Coast 2050:Toward a SustainableCoastal Louisiana,The Appendices

Appendix F & Region 4 Supplemental Information

This document is one of three that outline a jointly developed, Federal/State/Local, planto address Louisiana’s massive coastal land loss problem and provide for a sustainablecoastal ecosystem by the year 2050. These three documents are:

! Coast 2050: Toward a Sustainable Coastal Louisiana,

! Coast 2050: Toward a Sustainable Coastal Louisiana, An Executive Summary,

! Coast 2050: Toward a Sustainable Coastal Louisiana, The Appendices.

Suggested citation: Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force and theWetlands Conservation and Restoration Authority. 1999. Coast 2050: Toward a Sustainable CoastalLouisiana, The Appendices. Appendix F— Region 4 Supplemental Information. Louisiana Department ofNatural Resources. Baton Rouge, La.

Cover: “Pelican Sunset” © photograph by C.C. Lockwood, P.O. Box 14876, Baton Rouge, La. 70898.

For additional information on coastal restoration in Louisiana: www.lacoast.gov orwww.savelawetlands.org.

Coast 2050:Toward a Sustainable

Coastal Louisiana, The Appendices

Appendix F— Region 4 SupplementalInformation

report of the

Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force

and the

Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Authority

Louisiana Department of Natural ResourcesBaton Rouge, La 1999

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In addition to those named in the various attributions throughoutthis Appendix, a number of people played key roles in bringing this document together in itscurrent form. This included editing, table development, writing explanatory and transitional text,and general formatting. These people were: Honora Buras, Ken Duffy, Bill Good, CathyGrouchy, Bren Haase, Bryan Piazza, Phil Pittman, Jon Porthouse, Diane Smith, and CynthiaTaylor.

CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

SECTION 2: REGION 4 COAST 2050 REGIONAL PLANNING TEAM(RPT) MEMBERS (DURING PLAN DEVELOPMENT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Parish Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Agency Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Academic Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Other Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

SECTION 3: MAPPING UNIT SUMMARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Mermentau Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Calcasieu-Sabine Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

SECTION 4: PRIOR AND PREDICTED LAND LOSS, PREVIOUSSTRATEGIES AND COAST 2050 STRATEGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Wetland Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Previously Proposed Strategies Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Region 4 Coast 2050 Strategies Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

SECTION 5: INFRASTRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Railroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Oil and/or Natural Gas Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Drainage Pump Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Water Intakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Navigation Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Port Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Region 4 Mapping Unit Infrastructure Summaries (In Alphabetical Order) . . . . . . . . . 150

SECTION 6: WETLAND DEVELOPMENT/PERMITTED ACTIVITIES 197

SECTION 7: FISH AND WILDLIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199Methodology for Historic Trends in Fisheries Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199Methodology for Wildlife Functions, Status, Trends, and Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

FIGURES AND TABLES

Figures1-1 Regions used in the Coast 2050 plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2 Region 4 mapping units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Tables4-1 Region 4 wetland loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1084-2 Region 4 previously proposed strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1284-3 Region 4 regional ecosystem strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1374-4 Region 4 mapping unit strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1384-5 Region 4 programmatic recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Region 4 mapping unit infrastructure summaries (in alphabetical order) . . . . . . . . . . . 150

7-1 Region 4 fish and invertebrate population status and 2050 change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2037-2 Region 4 wildlife functions, status, trends, and projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Region 1Pontchartrain

Region 2 Breton, Barataria &

Mississippi River

Region 4 Calcasieu/Sabine & Mermentau

Region 3 Terrebonne, Atchafalaya & Teche/Vermilion

Figure 1-1. Regions used in the Coast 2050 plan.

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

Region 4 extends from the western bank ofthe Freshwater Bayou Canal westward toSabine Lake, and from the marsh areas justnorth of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterwaysouth to the Gulf of Mexico. It includes allor parts of Vermilion, Cameron, andCalcasieu parishes. The region encompassesthe coastal areas of the Mermentau andCalcasieu/Sabine hydrologic basins.

This appendix contains information anddata, collected by the Region 4 RegionalPlanning Team (RPT), that was used in theformulation of the Coast 2050 Plan. In orderto organize the information during thisplanning effort, the RPT used “mappingunits” which are depicted and summarizedhere (Figure 1-2).Within each mapping unit, wetland loss

trends and habitat shifts, fish and wildliferesources, infrastructure, and previouslyproposed strategies were assessed by theRPT, and this information is presented here. Based upon these analyses and inconjunction with regional habitat objectives,strategies were developed for each mappingunit by the RPT, in association with thePlanning Management Team (PMT) andothers participating in the 2050 process. The PMT took the lead in developing theregional ecosystem strategies but weregreatly assisted by the RPT and others. Thefinal regional ecosystem and mapping unitstrategies, as well as programmaticrecommendations, are also included in thisappendix.

Mapping unit map

SECTION 2

REGION 4 COAST 2050 REGIONAL PLANNING TEAM (RPT) MEMBERS (DURING PLAN

DEVELOPMENT)

Parish Representatives

Charles Broussard, W.P. “Judge” Edwards,Sherrill Sagrera - Vermilion ParishCoastal Advisory Committee

Rodney Guilbeaux - Cameron ParishGravity Drainage Dist. No. 7

Tina Horn, Brent Nunez - Cameron Parishpolice jury

Agency Representatives

Darryl Clark - U.S. Fish and WildlifeService (USFWS), Region 4 TeamLeader

Kevin Roy - USFWSGlenn Harris, Paul Yakupzack- USFWS,

Cameron Prairie National WildlifeRefuge

Wayne Syron - USFWS, Lacassine NationalWildlife Refuge

Herb Bell, Ben Mense, Will Niedecker -USFWS, Sabine National WildlifeRefuge

Chris Accardo, Edmund Russo - U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers

Joe Conti, Bart Devillier, Clay Midkiff-Natural Resources ConservationService

John Foret, Dr. Terry McTigue - NationalMarine Fisheries Service

Dr. Ed Britton - Louisiana Department ofNatural Resources (LDNR), CoastalManagement Division

Cheryl Baker Brodnax, Michelle Hollis,Gregg Snedden - LDNR, CoastalRestoration Division

Dr. Glenn Thomas - Louisiana Departmentof Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)

Tom Hess, Guthrie Perry- LDWF,Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge

Dr. Paul Coreil, Kevin Savoie, Mark Shirley - Louisiana State UniversityCooperative Extension Service

Academic Representatives

Dr. Andy Nyman - University ofSouthwestern Louisiana

Other Representatives

Scott Durham - Sweet Lake Land and OilCompany

Ted Joanen - consultant Randy Moertle - Coastal Environments, Inc.Tommy Price - Concerned Citizens for the

Mermentau BasinDavid Richard - Stream Property

Management Corp., Cameron ParishRoger Vincent, Jr. - Miami Corp.

SECTION 3

MAPPING UNIT SUMMARIES

Mermentau Basin

Locust Island

Location - The Locust Island mappingunit is bordered on the south byFreshwater Bayou Canal and SchoonerBayou, on the east by the VermilionRiver, on the north by the Kaplan Canal,and on the west by North Prong andSeventh Ward canals. This unit isentirely located within Vermilion Parishand contains 24,024 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - The current habitats locatedwithin the Locust Island unit includeapproximately 9% (2,160 acres) freshmarsh, 31% (7,530 acres) intermediatemarsh, 13% (3,020 acres) brackishmarsh, nominal swamp (20 acres), and9% water. The remainder of the unitconsists of agricultural development. There was a shift to more fresh marshfrom 1949 to 1968. In 1949, the unitwas composed of 20% agriculturaldevelopment, 40% brackish marsh, and40% fresh marsh. By 1968, the unit hadconverted from brackish marsh tointermediate marsh with increased areasof agricultural development.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad 14,365 acres of marsh. Total marshloss was 1,655 acres from 1932-1990. The majority of land loss within this unit(1,195 acres) occurred between 1983 and

1990 as a result of wake erosion alongthe unit’s waterways and impoundmentdue to the construction of numerouscrawfish farms. This area is geologicallystable and is experiencing very lowsubsidence.

Future Land Loss Projections - In1990, the Locust Island unit had 12,710acres of marsh. An additional loss of1,870 acres of marsh (33% fresh andintermediate, and 34% brackish) isprojected to occur by 2050. This is14.7% of the remaining 1990 marsh. Future land loss will mostly occur as aresult of continued wake erosion at aprojected rate of 6 ft/year along the GulfIntracoastal Waterway (GIWW) andFreshwater Bayou Canal.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - Mostestuarine fishery populations for this unitare currently unknown, except for thoseof largemouth bass and channel catfish,which are steady. Both species areprojected to increase by 2050. Thismapping unit is partially impounded andinfluenced by locks, which affect thedistribution of various fish specieswithin this area.

This mapping unit contains open water;fresh, intermediate, and brackishmarshes; and agricultural and uplandhabitats. Currently steady populations ofseabirds, dabbling and diving ducks,geese, raptors, rails, gallinules, coots,

other marsh and open water resident andmigrant birds, furbearers, rabbits, anddeer are expected to remain steadythrough 2050. Populations of wadingbirds and shorebirds are currently steady,but are expected to decline in marshhabitats and remain steady inupland/agricultural habitats. Increasingpopulations of American alligators areprojected to stabilize in the open waterand marsh habitats, while stableupland/agricultural populations areexpected to remain steady through 2050.

Infrastructure - The GIWW (includingthe Leland Bowman Lock), FreshwaterBayou Canal, and Schooner Bayou areall located within this unit and areFederally maintained for navigation andflood control. This mapping unitcontains no primary roads or railroads,2.2 miles of secondary roads, 60.2 milesof tertiary roads, 5.4 miles of natural gaspipeline (largest diameter four inches),98 oil and/or natural gas wells, 14drainage pump stations, and fourgroundwater intakes. This area isbordered on the southeast by FreshwaterBayou Canal, which undergoesmaintenance dredging every three to fouryears. This unit received the beneficialuse of dredged material during fiscalyears 1992 and 1995 as a means ofstabilizing shoreline.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for thisunit included stabilizing the banks of theGIWW and managing the fresh tointermediate marsh hydrologythroughout the area.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee has

indicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s fresh marsh anddeveloped/fastlands, which includeAmerican alligators, furbearers, andwaterfowl. This area is also importantfor agriculture and grazing; stormbuffering; navigation and port facilities;and roads, levees, and bridges servicingthe communities within the unit.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operating locks to evacuate excess waterfrom the Lakes Subbasin and managingthe watershed to reduce rapid inflowsinto the Lakes Subbasin are regionalecosystem strategies that would benefitthis mapping unit. MaintainingAtchafalaya River water and sedimentinflow from the GIWW is also expectedto benefit this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are intended to reduce floodingand minimize saltwater intrusion. Thisis expected to enhance the fresh marshesand forested wetlands and theirassociated aquatic habitats. Lesseningsaltwater intrusion would also bebeneficial to agriculture. Animals whichdepend on fresher habitat, such asalligators, furbearers, and waterfowl,would also benefit, as wouldinfrastructure associated with oil and gasproduction, navigation and ports, andcommunities. Lowered water levelswould also increase flood water holdingcapacity. These strategies are expectedto reduce land loss in this unit by greaterthan 50%.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategies forthis unit include rebuilding the bankalong Freshwater Bayou Canal and

beneficially utilizing material dredgedfrom the GIWW and Freshwater BayouCanal. These would also serve toprevent saltwater intrusion around thelocks during high water events. Othermapping unit strategies includemaintaining freshwater and sedimentinflows from the Vermilion River,through the GIWW and FreshwaterBayou Canal, in order to protect thefreshwater marshes south of the GIWW,and maintaining freshwater and sedimentinflows from the GIWW on the west. No programmatic strategies have beendeveloped for this unit.

Little Prairie

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the south by SchoonerBayou Canal; on the west by LouisianaHighway 82, Warren, Pipeline, andFlorence canals; on the east by NorthProng and Seventh Ward canals; and onthe north by the GIWW and LouisianaHighway 82. The entire unit is locatedwithin Vermilion Parish and contains36,569 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - The current habitat in this unitincludes approximately 30% (10,620acres) fresh marsh, minimal intermediatemarsh (50 acres), and 5% open water,with the remainder consisting ofagriculture and developed land. Therewas a shift of fresh marsh to agriculturaland developed land from 1949-1968. The 1949 map indicates that the unit wascomposed of 85% fresh marsh, whereasthe 1968 map revealed that 40% of thefreshwater marsh habitat had beenconverted into developed land.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad 11,970 acres of marsh. A total of1,320 acres has been lost since 1956,largely as a result of wake erosion alongthe GIWW and impoundment due to theconstruction of crawfish farms. Thisequates to a land loss rate of 38.2acres/year. The area is geologicallystable and experiencing very lowsubsidence.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional loss of 740 acres of freshmarsh is projected to occur by 2050. This is 7% of the remaining 1990 marsh(10,670 acres). All future loss probablywill occur along the facing bank of theGIWW at a rate of 3 ft/year.

Fish and Wildlife Resources -Estuarine fish species are not applicableto this mapping unit; however,populations of channel catfish andlargemouth bass are steady throughoutthe area and are projected to remain sothrough 2050. This mapping unit isimpounded and influenced by the LelandBowman Lock and the Schooner BayouControl Structure, which reducesaltwater intrusion and the occurrence ofestuarine fish species.

In this mapping unit, there are fourhabitat types: open water, fresh marsh,hardwood forest, andagricultural/upland. Populations ofseabirds, wading birds, shorebirds,dabbling and diving ducks, rails,gallinules, coots, other marsh/open waterresidents and migrants, furbearers,rabbits, and deer are currently steady andexpected to remain steady through 2050. Currently steady populations of otherwoodland resident birds are expected todecline in the hardwood forest, although

they are projected to remain stable in theupland/agricultural regions. Currentlyincreasing open water and fresh marshpopulations of American alligators areexpected to stabilize. Currently steadyhardwood forest and upland/agriculturalAmerican alligator populations areexpected to remain steady through 2050.

Infrastructure - The GIWW andSchooner Bayou Canal are locatedwithin this unit and are Federallymaintained for navigation and floodcontrol. The Warren Canal is locallymaintained for flood control. Thismapping unit contains no primary roads,pipelines, or railroads, 14.1 miles ofsecondary and 54.2 miles of tertiaryroads, 55 oil and/or natural gas wells,nine drainage pump stations, and onegroundwater intake.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for thisunit include bank stabilization along theGIWW and management of the fresh tointermediate marsh hydrology.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee hasindicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s freshwater marsh anddeveloped/fastlands, which includeAmerican alligators, furbearers, andwaterfowl. Other important resourcesand functions of this unit includeagriculture and grazing, recreation andtourism, usefulness as a storm buffer,and maintenance of a freshwater supplyfor agriculture. This mapping unit alsocontains navigation and port facilitiesand roads, levees, and bridges

surrounding nearby communities withinthe unit.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operating locks to evacuate excess waterfrom the Lakes Subbasin and managingthe watershed to reduce rapid inflowsinto the Lakes Subbasin are regionalecosystem strategies that would benefitthis mapping unit. MaintainingAtchafalaya River water and sedimentinflow from the GIWW is also expectedto benefit this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are intended to reduce floodingand minimize saltwater intrusion. Thisis expected to enhance the fresh marshesand their associated aquatic habitats. Lessening saltwater intrusion would alsobe beneficial to agriculture. Animalswhich depend on fresher habitat, such asalligators, furbearers, and waterfowl,would also benefit, as wouldinfrastructure associated with oil and gasproduction, navigation and ports, andcommunities. Lowered water levelswould also increase flood water holdingcapacity. These strategies are expectedto reduce land loss in this unit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - The mapping unit strategiesrecommended for this unit includemaintaining the freshwater inflows fromthe GIWW and Vermilion River on thewest, maintaining freshwater inflowsthrough the marsh, and the beneficial useof dredged material. The new marshwould prevent the locks from beingbypassed and prevent saltwater intrusionduring storm events. Programmaticstrategies include straightening the“wiggles” in the GIWW to providenavigation safety and protecting wildlife

and fisheries from potential damagesfrom contamination via spills.

Big Marsh

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the east by FreshwaterBayou Canal, on the north by SchoonerBayou Canal, on the west by LouisianaHighway 82, and on the south byHumble Canal. The entire unit is locatedwithin Vermilion Parish and totals37,380 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - The current habitats locatedwithin the unit include approximately57% (21,360 acres) fresh marsh, 3%(1,180 acres) brackish marsh, 25%(9,330 acres) intermediate marsh, and10% open water, with the remainderincorporating upland, swamp, forest, ordeveloped land. There was a shift tomore fresh marsh from 1949-1968. In1949 the unit was 45% fresh marsh, 45%brackish marsh, and 10% saline marsh. The 1968 map, however, shows 40%fresh marsh and 60% intermediatemarsh. This could have been due toexcessive ponding and fresh water fromthe north lowering salinity within theunit, as well as the presence of theFreshwater Bayou Canal Lock.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, the BigMarsh unit had 35,680 acres of marsh. Total marsh lost within this unit from1932-1990 was 3,810 acres. Themajority of this loss, 2,610 acres,occurred from 1956-1974 as a result ofthe dredging of Freshwater Bayou Canalfollowed by subsequent wake erosion,altered hydrology, and loss related tostorm activity. Before this period, noland loss had been detected. Marsh

deterioration had significantly decreasedto 220 acres between 1974 and 1990;however, this unit still suffers from waveand wake erosion, and altered hydrology. Subsidence in this area is estimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional 3,000 acres (80% intermediatemarsh and 20% fresh marsh) will be lostwithin the Big Marsh unit by 2050. Thisis 9.4% of the remaining 1990 marshacreage (31,870 acres). Alteredhydrology and wave and wake erosionwill most likely be the leading causes offuture land loss. To minimize this landloss, Coastal Wetlands Planning,Protection, and Restoration Act(CWPPRA) and USACE projects withinthe area are expected to protectapproximately 2,470 acres ofintermediate marsh. Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitcontains fresh and intermediate marshes,which sustain steady populations of redand black drum, white and brownshrimp, blue crab, largemouth bass, andchannel catfish. The spotted seatroutpopulation in this unit is not yet known. The populations of red drum, blackdrum, spotted seatrout, Gulf menhaden,white shrimp, and blue crab areprojected to be steady through 2050. By2050, brown shrimp will decline whilelargemouth bass and channel catfish willincrease.

The open water, fresh marsh, andintermediate marsh populations, with afew exceptions, have maintained, and areprojected to maintain, stable populationsof avifauna. Seabirds, rails, coots, andgallinules, other resident avifauna, andfurbearers have had steady populations

and are expected to remain steady by2050 in all three habitats. Shorebirds,raptors, other migrant avifauna, rabbits,and deer have been, and are projected toremain, steady until 2050 in the marshhabitats. Other open water migrantavifauna, although historically steady,are expected to decline. Wading birdshave been increasing in the marshhabitats and are expected to remainsteady by 2050. American alligatorshave been increasing in all three habitatsand are expected to continue thisincrease. Dabbling and diving duck andgoose populations have been decliningand are expected to continue to decline.

Infrastructure - This mapping unitcontains no primary or tertiary roads,pipelines, or railroads, but has 5.9 milesof secondary roads, 91 oil and/or naturalgas wells, and two groundwater intakes. Schooner Bayou Control Structure,maintained by the USACE, is within thenorthern boundary of this unit. TheUSACE also has dredging schedules forboth Schooner Bayou Canal andFreshwater Bayou Canal.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for thisunit include protecting the function ofthe ridge, stabilizing the banks of theFreshwater Bayou Canal, and managingthe fresh to intermediate marshhydrology within the unit.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee hasindicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s fresh and intermediatemarsh habitat and developed lands,which in part include American

alligators, furbearers, and waterfowl. The committee has also indicated theimportance of this unit to agriculture andgrazing interests, as a freshwater supplyand storm buffer, for navigation, and as aport facility.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operating locks to evacuate excess waterfrom the Lakes Subbasin, operatingCalcasieu Lock specifically to evacuateexcess water after building a new lockon a parallel channel, managing thewatershed to reduce rapid inflows intothe Lakes Subbasin, and moving waterfrom north to south across LouisianaHighway 82 with associated drainageimprovements south of LouisianaHighway 82 are regional ecosystemstrategies that would benefit thismapping unit. Maintaining AtchafalayaRiver water and sediment inflow fromthe GIWW is also expected to benefitthis unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are intended to reduce floodingand minimize saltwater intrusion. Thisis expected to enhance the fresh andintermediate marshes and theirassociated aquatic habitats. Lesseningsaltwater intrusion would also bebeneficial to agriculture. Animals whichdepend on fresher habitat, such asalligators, furbearers, and waterfowl,would also benefit, as wouldinfrastructure associated with oil and gasproduction, navigation and ports,utilities, and communities. Freshwaterfinfish and recreational fisheries areexpected to benefit as well. Loweredwater levels would also increase floodwater holding capacity. These strategiesare expected to slightly reduce land lossin this unit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - The mapping unit strategyof maintaining the CWPPRA FreshwaterBayou (ME-04) hydrologic restorationand bank protection project has beenadopted for this unit. No programmaticstrategies have been recommended forthis unit.

North White Lake

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the south by White Lakeand Schooner Bayou Canal, on the westby Florence Canal, on the east byWarren Canal, and on the north by theGIWW. The entire unit is located withinVermilion Parish and contains 43,150acres, of which 38,830 acres are freshmarsh.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - There has been a shift to morefresh marsh in this unit from 1949 topresent. The 1949 map indicates theoccurrence of 55% fresh marsh, 40%brackish, and 5% beach or chenierhabitat. By 1968, the unit was composedof 90% fresh marsh and 10% unknown,and no brackish marsh was observedwithin the unit. The current habitat mapindicates approximately 90% (38,830acres) fresh marsh and 2% open water,with the remainder incorporating upland,swamp, forest, or developed land.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad 41,610 acres of marsh. Total marshloss within this unit has been 2,780acres. The majority of this loss, 1,190acres, occurred from 1956-1974. Theleading causes of marsh loss in this areahave been direct removal via canalconstruction, wave and wake erosionalong the GIWW and White Lake

shorelines, and altered hydrology. Natural land loss from 1974-1990decreased slightly to 1,220 acres, with aloss rate of 0.16% per year within thisunit. Subsidence in this area is estimatedat 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional loss of 3,560 acres of freshmarsh will occur by 2050. This is 9.2%of the remaining 1990 marsh (38,830acres). The majority of future losswithin this unit will most likely takeplace along the GIWW and White Lakeshorelines.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - TheNorth White Lake unit is composed offresh marsh that is influenced by thecontrol structures located along theGIWW and Schooner Bayou Canal. Thearea maintains steady populations ofblue crab, largemouth bass, and channelcatfish. Since organism ingress/egresswithin this unit is somewhat dependentupon water structure openings, several ofthe categorized fish species are notfound in this area. The white shrimppopulation has decreased, and the statusof the brown shrimp population withinthe unit is not currently known. Populations of white shrimp and bluecrab are projected to remain steady by2050, while largemouth bass andchannel catfish are projected to increase.

In the fresh marsh and hardwood foresthabitats, formerly steady populations ofseabirds, shorebirds, dabbling and divingducks, geese, rails, gallinules, coots,other open water/fresh marsh residentand migrant birds, furbearers, and gamemammals are expected to remain steadythrough 2050 in the habitat types in

which they are found. Formerlyincreasing fresh marsh populations ofwading birds and American alligators areprojected to be steady through 2050. Formerly steady hardwood forestpopulations of American alligators andsteady fresh marsh populations of raptorsand other resident and migrant woodlandbirds are projected to remain steady. Steady hardwood forest populations ofraptors and other resident and migrantwoodland birds are expected to declineby 2050.

Infrastructure - The USACE hasindicated that its only projects withinthis mapping unit are the maintenance ofthe GIWW and Schooner Bayou Canal. These projects are necessary to enhancenavigation and reduce flooding withinthe region. This mapping unit alsocontains 1.1 miles of tertiary roads and52 oil and/or natural gas wells, but noprimary or secondary roads, railroads, orpipelines.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for thisunit include stabilizing the banks of theabove listed canals, managing the freshto intermediate marsh hydrology withinthe unit, and protecting the facingshoreline of White Lake.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee hasindicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s freshwater marshes anddeveloped/fastlands, which includefurbearers, crawfish, and waterfowl. This unit is also important for agricultureand grazing, providing a freshwatersupply, and acting as a storm buffer.

The committee also indicated an interestin recreation and tourism, as well asnavigation and port facilities within theunit.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operating locks to evacuate excess waterfrom the Lakes Subbasin, managing thewatershed to reduce rapid inflows intothe Lakes Subbasin, and moving waterfrom north to south across LouisianaHighway 82 with associated drainageimprovements south of LouisianaHighway 82 are regional ecosystemstrategies that would benefit thismapping unit. Stabilizing the WhiteLake shoreline and preventing thecoalescence of Grand and White lakesare other regional strategies that shouldalso benefit this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are intended to reduceflooding, minimize wave attack on thelake shoreline, and prevent the exposureof fragile interior marsh to greatererosive forces. This is expected toenhance the fresh marshes and theirassociated aquatic habitats. Animalswhich depend on fresher habitat, such asalligators, furbearers, and waterfowl,would also benefit, as wouldinfrastructure associated with oil and gasproduction, navigation and ports, andcommunities. Freshwater finfish andrecreational fisheries are expected tobenefit as well. Lowered water levelswould also increase flood water holdingcapacity. These strategies are expectedto slightly reduce land loss in this unit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategieswithin this unit include bankstabilization where necessary along the

GIWW, vegetative plantings wherefeasible, and sand pumping to restore thehistorical northern shoreline of WhiteLake. No programmatic strategies havebeen developed for this unit.

White Lake

Location - Containing 55,917 acres, thismapping unit includes the open waterarea of White Lake, which is locatedwithin the southwestern portion ofVermilion Parish northwest of PecanIsland.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - The current habitats locatedwithin the unit include approximately98% open water, with the remainderincorporating fragments of fresh marshand submerged aquatics. There has beenno change in marsh type from 1949 tothe present. Both maps (1949 and 1968)indicate that the unit was 100% fresh.

Historic Land Loss - The USACE hasnot collected information about historicland loss within this unit. Land lossalong the shoreline of White Lake hasbeen incorporated into adjacent mappingunits.

Future Land Loss Projections - TheRegion 4 Technical Team has notprojected future land loss for this unit. Any future land loss along the WhiteLake shoreline has been incorporatedinto adjacent mapping units.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - TheWhite Lake unit is a fresh to low salinitylake that is influenced by USACEmaintained and private water controlstructures. The unit sustains steadypopulations of red and black drum,

spotted seatrout, southern flounder, Gulfmenhaden, blue crab, largemouth bass,and channel catfish. White and brownshrimp populations have declined withinthis unit. All populations are expected toremain steady through 2050. Steadypopulations of seabirds, dabbling anddiving ducks, and other resident andmigrant birds will remain steady through2050.

Infrastructure - Infrastructure locatedwithin this unit includes an oil and/ornatural gas field in the northwesternportion of the lake, 279 oil and/or naturalgas wells, and the Inland Waterway(former GIWW). There are no roads,railroads, or pipelines located in thisunit.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for thisunit include protecting the shorelinesurrounding White Lake to keep the lakefrom breaching into nearby, smaller openwater areas within adjoining marshes.

Coastal Use and Resource Objectives -The Cameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee has indicated that its priorityfor coastal resource usage in this unit isto maintain the low salinity nature ofWhite Lake and maintain its benefits tofreshwater and low salinity fisheries andwildlife. It is also important to maintainthis freshwater reservoir.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies - Thereis no wetland habitat in this unit, so noregional strategies apply directly to thisunit. However, if lake-bottom sedimentsare used as a source of spoil fordedicated dredging for marsh creation,portions of the unit will be affected.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Theeffects of dredging lake-bottomsediments for marsh creation will haveto be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Programmatic strategiesattributed to this unit include 1) allowingfor limited estuarine organism accessinto the lake at the Schooner BayouControl Structure and the LelandBowman Lock, 2) maintaining the lakeas a low salinity, fresh to intermediateecosystem, 3) maintaining the LakesSubbasin target water level, and 4)monitoring fisheries access at the locks. No mapping unit strategies have beendeveloped for this unit.

South White Lake

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the north by White andTurtle lakes, on the south and east byLouisiana Highway 82, and on the westby the Superior Canal system. Theentire unit is located within VermilionParish and contains 42,460 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - The current habitat in this unitincludes approximately 71% fresh marsh(29,950 acres), minimal intermediate(240 acres) and brackish (80 acres)marsh, and 7% open water (2,972 acres),with the remainder incorporating upland,swamp, forest, or developed land. Therehas been no significant change in marshtype in this unit from 1949 to present.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad approximately 36,795 acres ofmarsh. Total marsh lost within this unitfrom 1932-1990 was 6,525 acres. Muchof this loss, 2,740 acres, occurred from

1956-1974. Historic marsh loss hasbeen attributed to wave erosion alongWhite Lake, high water levels, andaltered hydrology. Marsh loss continuesto be high within this area; 2,760 acresdeteriorated between 1974 and 1990. Subsidence in this area is estimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional loss of 4,220 acres of freshmarsh is projected to occur by 2050. This future land loss is 13.9% of theremaining 1990 marsh (30,270 acres). Approximately three acres of freshmarsh will be preserved in this area dueto current CWPPRA restoration efforts. Future loss will most likely occur alongthe White Lake shoreline and in theareas of loss from 1983-1990.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - TheSouth White Lake mapping unit ismainly composed of fresh marsh thatsustains stable populations of red andblack drum, Gulf menhaden, southernflounder, white and brown shrimp, andblue crab. Also located within this unitare stable populations of largemouthbass and channel catfish. Allpopulations are expected to decrease by2050, with the exception of largemouthbass and channel catfish, which areexpected to increase.

In open water habitats, stablepopulations of seabirds, rails, gallinules,coots, other resident birds, andfurbearers are currently stable and areexpected to remain stable; stablepopulations of other migrant birds areexpected to decline; decliningpopulations of dabbling and divingducks and geese are expected to continuedeclining; and increasing populations of

American alligators are projected tostabilize by 2050. In the fresh marshareas, stable populations of raptors, rails,gallinules, coots, other resident andmigrant birds, furbearers, rabbits anddeer are expected to remain stable,whereas stable populations of seabirds,wading birds, and shorebirds areexpected to decline through 2050. Declining populations of diving anddabbling ducks and geese are projectedto continue declining. Increasingpopulations of bald eagles are expectedto maintain the increase, whileincreasing American alligatorpopulations are expected to stabilize. Inthe hardwood forest habitat, stablepopulations of other marsh/open waterresident and migrant birds, furbearers,rabbits, deer, and American alligators areexpected to remain stable. In theagricultural/upland habitats, stablepopulations of wading and shore birds,diving and dabbling ducks, geese,raptors, rails, gallinules, coots, otherresident and migrant open water/marshand woodland birds, furbearers, rabbits,deer, and American alligators are allexpected to remain stable through 2050.

Infrastructure - There are no USACEprojects within the unit. This mappingunit contains no primary roads orrailroads, 19.4 miles of secondary roads,15.9 miles of tertiary roads, and onecrude oil pipeline (six inches diameter),0.4 miles in length. Additionally locatedin the unit are 197 oil and/or natural gaswells, three drainage pump stations, andone groundwater intake, operated byWaterworks District No. 1.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Previous restoration strategies proposedfor this unit include protecting the

function of Pecan Island Chenier,managing the fresh to intermediatemarsh hydrology within the unit, andprotecting the shoreline of White Lake.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee hasindicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s freshwater marshes anddeveloped lands and fastlands, areas thatinclude American alligators, furbearers,crawfish, and waterfowl. This unit isalso important for agriculture andgrazing, as a freshwater supply, and forstorm buffering. The committee alsoindicated the presence of oil and gasinfrastructure and several roads, bridges,and communities within the unit.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operating locks to evacuate excess waterfrom the Lakes Subbasin, managing thewatershed to reduce rapid inflows intothe Lakes Subbasin, and moving waterfrom north to south across LouisianaHighway 82 with associated drainageimprovements south of LouisianaHighway 82 are regional ecosystemstrategies that would benefit thismapping unit. Stabilizing the WhiteLake shoreline and preventing thecoalescence of Grand and White lakesare regional strategies that should alsobenefit this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are intended to reduceflooding, minimize wave attack on thelake shoreline, and prevent the exposureof fragile interior marsh to greatererosive forces. This is expected toenhance the fresh marshes and theirassociated aquatic habitats. Animals

which depend on fresher habitat, such asalligators, furbearers, and waterfowl,would also benefit, as wouldinfrastructure associated with oil and gasproduction, navigation and ports, andcommunities. Freshwater finfish andrecreational fisheries are expected tobenefit as well. Lowered water levelswould also increase flood water holdingcapacity. These strategies are expectedto achieve no net loss in this unit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - The mapping unit strategyfor this unit is sand pumping to restorethe historic beach line along the southernshore of White Lake. Programmaticstrategies for this unit include allowingfor limited estuarine organism accessinto White Lake (at Schooner BayouControl Structure and the LelandBowman Lock), monitoring fisheriesaccess at the structures, and managingthe lake as a low salinity, fresh tointermediate ecosystem.

South Pecan Island

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the south by the Gulf ofMexico, on the east by FreshwaterBayou Canal, on the north by LouisianaHighway 82, and on the west byRollover Bayou. The entire unit islocated within Vermilion Parish andcontains 49,257 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - This unit has shifted to morebrackish marsh from 1949 to present. In1949, the unit had 45% fresh marsh,40% brackish marsh, 5% saline marsh,and 5% beach or chenier. The 1968 mapreveals a shift of the previous freshmarsh to intermediate marsh, with the

other categories remainingapproximately the same. This shiftreflects saltwater intrusion from the gulf,and the lack of freshwater input fromnorth of Pecan Island Chenier. Thecurrent habitats located within the SouthPecan Island unit include approximately61% brackish marsh (29,990 acres), 5%intermediate marsh (2,590 acres), 2%saline marsh (1,720 acres), minimalfresh marsh (550 acres), and 26% openwater (12,807 acres). The remainderincorporates upland, swamp, forest, ordeveloped land.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, thismapping unit had 46,370 acres of marsh.Total marsh lost within this unit from1932-1990 was 11,520 acres. Themajority of this loss, 6,320 acres,occurred from 1956-1974. Historicalland loss in this unit has been attributedto impoundment, saltwater intrusion, andstorm related loss. Land loss hasdecreased to 1,650 acres between 1983and 1990, which may be in part a resultof increased management throughout thearea. Subsidence in this area isestimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional loss of 6,980 acres of brackishmarsh is projected to occur by 2050. This is 20% of the remaining 1990marsh (34,850 acres). Future land losswill most likely occur in areas ofexisting loss and may become moreapparent along Louisiana Highway 82. The leading cause of future land loss willmost likely be attributed to wave erosionalong the gulf shoreline and interiorponds.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitcontains fresh to saline marsh, which has

sustained steady populations of speciessuch as red and black drum, spottedseatrout, Gulf menhaden, and southernflounder. This unit also contains stablepopulations of white and brown shrimp,blue crab, largemouth bass, and channelcatfish. All populations are expected todecline by 2050, with the exception oflargemouth bass and channel catfish,which will increase.

In the open water habitat, stablepopulations of seabirds, dabbling anddiving ducks, geese, raptors, rails,gallinules, and coots are projected toremain stable through 2050; increasingpopulations of pelicans are expected tocontinue to increase; and increasingAmerican alligator populations areprojected to stabilize. In theintermediate and brackish marshhabitats, stable populations of seabirds,shorebirds, wading birds, dabbling anddiving ducks, raptors, rails, coots,gallinules, other resident and migrantavifauna, rabbits, and deer are expectedto decline by 2050. In the marshhabitats, stable goose populations andincreasing American alligatorpopulations are projected to remainstable through 2050.

Infrastructure - There are two USACEprojects in this unit to enhancenavigation in Freshwater Bayou Canal. The channel is maintained at 12 ft deepand 125 ft wide, for six miles. Saltwaterintrusion is regulated on the gulf end bythe Freshwater Bayou Canal Lock. Thisproject is also shared with Region 3. This unit contains no primary roads,pipelines, or railroads, 4.3 miles ofsecondary and 8.8 miles of tertiary roads,as well as 124 oil and/or natural gaswells, and three drainage pump stations.

This unit is bordered on the east byFreshwater Bayou Canal, whichundergoes maintenance dredging everythree to four years. In FY 1990,approximately 275,000 cubic yards ofdredged material were beneficially usedto stabilize a portion of the gulfshoreline at the mouth of the canal. InFY 1994, 400,000 cubic yards ofmaterial were placed along the samestretch of gulf shoreline. This areareceived an additional 1,000,000 cubicyards of dredged material in FY 1997.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Projects proposed in the past torehabilitate this unit include stabilizingthe banks of the Freshwater BayouCanal, installing freshwater diversionsfrom White Lake to the south of PecanIsland Chenier, managing hydrologywithin the unit’s marshes, and usingdredged material beneficially.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee hasindicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s intermediate to brackishmarshes, developed lands or fastlands,and chenier shorelines – areas thatinclude American alligators, furbearers,and waterfowl. This unit is also criticalfor agriculture and grazing, recreationand tourism, oil and gas infrastructure,and storm buffering. The roads, levees,and bridges associated with thecommunities in this unit are alsoimportant.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Moving water from north to south acrossLouisiana Highway 82 with associateddrainage improvements south of the

highway, dedicated dredging of sedimentfor wetland creation, maintainingAtchafalaya River water and sedimentflow through the GIWW are regionalecosystem strategies that would directlyaffect the interior marshes of this unit. Stabilizing the Gulf of Mexico shorelinein the vicinity of Rockefeller Refuge andmaintaining the Atchafalaya Rivermudstream in the Gulf of Mexico areregional ecosystem strategies proposedto benefit the gulf barrier shoreline.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies should benefit fresh,intermediate, brackish, and salinemarshes in the area by mitigatingsaltwater intrusion effects. Dedicateddredging in failed impoundment andother open water areas could potentiallycreate substantial areas of emergentmarsh, which should help to protectroads, levees and bridges, infrastructureassociated with the oil and gas industry,communities, and utilities located onPecan Island. Improved marshes willsubstantially benefit all estuarine andfreshwater assemblages that utilizehabitats in this mapping unit. Thesestrategies are expected to reduce landloss in this unit by more than 50%.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategies forthis unit include dedicated dredging formarsh creation with material from WhiteLake or the Gulf of Mexico, stabilizingthe gulf shoreline, and terracing andvegetative plantings along the northernboundary of the unit. No programmaticstrategies have been developed for thisunit.

Amoco

Location - This mapping unit is ownedby Amoco Corporation. It is borderedon the north by the GIWW, on the eastby Florence Canal, on the south byWhite Lake, and on the west by theCameron-Vermilion Parish boundary. The entire unit is located withinVermilion Parish and totals 23,000acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - There has been no change inmarsh type from 1949 to the present. Both the 1949 and 1968 habitat mapsindicated that the unit was composed of100% fresh marsh. The current habitatsinclude 72% (16,500 acres) fresh marshand 13% open water, with the remainderincorporating upland, swamp, forest, ordeveloped land. Since this is a managedunit, the water to marsh ratio fluctuatesaccording to the unit’s managementplan.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad 23,560 acres of marsh. Total marshlost in this unit from 1932-1990 has been7,060 acres. The majority of this loss,3,940 acres, occurred from 1974-1983,as the marsh suffered from alteredhydrology, excessive flooding anddrainage problems, and wake erosionalong the waterways. These problemscontinued from 1983-1990, when 1,650acres were lost. This equates to anannual land loss rate of 345 acresbetween 1974 and 1990. Although thisunit has undergone management,significant land loss continues to occurwithin the upper area of this unit. Subsidence in this area is estimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional 6,000 acres of fresh marsh areprojected to be lost by 2050. This is36.4% of the remaining 1990 marshacreage (16,500 acres). This projectiontakes into account the possibility of“false loss” as a result of Amoco’smanagement plan. Future loss will occurin the areas of previous loss from 1983-1990 (within the unit’s upper areabordering the GIWW).

Fish and Wildlife Resources - Thismapping unit is a privately managed unitof fresh marsh, developed lands, andfastlands that have sustained steadypopulations of largemouth bass andchannel catfish. Both populations areexpected to decrease by 2050.

In open water areas, populations ofseabirds, dabbling and diving ducks,rails, gallinules, coots, other open waterresident and migrant avifauna, andfurbearers have been steady and areprojected to remain steady through 2050. Populations of geese and Americanalligators have been increasing and areprojected to continue this increasethrough 2050. In fresh marsh areas,populations of seabirds, dabbling anddiving ducks, raptors, rails, gallinules,coots, other marsh resident and migrantavifauna, furbearers, rabbits, and deerhave remained steady, and all butshorebirds and other resident marsh andmigrant birds are expected to remainsteady. Shorebird and other resident andmigrant bird populations are expected todecline. Wading bird, goose, andAmerican alligator populations havebeen increasing, and all are expected tocontinue this trend until 2050, except thewading birds, which will remain steady.

Infrastructure - The USACE hasindicated that its only project in the unitis maintenance of the GIWW. There areno roads, pipelines, or railroads locatedin this unit. There are two oil and/ornatural gas platforms, 64 wells, and threepumps in this area.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Several past strategies for this unit haveincluded bank stabilization of theGIWW, Florence Canal, and othernavigation channels, in addition tomanaging the fresh marsh hydrologywithin the unit.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheVermilion Parish Coastal ZoneManagement Advisory Committee hasindicated that its priorities for coastalresource usage emphasize managementof this unit’s freshwater marsh habitatthat includes freshwater finfish,American alligators, and waterfowl. Also important to the Amoco unit iscontinued management of navigationand port facilities, and roads, levees, andbridges located within the unit.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operation of locks to evacuate excesswater from the Lakes Subbasin andmanaging the watershed to reduce rapidinflows into the Lakes Subbasin areregional ecosystem strategies that areexpected to benefit this unit. Sincemuch of this unit is impounded,however, the effects will vary based onmanagement practices. Stabilizing theWhite Lake shoreline is a regionalecosystem strategy that is expected tobenefit this unit regardless ofmanagement practices.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are expected to enhance thefresh marshes of this unit and theirassociated water bodies. This wouldbenefit the fresh marsh species, such asalligators, furbearers, and waterfowl,while protecting the infrastructureassociated with the oil and gas industry;roads, levees, and bridges; andnavigation ports and facilities. Thesestrategies are expected to slightly reducemarsh loss in this unit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategies forthis unit include shoreline stabilizationalong the southern bank of the GIWW(where necessary) and stabilization ofthe north shore of White Lake. Noprogrammatic strategies have beenrecommended for this unit.

Grand Lake East

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the west by Grand Lake, onthe north by Grand Lake and the GIWW,on the east by the Cameron-VermilionParish boundary line, and on the southby Black Fish Canal. The entire unit islocated within Cameron Parish andcontains 11,444 acres, of which 6,970acres are fresh marsh.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - In 1932, this unit consisted of9,770 acres of fresh marsh. There wasno change in marsh type from 1949 topresent. All maps indicate that the unitwas composed of 100% fresh marsh. The current habitats in this unit includeapproximately 64% fresh marsh and14% open water, with the remainderincorporating upland, swamp, forest, ordeveloped land.

Historic Land Loss - Total marsh losswithin this unit has been 2,800 acres. The majority of this loss, 1,670 acres,occurred from 1956-1974. The maincauses of land loss in this unit areflooding, altered hydrology, waveerosion (along the Grand Lakeshoreline), and herbivory. Marsh lossfrom 1974-1999 was 940 acres, with aloss rate of 59 acres of marsh per year. Subsidence in this area is estimated at 0-1.0 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - In1990, this unit had 6,970 acres of marsh. An additional loss of 2,200 acres of freshmarsh will occur by 2050. This is 31.5%of the remaining 1990 marsh (6,970acres). The majority of loss within thisunit will occur along the Grand Lakeshoreline and the eastern portion whichis composed of Allemands muck soils.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitcontains freshwater marsh that sustainssteady populations of Gulf menhaden,blue crab, largemouth bass, and channelcatfish. This unit, however, has markedpopulation declines for red and blackdrum, spotted seatrout, flounder, andwhite and brown shrimp. Allpopulations are expected to decline by2050, except largemouth bass andchannel catfish, which will remainstable.

Steady populations of seabirds and otherresident and migrant birds will remainsteady in the open water habitats through2050, as will steady populations of rails,gallinules, coots, and furbearers in openwater, aquatic bed, and fresh marshareas. Furbearers are currently steadyand will remain steady in the hardwoodforest habitats, as will populations of

rabbits, squirrels, deer, and Americanalligators. Steady fresh marshpopulations of seabirds and shorebirdswill begin to decline by 2050, as willother resident and migrant birdpopulations in the aquatic bed and freshmarsh habitats. Presently decliningpopulations of dabbling and divingducks and geese will continue to declinein the open water, aquatic bed, and freshmarsh habitats through 2050, as willdeclining populations of rabbits and deerin the fresh marsh habitat. Increasingpopulations of fresh marsh wading birdswill level off by 2050, as will Americanalligator populations in the open water,aquatic bed, and fresh marsh habitats.

Infrastructure - The USACE hasindicated that its only project within theunit is the maintenance of the GIWW. This unit contains no roads, railroads, orpipelines, and 65 oil and/or natural gaswells.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for thisunit include stabilizing the banks of theGIWW, managing the fresh tointermediate marsh hydrology in theunit, and protecting the facing shorelineof Grand Lake and the smaller lakesinside the unit.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheCameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee has indicated that itspriorities for coastal resource usageemphasize management of this unit’sfreshwater marshes, which includeAmerican alligators and waterfowl. TheGrand Lake East unit contains oil andgas infrastructure, and is also importantfor agriculture and grazing.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operation of locks to evacuate excesswater from the Lakes Subbasin,operating the existing Calcasieu Lockspecifically to evacuate excess waterafter building a new navigation lock on aparallel channel, managing thewatershed to reduce rapid inflows intothe Lakes Subbasin, and moving waterfrom north to south across LouisianaHighway 82 with associated drainageimprovements south of the highway areregional ecosystem strategies that areexpected to benefit this unit. In addition,stabilization of the Grand Lake shorelineand prevention of the coalescence ofGrand and White lakes have beenproposed to protect this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are expected to enhance thefresh marshes in this unit by reducingflooding and wave attack on interiormarshes. This would in turn enhance thehabitat for alligators and waterfowl,while allowing for agriculture andgrazing and protection of oil and gasinfrastructure. These strategies areexpected to reduce land loss in this unitby more than 50%.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - The mapping unit strategiesattributed to this unit include shorelinestabilization along the GIWW andUmbrella Bay in Grand Lake, vegetativeterracing at Bird Island between MallardBay and Grand Lake, and vegetativeplantings in Mallard Bay. Noprogrammatic strategies have beendeveloped for this unit.

Grand/White Lake Land Bridge

Location - This mapping unit includesthe smaller lakes and broken marshconnecting Grand and White lakes. Thisunit is bordered on the west by GrandLake, on the east by White Lake, on thesouth by Collicon Lake and Grand LacL’Huit, and on the north by Round Lakeand Lake Le Bleu. This unit is located in both Cameron and Vermilion parishesand contains 13,281 acres, of which7,090 acres is fresh marsh.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - There has been no change inmarsh type from 1949 to present. Allhabitat maps indicate a unit with 100%fresh marsh. The current habitats in thisunit include approximately 53% (7,090acres) fresh marsh, 35% water, with theremainder incorporating primarily scrub-shrub habitat along canal spoil banks.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad approximately 8,935 acres of marsh. Total marsh lost within this unit from1932-1990 was 1,845 acres. Themajority of this loss (990 acres) occurredfrom 1956-1974 as a result of alteredhydrology, excessive water levels andlack of drainage, and wave erosionwithin the lakes. From 1974-1990, 295acres of marsh were lost, resulting in anannual land loss rate of 18.4 acres. Subsidence in this area is estimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional loss of 1,030 acres of freshmarsh is projected to occur by 2050. This is 14.5% of the remaining 1990marsh acreage (7,090 acres). Theleading causes of future land loss withinthis unit will most likely be wave erosion

along the lakes’ shorelines and excessivemarsh inundation.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - Severalfresh to intermediate fish species havesteady populations within this unit (Gulfmenhaden, blue crab, largemouth bass,and channel catfish). Other species aredeclining (red and black drum, spottedseatrout, southern flounder, and whiteand brown shrimp). All species , exceptlargemouth bass and channel catfish, areexpected to decline by 2050. Bass andcatfish will remain steady.

Populations of furbearers are expected toremain steady through 2050 in the openwater, fresh marsh, and hardwood foresthabitats. In open water habitats, thistrend also holds for seabird, shorebird,and other resident and migrant avifaunapopulations. A steady trend through2050 also holds for seabird, shorebird,raptor, rail, gallinule, coot, and otherresident and migrant avifaunapopulations in the fresh marsh habitat. The steady population of Americanalligators in the hardwood forest habitatwill remain steady. Currently steadypopulations of raptors and other residentand migrant birds in the hardwood foresthabitat are projected to decline in thefuture. Declining populations ofdabbling and diving ducks and geesewill continue their decline in the openwater and fresh marsh areas, as will thedeclining populations of rabbits and deerin the marsh and hardwood foresthabitats. Increasing fresh marsh wadingbird populations will level off by 2050. Increasing American alligatorpopulations in open water and freshmarsh areas will continue to increase.

Infrastructure - The only USACEproject within this mapping unit ismaintenance of the Inland Waterway. This unit contains no roads, railroads, orpipelines, and five oil and/or natural gaswells.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Several strategies have been proposed inthe past for this unit, includingpreserving the function of the landbridge, stabilizing the banks ofnavigation channels within the unit,managing the fresh to intermediatemarsh hydrology, and protecting thefacing shorelines of Grand and Whitelakes.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheCameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee indicated that its prioritiesfor coastal resource usage emphasizemanagement of this unit’s freshwatermarsh habitat, which includes freshwaterfinfish, American alligators, andwaterfowl. This unit is critical as astorm buffer and for navigation and portfacility usage.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operation of locks to evacuate excesswater from the Lakes Subbasin,operating the existing Calcasieu Lockspecifically to evacuate excess waterafter building a new navigation lock on aparallel channel, managing thewatershed to reduce rapid inflows intothe Lakes Subbasin, and moving waterfrom north to south across LouisianaHighway 82 with associated drainageimprovements south of the highway areregional ecosystem strategies that areexpected to benefit this unit. In addition,stabilization of the Grand Lake shorelineand prevention of the coalescence of

Grand and White lakes have beenproposed to protect this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are expected to enhance thefresh marshes in this unit by reducingflooding and wave attack on interiormarshes. This would in turn enhance thehabitat for freshwater finfish, furbearers,alligators and waterfowl, while allowingfor enhanced freshwater supply andstorm buffering capacity. Thesestrategies are expected to result in a no-net loss in this unit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategieswithin this unit include terracing andvegetative plantings, dedicated dredging(from either Grand or White lake) intoopen water areas of the land bridge, theplacement of structures and hydrologicmanagement at the Inland Waterwaywhich presently connects both lakes, andprotecting the shoreline of this unit. Noprogrammatic strategies have beendeveloped within this unit.

North Grand Lake

Location - This mapping unit isbordered on the south by Grand Lake,and on the west, east, and north by theCoastal Zone boundary. This unit islocated within Cameron Parish andcontains 17,457 acres, of which 10,640acres are fresh marsh.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - The current habitats in thisunit include approximately 61% freshmarsh (10,460 acres), nominal swamp(50 acres), and 20% open water, with theremainder incorporating upland, swamp,forest, or developed land. Despite

development throughout this unit, themarsh has remained 100% fresh since1949.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, the NorthGrand Lake unit had 17,000 acres ofmarsh. Total marsh acreage lost in thisunit from 1932-1990 has been 6,360acres. Much of this loss (2,560 acres)occurred from 1956-1974, when much ofthe oil and gas infrastructure wasinstalled. Marsh loss during this timewas a factor of wave and wake erosionwithin Grand Lake and the MermentauRiver, altered hydrology, and excessiveponding throughout the unit. Less landloss (600 acres) occurred between 1983and 1990, when this unit underwentmanagement and the marsh was partlystabilized. Subsidence in this area isestimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional 1,700 acres of fresh marshwill be lost by 2050. This is 16% of theexisting 1990 marsh habitat (10,640acres). The majority of this loss willoccur along the North Grand Lakeshoreline and in two areas north of theGIWW, as a result of increased wakeerosion.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitcontains developed lands, agriculture,and some freshwater marsh. In thismarsh are steady populations of bluecrab, largemouth bass, and channelcatfish. The current trend, however,reveals a decrease in the white shrimppopulation and an unknown status onbrown shrimp productivity. Whiteshrimp and blue crabs will decrease by2050, while largemouth bass andchannel catfish will increase.

Open water, fresh marsh, and hardwoodforest habitats are all found within thismapping unit. Steady populations ofseabirds, dabbling and diving ducks,geese, rails, gallinules, coots, furbearers,rabbits, and deer are all currently steadyand are projected to remain steadythrough 2050. Increasing fresh marshpopulations of wading birds are expectedto steady by 2050, while steadypopulations of shorebirds are expected todecline in the fresh marsh. Steady raptorpopulations in the fresh marsh habitatare projected to decline, as are steadypopulations of raptors and other residentand migrant woodland birds in thehardwood forest habitat. Steadypopulations of other marsh/open waterresidents and migrant avifauna areexpected to remain steady in the openwater habitat and decline in the freshmarsh habitat through 2050. Increasingpopulations of American alligators areexpected to stabilize in open water andfresh marsh areas, while stablepopulations of American alligators in thehardwood forest habitat are expected toremain stable through 2050.

Infrastructure - The USACE hasindicated that it has implementedprojects in the unit along the GIWW, theMermentau River, and bayous Nezpiqueand Des Cannes. The purpose of theseprojects is to remove navigationobstructions and control water levels. This mapping unit contains no primaryor secondary roads, but has 8.6 miles oftertiary roads, 15.6 miles of crude oil andnatural gas pipelines (largest diameter 30inches), and 52 oil and/or natural gaswells.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies proposed in the past for this

unit include stabilizing the banks of theGIWW and protecting the northernshoreline of Grand Lake.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheCameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee has indicated that itspriorities for coastal use and resourcemanagement in this unit includemanagement of freshwater marsh andforested wetland habitats, which includeAmerican alligators, waterfowl, non-game fish and wildlife, and agricultureand grazing. The committee also listed aspecific interest in maintaining afreshwater supply for agriculture andmanagement of navigation and portfacilities.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operation of locks to evacuate excesswater from the Lakes Subbasin andmanaging the watershed to reduce rapidinflows into the Lakes Subbasin areregional ecosystem strategies that areexpected to benefit this unit. In addition,stabilization of the Grand Lakeshoreline, prevention of the coalescenceof Grand Lake and the GIWW, andprevention of the coalescence of Grandand White lakes have been proposed toprotect this unit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are expected to enhance thefresh marshes and forested wetlands andtheir associated aquatic habitats in thisunit by reducing flooding and waveattack on interior marshes. This would inturn enhance the habitat for non-gamefish and wildlife, alligators andwaterfowl, while allowing for enhancedagriculture and grazing and freshwatersupply, and protecting navigation portsand facilities. These strategies are

expected to achieve no-net loss in thisunit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategiesattributed to this unit include bankstabilization along the GIWW wherenecessary, vegetative plantings to furthersecure the shoreline, and improvinghydrology by restricting the MermentauRiver Ship Channel at its confluencewith the Gulf of Mexico. Noprogrammatic strategies have beendeveloped for this unit.

Note: The CWPPRA EngineeringWorking Group reviewed a project toconstrict the ship channel 60% andconcluded that may not be sufficient toproduce significant tidal and salinityreduction benefits. Further study duringthe summer of 1999 indicated thatrestoring the connection of the originalMermentau River to the Gulf of Mexicowould have adverse environmentalimpacts since a viable estuarine/marshsystem has developed between CreoleCanal and the gulf. The ship channelcannot be restricted to its “authorizeddimensions” of 15 x 100 feet because thechannel must have a minimum cross-section of 3,000 square feet for floodcontrol. Restricting the existing 7,800-square foot channel to 3,000 square feetis not likely to change tidal amplitude orsalinity to the north.

Grand Lake

Location - This mapping unit is entirelyencompassed by Grand Lake, which islocated within the northeast corner ofCameron Parish and contains 45,991acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - Comparing the 1949 and 1968habitat maps, there has been no changein marsh type throughout these years andinto the present. Habitats in this unitcurrently include approximately 98%water, with the remainder incorporatingfragments of fresh marsh and submergedaquatics.

Historic Land Loss - The USACE hasquantified land loss for this unit from1978-1988. Approximately 383 acres ofmarsh have been lost within this area asa result of wave-induced shorelineerosion and altered hydrology due towater control structures. This equates toa land loss rate of 32 acres per year. Thearea is considered geologically stableand is experiencing 0-1 ft/centurysubsidence.

Future Land Loss Projections - TheRegion 4 Technical Team has notprojected future land loss for this openwater unit. Any future land loss alongthe Grand Lake shoreline has beenincorporated into adjacent mappingunits.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitis a freshwater body that is influenced bylocks and control structures. It sustainssteady populations of Gulf menhaden,blue crab, largemouth bass, and channelcatfish. Red and black drum, spottedseatrout, southern flounder, and whiteand brown shrimp populations havedeclined within this unit. All fish andshellfish populations will be stablethrough 2050. Populations of seabirds,dabbling and diving ducks, and otherresident and migrant birds are projectedto remain steady until 2050.

Infrastructure - There is a lockstructure located at Catfish Point thatcontrols water flux and organismmigration from the Mermentau Riverinto Grand Lake. There are 64 oil and/ornatural gas wellheads in the area, as wellas 12.7 miles of crude oil pipeline(diameter 12 inches), and 11.3 miles ofnatural gas pipeline (diameter 16inches). There is one groundwaterintake in this area.

Previously Proposed Strategies - Astrategy proposed in the past for this unitincludes protecting the shorelinesurrounding Grand Lake in order to keepthe lake from breaching into nearby,smaller open water areas within adjacentmarshes.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheCameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee has indicated that itspriorities for coastal resource usageemphasize management of this unit forblue crabs and freshwater finfish. TheGrand Lake unit also contains navigationand port facilities, oil and gasinfrastructure, and functions as a floodwater containment basin.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies - Thereis no wetland habitat in this unit, so noregional strategies apply directly to thisunit. However, if lake-bottom sedimentsare used as a source of spoil fordedicated dredging for marsh creation,portions of the unit will be affected.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Theeffects of dredging lake-bottomsediments for marsh creation will haveto be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategiesattributed to this unit includemaintaining spoil banks along theGIWW where necessary to prevent theGIWW from eroding into the northernportion of Grand Lake; managing thelake as a low salinity, fresh tointermediate ecosystem; and protectingthe wetland diversity. Programmaticstrategies attributed to this unit include1) allowing for limited estuarineorganism access into the lake at theCatfish Point Control Structure, 2)maintaining the lake as a low salinityfresh to intermediate ecosystem, 3)maintaining the Lakes Subbasin’s targetwater level of 2 ft MLG, and 4)monitoring fisheries access at the locks.

Little Pecan

Location - This mapping unit isbordered by the Grand Chenier Ridge onthe south, the Mermentau River on thewest, Grand Lake on the north, and theSuperior Canal System on the east. Thisentire unit is located within CameronParish and contains 62,231 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - Habitats in this unit includeswamps and cheniers near the middle ofthe unit, fresh to intermediate marsh tothe north of the ridge, and brackishmarsh to the south of the ridge. Although there were no significant shiftsin habitat type from 1956-1990, therehas been a decrease in habitatproductivity due primarily to impactsfrom altered hydrology and flooding.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, the LittlePecan unit had 55,205 acres of marsh. Between 1932 and 1990, 6,305 acres

were lost. Much of this loss (4,355acres) occurred between 1956 and 1974,corresponding to an annual land loss rateof 242 acres. The causes for this lossinclude excessive flooding (induced byaltered hydrology), direct removal(largely from the Superior CanalSystem), and wave/wake erosion. Impoundments have been identified as alesser cause of land loss. Subsidence inthis area is estimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Anadditional loss of 3,670 acres of freshmarsh is projected to occur by 2050. This is 7.5% of the remaining 1990marsh (48,900 acres). Shoreline erosionalong the northern boundary of the LittlePecan unit will continue to be a primarycause of future loss.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitcontains a diversity of habitats, whichmakes it ideal for many different types ofwildlife. The area supports stablepopulations of red and black drum,spotted seatrout, Gulf menhaden,southern flounder, white and brownshrimp, blue crab, largemouth bass, andchannel catfish. All fish and shellfishpopulations are projected to remainstable through 2050.

The open water habitat supports stablepopulations of seabirds, diving ducks,geese, other resident and migrant birds,and furbearers; increasing populations ofAmerican alligators; and decliningpopulations of dabbling ducks. Thesepopulations are expected to continuetheir trends through 2050. The freshmarsh supports stable populations ofseabirds, shorebirds, geese, rails,gallinules, coots, other resident andmigrant birds, furbearers, rabbits and

deer; increasing populations ofAmerican alligators; and decliningpopulations of dabbling and divingducks. These species’ populations areexpected to continue their trends, andincreasing populations of wading birdsare expected to steady through 2050. Inthe hardwood forest habitat, steadypopulations of dabbling ducks,furbearers, game mammals, andAmerican alligators are expected toremain steady. Steady populations ofother resident and migrant birds areexpected to decline through 2050.

Infrastructure - The Little Pecanmapping unit contains the followinginfrastructure: Grand Chenier DrainageBoard levee and water control structures;Little Pecan Island's 3,000 ft aircraftrunway; Catfish Point control structure;Superior Oil and Gas Canal System(extensive access canals in the easternportion of the mapping unit); LittlePecan levees and pumps (nineimpoundments, 11 flap-gated variablecrest weir structures, and three drainagepump stations); and a system of roads,levees, and water control structuresextending from Grand Chenier(Louisiana Highway 82) to North Islandand the Pan Am oil and gas facility. This unit contains 3.3 miles of secondaryand 11.3 miles of tertiary roads, 24.5miles of crude oil (largest diameter 12inches) and natural gas (largest diameter16 inches) pipelines, and 399 oil and/ornatural gas wells.

Previously Proposed Strategies -Strategies previously proposed for thisunit have included protecting thefunction of the chenier ridge, managingthe fresh to intermediate marsh

hydrology, and stabilizing the southernshoreline of Grand Lake.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheCameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee has indicated that itspriorities for coastal resource usageemphasize management of this unit’sfresh to intermediate marshes andaquatic habitat specifically for Americanalligators and waterfowl. Other areas ofimportance include navigation and portfacilities, oil and gas infrastructure,roads, levees, and bridges.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Operating locks to evacuate excess waterfrom the Lakes Subbasin, operating theexisting Calcasieu Lock to evacuateexcess water after building a newnavigation lock on a parallel channel,managing the watershed to reduce rapidinflows into the Lakes Subbasin, andmoving water north to south acrossLouisiana Highway 82 with associateddrainage improvements south of thehighway have been proposed for this unitto address flooding issues. Stabilizingthe Grand Lake shoreline and preventingthe coalescence of Grand and WhiteLakes have also been proposed tominimize wave attack and exposure ofinterior marshes to high energyenvironments.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thesestrategies are expected to enhance fresh,intermediate, and brackish marshes;forested wetlands; and their associatedaquatic habitats. This should benefitalligator and waterfowl populations aswell as infrastructure such as thatassociated with the oil and gas industryand roads and levees. These strategies

are expected to reduce land loss in thisunit by more than 50%.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - Mapping unit strategies forthis unit include freshwater introductionfrom Grand Lake to Little Pecan Bayouto reduce saltwater intrusion anddiversion of water from the SuperiorCanal to the Little Pecan Bayou area. Other mapping unit strategies involvehydrologic restoration in the North LittlePecan Bayou area (including XME-46)to ensure the egress and ingress ofmarine organisms and moderation ofarea salinity by 1) bringing freshwaterfrom Superior Canal, 2) divertingfreshwater from Grand Lake, or 3)placing a saltwater reduction structure inLittle Pecan Bayou; vegetative plantingson the Little Pecan Lake shoreline; andmaintaining and restoring the LittlePecan Lake shoreline. No programmaticstrategies have been developed for thisunit.

Grand Chenier Ridge

Location - This mapping unit istriangular in shape and is bordered onthe west by the Mermentau River, on thesouth by Grand Chenier Ridge, and onthe east by the Miller Canal. This entireunit is located within Cameron Parishand contains 11,865 acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - This unit experienced a shiftto more brackish marsh from 1949-1968,with a slight freshening since then. The1949 map indicated that the unit wascomposed of 90% fresh and 10% salinemarshes. The 1968 map, however,reveals that the unit became 45%brackish, 5% intermediate, with 50% in

the unknown category. This unitcurrently includes approximately 23%fresh marsh, 25% intermediate marsh,5% brackish marsh, minimal salinemarsh, and 10% open water, with theremainder incorporating upland, swamp,forest, or developed land.

Historic Land Loss - The USACE hasnot yet collected information abouthistoric land loss in this unit. Subsidencein this area is estimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - TheRegion 4 Technical Team has not yetdetermined future land loss projectionsfor this unit.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - There isno information available on the status offishery populations in the Grand ChenierRidge unit.

Dabbling duck and furbearer populationsin the open water; fresh, intermediate andbrackish marshes; hardwood forest; andagricultural/upland areas have been, andare expected to remain, steady through2050. This is also true for diving ducks,geese, rails, gallinules, coots, and otherresident and migrant avifauna in allhabitats except the hardwood forests,where they are not historically present orthere is no data. Raptor, rabbit, and deerpopulations also follow this trend in allhabitats except the open water habitat. Seabird populations will remain steadythrough 2050 in the open water andmarsh habitats. Wading bird populations,which have been increasing in the marshhabitats and upland areas, will remainsteady into 2050. Shorebird populationsin the marsh areas and upland areas willremain stable. Squirrel and Americanalligator populations have been stable in

the upland and agricultural areas and areprojected to remain so. Americanalligator populations in the open waterand marsh areas are projected to stabilizeafter their historic increase. Americanalligator populations in the hardwoodforest areas will remain stable.

Infrastructure - The USACE maintains the lower Mermentau River to a cross-section of 3,000 square feet for floodcontrol. This mapping unit contains noprimary roads or railroads, but has 16.2miles of secondary and 18.4 miles oftertiary roads, and 12 miles of natural gaspipelines (largest diameter 20 inches). This unit also contains 64 oil and/ornatural gas wells, five drainage pumpstations, and two groundwater intakes.

Previously Proposed Strategies - Thestrategy proposed in the past for this unitwas to maintain and protect the functionof Grand Chenier Ridge.

Coastal Use/Resource Objectives - TheCameron Parish Wetlands AdvisoryCommittee has indicated that its prioritiesfor coastal resource usage emphasizemanagement of this unit’s fresh marshand fastlands, which serve as a stormbuffer and contain oil, gas, and utilitiesinfrastructure. This unit is also importantfor road, bridge, and communitydevelopment within the unit.

Regional Ecosystem Strategies -Moving water from north to south acrossLouisiana Highway 82 with associateddrainage improvements south of thehighway is the only regional ecosystemstrategy which is expected to benefit thisunit.

Benefits of Regional Strategies - Thisstrategy is expected to reduce saltwaterintrusion and minimize tidal flow in theunit. Better drainage will help reduceflooding in the northern portions of theunit.

Mapping Unit and ProgrammaticStrategies - The mapping unit strategyattributed to this unit is maintaining theGrand Chenier Ridge. A programmaticstrategy to restrict sand dredging of thechenier has been recommended.

Rockefeller

Location - This mapping unitincorporates all of Rockefeller StateWildlife Refuge, which is managed bythe Louisiana Department of Wildlifeand Fisheries. This unit is bordered onthe south by the Gulf of Mexico, on thenorth by Louisiana Highway 82, on theeast by Rollover Bayou, and on the westby the Hog Bayou mapping unit. Thisunit is located in both Cameron andVermilion parishes and contains 84,483acres.

Habitat Description and LandscapeChange - This unit experienced a shifttoward more saline marshes from 1949to present. In 1949, the unit wasclassified as 10% beach, 20% freshmarsh, 65% brackish marsh, and 5%saline marsh. The 1968 map revealed a25% shift of the previous beach andfresh marsh habitats to intermediatemarsh. The unit currently containsapproximately 15% saline marsh (12,480acres), 31% brackish marsh (25,780acres), 14% intermediate marsh (11,770acres), 15% fresh marsh (12,750 acres),and 23% open water (19,431 acres), with

the remainder incorporating upland,swamp, forest, or developed land.

Historic Land Loss - In 1932, this unithad 93,280 acres of marsh. Total marshloss within this unit has been 30,500acres. Of this loss, 13,420 acresoccurred from 1956-1974. Significantland loss (12,490 acres) was alsoobserved from 1932-1956. Marshdegradation in this area has beenattributed to severe wave erosion alongthe Gulf of Mexico. The gulf shorelineerosion rate in 1978 was approximately36 ft/year. Altered hydrology wasanother major cause of land loss. Landloss decreased from 1974-1990, whenonly 4,590 acres were lost within therefuge. Subsidence in this area isestimated at 0-1 ft/century.

Future Land Loss Projections - Thisunit is projected to lose an additional13,060 acres of marsh (50% saline, 30%intermediate, and 20% fresh) by 2050. This is 20.8% of the remaining 1990marsh (62,780 acres). The majority ofthis loss is projected to occur in interiormarshes and along the gulf shoreline.

Fish and Wildlife Resources - This unitcompletely incorporates RockefellerRefuge. This unit is composed of openwater and fresh to saline marsh, whichmaintain stable populations of severalfish species including red and blackdrum, spotted seatrout, Gulf menhaden,southern flounder, American oyster, bluecrab, white and brown shrimp, Spanishmackerel, largemouth bass, and channelcatfish. Populations of American oyster,largemouth bass, and channel catfish areprojected to increase by 2050. Theremaining populations are projected to

decrease, except for Spanish mackerel,which will remain steady.

Throughout the study area, stablepopulations of seabirds, geese, andfurbearers are projected to remain stable. Increasing populations of wading birdsare expected to stabilize by 2050, as areincreasing American alligatorpopulations in open water and fresh,intermediate, and brackish marshes. Stable American alligator populations inthe salt marsh are projected to remainstable, as are stable open waterpopulations of dabbling and divingducks, raptors, rails, gallinules, andcoots. Stable marsh populations ofshorebirds, dabbling and diving ducks,raptors, rails, gallinules, coots, othe