Meeting Summary

The SCP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee met on February 10, 2026, to review coastal management and restoration efforts in St. Charles Parish. The committee heard presentations from the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program on its 30 years of work protecting wetlands and water quality across a 16-parish region, and from the Coastal Zone Manager on how local advisory committees fit into Louisiana's coastal management framework. The committee also opened a public hearing on the Cuba Island Christmas Tree Restoration Pens project and approved a redesigned coastal-use brochure.

Watch Items

Upcoming Public Hearing: A 25-day public comment period remains open through February 25 on item "SCP-2026-01 Couba Island Christmas Tree Restoration Pens." Residents may submit comments to the Department of Conservation and Energy during this window.

Davis Pond Diversion Operations: Committee members raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current Davis Pond freshwater diversion structure. A mid-year advisory meeting was established to allow more input before the operation agreement is voted on again. Staff committed to participating in this discussion to explore whether modifications or alternative approaches (such as a siphon structure) might better serve coastal restoration goals in the Barataria Basin.

CPRA Regional Planning Proposals: Four coastal protection projects were proposed at a February 5 regional planning meeting: the Salvador Shoreline Protection Project, Cuba Island Protection Project, an upper Barataria freshwater diversion into Lac Desalments, and the Desalments Rock Jetty. Voting results are expected by month's end. St. John the Baptist Parish, whose territory overlaps the proposed diversion location, will receive the project proposals for review.

Christmas Tree Collection Program Expansion: Staff indicated plans to improve outreach for future annual collections, including exploring email notification options and school classroom engagement. Specific improvements and a formal plan will be presented to the committee before the 2027 collection season.