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Contact: Meredith Hardy, 504.382.0291
NEW ORLEANS — For the 30 days beginning March 19, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve released the draft Trail Improvements at Barataria Preserve environmental assessment (EA) for public review. The NPS proposes to repair hurricane-related damage to the trail network with potential elevation of specific boardwalks or removal of often-flooded trail segments. Some boardwalks may be replaced over time by trails located on natural surfaces and on higher ground. Materials and methods for construction were evaluated for resiliency and environmental impacts. Construction would be implemented in separate phases and as funding allows.
Under all action alternatives, the NPS would rebuild some boardwalks at a higher elevation, demolish extremely damaged boardwalk turnouts, and abandon some minimally developed trails that are continually flooded. Areas where boardwalk segments are removed would be allowed to return to a natural state. The proposed alternatives vary on how to manage the remaining boardwalks and whether to use them as-is or demolish and restore. Appropriate trail elevation was modeled using 50-year sea level rise and land subsidence projections and is designed to be roughly 1.5 feet above the existing boardwalk levels.
For more information and to submit comments, please visit the Planning, Environment & Public Comment's Barataria Preserve Trails webpage.
Written comments may also be mailed to:
Superintendent
Attn: Barataria Trails Environmental Assessment
419 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
About Barataria Preserve: The Barataria Preserve is comprised of over 26,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands, that include bottomland hardwood forest, cypress swamp, freshwater and intermediate (between freshwater and brackish) marshes, bayous, and canals. The network of boardwalks and walking trails allows visitors to access the wild places of Barataria Preserve to observe alligators, snakes, native plants, and over 200 species of birds. Each year, over 45,000 visitors enjoy the Preserve’s trails, canoe waterways and programs that inspire stewardship of the natural and cultural resources of southern Louisiana and the many challenges they face.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at the National Park Service website homepage.
Last updated: March 19, 2024