Access to the east side of Elmer’s Island will be restricted to foot traffic starting on March 21 as active construction continues on the largest coastal restoration project in state history, the Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration project. A parking area at the end of the access road will be available for visitors who would like to access the beach to the east by foot. Parking and pedestrian access areas will be marked accordingly. Areas to the west of the access road will remain closed to all visitors while restoration activities continue. Project construction is anticipated to continue through early fall.
“We understand the inconvenience to fishermen and recreational users,” said Charlie Melancon, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “However, once completed this restored beach will offer visitors a pristine recreational area for many years to come.”
The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is in the process of rebuilding the 13 mile stretch of beach and dune from Belle Pass eastward to Caminada Pass. The project is restoring approximately 800 acres of beach and dune habitat using more than 8.4 million cubic yards of sand barged in from Ship Shoal, a site 30 miles to the southeast in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The project is the largest coastal restoration project ever constructed by the CPRA with an investment of over $200 million.
“This barrier area is very important for protecting the port, the road and the homes just north of the beach and marsh,” said Johnny Bradberry, chairman of the CPRA Board and the executive assistant to the governor for all coastal activities. “This project urgently needs to be completed, and I appreciate the cooperation of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mayor Camardelle and the public to ensure construction activities continue safely throughout the summer.”
To view a map of the area to be closed, click here.
For further information, contact Rene LeBreton at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at rlebreton@wlf.la.gov, 504-286-8745, or Chuck Perrodin CPRA public information director at (225) 342-7615.