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LAKE VERRET j Recreation Facilities Plan Assumption Parish, Louisiana bit MIN< 4r 4 GV 182 L35 *1980 Prepared f(5r--- ASSUMPTION PARISH POLICE JURY by BURK & ASSOCIATES, INC. engineers- planners environmental scientists "The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972." This document is disseminated under the sponsor- ship of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in the interest of information exchange. The State of Louisiana assumes no liability for its contents or the use thereof. U - S - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NnA t COASTAL SERVICE'S CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUF CHARLESTON , SC Property of CSC Library LAKE VERRET Recreation Facilities Plan Assumption Parish, Louisiana Prepared for ASSUMPTION PARISH POLICE JURY by BURK & ASSOCIATES, INC. engineers. planners -environmental scientists New Orleans March 1980 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Burk and Associates wishes to acknowledge the tremendously valuable and kind assistance given us by the Assumption Parish Police Jury and its Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. Lawrence Gros Mr. Elvin Simoneaux President of the Police Jury Ward 2 Ward 3 Mr. Paul Cancienne Mr. Norman Melancon Ward 7 Vice President of the Police Jury ,Ward 6 Mr. Ridley Guillot Ward 8 Mr. Gilbert Dupaty Ward 1 Mr. Percy Delatte Ward 9 Mr. Lionel Delise Ward 4 Mr. Stephen Fertitta .Secretary-Treasurer Mr. Norman Carmouche Ward 5 CONTENTS Page CHAPTER 1 RECREATIONAL SETTING 1 CHAPTER 2 RECREATION PLAN 9 CHAPTER 3 FACILITY PLANS* 23 CHAPTER 4 FUNDING 43 CHAPTER I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS* 51 *For Lionel's Launch Attakapas Landing Bayou Morgan City Boat Launch FIGURES No. Title Page 1. Vicinity Map 4 2. Master Recreation Plan 13 3. Lionel's Launch Vicinity Map 27 4. Proposed Development for Lionel's Launch 29 5. Attakapas Landing Vicinity Map 33 6. Proposed Development for Attakapas Landing 35 7. Bayou Morgan City Vicinity Map 38 8. Proposed Boat Launch for Bayou Morgan City 39 9. Typical Cross Section 54 iv TABLES No. Title Page 1 Recommended Elements for Major Facilities 14 2. Region 3 Recreation Needs Calculation 17 3. Estimated Number of Registered Boats and Licensed 19 Fishermen 4. Facility Status 26 5. Lionel's Launch Cost Estimate 31 6. Attakapas landing Cost Estimate 34 7. Bayou Morgan City Cost Estimate 41 8. 1979 Combined Budget-Assumption Parish Police Jury 46 v Ir A N Burk & Associates. Inc. CHAPTER 1 ecreational %,,,,tting Lake Verret is one of the largest and most scenic freshwater lakes in Louisiana. It occupies approximately 14,600 acres in the western part of Assumption Parish (Figure 1). Its shores are lined with cypress-tupelo gum swamps which provide habitat for numerous species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Lake waters support sizeable populations of largemouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie and other freshwater game fish. Lake Verret typifies the southern Louisiana swamp-lake environment. It has, through the years, retained much of its natural beauty and character. Lake Verret occupies approximately 6% of Assumption Parish's 243,200 acres or approximately 14,600 acres. It is a typical Louisiana coastal lake, shallow in depth and rimmed with cypress-tupelo gum fresh water swamp. It serves as a natural drainage basin for portions of Ascension, Iberville as well as Assumption Parishes. Lake Verret maintains an elevation of about two (21) feet m.s.l. and drains through a series of lakes and bayous into the Gulf of Mexico. The lake is approximately 50 miles from the Gulf. This report follows the more general findings and recommendations which were promulgated in the previous Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan of 1978. This earlier report presente"d an overview of recreational potential at Lake Verret and focused on the general recreational needs of the lake area. The object of the present study is to take those recommendations one step further and concentrate on specific facilities, including the preparation of site plans and cost estimates for what appear to be viable projects. Recreation Potential of Lake Verret The natural features of Lake Verret provide an ideal setting for a variety of public recreational uses. The lake's close proximity to Morgan City, Napoleonville, Houma, Thibodaux, Baton Rouge, and other population centers further enhances its potential for water based recreation activities. Approximately 100,000 people live within a 45-minute driving range of the lake (Assumption, St. Martin and Terrebonne Parishes, primarily), with about 1,800,000 people living within a 90-minute driving range. The Lake Verret area is accessible by Louisiana Highways 70, 400, 401, and 402. With all of its natural attractions and its convenient location, lake Verret is presently under-utilized for recreational use due to a lack of direct water access points and public recreational facilities. 3 Figure 1 Vicinity Map Lake Verret White Castl 250,000 0 250,000 SCALE IN FEET Burk & Associates, Inc. ille Donali$ @scenszo _?ar@1811 parish 0 CIO La.18 12 L a.7 0 E 4, Lafo Pierr Part Napoleonville East Lake Verret Oil Field La James Parish L;f-oui7cKe-P;rrs-h La.101 La. 400 'A a.1011 Labadieville West al Lake Verret a Oil Field Him8l Thibodaux L Cr Lafourche Parish __j Present public recreational facilities adjacent to Lake Verret include: Name Location Facilities Attakapas Landing Southern Portion of Deteriorated Boat Lake; Off Highway 401 Launch with Minimal Parking Area Lower Texas Off Highway 1012 on Deteriorated Boat Himalaya Canal Launch with Parking Leading into Southern on Shoulders Only Tip of Lake Shell Beach West-Central Portion Boat Launch with of Lake; Off Spur Parking on Leading from Highway 70 Shoulders Only Present private facilities include: Pierre Part Northeastern Tip of Lake; Two Boat Launches Off Highway 70 Operated on a User Fee Basis with Minimal Parking Area Bayou Crab Off Highway 400 on Boat Launch and Canal Leading into Parking, Picnic Southern Portion of Area and Cabins Lake near Attakapas Operated on a Landing User Fee Basis As illustrated in the above chart, there are approximately five boat ramp locations to service the entire Lake Verret area (See Vicinity Map). Attakapas landing, being the closest to Napoleonville, the major population center of the Parish, receives the heaviest usage for boat access to the lake. In the user survey, conducted as a part of the Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, Burk and Associates, Inc., 1978, 33% of respondents stated that a boat launch and other facilities at Attakapas were needed. This area has the highest percentage recorded with other adjacent lake facilities receiving the following: Lionel's Launch 22% Pierre Port 18% Bayou Crab 12% Shell Beach 5% Other areas (not named) 10% While these partially supplement the stock of public recreation facilities, there is still a substantial need for a greater number of facilities which offer a wider range of activities* The quality of existing recreational facilities in the area is not on a level with similar facilities found in other parts of the state. Lake Verret's proximity to the major population centers of southern Louisiana (New Orleans and Baton Rouge) provides these growing communities with a major opportunity for water related recreation. 5 Given the probable continuation of fuel and inflation problems, the Lake Verret watershed is prime for development for the expanding recreational needs of the region. Summary of Recommendations Lake Verret's importance to recreation dictates its orderly and planned development for this purpose. The purpose of this report is as follows: 1. To pursue the preparation of detailed design schemes for renovation and expansion of existing inadequate facilities. 2. To acquire key parcels of property or long term unencumbered leases for proposed sites identified in the Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan* in addition to other locations as determined by recent needs. 3. To expedite state and federal grant applications for high priority projects (identified in #1 and #2) where land acquisition or a long term lease has been negotiated. 4. To pursue the processing of these grant applications at the state and federal level and to begin implementation of the construction process as soon as the grants have been secured. *Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, Assumption Parish Police Jury, prepared @y Burk and Associates, Inc., June, 1978. 6 104 Burk & Associates. Inc. CHAPTER 2 Recreation Plan Realizing the potential of Lake Verret and the problems which are associated with recreational use of the area, the Assumption Parish Police Jury sponsored the completion of the Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan in 1978. The purpose was to determine the recreational potential of the lake and make recommendations which could be used to improve use of the area for leisure activities. By means of a users survey, review of the Louisiana State Outdoor Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP), and input from the Police Jury and other public officials, the report examined existing recreation sites and determined the future needs of the area. The topography, hydrology, flora and fauna of the area and other local features were also documented as part of the plan to determine the areas compatible for deve lopment. The end result was the identification of four "major" and five "minor" recreation areas along the shores of Lake Verret and its tributaries. Conceptual schematics for each of the major facilities were included and facility needs were identified (Table 1). Those sites or facilities categorized as "minor" are more limited in terms of recreational offerings than the "major" facilities. They should function without an attendant on the premises and are intended to take some of the pressure from the major facilities. For example, the tent and trailer camp sites listed for major site would be organized with designated tent or trailer sites. Drive-up access would be provided, as would water and sanitary facilities. The "primitive" campgrounds indicated in Table 1, would be more remote and would offer none of the amenities listed for the organized campgrounds. Some of these primitive campgrounds would be accessible from water only, thus providing a more remote recreational experience. These areas would probably get considerable use from hunters and fishermen who often camp adjacent to the Lake. Other, non-site specific recommendations of the 1978 report addressed the need for ordinances governing camps or vacation homes on the lake and oil pipeline construction. Also included were recommendations for improving navigation, enhancing fish and wildlife productivity and establishing scenic roadways. These topics are reviewed in the following subsections. Watershed Development Currently, many camps, vacation homes and commercial related strtictures line the shoreline of Lake Verret and adjacent bayous and canals. These structures provide numerous private recreationa'I opportunities to the people that own them. They do, however, cause serious environmental problems to the lake and surrounding bayous. In addition to detracting from the visual appeal of a natural shoreline, very few, if any, have adequate sewage treatment or garbage disposal facilities. Although these structures are not responsible for all the present pollution problems the lake is experiencing, combined with industry, they contribute to this problem and should therefore be properly regulated. A "lakeside development" ordinance should be established and enforced to insure future development is in keeping with sound environmental principles. 11 Figure 2 Master Recreation Plan Lake Verret SOURCE: Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan Assumption Parish. Prepared by Burk & Associates, Inc. June,1978 LEGEND * EXISTING PUBLIC FACILITY 4EXISTING PRIVATE FACILITY PROPOSED MAJOR PUBLIC FACILITY PROPOSED MINOR PUBLIC FACILITY . ...... PROPOSED SCENIC ROADWAYS AND/OR TRAILS 1 ATTAKAPAS BOAT LAUNCH 1EXISTINGI 2 ATTAKAPAS RECREATION AREA 1PROPOSED1 3 SHELL BEACH BOAT LAUNCH 1EXISTING1 4 SHELL BEACH RECREATION AREA 1PROPOSEDI 5 PIERRE PART BOAT LAUNCH IEXISTINGI 6 PIERRE PART RECREATION AREA IPROPOSEDI 7 LOWER TEXAS BOAT LA1JNCH [EXISTING) 8 LOWER TEXAS RECREATION AREA 1PROPOSEDI 9 BAYOU CRAB BOAT LAUNCH 1EXISTINGI 10 BAYOU CRAB RECREATION, AREA IPROPOSEDI 11 LA 402 RECREATION AREA 1PROPOSED1 12 GRAND BAYOU RECREATION AREA 1PROPOSEDI 13 BAYOU LOUIS PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA 1PROPOSED1 14 BAYOU MAGAZILLE PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA 1PROPOSED1 69 308 BAYOU C NE 12A ...... GRAND' BAYOC**...... IBERIA P PAINCOURTVILLE :D PIERRE PART 402 S (10) NAPOLEONVI LE, -j -00 00 SHELL BEACH e.x AL 0 0 0 BAYOU CRA 400 10 00, ATTAKAPAS 0 LANDING 0 EF4 3 LOWER TEXAS Co V"AIMA CA 1/2 0 1 2 F--LZ---I----J scale in miles Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers-planners. environmental scientists TAB LE 1 Facility Recommendations From Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan (1978) RECOMMENDED ELEMENTS FOR MAJOR FACILITIES* Attakapas Pierre Shell Lower Facility** Landing Part Beach Texas Boat Launch x x x x Parking Area x x x x Bike Path x Picnic Area x x x x Fishing Pier x x Boat Rental x x Tent Camping x x Trailer Camping x x Nature Trail x Beach x RECOMMENDED ELEMENTS FOR MINOR FACILITIES* SITE Grand Bayou Bayou Bayou Facility Bayou Louis Crab LA. 402 Magazille Boat Launch x x x Parking Area x x x Primitive Camping x x Picnic Area x Campground x *Refer to Figure 2 for site locations. Source: Burk and Associates, Inc., Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, June, 1978. 14 Oil and Pipeline_Regulation Many coastal parishes currently have ordinances that regulate the construction of various types of pipelines in wetland environments. At present, the La. Department of Natural Resources who share ultimate jurisdiction of the coastal wetlands do not recognize the individual parish ordinances which regulate pipeline and other related construction activities in the coastal areas. The validity of some of these parish ordinances is presently in the courts. Until this legal issue has been settled, Assumption should wait before proceeding with the possible enactment of any parish regulations. Fish and Wildlife Management Lake Verret and the surrounding swamps abound in many forms of wildlife. This wildlife can be sustained and increased by proper resource management. These conservation measures can include the following items: 1. Spraying program for water hyacinth control. 2. Turbidity reduction from agricultural runoff via vegetative buffers or other means. 3. Creation of food plots for wildlife feeding and construction of nesting boxes for waterfowl. 4. Creation of brush piles and other habitat areas for fish and attractor structures. 5. Proper treatment and disposal of municipal and industrial wastes to prevent lake pollution. Lake Verret Management Board Proper management of the overall Lake Verret watershed could be undertaken by the establishment of a board to administer and oversee the needs and problems which have been identified in this study. This board could be established by the local governing body (the Police Jury). The duties of the board members and what their powers are (i.e., supervise and control development of the watershed, protect resources, grant permits, determine what action may be taken to reduce existing high turbidity levels in the lake from agricultural runoff, etc.) should be outlined. These responsibilities and duties will give the board the power it needs to enforce compliance with the above. These delineated duties and powers will permit the board to become a viable element in the proper management and subsequent development process of the watershed. As an example, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Shoreland Regulation Administration Manual* recommended that the board or commission have the responsibility for adopting regulations for: *Shoreline Regulation Administration Manual, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 1974. 15 1. Preventing and controlling water pollution. 2. Controlling building sites, placement of structures and land uses, and preserving shore cover and nattiral beauty uses. 3. Protecting fish and aquatic life. For enforcement of these regulations, it would require adoption of: a zoning ordinance to control future uses of land, and subdivision regulations to control future division of this land. The zoning ordinance for the watershed might regulate areas in which agricultural, industries, businesses, residential and recreational uses may be conducted, and of prime importance, wetland areas which should be preserved. In addition, a sanitary code, based on requirements of the State Division of Health and Human Resources, would provide for sanitary disposal of domestic wastes and help assure a clean, safe water supply. Establishment of administrative procedures to ensure effective enforcement of local regulations would be necessary to guarantee compliance. The board would also need to establish a compliance and enforcement section to advise citizens of the permitted use of their properties, to issue permits, make inspections and report violations. This is especially important in the wetland areas of the Parish where numerous commercial and industrial activities take place. Needs Identification The 1978 Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan included a section which characterized the demand for recreation in the Assumption Parish area. A brief sketch of area recreation needs and issues is presented at this point in order to familiarize the reader with the situation as it relates to the recreational potential of Lake Verret. Because it is one of the largest lakes in the State, with a reasonably efficient highway system providing access, Lake Verret has the potential to alleviate many of the water-related recreation needs of the region. Table 2 presents a recreation needs summary for State Planning Region 3, which includes Assumption Parish. The 1980 needs represent current facility requirements, while the 1995 needs project long range planning. These needs were determined using area population and participation rates for each activity in conjunction with recreation use standards. (A full description of the methodology used is contained in the SCORP*). Due to the nature of this study, only those activities which are water oriented are presented herein. Note that not all activities listed in Table 2 have an indicated supply or need. This results from not all activities having recreation use standards or participation rates established. Crawfishing, for example, is unique to southern Louisiana and no standard or participation rate for the activity exists. It is known, however, that this is one of the most popular water related leisure activities in the area and as such deserves mention. *Louisiana State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Part 1, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Oct. 1977. 16 TABLE 2 Region 3 Recreation Needs For Selected Activities* EXISTING 1990 1995 ACTIVITY SUPPLY NEEDS NEEDS Birdwatching Bicycling ------- ----- ------ Tent Camping 18 acres 66 acres 82 acres Trailer Camping 42 acres 88 acres 112 acres Canoeing 140 miles 29 miles 7 miles Crawfishing ------- ------ ------ Fishing 70 acres 180 acres 238 acres Waterfowl Hunting - ----- ----- - ----- Motor Boating 70 acres 150 acres 192 acres Nature Walk 1 mile 231 miles 276 miles Picnicking 76 acres 130 acres 169 acres Sailing ------- ------ Lake Swimming ------ ------- Water Skiing 70 acres 4 acres 18 acres *Region 3 includes the following Parishes: St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. James and Assumption. Source: Louisiana State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. 1977. 17 There are currently 70 acres of land in Region 3 devoted to public boat launches. This acreage must serve primary activities: freshwater fishing, sailing, motor boating, and water skiing. Existing launches are inadequate to serve the boaters of the region. The user survey results in the Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan report justified the need for expansion of these facilities. One survey question asked respondents to check off the types of recreational use in which they were involved. Ninety-one percent of these responses were "boating." Another question asked which recreational facilities were needed: 93% of the responses were "boat launches and parking." Another question ascertained boat ownership and type. Of the 262 surveys received, 196 indicated boat ownership, which further illustrates the pressing need for boat ramps and other supportive facilities. Not only does the low number of boat launches cause an inconvenience to boaters who do use them, but it also discourages boaters from using the lake. Boat launches are very important in south Louisiana because so many of the lakes, bayous, rivers and canals are accessible only by water. There are few sites that are large enough to accommodate boat ramps and a parking lot, and which are also located close to a state roadway. Accessibility to waterways is of prime importance to area boaters. So much of south Louisiana is water or wetland that outdoor recreation activities are naturally centered around boating and water in general. Table 3 depicts the estimated number of registered boats and licensed fishermen within either 45 minutes or 90 minutes driving time of Lake Verret. As can be seen, there are a high number of potential users within a relatively short driving range of the lake. As gasoline becomes more scarce and its price increases, more people will begin to look for recreational opportunities close to home. This will probably place more demand than projected on existing facilities and necessitate construction of new sites. In general, water related outdoor recreation has been steadily expanding over the past few years as is indicated by increases in the number of boat registrations and fishing licenses. Canoeing has also grown rapidly in the last five years. Population and socio-economic trends also indicate that demand for outdoor recreation opportunities will increase. These trends can be summarized as follows: 1. A steadily increasing population. South Louisiana parishes have a higher growth rate than northern parishes, which are losing population in many cases. 2. The level of education is rising, thereby enabling people to retain better jobs. 3. These jobs enable people to earn more money, which results in more disposable income for leisure time activities. Income in south Louisiana parishes is higher than elsewhere in the State. 4. Better jobs and higher wages are providing people more leisure time. 5. The population in general is more mobile today than ever before and has greater access to recreation areas. 18 TABLE 3 Registered Boats and Licensed Fishermen in Lake Verret Use Area Driving Range* Registered Boats Licensed Fishermen 45 minutes 12,187 14,392 90 minutes 105,426 129,689 *Estimate of users within indicated driving time to Lake Verret. Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. Estimate is based on data supplied by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and includes "registered" boats only. 19 Summary of Recommendations Realizing the nature of Lake Verret, with its dual importance to both human related activities (primarily recreation and petro-chemical interests) and maintenance of the productive coastal ecosystem, the recommendations of this report are as follows: 1. To pursue the renovation and expansion of existing recreational facilities within the Lake Verret watershed. 2. To pursue the establishment of a "Development Board" to insure the orderly management of all activities taking place within the watershed. This primarily includes activities which relate to petrochemical development, conservation and recreation. 3. To pursue all Federal, State or local funding opportunities to aid in the implementation of the above. 20 OT Burk S Associates, Inc CHAPTER 3 Fability- Plans- While the 1978 Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan examined the overall recreation pot ial of the lake and provided general recommendations, the focus of this report is much more site specific. Those sites identified in the Master Recreation Plan as having potential for development (or redevelopment) were examined in greater detail. Three project locations were selected and detailed facility plans prepared. During the preparation of this report, the facility plans for several projects, Bayou Morgan City Boat Launch, Attakapas Landing Recreational Complex, and Lionel's Launch were submitted to the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS) in the form of application for the maximum of 50% project funding. All of these facility plans are included herein. Because most state and federal funding sources require that the participating applicant have clear title to a project site (unencumbered long-term lease, 25-year minimum), implementation of a number of the proposed projects will have to wait until land acquisition negotiations are completed. Table 4 indicates the selected projects and their current status. A description of each proposed facility, estimated costs and site plans are included in the following subsections. Lionel's Launch The existing makeshift shell boat ramp at the intersection of the Himalaya Canal and the Lower Texas Road is typical of the inadequate facilities provided in coastal Louisiana for recreational boating. With the exception of scattered inadequate facilities, like Lionel's Launch, there are few recreational developments along the coast. Inaccessibility due to miles of wetlands is a major reason for this lack of development. Lionel's Launch is a prime example of low-level utilization of the intersection point of coastal roadways and waterways, for access to the coastal wetlands. The Lake Verret Watershed is typical of Louisiana in this respect. This area has limited facilities for the residents of Labadieville, and Napoleonville, as well as the remainder of the entire parish. The amount of present usage for this area is a guideline for projecting additional needed facilities. Existing recreational facilities are utilized beyond their limited capacity, with congestion occurring when vehicles attempt to launch or retrieve their craft. Also, parking (on both shoulders of the roadway) is inadequate and creates a hazardous condition. This overcrowding results in potential users being discouraged from using existing facilities due to lack of space for boat launches and parking. Many people, frustrated because of long waits and other inconveniences at existing facilities, go elsewhere for recreation or forego the opportunity altogether. These factors are presently causing a decrease in actual recreational usage for the Lake Verret area. This is unfortunate since the expanding population of the Parish is seeking additional recreational opportunities close to home, especially as a result of the rising cost of fuel. 25 TABLE 4 FACILITY STATUS AND PROJECT CHECKLIST PROJECT STATUS PROPOSED FACILITIES Environ- Property mental Plans & Trai- Acquisi- Assess- Specifi- PROJECT Fish- Tent ler tion ment Project cations Construc- Boat Park Bike Picnic ing Boat Camp- Camp- Nature or Sub- Quali- Funding Pre- tion Project SITES* Launch Area Path Area Pier Rental ing ing Trail BeaA Lease mitted fled Received pared Started Completion Attakapas x x x x x x x x x X x Landing (HCRS)** (HCRS) (HCRS) (HCRS) Pierre Part x X_ x x - I I Shell Beach x x x x x x x x x x progres (HCRS) (HCRS) Lionel's x x x In x x Launch progress (HCRS) (RCRS) Grand Bayou x x Bayou Louis x Bayou Crab x x x x La. 402 x Bayou Magazille x Bayou Morgan City x X x In x x progress (HCRS) (HCRS) *Documented in Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, Burk and Associates, 1978 (with the exception of Bayou Morgan City, which is a recent project addition). **Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service. Napoleonville Xb ............ . .......... ........... 400 ......... ............ . ....... ........ ...................... LA101 .... .......... ................. .... .......... a Canal 14imala Labodievill Lionel s Launch at Lower Texas 4 IN. Figure 3 Lionel's Launch . . . . . . . . . . Vicinity Map 0 1 2 cale in Miles Burk & Associates, Inc. US 90 PROPOSED FACILITIES The following facilities have been proposed to develop this area into a usable boat launch facility (see Figure 4): Boat Launch & Boarding Piers A concrete launch will be constructed into the canal for a length of 30 feet and to a depth of approximately 3-1/2' to allow the launching of large outboard craft. The 30'-length will also prevent boat trailer wheels from going off the end of the ramp during low water. An adjacent boarding pier will be constructed to aid in the loading and unloading of boats. Parking and Roadways cross the roadway from the boat ramp will be a shell parking area with a connecting roadway to keep cars and trailers off the highway right of way. This parking area will continue back from the roadway adjacent to the canal to accommodate the demand for parking space in this area. Picnic Area Adjacent to the canal and the parking area will be a site for picnic facilities. This area will contain a few picnic tables with Bar-B-Q grills and trash receptacles. When implemented these facilities will not only provide a usable boat launch for recreational access to the Lake Verret area, but will add a picnic area to be used by both boaters and non-boaters. 28 Figure 4 Proposed Development for LIONEL'S LAUNCH Prepared for ASSUMPTION PARISH POLICE JURY by 20 10 0 00 30 1 BURK & ASSOCIATES, INC. December 1979 launching ramp Himalaya Canal 52 pic ic are car-trailer parking 1361 P TABLE 5 Lionel's Launch Projett Cost Estimate Concrete Boat Ramp $10,000.00 Boarding Fier & Walkways $12,000.00 Shell Parking & Grading $20,000.00 Picnic Area (5) Tables, Grills, & Trash Rei--eptacles $5,500.00 SUBTOTAL (Construction Cost) $47,500.00 Engineering $4,418.00 H.C.R.S. Adm. $1,298.00 TOTAL $53,216.00 PROPOSED FUNDING H.C.R.S. Grant $26,608.00 50% Local Match $26,608.00 TOTAL $53,216.00 Source: Burk and Associates, Inc., December, 1979. 31 Attakapas Landing Attakapas Landing is located at the terminus of La. Hwy. 401 on the southern portion of Lake Verret. The nearest community is Napoleonville, approximately ten miles to the north (see Figure 5). Attakapas Landing obtained its name from the original Attakapas Canal which connected Lake Verret to Bayou Lafourche. It was originally named for the Attakapas Indians who, with the Spanish and Acadian settlers, used it for transportation. The Acadians floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Bayou Lafourche and on through the Attakapas Canal to western portions of Louisiana. Today, the Attakapas Landing community has numerous camps with some permanent residents. The existing boat launch and parking area constructed in recent years have almost been totally destroyed by erosion and high water in the Lake. These existing conditions make this access point almost totally useless for recreational activity. This faciity, being the most convenient and the most intensely utilized access point to the lake should receive prime consideration for revitilization and development. PROPOSED ATTAKAPAS DEVELOPMENT Attakapas has been selected for primary development for the Lake Verret area due to its available access facilities and closeness to present population centers. The needed facilities for this area are outlined as follows: Boat Launch The existing single launch facility is presently in 'a poor state of repair due to erosion in the area. The launch needs to be expanded to four ramps with adjacent piers/walkways for boarding craft. Parking The area now has very little available parking for cars and car-trailers utilizing the area. Initially a small shell parking area will be provided adjacent to the launch with a large separate lot proposed for the future. Fishing Fier, Dock and Breakwater A fishing pier-breakwater combination will be constructed in a southerly direction into the lake. This will provide for fishing in deeper water while cutting down on wave action and erosion which is presently occurring in the boat launch area. This calm water area will also allow space for temporary mooring of craft and the option of a small boat rental area. Picnic Area To compliment other proposed facilities in the area, an open space picnic area is also needed. This area will contain numerous picnic tables with grills and trash receptacles to serve the public. The master plan and cost estimate include all improvements for Phases I and 11 to complete this needed facility. 32 Napoleonville F 400 Attakapas Landing Figure 5 Attakapas Landing Vicinity Map Burk & Associates, Inc. TABLE 6 Attakapas Landing Cost Estimate Phase I (1) 2 Launching Ramps & $22,000 Walkways/Piers (2) Informal Parking (Base, Shell and Curb Stops) & Rip-rap Protection $46,200 Subtotal $68,200 Eng. & Supv. 6,820 H.C.R.S. Adm. 1,874 TOTAL PHASE 1 $76,894 Funding H.C.R.S. Grant 38,447 50% Match 28,447 (La. Dept. of Public Works) Phase II (1) 2 Launching Ramps & Walkways/Piers $33,000 (2) Organized Parking Area (Base, Shell and Curb Stops) $120,643 (3) Fishing Pier/Breakwater $110,000 (4) Picnic Area (Tables, Grills, Trash Receptacles) $26,400 Subtotal $290,043 Eng. & Supv. 29,043 H.C.R.S. Adm. 7,976 TOTAL PHASE 11 $327,023 TOTAL PROJECT COST $403,917 (Phases I & II) Source: Burk and Associates, Inc., December, 1979 34 folormal k 25 c to EED dock 2@ CL 2 organized parking am launching rarnpe 2)5 cimmse. parking picnic r lp-rap proted, Figure 6 Lake Verret Phase I Phase 2 Proposed LFWWWNUWnvmvt fbr launciiing rarnps -launciiiing ranvs & o Lliformal parking wallm" AMKAPAS LANOM rlp-rM protection oorgartod Parking area ofishkV pier/breakwater -picnicama Prepared for ASSUM"M FARISH POLICE JURY Bwk & dnM*" 20 fishing p5er/breakwater @@ff T ASSMiSW Decomber,1979 Job No. 7M Bayou Morgan City Boat Launch This existing facility, similar to Lionel's Launch is a makeshift boat ramp adjacent to the existing roadway. Many vehicles get stuck attempting to launch or retrieve their craft and must park on both shoulders of the roadway. This creates a dangerous and hazardous situation for motorists using both the facility and the roadway. PROPOSED FACILITIES The following facilities have been proposed to develop this area into a usable boat launch facility. Boat Launch & Boarding Piers A concrete launch will be constructed into the bayou 30 feet to a depth of approximately 3-1/2' to allow the launching of large outboard craft. This will also prevent boat trailer wheels from going off the end of the ramp during low water. An adjacent boarding pier will be constructed to aid in the loading and unloading of boats. Parking and Roadways Adjacent to the boat ramp will be a shell parking area with a connecting roadway to keep trailers off the highway right-of-way. This parking area will continue along the side of the roadway adjacent to the spoil canal for a considerable distance to accommodate the demand for parking space in this area. Picnic Area Adjacent to the spoil canal and the parking area will be a site for picnic facilities. This area will contain numerous picnic tables with Bar-B-Q grills and trash receptacles. Following the site development plan for this facility is a project cost estimate. 37 Napoleonville 00 ........... LA101 Himala a Can8l Labadi a < 441QZI@b 0 Bayou MorGja'n City Figure 7 Bayou Morgan City Vicinity Map 0 1 S @lein @miles US 90 --B-u-rk & Associates., Inc tables Waposed bam Imftch Chao madw3y pcw%ft <-- to US HW)L 90 La. F!" 398 to Labodleville ul Figure 8 Proposed Boat Launch for BAYOU MORGAN CITY Pr"ww for ASSUMPTION FARISH POLICE JURY 00 30 so Burk & =ALA W F9ff Assoclefts December 1979 f4D Job No, 7845 TABLE 7 Bayou Morgan City Boat Launch Cost Estimate (1) Concrete Boat Ramp $8,800 (2) Boarding Pier, Bulkhead & Walkways $27,500 (3) Shell Parking & Roadway Connection $23,100 (4) Picnic Area (Tables, Grills, Trash Receptacles) $5,500 Subtotal $64,900 Engineering $6,490 H.C.R.S. Adm. 19784 TOTAL $73,174 Funding H.C.R.S. Grant 36,587 50% Local Match 36,587 TOTAL $73,174 Source: Burk and Associates, Inc., December, 1979 41 ZIV I1@t It CHAPTER 4 Funding In order to carry out the program of improvements indicated herein, it will be necessary for the Parish to allotate a small portion of their revenue each year to go towards matching other funding assistance sources. The annual budgetary allocation should be in the range of $30,000 - $40,000 minimum and would be earmarked for re@_reation, capital development; land acquisition funds should not be included in this amount but dispersed separately as land (for lease or purchase) becomes available. In past years, Assumption Parish has leaned heavily on federal and state 1. revenue sharing" funds as its source of recreation dollars. This is an appropriate source of re6reational development funding in that revenue sharing program funds are an "outside" funding source and should not be relied upon to continue day-to-day Parish operations. Revenue sharing is an excellent source of funding for major long-term 8apital improvements. It would be appropriate for the Parish to obtain the $30,000 - $40,000 allocation from this source (although it is becoming increasingly uncertain as to the continuation of revenue sharing). The 1979 Combined Budget for Assumption Parish indicated revenue of $133,000 coming from State Revenue Sharing and $911,124 from Federal Revenue Sharing (a total of $1,144,124, see Table 8). In 1979 the recreation budget line items which were entirely funded by revenue sharing were: A. Equipment $ 8,871.35 B. Construction $79,896.50 C. Operation $ 7,676.96 Of this total approximately $30,000 has been spent leaving $66,000 to be carried over to fiscal year 1980 or to be used as a 50% matthing share for various federal re6reational funding programs. Federal and State Sources Federal and state grant or loan programs differ in the type of project for which they will provide assistance. Programs also differ with respect to the phase - acquisition, construction or operation for which they will provide assistan@e. Since the State's Coastal Zone boundary has been redrawn, leaving Assumption Parish outside of that area, a primary federal funding source has been lost. Coastal Energy Impa6t Program (CEIP) or 308 Program Funds are no longer available to the parish. This is unfortunate as one of the program's primary aims was to provide assistance for the planning and construction of recreation projects. ' The following is a summary of Federal and State funding sources for recreation projects. 45 TABLE 8 1979 Combined Budget Assumption Parish Police Jury Adjusted 1% General Revenue Solid Sales Fund Road & Bridge Waste Tax TOTAL Parish Taxes $124,196 $124,196 Parish Licenses 62,000 62,000 Severance Taxes 500,000 500,000 Beer Taxes 19,000 19,000 Rentals 4,500 4,500 Royalties 600 600 Fines & Forfietures 7,067 7,067 Interest 27,733 $60,000 87,733 La. Revenue Sharing 133,000 133,000 Miscellaneous 12,000 12,000 CETA Funding 38,000 $78,000 6,036 122,036 La. Road Funds 490,000 490,000 Federal Revenue 730,999 180,125 911,124 Customer Collections 192,000 192,000 Sales Tax 700,000 700,000 La. Book Grant 3,916 3,916 TOTAL ADJUSTED REVENUE $3,369,172 Less Fed. Revenue Sharing Overage Previous Year -467,551 Balance $2,901,621 46 FEDERAL SOURCES Source: Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS) Description: Grants for the acquisition and development of a wide range of outdoor recreation facilities are available through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It pays 50 percent of the costs of the improvements* Boat launches, picnic areas, campgrounds, and related support facilities are all eligible projects. Operation and maintenance is not covered under this program. Donated land may be used as a local match for federal money if no restrictive clauses are attached to the donation. This source is widely utilized throughout the State of Louisiana with approximately 5 million dollars distributed annually to local communities. This is additionally a relatively quick source of funds with a lead time of around a year, after the application has been filed, as compared to other programs which may often take many years. Source: Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Description: The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 gives the SCS the authority to provide technical and financial assistance for public water based recreation projects. Up to 50 percent of the costs for installation of these projects are eligible for loans. Description: Resource Conservation and Development areas authorized for assistance by the Soil Conservation Service are eligible for technical and financial assistance for public water based recreation. Recreation developments may receive up to 50 percent of the cost of land rights acquisition. Fifty percent of construction costs for recreational structures must be provided by local or state agencies. The S6S program is primarily utilized on existing projects their agency is involved in and is not generally used in coastal areas. Most of their recreational involvement is in conjunction with an ongoing watershed project in an upland area. Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Description: Through the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965, the Corps will fund up to 50 percent of the separable costs for facility development at a water resource development project location. The local sponsors of the project must agree to,operate, maintain and replace the constructed facilities when needed. The cost of lands donated to the Corps for recreational development may not be considered as part of the 50 percent share of local project sponsors. The cost of acquiring the land is the sole responsibility of the local sponsor. Corps funding limitations are similar to those previously mentioned for the SCS. If a project is eligible for Corps funding it may take 3 or more years to obtain the funds as no money is allocated on a statewide basis for this purpose. 47 Source: Economic Development Administration (EDA) Description: The EDA gives out grants and loans for the purpose of providing employment opportunities to low income people and general area economic development. Recreation project are eligible if it can be shown that enough jobs can be created, usually through the promotion of tourism. In order to qualify a project must: 1. Tend to improve the opportunities for the successful establishment or expansion of industrial or commercial plants or facilities; 2. Assist in the creation of additional long.term employment, opportunities; or 3. Benefit the long-term unemployed and members of low-income families or otherwise substantially further the objectives of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Source: Community Development Block and Discretionary Grants Description: As with EDA assistance, the emphasis of this program is on aiding low and moderate income people. The objectives of this program are to assist communities in providing decent housing and suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Construction of public recreation facilities would be an eligible project under this act. Chances for funding under this program are not great, but some recreation projects have received funding. STATE SOURCES Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Description: The department manages and protects the state's wildlife and fisheries resources. Providing outdoor recreational opportunities such as boat launches,, adequate access and facility construction are part of the duties of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Source: Office of Public Works Description: The Office of Public Works does not have a grant or loan program as such. However, there is some limited funding available for flood control, navigation, drainage and water resource development. These funds could be used to clear snags and other navigations hazards in Lake Verret and its tributaries. Each project is considered on its own merits and participation is determined on the basis of overall State benefits. Funding therefore depends on local needs, and on the Office's financial capabilities at the time of request. Both Wildlife and Fisheries and Office of Public Works funds may be utilized as the local 50% match for federal matching funds (H.C.R.S. etc.) 48 Source: Department of Tranportation and Development Description: The role of this office concerning recreation is primarily one of providing access to recreation areas and scenic parts of the state. in conjunction with the construction of highways, the department constructs and maintains rest areas, bicycle paths, boat launches and other facilities. Eligibility for a particular project is determined on an individual basis. These funds can be used to provide improved roadway access to the boat launches as well as for actual construction. Summary Assumption Parish must in future years make substantial efforts to obtain federal and state funding sources to fund recreational improvements for its residents. With its recreational budget expected to decrease in proportion to the total annual amount, almost all funds budgeted must be utilized toward a 50% match for the federal (primarily H.C.R.S.) and state programs available for construction of physical facilities. Unless the parish can pass a sales tax or millage increase to fund recreational improvements and/or programs, future facilities will depend entirely on any federal or state aid obtainable. Recreational programs and maintenance, for which little if any federal or state money has been available, will suffer significantly if the Parish budget problems develop as they are predicted to. 49 CHAPTER 5 -nvirontnen E tal Assess-ments This chapter includes environmental assessments for the three projects proposed for implementation in the near future. These assessments analyze both the human and natural environments and the impacts of project implementation. LIONEL'S LAUNCH A. Description of the Proposed Action For description of proposed action, refer to Chapter 3, Figures 3 and 4, and Table 5. B. Natural and Social Environment Lionel's Launch is located at the intersection of the Himalaya Canal and the Lower Texas Road south of Labadieville, Ia. The project site is owned by the Louisiana Department of Highways with a 25 year unrestricted lease pending to the Assumption Parish Police Jury for recreational usage. 1. Natural Environment The project site is composed of landfill deposited for the roadway right-of-way during construction of the Lower Texas Road and spoil from the Himalaya Canal. The Lower Texas Road follows an old distributary ridge of Bayou Lafourche. 2. Vegetation and Wildlife A typical cross section of the natural environment between Bayou Lafourche and Lake Verret and a list of common plant and animal species follows (see Figure 9): 53 Figure 9 TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS Bayou Lafourche to Lake Verret RIDGE BAYOU LAKE SWAMP SPOIL BANK OR DISTRIBUTARY RIDGE -4 J Will, PLANTS AND ANIMALS OF THE LAKE VERRET AREA Plants Swamp Associated Species Trees Bald Cypress - Taxodium. distichum Red Maple - Acer drummondii Water Tupelo - Nyssa aquatica Shrubs and Vines Buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis Fern - Athyrium spp. Grasses, Forbs, and Aquatics Giant Cutgrass - Zizaniopsis miliacea Sedges - Polygonum spp. Duckweed - Lemna spp. Water Hyacinth - Eichhornia crassipes Ridge Associated Species Bitter Pecan - Carya aquatica Trees Black Willow - Salix nigra Boxelder Acer nugundo Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Hickory - Carya spp. Honey Locust - Gleditsia triaconthos Live Oak - Quercus virgiana Nuttal Oak - Quercus nuttalii Sugar Hackberry - Celtis laevigata Swamp Dogwood - Cornus drummondii Sweetgum - Liguidambar styraciflua Sweet Pecan - Carya illinoensis Water Oak Quercus nigra Willow Oak Quercus phellos Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata. Shrubs and Vines Alabama Supplejack - Berchemia scandens Blackberry -Rubus spp. Dewberry - Rubus spp. Greenbrier Similax spp. Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Rattlebox - Daubentonia texana Trumpetcreeper - Campsis radicans Waxmyrtle - Myrica cerifera Hawthorn - Crataegus marshalli Pepperbush - Clethra alnifolia 55 Grasses, Forbs, and Aquat ics Bermudagrass - Cynodon dactylon Bluestems - Andropogon spp. Carpetgrass - Axonopus affinis Cocklebur - Xanthium stumarium Palmetto - Sabeal minor Clover - - Trifolium spp. Crabgrass - Digitaria snaquinalis Dallisgrass - Paspalum dilatatum Fescue - Festuca arundinacea Switchgrass - Panicum virgatum Vaseygrass - Paspalum urvillei Fall Panicum - Panicum dichotomiflorum Foxtail - Serarla spp. Animals Birds American anhinga - Anhinga anhinga Double-crested corinorant - Phalacrowrax Green heron - Butorides virescens Cattle egret - Bubulcus ibis Great egret - dasmorodius albus Snowy egret - Egretta thula Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Yellow-crowned night heron Nyctanessa vidacea American bittern - Botawrus lentiginoasus White ibis - Endocirmas albus Bachman's warbler - Vermivora bachmanii Barred owl - Strix varia Belted kingisher Megaceryle alcyon Little-blue heron Florida caerulea Louisiana heron - Hydranassa tricolor Mallard - Anas playthynchos Blue jay - Cyanocitta cristata Blue-winged teal - Anus discors Brown thrasher - Toxostoma rufum Common crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos Eastern bluebird - Sialia sialis Eastern meadowlark - Sturnella magna Gadwall - Anas strepera Great-blue heron - Ardea herodias House sparrow -Passer domesticus Marsh hawk - C17rcus eyaneus Mourning dove - Zenaidura macroura Mockingird - Mimus polyglottos Peregrine, falcon - Falcon peregripus Pileated woodpecker - Dryocopus pileatus Pintail - Anas acuta Red-headed woodpecker - Meanerpes erythrocephalus Red-shouldered hawk - Buteo lineatus Red-tailed hawk - Buteo jamaicensis Southern bald eagle - Haliaeetus leukcocephalus Sparrow hawk - Falco sparverius Wood duck - Aix sponsa Wild turkey - Meleagris gallopavo Lesser scaup Aythya affinis Ring-necked duck - Aytha collaris Common gallinule - Gallinula chlorapus 56 American coot - Fulica americana Amphibians Bullfrog - Rana catesbeiana Bronze frog - Rana clamituws Central dusky salamander - Desmognathus fuscus Marbled salamander - Ambystoma opacum Northern spring peeper Hyla crucifer crucifer Southern leopard frog Rana pipens sphenocephala Dwarf salamamder - Manculus qudridigitatus Fowler's toad - Bufo woodhousei fowleri Green treefrog - Hyla cinerea Southern cricket frog - Acris gryllus gryllus Three-toed amphiuma - An@phiuma means tridactylum Reptiles American alligator - Alligator missipiensis Broad-banded water snake - Nartix sipedon confluens Canebrake rattlesnake Crotalus horridus atricaudatus Common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina Diamond-backed water snake - Natrix vigida Eastern garter snake - Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Glossy water snake - Natrix vigida Gray rat snake - Elaphe obsoleta siploides Green water snake - Natrix cyclopion Ground skink - Lygosoma laterale Mississippi mud turtle - Kinosternon subrubrum Red-eared turtle - Pseudemys scripta elegans Smooth softshell turtle - Trionyx muticus Southern copperhead - Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix Southern fence lizard - Sceloporus undulatus undulatus Speckled kingsnake - Lampropeltis getulus holbrooki Stinkpot turtle - Sternothaerus odoratus Western cottonmouth - Akistrodon piscivorous leucostoma Western mud snake - Farancia abacura reinwardti Fish Black bullhead - Ictalurus melas Blue catfish - Ictalurus furcatus Bluegill - Lipomis macroschirus Bowfin - Amia calva Carp - Cyprinus carpio Chain pickerel - Esox niger Channel catfish - Ictalurus punctatus Green sunfish - Lepomis cyanellus Hogchoker - Trinectes maculatus Largemouth bass - Micropeterus salmoides Longear sunfish - Lepomis megalotis 57 Redear sunfish - Lepomis microlophus Smallmouth buffalo - Ictiobus bubalus Freshwater drum - Aplodinotus grunniens Flier - Centrarchus macropterus Gizzard shad - Dorosoma cepedianum Warmouth - Lepomis gulosus Spotted gar - Lepisosteus oculatus Spotted sunfisii - Lepomis punctatus Striped mullet - Mugil cephalus White crappie - Pomoxis annularis Black crappie - Pomoxis nigromaculatus Yellow bullhead - Ictalurus natalis Smallmouth buffalo - Ictiobus bubalus Freshwater drum - Aplodinotus grunniens Flier - Centrarchus macropterus Gizzard shad Dirisina ceoeduabyn Warmouth - Lepomis gulosus Spotted gar - Lepisosteus oculatus Spotted sunfi Lepomis punctatus Striped mullet Mugil ce@h lus White crappie - Pomoxis annularis Black crappie - Pomoxis nigromaculatus Yellow bullhead - Ictalurus natalis Mammals Mink - Mustela vision Bobcat - lynx rufus Cotton rat - Signodon hispidus Cottontail ra it Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern wood rat Neotoma floridanus Fulvous harvest mouse - Reithrodontomys fulrescens Gray fox - Urocyon cinereoargenteus Gray squirrel - Sciurus carolinensis Muskrat - Ondatra zibethicus Nine-banded armadillo - Dasypus novemcindtus Nutria - Myocastor coypus Oppossum - Didelphis virginiana Raccoon - Procyon lotor Red bat - Lasiurus borealis Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Swamp rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus White-tailed deer - Odocoileus virginianus 58 HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGIC SITES There are no designated historic or archaeologic sites within or adjacent to the project area according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Resources Atlas of Assumption Parish.* The closest site is a prehistoric Indian mound and shell midden two miles to the east, just north of the Himalaya Canal. 2. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT This project is located in the eastern portion of Assumption Parish which comprises the incorporated city of Napoleonville (population 1,0008, 1970 census) with numerous other unincorporated communities. The 1970 population of Assumption was 19,654 with a 1980 estimate of 20,545. Land usage adjacent to the project site on the south is residential with forested wetlands and the ridge land on the, north. C. Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action The impact of this proposed boat launch on the natural environment will be minimal. The project area in its natural state is seasonally flooded and cypress-tupelo-gum swamp. Construction of the Lower Texas Roadway and dredging the Himalaya Canal has substantially altered the project area. Thepresent project site would be contained partially within the highway right-of-way and within the spoil area for the canal. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT The construction of this facility will not involve the displacing of any residences, or any commercial or industrial establishments. Access to the facility will utilize the Lower Texas Roadway and will not cause any traffic congestion problems on this or connecting roadways. There are no historic or archaeologic sites adjacent to or within the project area, therefore none will be affected. The implementation of this facility will make available a water-access recreational development for use by citizens of Assumption and neighboring parishes. *Assumption Parish, Coastal Resources Atlas, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Prepared by Burk and Associates, 1978. 59 D. Mitigation Measures In order to minimize detrimental impacts of project implementation, planned parking and landscaped areas will be utilized as filtration areas for storm runoff. Retention of existing vegetation along the spoil bank (trees and understory species) will provide needed screening for parking areas, shade for picnicking, and filtration of runoff. E. Unavoidable Adverse Effects The majority of unavoidable effects will be temporary during the construction period. During this time, increases of air and noise pollution may possibly occur. After the project is complete, however, they will return to approximately the same level as is presently experienced. More vehicles and boats will utilize the new facility; however, waiting time for launching and retrieving craft will be greatly reduced thus offsetting any increases in air and noise pollution. Additionally, there will be some energy savings due to present users not having to travel longer distances to other facilities to launch their boats or seek waterfront recreation. Wa ter turbidity will be increased during construction, due to the launch construction and driving of piles for the boarding pier. This will improve to ambient conditions once construction is complete. F. Re ationship Between Local Short-Term Uses and Lona-Term Productivity Disturbances of construction durinR the short term period will be considered minor when compared to the overall long term benefits the project will provide for recreational pursuits. This facility will provide much present and future needed open-space water oriented recreation to serve the public. G. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitements of Resources The major irreversible or irretrievable commitment that will result from implementation of the proposed project will be that a portion. of this site (highway-right-of-wav) cannot be utilized for another purpose. The property that the proposed development is contained within is partially in public ownership, with very few other uses that can occur on it due to its roadway right-of-way status. The other portion of the site which is presently being leased is not utilized at present. It is an old field which was utilized for grazing at one time. 60 H. Proposed Action Alternatives The alternative of not developing the boat launch would mean that this facility would continue to serve the public only in its present very limited form. The recreational facilities proposed for Lionel's Launch, if not developed, will be unavailable to meet the present increasing needs of the public. As documented in the 1978 Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, the most desired element was for recreational access to the lake and surrounding waterways. Since Lionel's Launch is the only launch facility in the area, not developing it will force residents to travel to other areas for needed recreation, or forego this desirable opportunity altogether. 61 ATTAKAPAS-LANDING A. Description of Proposed Action For description of proposed action., refer to Chapter 3, Figures 5 and 6, and Table 6. B. Natural and Social Environment The Attakapas Development is located at the terminus of La. 401 and Lake Verret in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. The project is located at Attakapas Landing, an old fishing and trapping community, and taking off point for waterborne activity. A portion of the project site is owned by the State of Louisiana (La. 401 right-of-way), with the remainder being owned by Jeanerette Lumber Company., A 25-year unrestricted lease to the Assumption Parish Police Jury has been obtained for the Phase I area of the project site. This development is located approximately ten miles southwest of Napoleonville, Louisiana, a community of 1,000 population whose main industries are petro-chemical and sugar cane growing and refining. 1. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Prior to the 1700's the Attakapas Landing area was sparsely inhabited by the Attakapas Indians. The Attakapas Canal was constructed by the Spanish in the 1700's and is adjacent to a small natural distributary ridge from Bayou Lafourche. This ridge, in addition to the canal from Bayou Lafourche, prompted the development of this area, especially at Attakapas Landing. This landing was the taking off point for waterborne commerce in the 1700's and 1800's prior to developed land transportation systems. The project site is composed partially of the natural distributary ridge and landfill which has been placed in the area over the last 250 years. VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE For a typical cross section of the Attakapas area around Lake Verret and a list of common plant and animal species, see previous listing for Lionel's Launch and Figure 9. HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGIC SITES There are no designated historic or archaeologic sites within or adjacent to the Attakapas project area according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Resources Atlas of Assumption Parish.* The closest sites are a shell midden and Indian mound approximately two miles to the southeast, just north of the Himalaya Canal. *Assumption Parish, Coastal Resources Atlas, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Prepared by Burk & Associates, 1978. 62 SOCIAL EOVIRONMENT The AttakaDas proiect is located at Attakapas Landing in Assumption Parish which comprises the incorporated city of Napoleonvil-le (population 1,008, 1970 census) with numerous other unincorporated communities. The 1970 population of Assumption was 19,654 with a 1980 estimate of 20,545. Land usage to the north and west of the development comprises camps with primarily weekend and summer residents. Among the camps is a grocerv-bar combination and a barroom located on La. 401. To the east of the development is a cypress-tupelo gum swamp and forested bottomland area that is seasonally flooded. C. Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The impact of the proposed Attakapas Recreation Development on the natural environment will be minimal. The natural environment of the project area consists of two habitats: a natural distributary ridee and'swamp, along the shoreline of Lake Verret. Construction of the Attakapas Canal in the 1700's and construction of La. 01 at the site have substantially altered the project area as it is today. Construction of the boat launch and parking area will involve land fill in the area. This land fill material will primarily consist of non-organic matter and rip-rap. After the temporary turbidity caused by deposition of the material, the rip-rap will become habitat for small aquatic organisms. Pilings driven for the fishing pier and bulkheads will likewise cause temporary turbidity during installation, but will later Drovide structure and habitat for fish and certain invertebrates. There will be a small loss of swamp and water area, due to the land fill required for the breakwater. 7he Attakapas development will require proper disposal of storm runoff. Storm runoff will be channeled through landscaped parking areas and not discharged directly into the lake or swamp. Any nutrients in runoff entering the swamp will be quickly absorbed by swamp vegetation and converted into plant biomass. 63 2. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT The construction of the proposed Attakapas Recreational Facility will not involve the displacing of any camps/residences, or any commercial or industrial establishments. Access to the facility will utilize La. 401 (an existing state highway) and will not cause any traffic congestion problems on this or connecting roadways. There are no historic or archaeologic sites adjacent to or within the project area; therefore, none will be affected. The implementation of this facility will make available a water-access recreational development for use by citizens of Assumption and neighboring parishes. D. Mitigation Measures In order to minimize detrimental impacts of project implementation, planned parking and landscaped areas will be utilized as filtration for storm runoff. The runoff problem will be generated by the parking lot, because it is a relatively impervious surface through which little soil filtration occurs. This is not a significant problem, however, with the large amount of surrounding swamp to absorb the limited runoff. Lighting for the project will be low level and directed so as not to disturb adjacent camps. Retention of existing vegetation (trees and understory species) will provide needed screening for parking areas, shade for picnicking, and filtration of runoff. Although some low lying area will be lost due to filling involved in the parking lot construction, the rip-rap and fishing pier/breakwater pilings and tires will attract aquatic organisms and thus benefit the overall lake food web. E. Unavoidable Adverse Effects The majority of unavoidable effects will be temporary and short term limited to the construction period. During this time, in6reases of air and noise pollution may occur. After the project is complete, however, they will return to approximately the same level as is presently experienced. More vehicles and boats will utilize the new facility; however, waiting time for launching and retrieving craft will be greatly reduced, thus off-setting any increases in air and noise pollution. Additionally, there will be some energy savings due to present users not having to travel greater distances to other facilities to launch their boats or seek waterfront recreation. Water turbidity will be increased due to boat launch construction and driving of piles for the fishing pier and bulkheads. This impact will subside after construction is complete. There will be a loss of the flora and fauna on portions of the project site in the area filled for the parking lot. F. Relationship Between Local and Short-Term Uses and Long-Term Productivity Disturbances due to construction during the short-term period should be considered minor when compared to the overall long-term benefits the project will provide for recreational pursuits. This facility will provide much needed open-space water oriented recreation to serve the public. 64 G. Irreversible and Irretrievable CoTmnitments of Resources The major irreversible or irretrievable commitment that will result from implementation of the proposed project will be that this site cannot be utilized for another purpose. The property is presently in public and private ownership, with a significant percentage being land-fill since the 1700's. H. Proposed Action Alternatives The alternative of not developing Attakapas Landing would mean that this facility would continue to serve the public only in its present limited form. The recreational facilities proposed for Attakapas, if not developed, will be unavailable to meet the present increasing needs of the public. As documented in the 1978 Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, Attakapas Landing is the most desired area for recreational access to the lake. Since Attakapas is the closest launch facility to Napoleonville, not developing it will force residents to travel to other areas for needed recreation, or forego this desirable opportunity altogether. 65 BAYOU MORGAN CITY A. Description of the Proposed Action For a description of the proposed action refer to Chapter-3, Figures 7 and 8, and Table 7. B. Natural and Social Environment The Bayou Morgan City Boat Launch is located at the intersection of La. HWY. 398 and Bayou Morgan City in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. The project site is owned by the State of Louisiana (La. 398 right-of-way), with a 25-year lease to the Assumption Parish Police Jury for recreational usage. This development is located approximately ten miles southwest of Labadieville and eight miles northeast of Morgan City, communities whose main industries are petro-chemical, shipbuilding, commercial fishing, and sugar cane refining. 1. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The project site is composed of landfill deposited on the roadway right-of-way during construction of La. 398 in the late 19601s. VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE For a typical cross section of the area around Lake Verret and a list of common plant and animal species, see previous listing for Lionel's Launch and Figure 9. HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGIC SITES There are no designated historic or archaeologic sites within or adjacent to the project area according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Resources Atlas for Assumption Parish. The closest site is a prehistoric Indian mound approximately one mile to the southwest, adjacent to Bayou L'Ours. 2. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT The Bayou Morgan project is located in the southern portion of Assumption Parish which comprises the incorporated city of Napoleonville (population 1,008, 1970 census) with numerous other unincorporated communities. The 1970 population of Assumption was 19,654 with a 1980 estimate of 20,545. Land usage adjacent to the project site is swamp forest and numerous natural and man-made waterways. 66 C. Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action The impact of the proposed Bayou Morgan City Boat Launch on the natural environment will be minimal. The project area in its natural state is a seasonally flooded cypress-tupelo-gum swamp. Construction of La. 398 in the late 1960's has substantially altered the project area as it is today. The present project site is contained entirely within the highway right-of-way which is primarily transported spoil material necessary for roadway construction. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT The construction of the proposed Bayou Morgan City facility will not involve the displacing of any residences, or any commercial or industrial establishments. Access to the facility will utilize La. 398 (an existing paved highway) and will not cause any traffic congestion problems on this or connecting roadways. There are no historic or archaeologic sites adjacent to or within the project area; therefore, none will be affected. The implementation of this facility will make available a water-access recreational development for use by citizens of Assumption and neighboring parishes. D. Mitigation Measures In order to minimize detrimental impacts of project implementation, planned parking and landscaped areas will be utilized as filtration areas for storm runoff. Retention of existing vegetation along the spoil canal (trees and understory species) will provide needed screening for parking areas, shade for picnicking, and filtration of runoff. E. Unavoidable Adverse Effects The majority of unavoidable effects will be temporary during the construction period. During this time, increases of air and noise pollution may occur. After the project is complete, however, they will return to approximately the same level as is presently experienced. More vehicles and boats will utilize the new facility; however, waiting time for launching and retrieving craft will be greatly reduced thus offsetting any increases in air and noise pollution. Additionally, there will be some energy savings due to present users not having to travel greater distances to other facilities to launch their boats or seek waterfront recreation. Water turbidity will be increased due to the launch construction and driving of piles for the boarding pier and bulkheads. This will subside after construction is complete. F* Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses and Long-term Productivity Disturbances due to construction during the short-term period should be considered minor when compared to the overall long-term benefits the project will provide for recreational pursuits. This facility will provide much needed open-space water oriented recreation to serve the public. 67 G. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources The major irreversible or irretrievable commitment that will result from implementation of the proposed project will be that this site (highway right-of-way) cannot be utilized for another purpose. The property is presently in public ownership, with very few other uses that can occur on it due to its roadway right-of-way status. H. Proposed Action Alternatives The alternative of not developing the boat launch would mean that this facility would continue to serve the public only in its present very limited form. The recreational facilities proposed for Bavou Morgan City, if not developed, will be unavailable to meet the present increasing needs of the public. As documented in the 1978 Lake Verret Master Recreation Plan, the most desired element was for recreational access to the lake and surrounding waterways. Since Bayou Morgan City is the only launch facility in the area, not developing it will force residents to travel to other areas for needed recreation, or forego this desirable opportunity altogether. 68 Burk & Associates Mcorporatod wwist, 4176 CANAL ST. Mt* ORL-cANS, LA 70116 Job no 7845 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I n 3 6668 00002 73 10 1,1'