Local Coastal Programs Handbook

The Office of Coastal Management of the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources is charged with implementing the Louisiana Coastal Resources Program (LCRP) under authority of the Louisiana State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978, as amended (Act 361, La. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq).

This law seeks to protect, develop, and, where feasible, restore or enhance the resources of the state's coastal zone. Its broad intent is to encourage multiple uses of resources and adequate economic growth while minimizing adverse effects of one resource use upon another without imposing undue restrictions on any user. Besides striving to balance conservation and resources, the policies of the LCRP also help to resolve user conflicts, encourage coastal zone recreational values, and determine the future course of coastal development and conservation.

The purpose of this document is to review the ecological incentives, regulatory requirements, and technical procedures for operating an approved Local Coastal Program in the coastal zone of Louisiana. Every parish with an approved Local Coastal Program has assumed responsibility for balancing the use of coastal resources with the protection of the ecological integrity of those same resources. This task requires an awareness of wetland habitats, functions, and values, an understanding of the rules that regulate permitting and compensatory mitigation, and the knowledge and technical capabilities to determine the required compensatory mitigation.

The document can be viewed here.