NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, is seeking public input on current and future management of nearly 50,000 acres of Corps-owned public lands and natural resources located in the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System.
“We’re looking for feedback on how to maximize public access and enhance fish and wildlife resources, while balancing competing interests,” said Michael Saucier, project manager. “We intend to listen to all our visitors so that we can make management decisions that are best for the long-term health of the basin and public safety.”
The Corps is in the preliminary planning stages of updating the ABFS project master plan. The geographic area included in the update are the lands and waters of the Indian, Sherburne and Shatters bayous in St. Martin, St. Landry, Iberville, Vermillion and St. Mary parishes.
The Corps is hosting two community meetings for the public to provide input on development of the plan.
The meeting presentation will:
• Provide an overview of current issues and potential improvements to public access and natural resources management in the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System.
• Provide a summary and schedule for the master plan update
When: Monday, Dec. 13, 2010
Where: Opelousas High School Auditorium
1014 Judson Walsh Dr.
Opelousas, LA 70525
Brief presentation 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Feedback session/Open House 6:30 to 9 p.m.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010
Where: West Baton Rouge Community Center
749 N. Jefferson St.
Port Allen, LA 70767
Brief presentation 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Feedback session/Open House 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Corps is seeking public input on:
Facilities and services to improve public access such as;
• Development of a primitive campground in the Indian Bayou area
• Road improvements
• Improvements to ATV, walking and hiking trails, water accessibility such as boat launches and public access roads
• A project office and visitor information center improving Park Ranger presence
• Possible acquisition of additional public access lands
Management issues
• Crawfishing – balancing commercial and recreational interests (number of traps, season limits, etc.)
• Henderson Lake management (water safety, airboat usage, aquatic vegetation control)
• Indian Bayou/Henderson Lake alligator management
• Indian Bayou hunting (deer, woodcock, rabbits and nuisance animals)
• South Farm management in partnership with Sherburne Wildlife Management Area/Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• Management of environmental easements throughout Atchafalaya Floodway (timber harvesting, camps, etc.)
• Adapting to project features under development such as a freshwater diversion, water management units
• Partnering and volunteer opportunities with non-government organizations, user groups and environmental interest groups to improve services
Feedback and comments may also be submitted by contacting the Corps at (504) 862-2037 or by writing ABFS@usace.army.mil