NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District released the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System (ABFS) project draft master plan update on June 18 for a 30-day public review. This draft master plan outlines the proposed improvements for both managing the project’s natural resources and enhancing recreational opportunities.
The New Orleans District completed the original ABFS master plan in 2000. In 2001, however, the Corps acquired 10,500 acres of additional public access lands in St. Martin Parish, which includes the northern portion of Henderson Lake. The draft master plan provides guidance for management and responsibilities associated with the additional project lands and waters. Activities such as crawfishing, duck hunting and water safety outreach are just a few of the new management issues addressed in the draft master plan.
The new draft master plan takes comments and concerns into consideration from the two public scoping meetings that were held in December 2010. The Corps is soliciting comments on this draft from other federal, state and local agencies; Congressional offices; and the general public.
The draft master plan is available online at:
http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/Draft_Atchafalaya_MP_061312.pdf.
Written or verbal comments on the draft master plan must be submitted to the Corps by midnight on July 19, 2012. Comments received during the public review period will become part of the official record.
Individuals can submit a written comment via mail, phone, fax or email to:
Michael Saucier
Chief, Natural Resources Management Function
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CEMVN-OD-T
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Phone: (504) 862-2525
Fax: (504) 862-1366
Release no. 12-029