Debris Removal and Dredging of Canoe Trails within the Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

National Park Service; Luchsinger, David

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve proposes to remove debris and dredge detritus from canoe trails at the Barataria Preserve. The need for this project stems from the wide-spread damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, respectively. Strong winds and intense storm surge resulted in the snapping and uprooting of thousands of trees and extensive flooding and erosion throughout the Barataria Preserve. Since the storms, debris (including trees, limbs, household garbage, barrels, boats, hazardous materials, etc.) and detritus (organic debris formed by the decomposition of plants and animals) have not been removed and continue to interfere with park operations. Debris and detritus have rendered some waterways unusable and is impacting law enforcement, resource management, and interpretive activities. In addition, closure of these canoe trails has reduced recreational opportunities for park visitors. The proposed project would remove debris with the aid of mechanized equipment and remove detritus with a dredge. Woody debris would be cut into small pieces and left along the bank to rot while non-biodegradable material would be removed and disposed of properly offsite. Due to the size and weight of debris, a marsh buggy with a claw attachment is needed to move material. Detritus would be removed from waterways using a hydraulic dredge and material would be pumped into the surrounding wetlands as a thin layer of slurry. This process would mimic naturally occurring over-bank flooding which is common during periods of high water. Overbank flooding is responsible for providing nutrients to adjacent wetland vegetation and adding sediments to combat subsidence. This process is necessary to maintain the natural system and ensure adequate habitat quality for wildlife. Evaluated in this Environmental Assessment are three alternatives: a no action alternative and two action alternatives. The action alternatives involve: 1) removing only debris, and 2) removing debris and dredging detritus. This Environmental Assessment has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to provide the decision-making framework that 1) analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates the potential issues and impacts to the Barataria Preserve’s resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts. Resource topics that would be impacted by these alternatives include geology and soils, vegetation, fish and wildlife, wetlands and floodplains, hydrology and water quality, archeological resources, ethnographic resources, and visitor use and experience. No major impacts and/or resource impairment is anticipated as a result of this project. Internal and public scoping was conducted to assist with the development of this document and the alternatives.