Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) announced the completion of the Caminada Beach and Dune Restoration Project and the reopening of Elmer’s Island Refuge for October 31st.
“Elmer’s Island has never looked better”, said LDWF Secretary, Charlie Melancon. “This is a great example of a project that is able to enhance habitat for wildlife and provide opportunities for recreational users while offering additional coastal protection to the area”.
CPRA began the restoration project on the western end of the Caminada headlands in 2012 and restored approximately 300 acres and 6 miles of beach and dune habitat. The eastern half of the project, which includes Elmer’s Island, began in 2013, and restored approximately 500 acres and 7 miles of beach and dune.
Designated as Increment 1 and Increment II, funding sources included state surplus, CIAP funds and funds resulting from the settlement of federal criminal charges against BP and Transocean, through NFWF.
In total, the two projects restored 13 miles of Louisiana’s barrier shoreline and represent one of the largest restoration projects ever constructed by the CPRA with a combined project investment of over $200 million.
“This is the largest single coastal and habitat restoration project in CPRA history,” said CPRA Chairman Johnny Bradberry. “CPRA’s work to restore coastal beaches, dunes, and habitats along barrier islands, is vital to achieve a productive and resilient working coast, and a robust barricade to attenuate storm surge and flooding.”
Elmer’s Island is open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The public is reminded to pack out all trash and litter from the refuge.