The LaBranche Marsh Creation and Shoreline Protection projects are located in St. Charles Parish along the southwestern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This area has experienced significant wetland loss due to historical dredging activities tied to I-10 construction.

LABRANCHE MARSH CREATION

Under the leadership of NRCS, CPRA is utilizing dredged material from Lake Pontchartrain to reclaim approximately 1,470 acres of emergent wetlands across 3 cells, increase biodiversity, and enhance water quality. The project’s goals are to restore lost marsh habitat and improve water quality. The restored wetlands will serve as a protective buffer for critical infrastructure, including I-10, a primary hurricane evacuation route.

This long-awaited project was approved for Engineering and Design in 2012 and for Construction in 2021. Dredging operations, a crucial step in the restoration process, were completed in November 2024, with final inspections completed in December 2024.

LABRANCHE SHORELINE PROTECTION

The LaBranche Shoreline Protection Project in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, aims to mitigate severe shoreline erosion along a 13,000-foot stretch of Lake Pontchartrain. By constructing a rock breakwater with a lightweight aggregate core, the project seeks to protect valuable intertidal habitat and prevent further land loss, addressing erosion rates of approximately 9.5 feet per year. This project will enhance the resilience of the shoreline to wave action and contribute to the long-term preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.

This project will enhance the long-term health and resilience of the St. Charles Parish coastal ecosystem, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.