the feasibility study which is phase two of the project. He said typically construction phases take a little over a year to complete under the Section 206, Water Resources Development Act plan.

The tour concluded with a crawfish lunch and plenty of trimmings prepared by area parishes and the Community Bank of Napoleonville.

A photo supplement to this news release is available with links to larger images.

Editors: For more information, contact ABP Executive Director Sandra Thompson Decoteau at 225-342-0560 or 342-6774.