Justification for the Project:
Without management, this area will continue to deteriorate as a result of high salinity and tidal flooding leading to scour with deeper open water and loss of the remaining emergent plants. This will result in declining productivity for fish and wildlife resources.

The objective of this management unit will be to increase emergent vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation and habitat diversity. The unit will conserve freshwater from a forced drainage system and reduce uncontrolled tidal exchange, tidal scour and salt water intrusion. The terraces planned for this area will further enhance the system by slowing the movement of freshwater and reducing wave energy and turbidity. These terraces will also protect remaining emergent marshes and enhance waterbird and fisheries habitat. PAC WMA is a very popular area for waterfowl hunting and recreational fishing. Hunting success is high in adjacent water management units. Adjacent waters are extremely important for recreational and commercial fishing.

The terraces, adjacent emergent marsh, and submerged aquatics
will be monitored as a part of the unit monitoring plan. Land/water ratios will be checked with photography every 5 years. Submerged aquatics will be checked annually along with growth of emergents on each terrace.

CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE PHOTO

CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE PHOTO

Final Report:
by project leader Robert Linscombe, January 31, 2005

First Quarter Activity: (Jan, Feb, March 2004)
During the first quarter of this project, the 404 permit was secured and Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) equipment (marsh buggy excavator) was transported to the job site. The work schedule for LDWF marsh buggy operators was completed. Oil and gas pipeline companies with existing rights-of-way in the construction area were contacted and the pipelines were marked.

Second Quarter Activity: (April, May, June 2004)
During the second quarter terrace construction was initiated in April 2004 and continued through the end of the quarter. The number of days of construction depended upon the availability of operators. During this quarter the LDWF began discussions with Mike Materne, Wetland Plant Specialist at Louisiana State University (LSU) Agriculture Center, concerning research utilizing these terraces. Ashley Wilson, a graduate student at LSU, was conducting thesis research related to timing of terrace planting, as well as spacing and size of the planting stock. LDWF decided that this information would have long-term benefits in general and would provide follow up on these particular terraces. In late May, the graduate student planted the first three terraces (the north end) using both vegetative plugs and gallon containers of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). The plugs were planted on 3-foot centers and the trade gallons were planted on 5-foot centers. Planting occurred on both sides of the terraces at mean water level.

During this quarter, LDWF also advertised for bids for the construction of approximately 4,000 feet of terraces. LDWF also met with personnel at the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) and provided an overview of the project to the staff in mid June 2004. During this quarter, LDWF also requested an extension of this project through November 30, 2004.

Third Quarter Activity: (July, Aug, Sept 2004)
During the third quarter terrace construction continued with LDWF operators working a total of 19 days. LDWF constructed a total of 6,158 feet of terraces with their equipment. In mid September 2004 the bid for additional construction of 4,000 linear feet of terraces was awarded to Chem Spray South, Gonzales, LA. The unit price per linear feet was $10.50. Since the price came in lower than anticipated, the contract for construction was amended, adding an additional 1,500 linear feet, totaling 5,500 linear feet to be built. The contractor began working Sept 22, 2004 and worked 7 days during the month. In September 2004, the LDWF advertised to receive bids to plant approximately 6,000 plugs of smooth cordgrass on the new terraces.

Fourth Quarter Activity: (Oct, Nov, Dec 2004)
During the fourth quarter terrace construction continued. In October 2004 the contractor worked a total of 17 days and in early November, he worked 3 additional days with a final inspection occurring on Nov 11, 2004. The total cost for the 5,500 linear feet of terrace construction by Chem Spray South was $57,750.

The bid to plant 6,000 plugs of smooth cordgrass was awarded to Black Lake Marsh Inc., Lake Charles, LA. The awarded price for this work was $1.54 per plant for a total of $9,240. This contractor began planting Oct 26, 2004 and a final inspection occurred Nov 19, 2004. In addition to these plantings, researchers at LSU also planted 1,053 smooth cordgrass plugs, 610 trade gallon containers (smooth cordgrass) and 249 plugs of bullwhip Scirpus californicus. LSU and LDWF have obtained low-level aerial photography of these terraces and the unit and will continue to monitor their condition through the 2005 growing season. LDWF will also monitor these terraces and others in this area for short and long term survival, water quality and submerged aquatic plants.

Outreach and Education Efforts:
The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) assisted in outreach efforts for this project. Selected materials from Power point presentations provided by Wildlife and Fisheries (WLF) have been incorporated into BTNEP presentations given by Community Relations Coordinator, Leslie Robichaux McVeigh at various civic groups. These groups include, but are not limited to: Bayou Junior Women’s Club (conservation program) Bayou Lafourche Chapter, Daughter of the American Revolution (conservation Program); Bayou Industrial Group (restoration project updates), and the Lockport Rotary Club (weekly program).

In addition, this project was the featured storyline for the month of August in the BTNEP’s annual Tidal Graph Calendar, which was widely distributed to marinas, fishing clubs, conservation clubs, BTNEP Management Conference members and stakeholders. A total of 15,000 calendars have been distributed as of Jan 31, 20005. This project has also been discussed on KLRZ (FM) and KTIB (AM) radio stations as part of the BTNEP’s regular participation in public affairs programming by these two stations. The Community Relations Coordinator and the Program Director also brought this project to the attention of Louisiana Legislators during hearings of the Joint Legislative Committee on Restoration and Flood Protection during August 2004 and October 2004.

Summary:
Nine terraces and a short piece of a tenth terrace were constructed and planted for the completion of this project. A total of 11,658 feet of terraces were constructed and planted. At an approximate width of 23 feet, a total of 6.1 acres of emergent marsh was created. This is 2.6 acres more than the grant called for. The construction of additional acreage was accomplished as a result of LDWF utilizing its own equipment and operators to build approximately 6,158 feet of the total 11,658 feet of construction.

July 28, 2004 - New terraces with plants on first three terraces visible.

Partners Involved (with links to websites):

• Gulf of Mexico Foundation
• NOAA Community Based Restoration Program
• Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
• Terrebonne Parish School System
• Operation Save Our Soil