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M61@ 6h&w I" @'@: Ewa g- -1 V io, , VVID--" @A-mm-, ST. CHAR S 71 ol 6 tt ISH g- Id MAS ER -1 Oil RECREATION f R PLAN s I% Prepared for ST CHARLES PARISH POLICE JURY by A, V@ q k BURK AND ASSOCIATES, INC. -nff;n,-,-rS.piannerq-.i-nvirnnmentaI SCif-.ntiqtq JL 1% 1424 F F L8 PAR S7 197 9 ST. CHARLES PARISH ProPerty of CSC Library MASTER U - S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA RECREATION PLAN 'COASTAL SERVICES CENTER " 2 '-Z34 SOUTH HOSSON AVENUE CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413 prepared for STCHARLES PARISH POLICE JURY prepared by BURK AND ASSOCIATES, INC. engineers, planners, environmenal. scientists MARCH 1979 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." CONTENTS List of Figures ii List of Tables iv Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Social and Cultural Setting 10 Chapter 3 Natural Environment 27 Chapter 4 Analysis of Recreation in St. Charles Parish 41 Chapter 5 Recreation Demand and Needs 54 Chapter 6 Master Recreation Plan, 68 Chapter 7 St. Charles Wetland Recreation Plan 81 Chapter 8 Funding and Implementation 97 Appendices Appendix A St. Charles Recreational Plan, Related Studies 107 Appendix B Calculations of Regional Demand for Selected Recreation Activities in St. Charles Parish 108 Appendix C Text of Congressional Bill 2470 110 Appendix D Detailed Inventory of Recreation Facilities, St. Charles Parish 115 References 120 Notes 123 FIGURES Figure 1 Louisiana Coastal Parishes 2 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 4 Figure 3 Delineation of Recreation Areas for Study Purposes 6 Figure 4 St. Charles Parish Ward Map and Coastal Zone Areas 14 Figure 5 Proposed Alignment 1-310, Including Hale Boggs Bridge 24 Figure 6 North-South Cross Section 28 Figure 7 Topography and Hydrology 30 Figure 8 Climatic Influences 32 Figure 9 Vegetation Map 34 Figure 10 Cross Section of Ecological Zones 36 Figure 11 Soil Types 38 Figure 12 Land Capabilities 40 Figure 13 Existing Recreational Facilities and School Property 46 Figure 14 Historic, Cultural and Archaeological Sites 52 Figure 15 Identification of Overall Recreational Needs Within State of Louisiana 62 Figure 16 Recreation Master Plan - 5 Year 70 Figure 17 Boat Launch Schematic 71 FIGURES (Continued) Figure 18 Proposed Sunset Community Park 73 Figure 19 Proposed 10 Year Plan 78 Figure 20 Sketch of Typical Community Center 80 Figure 21 Physiographic Units of St. Charles Wetland 88 Figure 22 Sketch of Proposed Levee Launch Site 91 Figure 23 Sketch of Proposed Launch Site Adjacent to Airline Highway 91 Figure 24 Proposed Wetland Interpretive Center 94 TABLES Table 1 Population Projections, St. Charles Parish 1980 and 2000 16 Table 2 Population Figures, St. Charles Parish, East and West Bank, 1920-1970 17 Table 3 Industries Established in St. Charles Parish, 1950-1973 18 Table 4 Family Incomes, St. Charles Parish, New Orleans SMSA, and the State of Louisiana, 1960-1970 20 Table 5 Existing Land Use, St. Charles Parish, 1976 22 Table 6 Inventory of St. Charles Parish Public Schools, 1979 47 Table 7 Parish-Leased Recreation Sites 48 Table 8 Recreation Facilities Owned by Commercial or Non- Profit Organizations 49 Table 9 Participation Rates for Various Recreational Activities, Louisiana and Region 3 (1980) 56 Table 10 Use Standards for Various Recreation Activities 58 Table 11 Motor Boat Registrations, 1973-1978, St. Charles Parish 59 Table 12 Hunting and Trapping Licenses Sold, St. Charles Parish, 1972-1978 62 Table 13 Standards for Selected Outdoor Recreational Facilties 65 Table 14 Local Supply, Demand and Needs for Selected Recreational Facilities in St. Charles Parish: 1980 and 1990 66 Table 15 Potential Federal Funding for Short-Term Development, 1980-1985 106 iv Fig mv I CHAPTER1 LOUISIANA INTRODUCTION COASTAL PARISHES In formulating a Parish-wide master recreation plan it is necessary to first examine existing resources and growth patterns, not only within the Parish but also within the surrounding region. A view of the Parish within the context of the area it serves, and by which it is served, provides in- sight into the strengths and weaknesses of existing facilities and gives assis- tance in determining future recreational demand and need. St. Charles Parish, located in the southeastern part of the state, is one of Louisiana's coastal parishes (see Figure 1) . It has experienced an exceedingly rapid growth rate over the last twenty-five years, a phenomenon it shares with many of the other coastal parishes (see Chapter 2. Between 1970 and 1985, it is estimated that Louisiana's Coastal Zone population will grow by 32 percent. This growth is expected to be particularly heavy in the Baton Rouge-New Orleans Corridor, of which St. Charles Parish is a part. 1 Planning to meet the needs of this ever-increasing population is a difficult and challenging task, but it is an effort which, when accom- plished, will pay great dividends in the future in terms of the enhanced quality of life within the Parish. St. Charles Parish has a unique set of problems, created in part by the very large percentage of the Parish which is either water or wetlands, by the extent to which industry has located within the Parish, and by its proximity to the heavily populated New Orleans metropolitan area (see Figure 2). Developable land is at a premium, and determining policies for future land usage is a task fraught with difficulties. A limited supply of easily developable land often leads to intense competition for that which is available and can result in a failure to allot sufficient land for less intensive and profitable uses such as recreation. It appears that this has been the 15 0 is 45 situation in St. Charles Parish in past years, for little public land is avail- SCALE IN MILES N able today for either indoor or outdoor recreation. The St. Charles Recrea- 113A tion District board members have been working actively in the last few years ST. CHARLES IL I_VRISH to remedy this situation, attempting to acquire land, to upgrade existing MASTER RECREATION PLAN facilities and to build new facilities. However, many of their attempts have prepared by been thwarted due to insufficient funds and lack of public support. Burk and Associates. Inc. engineers. planners. ervi nmental scientists Tangipahoa Livingston St.Tammany Jefferson Davis Calca ieu 1j: TEXAS lbei ... St. Martin Ascensl- h th r a S Iberia Cameron ssumpt,4- St Vermilion Marl har fer S\ St. Mary -x . . . . . . . . . . Lafourche lee 3laquemi FRI., T rebanne er . . . . . . . . . . ix, . . . . . . . . . . . .... ..... ------ XKKK i .......... AS CIcas,' OW'. Figure 2 VICINITY MAP The dearth of recreational facilities, lack of public support, and financial inadequacy of the existing recreational programs al I point to the need for an overall recreation plan which will attempt to address existing recreational insufficiencies, plan for future recreational demand, and iden- tify funding sources which can be tapped to move the recreation program forward. The existence of the St. Charles Wetland* and the Salvador Wildlife Management Area within the Parish also creates a need for special consider- ation to be given to future land development, recreational and otherwise. These invaluable natural resources are used extensively for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities by residents of St. Charles Parish and the surrounding parishes. The value of the wetiand areas as a fish and wildlife habitat is such that the St. Charles Wetland is presently under consideration by Congress for creation as a National Wildlife Refuge (see Chapter 6 for more detail) . The proximity of these fragile marshland areas to a heavily pop- ulated urban area puts them in increasing danger of succumbing to develop- ment pressures unless plans for preservation are made and implemented in the near future. The Parish's ability to obtain partial federal and state funding for recreational projects should be increased with the completion and adoption of an overall recreation plan for the Parish. Commitment of governmental finances to a project often depends upon the applicant's ability to show that the particular facility is part of an orderly phased development plan which takes into consideration the needs of the entire Parish. *The term "St. Charles Wetland" is being used to designate the area between 8 4 0 8 24 the Bonnet Carre Spillway, the St. Charles-Jefferson Parish line, the Air- SCALE IN MILES line Highway and Lake Pontchartrain. This designation was used in the report @pecial Ma ag ST. CHARLES PARISH n ement Areas in the Coastal Zone, St. Charles PL & T%T (T@ Parish prepared for the Coastal Zone Management Adv;s--y rommittcC by M-1 A S T _R RECREATMINT South Central ri,,nning and Development Commission, December, 1978. prepaired by Burk and Azznc@aios, Mc. engineers. pianriers- environmental scientists Missis St. Tammany 1J. /AA/Z s4 ............ . Dlacilem4nes ..... .... ...... 7.afourche Terrebonne . . . . . . . ...... ........... @ M@M@ :1M.-ij: X .... ...... ........................... .. ................ @.'. i*K*X Figure 3 DELINEATION OF RECREATION AREAS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR STUDY PURPOSES In planning for future recreational development, it is essential to establish objectives toward which a development program can be directed. The following is a summary of the objectives which will hopefully be achieved by the St. Charles Parish Master Recreation Plan: I . Determine existing recreational capacity in St. Charles Parish and analyze its adequacy for meeting the recreational needs of Parish resi- dents and users from the surrounding service East Bank area. West Bank 2. Analyze projected residential, commercial and 1-7 ----1 industrial growth to determine its impact on J St.Charles Wetlands future recreation needs. 3. Develop a plan which will attempt to alleviate existing problems and meet immediate needs, as well as provide an orderly development scheme for meeting long-term needs. 4. Develop recommendations for the St. Charles wetland area which will allow for recreational uses compatible with the ecology of the area while preserving Its uniqueness as a fish and wildlife habitat. 5. Develop appropriate conceptual plans for 3 renovation and expansion of existing facilities and for proposed recreation sites. SCALE IN MILES 6. Investigate and identify potential funding sources ST. CHARLES PARISH for a logical phased implementation of the plan. MASTER RECREATION PLAN Y@K prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. 5 engineers- planners- environmental scientists NNW it t' tit I I I , i; it I On - I ::@ @: it I "I'' i i I C-l"'T7 -7--, ''1 11@ i @'i :YlY I OP'l t Ci i J4@1 11 t t i6 it if ZZ -'NX, 11 h'f r--- RECREATIONAL STUDY UNITS Though the recreation plan encompasses the entire Parish area, a logical delineation is made between the East and West banks for purposes of inventory and analysis. Additionally, the St. Charles Wetland area is given special consideration due to its unique ecological characteristics, its value as a natural habitat for fish and wildlife, and its pending desig- nation as a National Wildlife Refuge (see Figure 3). RELATED STUDIES In any planning task of this scope, research of previous studies re- lating to the Parish or area under consideration is essential. Appendix A contains a list of those studies which were used in compiling information on recreation in St. Charles Parish. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1. The supply of recreation facilities in St. Charles Parish is totally inadequate for the number of people using them. Parish popu- lation figures have more than doubled since 1950, but there has been no comparable increase in the number of recreation facilities. 2. Public recreation facilities, as opposed to private or com- mercial, are almost non-existent. Apart from school facilities, the Parish operates only 4 playgrounds and 2 parks (totalling approximately 36 acres) and 2 boat launches. 3. Additional land acquisition for recreational purpose is essential to adequately meet future recreation needs. The short-term lease status of the land upon which most existing facilties are built makes the future provision of recreational services uncertain at least. At a minimum, approximately 25 additional acres should be acquired on each bank to meet needs projected in the Five and Ten Year Plans. 4. Demand for recreational areas and facilities is steadily increasing, as population continues to expand both in St. Charles Parish and the surrounding service area. 7 5. Many of the existing public facilites are in need of reno- vation or expansion. Playground equipment on numerous sites has been allowed to deteriorate badly and is in need of immediate repair or replacement. Upgrading and maintenance of this equipment is essential in any plan to meet present and future Parish recreation needs. 6. Need for new public indoor and outdoor recreation facilities exists on both the East and West Banks, but the need appears somewhat greater on the East Bank. 7. The Parish possesses an abundance of natural recreational resources in the form of scenic streams and wetland areas. Bayou Des Allemands, Bayou Trepanier and Bayou La Branche are part of Louisi- anals scenic river system and the St. Charles Wetland and the Salvador Wildlife Management areas are invaluable assets in terms of their unique naturai environment and the recreational opportunities which they offer. 8. The current Recreation District board members appear extreme!y knowledgeable concerning recreation matters in their Parish, and have been working actively to upgrade the existing recreation pro- gram and facilities with the money and Parish resources available. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Continue to expand the program utilizing public and private school facilities for recreation. 2. Repair broken equipment at existing sites; renovate and expand facilities on land already owned or leased to the Recreation Dis- trict over the long term. 3. Continue attempts to acquire additional land for recrea- +,onal purposes or to acquire extended leases. 4. IMake every effort to preserve existing scenic resources and to ensure that these areas are open to the general public for recreational acldvities campatil 'e w'th the ecoloc i gy cf sens:uve environ- ments. 8 S. Try to enlist greater public support of the recreation program by publicizing needs, soliciting suggestions and involving the citizenry in decision-making processes. 6. Consider formation of a citizen's committee composed of some members of the Recreation District Board, School Board, Parish political figures and citi zens-at- large for the purpose of approaching industries within St. Charles Parish to solicit contributions of land, money or equip- ment for the recreation program. 7. Organize all desired recreational improvements as determined by this study for the Parish into a phased implementation plan. This also is illustrated as the Five and Ten Year Program for development. Facilities of the highest priority from the Five Year Plan will be delineated and a construction cost estimate will be included for each. This will assist St. Charles officials in grant procurement for these high priority facilities ,.m.,hich can ideally be scheduled for implementation In. the near future. 9@ CHAPTER 2 In planning for the recreational needs of St. Charles Parish, it is essential to first gain as much information as possible about the "character" of the Parish. The background, socio-economic make-up, growth patterns and future growth expectations all provide vital informa- tion in determining the type and quantity of facilites needed. This SOCIAL AND chapter provides a brief analysis of the social and cultural setting of the Parish, including historical information, a socio-economic profile CULTURAL delinaeation of jurisdictional boundaries, and a discussion of present and future land use trends. SETTING HISTORY The settlement patterns of St. Charles Parish re cosm, the settlement patterns of the United States as a w guage, culture and traditions of numerous peoples have creating a social fabric which is colorful, durable and u The first of many groups which offered their cul tions to the area were undoubtedly the Indians. Sites of villages have been located in St. Charles near Bayou Ga Salvador, Hahnville, Killona and Good Hope. Among the lived in or near the Parish were the Chitimacha, Washa, Quinipissa, Tangipahoa, Acolapissa Bayou Goula, Tensas Chochaw, Tunica and Houma.2 In 1682, Louisiana was claimed by France, and years thereafter, the French persisted in their attempts t area. The French government eventually turned settleme over to the management of private companies, and in 171 "Western Company", later known as the company of the the concession. In Europe, attempts at recruiting settle cularly successful among the Germans, who had suffered years of religious and' political warfare. According to historians, the first Germans arrived in what is now St. Charles Parish in the year 1719, settling about 30 miles up the river from New Orleans. This original group was joined in 1722 by a second group of Germans from an earlier settlement which had failed, and together the two villages became known as Karlstein. The area prospered, and soon became known as the German Coast. These early settlers were joined by French, Spanish, Italian and immigrants of other nationalities. In 1766, 216 Acadians exited from Canada joined the Germans in the settlements along the Mississippi. With the inter-- marriage among the colonists the French culture became dominant, though the area still retains remnants of German tradition. St. Charles Parish was one of the original twelve counties created in 1805, and when these counties were abolished by the Territorial Legislature in 1807, it became one of the nineteen parishes. Its name was derived from the old ecclesiastical parish under French rule, When the Parish was organized, the seat of justice was estab- lished near the Mississippi River and was known as St. Charles Court- house. Hahnville was laid out in 1872 by ex-Governor Michael Hahn, and is now the Parish seat. For the early settlers, sugar-cane production formed the basis of the economy, Other attractions of the Parish were ample timber for building and excellent trapping, fishing and hunting. In recent years, oil and petro-chemical industries have become dominant in the area, with sugar-cane production taking second place. In addition, the economy is diversified by commercial'fishing and crabbing, trapping, dairying, truck-farming and cattle raising. In the last twenty-five years, St. Charles Parish has experienced extremely rapid population growth and has become both more industrialized and more urbanized, This trend is expected to continue in the foresee- able future, and will certainly present the residents and officials of St. Charles Parish with numerous opportunities and challenges with which to deal. JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES St. Charles Parish is located in the southeastern part of the State In close proximity to the New Orleans Metropolitan area. It is borded by Jefferson, St. John the Baptsit and Lafourche Parishes, and Lake Pontchartrain. Politically, the Parish is located in the 3rd Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman David C. Treen; In the 19th State Senatorial District, represented by Senator Ron Landry; and in the 56th State Representative District represented by Representive Ralph R. Miller. Regional agenices which have some jurisdictional impact on St. Charles Perish include: 1. The River Parishes Council of Governments, representing a cooperative effort between St. Charles, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes; 2. The South Louisiana Port Commision, established by the State legislature for St. Charles, St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes; 3. The South Central Planning and Development Commision, Sub-State Planning District No.3, which covers Assumption, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes; 4. The Pontchartrain Levee Board(East Bank) and the Lafourche levee Board (West bank), primarily responsible for levee construction, maintenance and patrol; 5. The New Orleans District of the Corps of Engineers, which is responisble for navigation projects, flood control, hurricane protection, environmental enhancement and water supply within a 47,000 square mile district including most of Louisiana, parts of texas, Arkansas and Miss- issippi. 12 Figure 4 For put-poses of State recreation planning, St. Charles Parish is located in Louisiana Planning Region III, which also includes Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumption, St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes, ST CHARLES PARISH The Parish is physically divided by the Mississippi Rivet-, WARD MAP AND creating two separate entities known as the East and West Banks. It is COASTAL ZONE AREAS further divided into seven wards, with Wards 1, 2, 4 and 7 on the West Bank and Wards 3, 5 and 6 on the East Bank (see Figure 4). These boundaries are presently being redrawn, due to a need for legislative reapportionment within the Parish. However, the new maps were not completed at the time of publication of this study. CURRENT POLICE JURORS The main Parish governing body is the Police Jury, which con- Ward I -Stirling Melancon sists of seven jurors elected for four year terms, Each juror represents Ward 2'- Clayton Faucheux one of the seven wards into which the Parish is divided. Other regu- latory units within the Parish are the Sheriff's office, the Zoning Com- Ward 3- V. J. St. Pierre, Jr. mission, the Housing Authority, the School Board, the Board of Health Ward 4- Philip Cortez and the Recreation District Board. Special districts include- Ward 5- Curtis T Johnson, Sr. 1. Two Waterworks Districts Ward 6- Freddie Giangrosso Numbar 1, Fast Bank Wa rd 7- Leonard K. Fisher, Sr. lm;asr 2, Wss" Bank, as of March 1979 2. Two SeweragG D@Jsiricl@s Number I on the East Bank, inc@udes -----Ward Boundaries Norco and Good Hope Number 3, includes Luling and part of Boutee Coastal Zone Areas 3. Two Drainage Districts Gravity Drainage District Number 2, in Norco Sunset Drainage District on the West Bank in Paradis, Des Allemandsarea 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 SCALE IN MILES The entire. East Bank, the Salvador Wildlife Management Area ST. CHARLES PARISH and a small portion of the extreme southern part of the Parish are con- MASTER RECREATION PLAN (i@ sidered part of the Louisiana Coastal Zone. These areas come under the prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners. environmental scientists 13 owl' C'F- @ PiP API) t ii R, J, --l,,YVA R D Al WA R D, -2 @b J, WARD 4 o Parad(S -7@ WAR D 7 0 Des AIkaManCjS ma Gauche SALVADop 'WIL @4ANAQIE@MrNT: A jurisdiction of the Coastal Zone Management Act and the St. Charles Parish Coastal Zone Management Advisory Board. Special management3 areas within the St. Charles Coastal Zone are delineated as: 1. Federal Lands Bonnet Carre Spillway 2. State Lands Salvador Wildlife Management Area 3. Other Important Wetlands St. Charles Wetland Wetlands surrounding Salvador Wildlife Management Area 4. Natural and Scenic Streams Bayou des Allemands Bayou La Branche Bayou Trepagnier S. Endangered /Threatened Species Habitat Southern Bald Eagle Nest 6. Other Wetland between the 80 Arpent Canal and the Mississippi River Archaeological Density Sites SOCIO - ECONOMIC PROFILE The current population of St. Charles Parish is estimated at 36,200 people. By the year 2000 that figure is expected to total 52,003 (see Table 1). As is evidenced by the figures in Table 2, unprecedented population growth occurred in the Parish between the years 1950 and 1970, occasioned in large part by the great influx of industry into the area during that 20 year period. Figures from the early 1950's indicate that at that time, St. Charles Parish was in a period of transition between a basically agricultural economy and an industrially based economy. Be- tween 1952 and 1973, seventeen major industries established operations in the Parish (see Table 3). Geographic factors attracting industry into the area included the abundance of available land, natural gas and water re- sources. In addition to the Mississippi River, which was a major asset, 15 the Parish offered good railroad and highway networks, proximity to the Port of New Orleans and to an extensive potential labor market. The political climate favored the growth of industry, as St. Charles Parish officials actively encouraged industrial location within Parish boundaries. TABLE 1 POPULATION PROJECTIONS ST. CHARLES PARISH 1980 and 2000 1980 2000 Age White Non-White Tota I White Non-White Tota 1 00-04 2404 1285 3689 2683 1565 4248 05-09 2178 1145 3323 2842 1504 4346 10-14 2359 1116 3475 2938 1549 4487 15-19 2697 1124 3820 2811 1322 4132 20-24 2776 849 3626 2479 1060 3539 25-29 2650 916 3566 2699 1154 3853 30-34 2053 569 2622 2976 889 3865 35-39 1546 617 2163 3478 1253 4731 40-44 1368 406 1773 3642 884 4525 45-49 1493 364 1858 2907 955 3861 50-54 1419 308 1728 2142 550 2693 55-59 1174 273 1446 1582 578 2160 60-64 797 196 993 1243 336 1579 65-69 S88 211 800 1200 294 1494 70-74 510 117 627 1039 151 1191 75-+ 564 178 741 1103 197 1299 TOTAL 26,576 9,674 36,250 37,764 14,241 52,003 SOURCE: Sega 1, Saussy, Wrighton, Wilcox and Burford, Projections to the Year 2000 of Louisiana Popu ation and Households, 1976: 197, 171. TABLE 2 POPULATION FIGURES ST. CHARLES PARISH, EAST AND WEST BANK 1920-1970 Year 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 E. Bank 2,811 6,251 5,280 6,265 9,831 12,731 W. Bank 5,775 5,860 7.041 9,160 11,388 16,819 Parish Tota 1 8,586 12,111 12,321 15,425 21,219 29,550 SOURCE: Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Statistical Profile of St. Charles Parish, 1973: 1. East and West Bank totals derived from ward figures. The trend described above has continued unabated. According to the 1970 Census figures, manufacturing activities accounted for 32. 3% of jobs within the Parish, as opposed to 25% in 1950, while agricultural activities accounted for 2.3% as compared with 10% in 1950. Industrial activities in St. Charles Parish consist mainly of chemical and petrochemical industries and grain export. As of 1973, the principal industries with the largest landholdings included: 4 General American Tank Storage and Terminal Company 400 acres Shell Oil and Shell Chemical 791 acres Farmers Export Company 875 acres Monsanto Company 1400 acres Union Carbide Corporation 2500 acres Louisiana Power and Light Company 3975 acres 17 "AJTIJ.-T@ TSTTETI -CT\f j@IT TS -L@-I`. %r./,HA @-4ES PARI ITir YND u Sr"RJYES ES"ABI Namp I.cation rans-Match, Inc. 95 2 Almedia Texaco, !nc. 4953 Paradis Monsanto Chemicai Co@ 1954 Luling Shell Chemical Co. i955 Norco Louisiana Power and 4-ight '11960 Montz !nternationa@ Tank '@,,-rmfna! 1961 St. Rose Bunge Corporation " 961 Destrehan Adinac, 'nc. '963 Destrehan National Phosphate Corp, 1965 Won Carbide C'crp. 19 IV: 3 f t A-ennax inclustries i 966 A!medta Argus C-1hemical Corp. 1967 aft Hooker Chemicai Corp. 1967 Taft Farmers Export Company 1968 Ama j. M. Tull Meta!s' Inc. '@, 97 0 Almedia Brewstes- P!-@--sphEte '971 Lui;nq L.P.&.!., Water-ford ijnii 3 Ki i Iona SOURCE: Riaamer. An Analvsis of the Chan ina Land Use in St. Charles ?arish, Louisiana, 1974. 18 In addition, the following 15 companies with smaller holdings are located in St. Charles Parish: ADM Milling Corporation Argus Chemical Company Becker Industries Bunge Corporation Brewster Phosphate Good Hope Refineries Hooker Chemical and Plastics Corporation International Tank Terminals, Ltd. J. M. Tull Metals, Inc. Lennox Industries National Phosphate Corporation St. Charles Grain Elevator Company Texaco, Inc. Trans-Match, Inc. Whitco Chemical Corporation As industrial activity within the Parish has grown, so has family income. Table 4 compares family income levels in @960 and 1970 in the Parish, the New Orleans SMSA and the State of Louisiana. The most dra- matic changes have occurred in the number of families which have entered the highest income bracket. According to the 1960 figures, only 1% of families in St. Charles Parish earned more then $15, 000; by 1970 that per- centage had jumped to 12%. The percent change between 1960 and 1970 was close to that of the New Orleans SMSA, and greater than that for the State, Another statistic worth noring is that of median family income. That figure is greater for St. Charles Parish than for either the SMSA or the State in both 1960 and 1970. 19 TABLE 4 FAMILY INCOME, ST. CHARLES PARISH, NEW ORLEANS SMSA AND THE STATE OF LOUISIANA 1960 and 1970 F@@@@ St. Charles New Orieans SMSA Louisiana '960 1970 1960 1970 1960 1970 All Families 4847 6738 211,161 255,870 171,252 872,772 Less than $1,000 384 197 '41, 2 Ile 0 11,638 70,934 41,960 MOO to V999 463 290 lsfii8 12,142 1106,244 60,401 $2000 to $2999 464 '565 22,045 '.'3,425 9-17,410 62,494 $3000 to $3999 443 328 24,462 14,251 38,411 60,920 $4000 to $4999 493 409 24,849 14,828 83,162 58,364 $5000 to $5999 610 468 25,027 15,320 77,187 60,065 $6000 to $6999 623 297 20,378 16,648 63,606 60,099 $7000 to $7999 493 439 16,077 17,640 49,101 60,490 $8000 to $8999 306 574 11,841 18,131 34,687 60,825 $9000 to $9999 148 547 8,869 16,761 24,540 53,582 $10,000 to $14,999 342 1984 18,284 60,791 52,099 181,927 $15,000 to $24,999 54 690 6,607 33,288 16,469 86,253 $24,000 and over 24 150 3,384 11,107 7,402 25,392 Median Income 5289 9004 5,195 8,670 4,272 7,530 % of families with incomes over $15,000 1% 12% 4% i7% 3% 12% SOURCES: U. S. Bureau of Census, Characteristics of Population, 1960; U. S. Bureau of Census, General Social and Economic Characteristics, 1970; U. S. Bureau of Census, 1970 Census of Population and Housina, New urieans, Louisiana, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area. 20 LAND USE Land development in St. Charles Parish has basically occurred along major transportation arteries, resulting in a cluster or strip development pattern. On the East Bank, development tends to follow U. S. Hwy. 61 and La. Hwy 44 (River Road) and La. Hwy. 48. On the West Bank, the development is mainly along River Road (La. Hwy 18), La. Hwy 52, La. Hwy. 3060 and U. S. 90. Population centers include Montz, Norco, New Sarpy, Destrehan and St. Rose on the East Bank, and Killona, Hahnville, Luling, Ama, Boutte, Mimosa Park, Paradis and Des Allemands on the West Bank. None of these centers are incorporated towns. The physical division of the Parish by the Mississippi River has created problems of access, resulting in a necessity for duplicating many needed services and community facilities. Lack of adequate bridge crossings has accentuated the semi-isolation between the two parts of the Parish. However, the construction of the Hale Boggs Bridge, which crosses the river at the western edge of Luling, will provide a much needed link between the East and West Banks, joining U. S. Hwy. 90 on the West Bank with 1-10 on the East Bank. It is estimated that bridge construction wili be completed in another 2 to 3 years. The dual growth of industry and population in St. Charles Parish has resulted in a continual absorption of agriculturai land and wetland areas for industria@, commercial and residential use. The concentra- tion of industries on the high land along the river has forced much of the residential development to occur in more low lying areas of the Parish. An estimate of existing land uses according to category, acre- age and percentage of developed and undeveloped land is presented in Table 5. Noteworthy among these figures is the very large percentage of the Parish which is either water or wetlands. These two categories alone account for 82.9% of the total land area. It is also interesting to note that industrial uses account for 41.2% of the developed land within the Parish, while residential usage accounts for only 15.5%. Of the undeveloped land, extractive uses account for 8.2% of the total.5 21 TABLE 5 EXISTING LAND USE ST. CHARLES PARISH 1976 Cateqag.!@cres Acres % of Dev. Land of Tota I Land Residential 2,325 15.5 0.9 Commercial & Services 267 1.8 0.1 !nciust.-iai 5,198 2.3 7Xtractive 21, 736 8.2 ans-crtatior 755 nstltutlona! @67 Recreation & Open Space 114 0.8 0.04 Mixed 2,109 14.0 0.8 Agriculture 21,726 ----- 8.2 Rangeland 0 0 Forest 7,976 0.7 Water 93,119 35.0 Forested Wetlands 54,340 20.4 Non-Iorested Wetlands 73,112 ----- 27.5 Barren 247 ----- 0.09 SOURCE: Total Developed Land 15,035 South Central Planning F- Develo-ment Commission "' Z,- r' (based in part on N.Y. & Associates Total Undeveloped Land 266,256 and Louisiana State Planning Office data). Existing Land Use Study St. Charles Parish, 1976. TOTAL 281,291 ----- ----- Figure 5 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT 1- 310, INCLUDING HALE BOGGS BRIDGE Future land requirements for major development activities in the Parish are expected to exceed 4,200 acres by the year 1982. The 1-310 bridge under construction between Destrehan and Luling uniting the East and West Banks of the Parish will have significant impact on future de- velopment. Residential growth alone is expected to require an additional 2,024 acres between 1975 and 1985. The largest residential development in St. Charles Parish is Ormond Plantation Estates in Destrehan, with a land area of approxi- mately 1,200 acres and a total of 1,682 lots. This development is pro- Proposed Highway Alignment ceeding in two phases, The first section, consisting of 260 acres of subdivided lots was opened in 1973 and is scheduled for complete development (sold and constructed upon) in 1980. The second section is scheduled for full improvement about 1980. Other developments on the East Bank are expected to add a total of 468 additional acres of residential land by 1980.6 On the West Bank, residential acreage set aside for potential development by 1985 is almost as great as that on the East Bank. If these developments materialize, they should prove adequate to meet the projected residential needs of the Parish by 1985. In terms of future industrial expansion, one major development planned for the area is Plantation Park in Destrehan by the Joseph C. Canizaro Interests of New Orleans. Plans are for utilizing the area Source: Louisiana Department of Highways, which was once the Amoco Refinery. Koch Oil Company recently pur-- 1979 chased approximately 1,500 acres of agricultural land in Killona. Hoyv- ever, no definite plans for development have been made at this time. 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 In order to meet future recreational demands for the projected SCALE IN MILES increased population, it will be necessary to set aside considerable additional acreage for construction and recreational facilities, both in- ST. CHARLES PARISH door and outdoor. An indepth discussion of existing recreational facili- MASTER RECREATION PLAN ties and future needs will follow in Chapter V. prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. 23 engineers. planners. environmental scientists Lake Pontchartrain A, Ki" Norco Good Hop? Tpft Halulville LE BO GGS BRIDGE mimosa Ftr',t I lsiF Paradis 0! 0 Des Allman& x Ponds /X SALVADOR WILDLIFE Gauche MANAGEMENT AREA & 7/ By the year 1985, approximately 30 miles of new highway will have been completed. This includes La. Hwy, 3127, La. Hwy. 3141 and La. Hwy. 3160, all of which are two--lane roads; and the proposed 1-310 highway (approximately 12 miles in length) which will connect 1-10 on the North with U. S. Hwy 90 to the South, crossing the River by means of the Hale Boggs Bridge between Destrehan and Luling.8 The proposed highway construction would consume a combination of farm iand and swamp land (see Figure 5) . However, since F-310 is expected to be partially eievated, the swamp land which it crosses should not be totatly altered. CONCLUSIONS St. Charles Parish will face steadily increasing pressures in the future brought on by accelerated population, commercial and industrial growth. The supply of land is limited, and great demand will be placed on the still existing agricultural and wetland areas of the Parish to meet these needs. If land is to be preserved for recreational purposes, and if the vast natural resources of the wetlands are to be guarded against spoilage or ultimate destruction, wise planning de- cisions, concerning land usage must be made in the very near future. 25 Figure 6 NORTH-SOUTH CROSS SECTION CHAPTER 3 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT St. Charles Parish is located within the broad region known as the Gulf Coastal plain and more specifically the Mississippi deltaic plain. The deltaic plain consists largely of natural levee ridges, abandoned distributaries, swamps and coastal marshes containing numerous shallow bays, lakes and ponds with interconnecting bayous and numerous man- made canals. This deltaic plain is of recent geologic formation having been formed entirely in the last 30,000 years since the last ice age. The Mississippi River's influence on the area is obvious, as all topographic features are a direct result of its activities. Natural ground eleva- tions range from 0 to about 25 feet above mean sea level (M.S.L.) with the highest elevations being the direct result of annual river over- flows. The yearly process of alluvium overflows and deposition forms the basic physiology of the Parish today. A typical North-South section of the Parish illustrates the highest elevations of the natural levees of the Mississippi with the topography sloping to the Lake Pontchartrain basin to the North and the Lac Des Allemands and Lake Salvador basins to the south (see Figure 6). The vast majority of the Parish's total land is suitable primarily Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. for wildlife management and natural preservation for the pursuits of hunting, trapping and the seafood industry. The majority of high ground (adjacent to the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River) is primarily utilized for agriculture, industrial pursuits and various urban uses. These uses comprise less than 10% of the total acreage of the Parish, while occupying almost all of the non-wetland portions ST. CHARLES PARISH of the area. MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepaied by Burk and Associates, Inc. 27 engineers. planners, environmentai scientists Swamp River Swamp Levee Levee Ol 00e A resih to sa.!ine m, a,sn resh 'o sa@ir I Lake Des Allemands, TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY FIgUre 7 The topography of the East and West Banks of St. Charles Parish is typical of the lower Mississippi Region. On the East Bank, the land slopes northerly away from the Mississippi River towards the swamp TOPOGRAPHY and marsh land south of Lake Pontchartrain. This land is essentially AND HYDROLOGY a flat plain which ponds the run-off from the higher elevation and which slowly drains into the Lake through many canals and natural bayous. The principal outlets are Bayou Trepagnier, located just east of the Bonnet Carre Spillway; Bayou La Branche and Bayou Traverse, in the central portion of the East Bank; Bayou Piquant, Walker Canal and Parish Line Canal at the extreme easterly side of the Parish. The top of the artificial levees on both the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River are at about 30 feet mean sea level (MSL), while the natural ground low point of the drainage system on the East Bank is Lake Pontchartrain which has an average water level of about 1.21 feet MSL. Because water levels in the Lake frequently equal or exceed the Existing contour natural ground elevations in the swamp lands, drainage is practically Mean Sea Level datum non-existent in this area. Major drainage The low point of most of the drainage system for the West Bank Minor drainage is Bayou Des Allemands, which has an average water level of about 1.44 Non Flood Prone Area feet MSL at Des Allemands, A portion of the drainage system flows into Lake Salvador and Lake Cataouatche whose stages are closely approxi- mated by the gage at Des Allemands, Because water levels in the Lakes and in Bayou Des Allemands frequently equal or exceed the natural ground elevations in the swamp lands, drainage is practically non-existent in these areas also. The topography of the West Bank is similar to that of the East Bank. The land slopes southerly away from the Mississippi River towards Source: U.S.Geological Survey and the swamp land. The swamp ponds the runoff from the higher elevations Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978 and slowly drains through numerous canals and bayous to Lake Cataouatche, Lake Salvador, Bayou Des Allemands and Lac Des Allemands. The principal outlets on the West Bank are Bayou Bois Piquant and the 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 Louisiana Cypress Lumber Canal, which drain into Lake Cataouatche; 1111111110 _J Grand Bayou Canal, and the southern branch of Paradis Canal which S MC AILL EIN MILES flows into Bayou Des Allemands; and the Eighty Arpent and Bayou Fortier Canals which drain into Lac Des Allemands. ST. CHARLES PARISH MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by 29 Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners. environmental scientists Lake Pontchartrain A A, My Good Hope Almedi Hahn Sarpy 95 J Boutt .10i Park It. . . . .. . . . . . POO Gauche SALVADOR WILDLIFE MANAULMENJ AREA -7 ol", Figure 8 In evaluating flood prone areas, it is important to note that these CLIMATIC INFLUENCES areas are not necessarily undevelopable for recreation. However, if development does occur, precautionary measures should be taken to minimize potential flood damage through building structures that are designed for seasonal flooding, Sewage treatment must be accommodated on site as most areas are not adjacent to municipal treatment systems. Major Hurricane Paths Abundant ground water is also available via wells for recrea- tional needs in areas that are not presently served by municipal water service. Figure 7 illustrates the basic hydrological and topographical features of the Parish. Major Atmospheric Influences CLIMATE The climate of southern Louisiana is determined by the huge land mass to the north, its subtropical latitude and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. The prevalent winds are from the south or southeast and consequently the influence of the warm moist air from the Gulf signifi- cant. The region's climate is generally referred to as maritime sub- tropical. Summer weather is rather consistent and physical conditions Source: U.S. Department of Commerce are favorable for the sporadic development of thundershowers which National Oceanic and Atmospheric recur in spells with considerable regularity. Temperatures range Administration.1978 from 85 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 95 degrees F. during afternoons and 65 degrees F. to 75 degrees F. during early mornings. Along the immediate Gulf Coast temperatures rarely exceed 100 degrees F. Occasional periods of hot and dry weather, characteristic of 8 4 8 24 the continental climate of the Plains States, interrupt prevailing summer moist conditions. The Parish is also subject during summer and fall SCALE IN MIL to tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricanes strike the Louisana coast on the average of once every two years. Damage to the natural ST. CHARLES PARISH and human environment is often severe as high winds, tidal surge MASTER RECREATION PLAN and flood devasts low-lying areas (Figure 8) prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners. environmental scientists 31 %N CON7"'N"TAL ATMOSPHERIC see* Missi Illy 0 06 St.Tam any 1*4 . . ....... hn I o Or Iberia -St. James sumption JeTTOW0 St. Bernard Martin; . . . . . .... . \Aa . . . . . . . ...... .......... \c MARITIME ................ ... ........... I, ow p . ... .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... ............. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, ........ ...................... ........ ... .......... ..... .................................................... . Figure 9 VEGETATION MAP During the cooler seasons weather conditions are more variable as the coast is covered alternately by warm tropical maritime air and cold polar continental air. The cold air, although modified by its southward movement through the states, frequently causes large and rather sudden drops in temperature. Average winter temperatures range from 55 degrees F. to 65 degrees F. in the afternoons to 40 degrees F. to 50 degrees F. during 1. Modified wctlands early morning hours, although both higher and lower readings are often observed. Freezing temperatures (32 degrees F. or lower) are recorded 2. Natural levee forest on an average of 10 to 35 days in the area. The average date for the 3. Fresh marsh first freeze in the fall is December 6, with the last freeze in the spring 4. Forest wetlands on February 9. This gives St. Charles Parish an average annual growing season of 301 days. 5. Intel-MC-diate Marsh The average annual precipitation of 57 inches is generally well distributed throughout the year. Nevertheless, rainfall during any period may vary greatly from one year to the next. On the average, the month with the lowest rainfall is October with a mean of about 4 inches. The minimum recorded annual rainfall in southeastern Louisiana was 29.62 inches in 1962 and the maximum was 77.28 inches in 1961. Louisiana is south of the regular track of large winter cyclonic storm centers, but occasionally one does develop this far south. Dur- Source: 'Lloui siana Coastal 'i@esources Atlas, ing some winters, however, a succession of storm'centers may develop Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978 over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing overcast skies and steady rains of several days duration. The waters of the Mississippi River are usually colder than the Q air temperature from December through April. This causes development of river fog during these months, especially with light southerly winds. The extensive lakes, marshes and swamp areas in the Parish also in- Srl"'. CHAR-LIZA S PARISH crease the incidence of fog. MASTER RECREATION ?LAN prepared by 33 Burk and Associates, @nc. eitcineers-pla7inars-ervironmartaI scienUsts L L*e POMctwtrain T ,Ki a Taft GOod Hope Hahwnvlll arpy 4 AlMediji Ama soutte 0 MIMOsa Pa,k - cl, --7 ar 6 AllernanaS x e SALVAI)OR WILDLIFE 3 MANAGEMENT AREA 7 lZ"m ON Figure 10 ECOLOGICAL ZONES CROSS SECTION OF Ecological zones are closely associated with a combination of ECOLOGICAL ZONES elevation, soils, wildlife habitat and dominant vegetation types (Figure 9). These zones illustrate general biological associations. Within the transition zones or ecotones, there are floral (plants) and faunal (ani- mals) characteristics that are indigenous of both. Both floral and faunal species associated with the various zones are identified (Figure 10) . SOIL TYPES Soil types and topographic elevation in St. Charles Parish gen- erally occur in similar zones. The non-wetland soil associations and the highest elevations found in the Parish are alluvial deposits of primarily the past 10,000 years, laid down by the Mississippi River. Annual spring overflows deposited this soil, forming the basic topo- graphic relief as it is today. These alluvial soil associations are com- prised of the Commerce- Convent Association and the Sharkey Association. Commerce soils occur at the higher elevations closest to the River and are composed of silt loam or silty clay loam surface and silty clay loam subsoil. Sharkey soils are generally found at lower elevations, still close to the River, and are poorly drained. They have a dark gray, clay surface and a gray subsoil, Commerce soils are better suited for urban and intensive recreational activities than Sharkey soils, which have a lower bearing capacity. Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978 Other non-wetland soils consist of loamy floodplain lands which occur within the Bonnet Carre Spillway and unprotected batture areas. This soil likewise is suitable for intensive recreational activity. Swamp areas of lower elevation which are flooded much of the time, have soils composed of an organic surface layer one to several feet deep over firm to semi-fluid gray clays. After being drained, swamp soils have very severe limitations for most intensive recreational uses ST. CHARLES PARISH because of their low bearing strength, very high subsidence rate, and MASTER RECREATION PLAN very high shrink-s%Ajel! potential. prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc.. engineers - plann 35 ers. environmental scientists Swamp Levee River Levee Swamp PO Fresh to saline marsh Fresh to saline marsh Lake Lake Des Allemands Pontchartrain RIDGE ASSOCIATED SPECIES SWAMP ASSOCIATED SPECIES MARSH ASSOCIATED SPECIES TREES GRASSES, FORBS AND AQUATICS TREES GRASSES, FORBS AND AQUATICS Bitter Pecan Carya aquatica Bermudagrass - Cynodon clactylon Bald Cypress - Taxodium distichum Maidencone Panicum hemitomum Black Willow Salix ni2a Bluestems - Andropogon !M. Red Maple - Acer drummondil Bulltongue Sagittaria lancifolla S. falcata Boxelder - Acer neg-undo Carpetgrass - Axonopus affinis Water'Tupelo - Nyssa acquatica Spikerush Eleocharis R!rvula Green Ash - Fraxinus pen-nsylvanica Cocklebur - Xanthium stumarium Alligatorweed - X-Iternanthera philoxeroides Hickory - Carya spp. Palmetto - Sebal minor SHRUBS AND VINES Sedge Cyperus ocloratus Honey Locust - Gleditsia triaconthos Clover - Trifolium spp. Cattail Typha !M. Live Oak - Quercus virqiniana Crabgrass Digitirlia-sanguinalis Buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis Walter's millet - Echinochloa walteri Nuttal Oak - Quercus nuttallii Dallisgrass Paspalum dilatatum Fern - At ME. Water hyacinth - -fi-c-hornia crassipes Sugar Hackberry S!!!!s laevigata Fescue - Festuca arundinacea Water hyssop - Bacopa monnieri Swamp Dogwood Cornus drummondii Switchgrass - Panicum viraatum GRASSES, FORBS AND AQUATICS - Scirpus 2!nffj Sweetgum - Liquidambar styraciflua Vaseygrass - Paspalum urvillei Southern wildrice - Zizaniopsis miliacea Sweet Pecan - Carya illinoensis Fall panicum - Panicum clichotomifforum Giant Cutgrass - Zizaniopsis miliacea Smartweed - Polygonum spp. Water Oak - Quercus nogra Foxtail - Setaria Sedges - Carex !M. Deerpea luteola V. repens Willow Oak -Vuercus phellos Smartweed P;Iygonum spp. Overcup Oak - Querc@;-!Y-Ea-ta Duckweed Lemnal !pE. SHRUBS AND VINES Water Hyacinth - Eichhornia crassipes Alabama Supplejack - Berchemia scandens Blackberry - Rubus spp. Qewberry @ubys @M. ?,*+eenbrier Smilax spp. Honeysuckle - gn--ice-ralaponica Rattlebox - Daubentonia texana Trumpetcreeper - Campsis radicans Waxmyrtle Cyrica cerifera Hawthorn Crataegus marshalli FigUre 11 SOIL TYPES Marsh soils, which cover a major part of the Parish area, con - sist of peat or muck underlain by slightly firm to semi-fluid gray clays. They are organic and mineral soils with high subsidence characteris- tics. low bearing strength, severe fire hazard potential, and very severe Hmit'ations for most intensive recreational uses after drainage (Figure 11) . LAND CAPABILITIES 1. Marsh,drained - Protected organic Based on an analysis of all natural factors inventoried, areas and mineral marshland able for various types of recreational actNity can be delineated. With 2. Swamp -Organic and mineral 84% of the Parish's land comprised of swamp, marsh and spillway areas, swampland the location of intensive recreational development features (structures, 3. Marsh- Fresh Marsh organized athletic fields) is very limited. Other recreation activities (hunting and natural outdoor activities that do not require developed 4. Loamy alluvial land- Loamy flood- facilities) can, however, occur throughout the Parish. plain land Four zones or areas within the Parish have been delineated 5. Sharkey association- Level clayey (Figure 12) based on their general capability to support various in soils tensities of development. They are as follows: Cate5jory Capability 1. Suitable for intensive recreational development. This zone has the best soil classification (Com- merce-Sharkey) for structures, roadways and Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture sewage treatment, is not generally subject to Soil Conservation Survey, 1975 flooding, and is not adjacent to any signifi- cant wetland areas. 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 2. Suitable for intermediate recreational develop- SOCALE' 1N MILEi ment. This zone shares the same soil classi-- fication as #1, or is loamy floodplain (batture & 13A spillway); however, it is subject to periodic ST.CHARLES LIXRISH 6@/K @@JN' flooding and any structures should be allevat.0-11.44. MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by 37 Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers, planners. onvironmentai scientists Lake Pontchwtrain cp Dot" INC Hope Almedia Hal v;II N Sa 13 mb -j CI-2 le Mimosa N '@2 3 Pwadiv@ no 6 0 Des Aliemanck' x SALVADOR WILDLIFE Gaurhe EMENT AREA Ox W, A ;9�dklk@@ FigUre I? LAND CAPABILITIES 1. Suitable for intensive development 2. Suitable for intermediate development 3. Suitable for limited recreational development 3. Suitable for limited recreational development, 4. Suitable for recreational activity This zone does not have a soil classification that will permit economical construction of structures and roadways. Structures will need to be ele- vated to prevent damage from flooding. Sewage would have to be treated properly so as not to cause a problem to adjacent wetland areas. Source: Louisiana Coastal Resources Atlas, This zone can be used for recreational access Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978 facilities (boat launches, etc.) as it is in most cases adjacent to existing water bodies. 4. Suitable for recreational activity. This zone con- sists primarily of cypress-tupelo swamp and marsh 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 area and is not suitable for recreational uses 0 ' Z:30MML= that require man-made land based support facil- SCALE IN MILES ities. It is excellent, however, for hunting, crayfishing, boating and other outdoor type ST. CHARLES PARISH pursuits (Figure 12). MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers- planners. environmental scientists Lake 0 tchartrain on 0%, C9 .60 P 4 Nlorcol J Taft Hann 1A L Sarpy Ama 0; 0 Mimosa NrK Paradis A 0 De r x Porwjs SALVADOR xx WILDLIFE Gauche 1%14@NAGEMENI AREA Z, @X` CHAPTER 4 Public parks and recreational areas that contain adequate facili- ties are practically nonexistent in St. Charles Parish. Moreover, the Parish has had a history of lacking these facilities. Three decades ago, recreational interest usually took the form of activities that did not re- ANALYSIS OF quire improved facilities. The use of open spaces in conjunction with hunting and fishing were the major forms of recreation activity. RECREATION IN In 1950, there were no recreational facilities offered to children other than those offered by school playgrounds and private organiza- tions, many of which were overused and outdated, with no program ST. CHARLES for their renewal. Open areas were considered sufficient to accommodate demand. Recreation needs for entire neighborhoods were I'satisfied" by vacant lots. Because open space was so abundant in St. Charles, and be- cause of the attitude that simple "space" was sufficient, playgrounds, PARISH parks and recreation facilities were not developed. FORMATION OF RECREATION DISTRICT In 1967, the St. Charles Parish Recreation District was formed. Essentially, the formation of this District provided that a bond Issue with a predetermined millage tax could be voted upon by all qualified voters In the Parish for the purpose of developing parks and purchasing equipment, and an additional millage tax could be voted upon for financing maintenance and operation. In November of 1978, such a bond issue was rejected by the voters of St. Charles Parish. The Recreation District has therefore had to work with a very limited budget. In its first full year of operation (1976), the budget con- sisted of $18,462, most of which ($14,962) came from the St. Charles Police Jury's General Fund. The remaining $3,500 was given to the District by Interfaith Alliance through United Givers. Only $3,191, or 17% of the total budget was allocated to the purchase of equipment. The majority of the funds were utilized for salaries and overhead expenses. 41 In 1977, 'he budget picture was a little brighter for the Recreation District. The Police Jury allocated $90,000: $10,040 of this sum was spent on equipment, $11,750 was spent on various improvements, $3032 was spent on utilities 'Llights & water for various playgrounds), and $794 was spent on special events, such as tennis, volleyball, AAU Irack, and a balloon contest. The remaining expenses (except for $26,000 dedicated to match funds from the Pontchartrain Levee District for construction on the East Bank) were allocated to salaries and over- head. in 1978, the Recreation District not only received $90,0100 from the Police Jury, but also received $26, 000 from the Pontchartrain Levee Board to match District funds, $30,000 from United Givers, a private contribution of $1,500,and $2,300 reimbursement for a pilot program from Community Action. Needless to say' the recreation program was ex- panded to include more activities and more improvements than ever before. Even though the amount of income received by the District in- creased significantly from 1976 to 1977, and increased by 63% from 1977 to 1978, this trend is by no means an indication of continuing funding stability. It has been established that the District will receive only $50,000 from the Police Jury in 1979. This will mean considerable moderation of spending over 1978 unless contributions from individuals and charities make up the difference. The sequence of past events indicates that there is little assur- ance that any significant funding for recreation will be available without a successful bond issue. If passed, the funds could be used for the development and maintenance of parks, facilities and various recrea- tional programs. The program should include the hiring of a professional director and other essential personnel; until now these positions have been primarily filled on a volunteer basis, with little or no remuneration. The following is an example of salaries that were paid in 1976 by the Recreation District: 42 Director (1) $2,537 Secretary (1) 2,082 Bookkeeper (1) 607 Supervisors (3) 2,875 Playground Directors (10) 8,526 Playground Assistants (40) 8,340 Special Instructors (8) 1,678 The number of positions are directly related to budget constraints on a yearly basis, except for the Director and the volunteer Chairman of the Board, whose time and efforts have been invaluable to the pro- motion and direction of a recreation program in St. Charles Parish in the last few years. THE RECREATION DISTRICT PROGRAM As the budget permits, summer programs are initiated using some Parish-leased sites, but rely most heavily on school sites and their facilities. The summer program consists of organizational games, arts and crafts, field trips to Audubon Pool in New Orleans, skating rinks, putt-putt golf courses and the like. During the summer of 1978, a pilot program in- volving the transporting of East Bank children to the New Sarpy School and the Destrehan High School appeared to be working successfully. The summer program may be substantially reduced during 1979, however, due to lack of funds. The largest program within the District, in terms of money expended and number of children participating, is the Organized Team Sports section of the Recreation program. This section evolved from various separate seg- regated groups which had operated since 1956 under the designations of St. Charles Recreation Association (Caucasian) and the Riverside Youth Association (Black). These groups were supported by individual donations, fund raising of various sorts and the United Givers. In 1978, United Givers voted to fund recreation through the District, and through the efforts of the Recreation District and an ad hoc group (which later evolved into the Recrea- tion Advisory Council), most of these above mentioned private groups opted to join the Recreation Districi and tu accept its policies--the most important of which was that membership must be open to all races. 43 At present, the Organized Team Sports section of the District is com- prised of 57 baseball teams, 28 girls' softball teams, 29 football teams and 31 basketball teams. There is also considerable interchange between the teams on both sides of the River at this time. INVENTORY OF EXISTING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES The following sub-sections present an inventory of existing recrea- tion facilities in St. Charles Parish and delineate the nature and general quality of these facilities. (Figure 13 indicates location of facilities). Public and Parochial School Recreational Facilities Even though Parish population figures have more than doubled since 1950, there has been no comparative increase in the number of recreation facilities. The number of schools, however, has increased over the past few decades in order to accommodate this growth and since schools are more or less evenly spaced throughout the Parish (see Figure 13), it has been the policy of the Recreation District to use school grounds and facilities when- ever possible. Schools are therefore heavily depended upon and very im- portant to the recreation program. At present, the District has secured 10-year leases on three public school sites: Norco Elementary, St. Rose Elementary and Boutte Special Education (see subsection Parish Owned or Leased Areas) . It has also secured 25-year leases on two parochial sites: Our Lady of the Rosary in Hahnville and St. Gertrude in Des Allemands. 44 There are a total of 23 public schools on approximately 290 acres of Figure 13 land in the Parish. The school sites have varying degrees of recreational area and facilities which are utilized by the students during the school year. During times when they are not used for normal school acitivites, some of these facilities are used for organized recreation programs and the summer EXISTING program. However, because of maintenance problems, most schools will not RECREATIONAL permit their grounds or facilities to be used unless there is supervision by an adult. FACILITIES AND SCHOOL PROPERTY Table 6 lists the public schools in St. Charles Parish, their approximate acreage and their current enrollment. * Moritz PlaVground El Propertv ie'ased bv Police -Jury- Recreation District Parish Owned Or Leased Areas School Property -leased by Police (Police Jury - Recreational District) Jury -Recreational District 0 School Board Property Several sites were given to the Parish by the Federal Government for A Corn@ mercial Establish'ment recreational purposes. One site of approximately I I acres located near A Non- Profit Organ 1 zations and Montz on the East Bank, has been developed as a playground area with a baseball diamond, backstop and two basketball courts. The lease on Private Clubs another 8.8 acre site near Montz was recently revoked due to the lack of Refer to T bles 6, 7 & 8 for Site funds to develop it for recreational purposes. a I Information Other parks and playgrounds leased by the Parish and their approxi- mate acreage are shown in Table 7. Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. There are also two recently constructed public boat ramps imme- This map depicts general location diately adjacent to Highway 3127. of facilities and should be used for The totat amount of property owned or leased by the Parish is planning p.-Lfrposes only. approximately 62 acres. Most of the leased property is based on a contract having no clause for reimbursement of monies spent on facilities in the 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 event that the property should revert to the owners. SCALE IN MILES Many of the recreational opportunities in the Parish are offered by commercial establishments and non-profit organizations (private clubs, ST. CHARLES PARISH civic groups, etc.) These are listed in Table 8. MASTER RECREATION PLAN 1;@K @, J prepared by 45 Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners. environmental scientists t Lake POntchartrain 7 4@@ Ju. Ty GOod H,)V, kthnville 18 Airnea,a 8 3 2 (D Z@ 15 777- 7 2 14 5 'MON8 Park 4 aracils 7 14 it 12 Gauch, SAI-VAc)OR WILDLF, MANAGE h4CM AREA -7 AOW, X Z, TABLE 6 Map Reference (0 or 0 on-Iffg. 13) Current 1979 INVENTORY OF WESTBANK AcLeaqe Enrollment ST. CHARLES PARISH Grades No. PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 1979 1. A. A. Songy, Senior Elementary (Luling) 30.00 (4--6) 420 2. Allemands Elementary (Des Allemands) 10.00 (K-3) 364 3. G. W, Carver Elementary (Hahnville) 10,00 (K-3) 198 4. Hahnville Elementary (Hahnville) 14.00 (1-6) 234 S. Hahnville High (Boutte) 36.34 (10-12) 1123 6. Hahnville Junior High (Hahrville) 15.10 (7-11) 567 7. J, B. Martin Junior High (Paradis) 20.00 (7-9) 810 8. Killona Elementary (Killona) 1.00 (K-6) 124 9. Luling Elementary (Luling) 11.00 (1-6) 652 10. Luling Kindergarten (Luling) .52 (K) (1) 11. Mimosa P:3rk Elementary (Luling) 7.80 (1-6) 568 12. R. J. Vial Middle School (Paradis) 11.70 (4-6) 322 13. St. Charles Special Education Center (Boutte) 4.00 171.46 5382 EASTBANK 14. Destrehan High (Destrehan) 20.00 (9-12) 103S 15. Good Hope Elementary (Good Hope) .25 (1-2) (2) 16. New Sarpy Middle (New Sarpy) 18.00 (6-8) 644 17. Norco Elementary (Norco) 21.40 (2-6) 543 18. Norco Primary (Norco) .50 (K-1) (3) 19. St. Charles Evaluation & Vocational Training Center (Destrehan) 28. 32* (4) 20. St. Rose Middle (St. Rose) 15.00 (4-6) 377 21.. St. Rose Primary (St. Rose) 15.00 392 118.47 2991 Parish Total 289.93 8373 Inciudes 7.7 acres batture. (1) Enrollment included in Luling Elementary (2) Enroilmeni included 'IF, New c3parpy Middic (3) Enrollment included in Norco Elementary SOURCE: St. Charles Parish School Board (4) Enrollment included in Destrehan High ,47 TABLE 7 PARISH-LEASED RECREATION SITES Map Reference (Dor 0 on Fig. 13) Site 1 Killona Playground (Baseball, Basketball) 12.5 acres 2 Monsanto Bicentennial Park (4 Tennis Courts) 6.0 acres 3 Bethune Playground (Baseball) 5.0 acres 4 Boutte Mini-Park 0 lot) . 5 acre 5 2 New Sarpy Parks 1 . 0 acre 6 Lagutta Playground N.A. 7 Boat Launches N. A. 17 Norco Elementary (Baseball, Football) 7.5 acres 21 St. Rose Elementary (Baseball, Football) 7.0 acres 13 Boutte Special Ed. (Baseball, Football, Basketball) 5.0 acres 8 Our Lady of the Rosary (Tennis, Basketball) 3.0 acres 9 St. Gertrude (Tennis, Basketball) 3.0 acres SOURCE: Burk &Associates, Inc. 48 TABLE 8 RECREATION FACILITIES OWNED BY COMMERCIAL OR NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Map Reference Commercially Owned Areas on Fig. 13) 1 Luling Trailrides 2 Leon Roberts Riding Stables 3 Loupe's Boat Ramp 4 Pier 90 5 Pier 11 6 Jeffrey Dufresne Boat Launch 7 Sportmen's Wharf 8 Simeneaux's Fishing and Hunting Club Recreation Areas Owned or Leased by Non-profit Organizations on Fig. 13) 1 Hill Heights Country Club 2 Fashion Golf and Country Club 3 Willowdale Country Club 4 Mimosa Park Swim and Racquet Club 5 Sun Villa, Inc. Country Club 6 St. Charles Recreation Association (Ellington Swim Club) 7 St. Charles Parish Boating Club 8 Norco Boating Club 9 Marsh Duck Club, Inc. 10 Sugarland Beagel Club 11 St. Charles Marsh and Duck Club 12 Allemands Lions Club Recreational Area 13 Hahnville Lions Club Skeet 14 American Legion Park is Ama Athletics Corp. Playfield 16 New Sarpy Association Playground SOURCE: Burk and Associates, Inc. 17 Norco Women's Club Playground St. Charles Parish 18 Paradis Nature Study Trail Recreation [011st'r-ect Board i9 A111cmand-, a'. C. Recreational Area 49 Federal and State Areas The State Wildlife Management Area of Salvador is located along the northwestern shore of Lake Salvador. It is composed of approximately 31,000 acres of marshland and water. Access is limited to boat due to the lack of -oads. Three major routes are used: 1) Bayou Segnette from Westwego into Lake Cataouatche then west; 2) Seller Canal to Bayou Verret into Lake Cataouatche then west; and 3) through Bayou Des Allemands. Management objectives include the development of access routes ana water level manage- ment through the use of water control structures. Excellent freshwater fishing is available in Lake Salvador. Bass, bream, crappie, catfish, drum and garfish are abundant. Non-consumptive forms of recreation available in the Lake Salvador area are boating, nature study, picnicking and primitive camping. The St. Charies Wetland is a proposed Federai Wildlife Management Area which covers 24,000 acres. It is bounded by the Bonnet Carre Spillway, the Jefferson Parish line, Lake Pontchartrain and Airline Highway. This wetland is an excellent recreational area offering fishing, hunting, trapping, boating and other related sports. The Bonnet Carre Floodway and Spillway area contains approximately 3,500 acres for the public use of hunting water- fowl, fishing, crayfishing, picnicking and boating. Scenic Roads Pleasure driving has been ranked as one of the most popular recrea- tional activities in the nation, and St. Charles Parish is able to provide some of the best opportunities for this activity. A study of potential roads desig- nated as "state scenic routes" has been completed by the Federal Highway Administration and the Office of Highways, according to the Louisiana Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) . One such potential scenic route is the "Great River Road", a portion of which passes through St. Charles Parish on the West bank of the Mississippi River, This route follows State Highway 3127 from Killona to Boutte and joins Highway 90 to the Parish line. 50 Figure 14 Historical, Cultural and Archaeological Sites HISTORIC, CULTURAL Closely related to pleasure driving is the leisure time activity of AND visiting historic, cultural and archaeological sites, St. Charles Parish has ARCHAEOLOGICAL several of these attractions, some of which have been placed on the National SITES Register of Historic Places (see-Figure 14 for their general locations.*) Scenic Rivers 1. Trepagnier Site Louisiana's scenic river system was established by Act 398 of the 2. Bonne Carre Spillway 1970 Legislature. This system includes three rivers located in St. Charles 3. The Glendale Nantation Parish. They are: 1) Bayou Des Allemands (from Lac Des Allemands to 4. Glendale Goldi-nine Lake Salvador); 2) Bayou Trepagnier (from Norco to where it joins 5. Helena Bayou La Branche); and 3) Bayou La Branche (from its source to where it 6. German Coast Settlernent drains into Lake Pontchartrain) . These, along with many other bodies 7. The Lock BreaLIN Live0ak of water located in St. Charles Parish, offer opportunities for boating, S. St.Charles Parish Festival fishing, swimming, skiing and canoeing. 9. Keller House 10. Fashion Teri-ace - Dr. Lehmann HOLISC Other Resources 11. Ormond House St. Charles Parish has two other available sources of land area 12. St.Charles Borrorneo Church which may be used for limited recreational activities. They are batture and 13. Horneplace Plantation levee lands. Batture is that area of land between the Mississippi River and 14. Destrehan Plantation the flood protection levee, it is flood prone, but excellent for low in- 15. Destrehar Plantation Fall Festival tensity, open space recreation activities such as picnicking, walking for 16. Ellington Manor pleasure and birdwatching. Levees are excellent for walking and jogging and for any other activity which does not wear away the surface of the 17. Pecan Grove Plantation House levee, or is not otherwise detrimental to the structural integrity of the levee. 18. Battle of Boutte However, the primary function of the levee is flood protection and any other 19. Des Allemands Area function, including recreation, is secondary in importance. Source: Louisiana Coastal Resources Atlas. Burk and Associates, Inc, 1978 2 - 1 0 1 2 3 4 *Some of these archaeological sites, however, are shown on the map for M r-_ .1 _' planning purposes only; due to the possible occurrence of vandalism, SCALE IN MILES they are not publicized. ST.CHAAV R L E Cc! P.A.RILSH MASTER RECREATION PLAN A 51 prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners. environmental scientists L..--- .. - - - Lake Pontchartrain A T No Good Hope T171 New Sar Almedia 16 Boutte 0 Mimosa ParK Paradis C C L 0 Allemands - - - - - - - - 0 -- - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------- x Fim - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - Gauche Indian Mounds ---7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - El Historical --------------- d@ Cultural -7- AShell M'ddens - M//Z Z, Scenic Routes 9e,sooo Scenic Rivers CONCLUSION The present condition of existing recreational facilities varies with each individual site. Some sites are in excellent condition; however, most display an underdeveloped image and leave the impression that there is little maintenance. These sites do not display the organized and aesthe- tically pleasing image that is generally associated with a "developed" park or recreational facility. This is mostly the result of different ownership and/or lease status for each individual site. Many sites with a year-to-year lease, or even an unwritten lease that can be cancelled on a moment's notice, do not receive the maintenance or capital improve- ments that are necessary for a viable park and recreation program. Throughout the entire Parish, the only playground owned fee simple by the Recreation District is an 1 1-acre site at Montz. The uncertain ownership status of almost all Parish recreation facilities is one of the primary reasons for present recreational deficiencies in St. Charles Parish. A listing of existing recreational facilities located in St. Charles Parish is contained in Appendix B. This inventory will serve as a base of information and should be analyzed and updated periodically as facility status changes. The inventory has been compiled by updating Recreation District information with on-site inspection of selected properties. 53 CHAPTER 5 It is generally agreed that the need for outdoor recreation is based primarily on, "man's biological need to retain some association with the out- doors and also on his psychological need for contrast and change in spatial surroundings. "0 To a great extent, the need for outdoor recreation Is di- RECREATION rectly proportional to the degree of urbanization, and given the rapid urbanization occurring in St. Charles Parish, the provision of such facili- ties is becoming a visible necessity. The determination of overall recrea- DEMAND AND tional facility needs in tl@_e Parish was an assimilation of three primary sources: NEEDS a. Existing and future recreational needs for the region using standards and participation rates as outlined by the Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission and some national standards; b. Present needs as determined by on-site facility inspection; C. Needs as determined by the St. Charles Parish Police Jury, Recreation District and other local officials, The term "recreation" does not mean the same thing to every person, and by the same token each urban population exhibits different values concerning recreation. Regional populations have their own unique charac- teristics as to what can be offered and what is desired. A comprehensive recreation plan should strive to respect these diverse values and particular desires while taking into consideration existing land use or environmental constraints. A fair measure of determining desires within the Parish may be shown by participation rates of various recreation acitivites as shown in Table 9. A participation rate is the average number of times each person participates in a given activity each year, and may be taken as a meaning- ful reflection of interest. It may be noted here, however, that participation is more a matter of consumption than demand, essentially reflecting avail- able opportunities. Therefore, a comparison to national standards will also be made in order to detect deficiencies in the existing inventory of recrea- tion facilities and to point out certain facilities that may be desired by resi- dents of St. Charles Parish. These participation rates will be used as guide- lines to help determine priorities of demand and will be referred to fre- quently in 'the text. 54 Also referred to in the text will be the "Use Standard Table" (see Table 10) . A use standard is defined as a unit of space that is required for one person to participate in a particular recreation activity. For in- stance, a minimum of .036 acres of land per person is required for tent camping. Standards for some of these activities have been developed, but basically they are activities for which no special facility is required. It should be noted that standards for recreation space can and should play a role in the recreation planning process. They are, however, only guide- lines to provide a given measure of land or quantity of facilities. All stand- ards and participation rates used in this study have been obtained from the Louisiana State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), unless otherwise specified. Exact demand for outdoor recreation facilities in a particular locality is not easily defined or quantified. In the context of American lifestyle, demand is a composite of various elements such as income and mobility of the popu- lation served. The quantity of facilities needed, however, is essentially a function of population and is, therefore, one of the most important elements associated with recreation demand. It has been estimated that the total popu-. lation of St. Charles Parish in 1980 will be 36,250 and in 1990 will be 44,271. Calculations in this study are based on these figures. 55 TABLE 9 PARTICIPATION RATES FOR VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, LOUISIANA AND REGION 3 (1980) Activity Louisiana Region 3* Birdwatching 2.35 .66 Playing Baseball 3.80 1.38 Bicycling 9.14 4.17 Playing Basketball 2.75 .98 Camping, Tent 1.56 .30 Playing Football 3.22 1.46 Camping, Trailer 1.52 .67 Playing Volleyball 2.02 .34 Canoeing .30 .09 Sailing .37 .10 Crayfishing 1.96 2.48 Sightseeing 6.38 7.23 Crabbing 1.92 2.06 Swimming, Gulf 2.01 1.04 Driving for Pleasure 9.95 4.41 Swimming, Lakes 2.34 .49 Fishing, Freshwater 6.04 2.78 Swimming, Pools 6.53 3.09 Fishing, Saltwater 2.22 2.89 Tennis 2.43 1,65 Golfing 1.81 2.34 Walking 10.17 3.30 Hiking 1.06 .52 Watching Auto Racing .63 .26 Horseback Riding 1.51 1.06 Watching Baseball 4.39 2.60 Hunting Big Game 2.10 .81 Watching Football 4.95 3.85 Hunting Small Game 3.75 2.10 Watching Golf .42 1.00 Hunting Waterfowl 1.66 1.28 Watching Horse Racing 1.10 .56 Motor Boating 5.05 3.55 Watching Outdoor Concerts .53 .15 Motor Cycling 2.98 1.58 Watching Tennis .73 .82 Nature Walk 2.62 1.20 Water Skiing 1.53 1.19 Picnicking 3.19 1.33 *Region 3 is located in the southern part of Louisiana and is made up of the following six parishes: St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Assumption, Lafourche, Terrebonne. SOURCE: Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Louisiana State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1977. 56 REGIONAL DEMAND "Regional demand" for St. Charles Parish recreation facilities is a term defined to mean demand originating from non-resident users from adjacent parishes, especially the highly urbanized and densely populated parishes of Orleans and Jefferson (see Figure 2). It is impossible to deter- mine with any great certainty what proportion of the participants from other parishes use certain activities in St. Charles Parish. The calculations for existing and projected regional demand are determined by using total Parish population figures, and, therefore, should be construed as "minimal guide- lines" for the number of facilities needed to meet that demand. St. Charles is most suited to offer the region unique recreational surroundings thv. cannot possibly be offered by the highly urbanized parishes. St. Charies Parish is comprised of a total of 281,291 acres; of this acreage 93,119, or 35%, is composed of water (lakes, streams, bayous, etc.), and 127,452 acres, or 48%, is composed of forested and non-forested wetlands. Therefore, regional demand in St. Charles Parish is generally limited to those activities which are dependent on the existence of these types of land uses, such as watersports, hunting, fishing, picknicking and camping. As may be seen in Table 11, the number of motorboat registrations have increased steadily over the last five years. In 1978, there were 3,346 motorboats registered within the Parish. The number of licenses for sport fishing has increased as well since 1972, but has remained relatively constant since 1973, averaging approximately 4,500 licenses sold to residents of St. Charles Parish per year. An average of 20 non-resident "seasonal" fishing licenses were sold yearly, and non-resident "per trip" fishing licenses have averaged approximately 112 sold per year. 57 TABLE 10 USE STANDARDS FOR VARIOUS RECREATION ACTIVITIES Activity Use Standard Birdwatching No Standard Bicycling No Standard Camping, Tent .036 acres Camping, Tra i ler .025 acres Canoeing .16 miles stream Crayfishing No Standard Crabbing No Standard Driving for Pleasure No Standard Fishing, Freshwater .012 acres land Fishing, Saltwater .012 acres land Golfing .14 acres Hiking .03 acres Horseback Riding .05 miles Hunting Big Game 26.00 acres Hunting Small Game No Standard Hunting Waterfowl No Standard Motor Boating .008 ac. land/2.72 ac. water Motor Cycling No Standard Nature Walk .025 miles Picnicking .02 acres Playing Baseball .025 acres Playing Basketball .0025 acres Playing Football .033 acres Playing Volleyball No Standard Sailing No Standard Sightseeing No Standard Swimming, Gulf 110.87 sq. ft. Swimming, Lakes No Standard Swimming, Pools 4. 48 sq. ft. Tennis .002 acres Walking No Standard Watching Auto Racing No Standard Watching Baseball No Standard Watching Football No Standard Watching Golf No Standard Watching Hose Racing No Standard SOURCE: Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Watching Outdoor Concerts No Standard Louisiana State Com rehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1977. Watching Tennis No Standard p Water Skiing .008 acres land 58 TABLE 11 MOTOR BOAT REGISTRATION 1973 to 1978 ST. CHARLES PARISH Number of Boats Year Registered 1973 1,454 1974, 1,670 1975 1,880 1976 2,454 1977 2,885 1978 3,346 SOURCE: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (1978). It is apparent from these figures that the demand is high for such water-oriented activities and, fortunately, the supply of these natural re- sources is abundant in St. Charles Parish, There is, however, a lack of access to these areas, not only in St. Charles Parish, but throughout the State. The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan states: "One would not expect to find a severe need for water- oriented facilities in a state that has the abundance of water that Louisiana has. However, there is in this state an acute lack of access to existing water areas. Because of limited water access, often the same location, although not actually a boat ramp, is used repeatedly as a launching site, and thus be- comes a de facto boat ramp. In many instances these locations are privately owned and require trespass by the user to gain access to the body of water. 59 "Water access is usually gained by utilizing the area under the bridge at a public highway crossing. In addition to normally requiring trespass, this prac- tice has the additional disadvantages of not offering parking space, not having garbage disposal areas, and committing the individual to a float that may vary from between a few hours to two or more days, depending on the location of the next access/egress point, which is usually a second bridge. Any given access point is usually the only point of contention on a stream. Once off the stream, so long as the in- dividual respects the rights of the adjacent prop- erty owners, there is little or no conflict. The lack of adequate access points has resulted, how- ever, in fence cutting, damage to the stream bank in the immediate vicinity of the point, and problems of litter and vandalism."9 As shown in the inventory section of this report, there are eleven existing boat launches in St. Charles Parish and one to be constructed in the Bonnet Carre Floodway. According to a com- pilation of recreation area and facility space standards currently being used by many organizations throughout the United States, "one ramp on 1-1/2 acres (is needed) for every 125 boat owners if boaters average 8 trips a year," and "21,000 sq. ft. of parking space per ramp, assum- ing a parking lot capacity equal to maximum ramp capacity."10 There are 3,346 boat owners (registered boats) in St. Charles Parish, or 9% of the population. Assuming that most of these are trailerable boats, there should be a total of 26 boat ramps, or an additional 15 ramps to service the population. If 9% of the projected 1990 population are boat owners, then a total of 32 boat ramps will be needed by that year. These projections, however, only address local demand and do not re- flect the additional untold number of boats from adjacent parishes that may use St. Charles waterways. 60 Trapping and hunting small and large game have become an in- creasingly popular activity in the Parish, as seen by the statistics in Table 12. While there are no standards for trapping, there are minimum space standards set for both small game hunting and big game hunting. Using the general participation rates, high quarter participation rates and use standards for Region 3 (calculations appear in Appendix C), it is estimated that a total of 21,996 acres is currently needed to satisfy the demand for big game hunting acreage. By 1990, 26,852 acres will be needed. For small game hunting, 17,539 acres are currently needed and 21,420 acres will be needed by 1990. The number of acres currently needed for both small game hunting and big game hunting total 39,535. Since there are already approximately 39,565 acres designated as hunting grounds within the Parish, this is enough to serve local, as well as, some regional demand. Picnicking is another recreational activity that lends itself to both local and regional demand. Using the same method of computation as above, it is estimated that at least 28 acres of land are needed to satisfy local demand. According to the inventory of existing facilities, there are approximately 18 acres of land and 63 tables used for picnicking in the Parish. Therefore, an additional 10 acres and 133 additional tables are needed to satisfy demand. By 1990, there will be 33.9 acres with 238 picnic tables in demand. According to SCORP standards, there should be no more than seven tables per acre; one oven and one trash receptacle are needed per every two tables. Potable water and comfort station facilities should be included in larger picnic areas, and for every developed acre there should be 5 acres of undeveloped land. There are presently no trailer camping areas in St. Charles Parish. Demand indicates that 17.5 acres are needed for this activity in order to accommodate a maximum number of 10 trailers per acre. By 1990, 21.4 acres will be needed to accommodate 214 trailers, According to the SCORP Standards, the following facilities should be included on each trailer or tent camp site: one table, one fire pit, one trash receptacle and one parking space. Potable water and toilet facilities should also be available. 61 TABLE 12 HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES SOLD, ST. CHARLES PARISH - 1972 - 1978 Hunting Trapping Licenses Sold Licenses Sold Non- Resident Non-Resident Season Resident Season Trip Big Game Small Game 1972-73 2,968 0 29 619 60 1973--74 3,194 0 24 763 98 1974-75 3,226 0 15 764 143 1975-76 3,092 0 24 799 105 1976-77 3,393 2 35 951 154 1977-78 3,049 2 19 922 181 SOURCE: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, 1978. Tent camping is available in St. Charles Parish. Norco Boating Club, a non-profit organization, has 30 acres of camp grounds with accom- modations for 51 tents. According to the computations, only 11.3 acres are needed, but this is based upon an accommodation rate of 7 tents per acre (the maximum number of tents per acre). This means that there is enough space allotted, but accommodations for 28 more tent sites are in demand. By 1990, enough space will be needed to accommodate 96 tents. Canoeing is another sport for which there is both local and regional demand. Based upon a participation rate of .09 for the Region it is estimated that 15 miles of stream are currently needed to meet demand; by 1990 approxi- mately 18 miles will be required. This need is easily satisfied by the num- erous streams and tributaries located within the Parish. According to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, there are 10 streams in the Region totalling 139.8 miles, Hence, there are more than enough streams to satisfy regional demand- However, the obstacle to serving this demand ir. the lack of adequate access. 62 FigUre 1-5, IDENTIFICATION OF Approximately 55.3 miles of trails are presently in demand for horse- OVERALL back riding. By 1990, 68 miles of trails will be needed. At present, there RECREATIONAL NEEDS are two commercially run horseback riding establishments in St. Charles WITHIN STATE OF @arish, each comprised of only one acre of horseback trail (Luling Trailrides LOUISIANA and Leon Roberts Riding Stables in St. Rose). According to SCORP, a riding trail should be at least 6 miles long. Facilities should include loading chutes, corral space and horsetrailer parking for a minimum of 10 vehicles. It may be concluded that available facilities are insufficient. To rectify the situation, 55.3 miler, of riding trail are needed in St. Charles Parish. Other popular recreational acitivities which lend themselves to re- gional demand but have no space or use standards are: birdwatching, crayfishing and crabbing. Due to the abundance of natural recreational resources in the Parish, these activities should be easily served. Figure 15 summarizes regional demand and identifies the vast amount of demand for public recreational facilities in the State, particularly in and around the St. Charles Parish area. LOCAL DEMAND Urbanization in St. Charles Parish is not in clustered formation, but rather follows the River and Highway 90 with mixed residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The remaining population is sparsely scattered throughout the Parish. In planning for this type of population dis- tribution, a reasonable method for obtaining local demand data is the appli- cation of national standards per thousands of people. Table 13 depicts the Source: State Comprehensive Outdoor standards for those facilities that are most in demand by communities nation- Recreation Plan, 1975-1990 wide. They are calculated as minimum requirements, that is, basic recrea- tional standards for the average community. 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 In order to quantify total Parish demand, the population standards -_ 1000off--i for individual recreational facilities have been divided into the estimated SCALE IN MILES 1980 population (36,250) and the projected 1990 population (44,271). The supply documented in Table 14 is for public facilities only. Need has been ST. CHARLES PARISH likewise calculated by subtracting existing supply from projected demand MASTEk RECREATION PLAN for each facility type. prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners. environmental scientists @N' 63 t LEGEND A Area of Highest Need B Area of High Need c Area of Moderate Need D Area of Lowest Need . . . . . . . . . . .. ST r L F PA RiSH (or TABLE 13 STANDARDS FOR SELECTED OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Standard Facility (Outdoor)* /1,000 people Comment Baseball diamonds 1 per 6,000 Regulation 90 ft. Softball diamonds 1 per 3,000 (and/or youth diamonds) Tennis Courts 1 per 2, 000 ft. (Best in battery of 4) Basketball Courts Iper 500 Swimming Pools Based on 15 sq. ft. of -25 meter 1per 10,000 water for each 3% of pop. -50 meter 1per 20,000 Skating Rinks 1per 30,000 (artificial) Neighborhood Centers 1per 10,000 Community Center 1per 25,000 Outdoor Theaters 1per 20,000 (noncommercial) Shooting Ranges Iper 50,000 Complete complex incl. high-power, small- bore trap and skeet, field archery, etc. Golf Course (18-hole) 1 per 25,000 *All of the facilities listed are desirable in small communities, even though their population may actually be less than the standards. Every effort should be made to light all facilities for night use, thus extending their utility. SOURCE: Robert D. Beuchner (Ed.), National Park Recreation and Open Space Standards. (Washington, D.C.: National Recreation and Park Association, 1971j p. 13. 65 TABLE 14 LOCAL SUPPLY, DEMAND & NEED FOR SELECTED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN ST. CHARLES PARISH: 1980 AND 1990 1980 1980 1980 1990 Supply Demand Need Demand East West Total East West Total East West Total East West Tota I Football fields* 3 8 11 7 11 18 4 3 7 9 12 22 Combination Baseball/ 6 13 19 7 11 18 1 0 1 9 12 22 Softball diamonds Tennis courts 5 13 18 7 11 18 2 0 2 9 12 22 Basketball courts** 4 11 15 8 12 20 4 1 5 10 14 24 Swimming pools: - 25 meter 0 0 0 2 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 4 - 50 meter 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 Skating rink 0 0 0 1 or 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Neighborhood center 0 0 0 2 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 4 Community centers 0 0 0 1 or 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Outdoor theaters 0 0 0 1 or 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (noncommercial) 1@ Shooting ranges 1 0 1 1 or 1 1 1 1 1 Golf courses (18-hole) 0 0 0 1 or 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 *Computation of demand for football playing fields was derived from SCORP: One playing field per 2,000 population (36,250 -'. 2,000 = 18). **If national standards were used for basketball courts, as shown in the previous table, 73 courts would be in demand (36,250 '-. 500 = 73). Considering this to be out of proportion, SCORP standards and participation rates have been used to calculate a more realistic demand figure. 66 After computing Parishwide demand, further analysis reveals the number of facilities needed on the Eastbank and on the Westbank. In order to ascertain the population distribution, the proportion based on school en- rollment within the Parish was used: 40% enrolled in Eastbank schools and 60% enrolled in Westbank schools. CONCLUSIONS It is evident from the data presented in this section that the supply of recreation facilities, particularly of public facilities, in St. Charles Parish is sorely lacking. There is, additionally, a vast need for public land allocated to recreation with "fee simple" ownership or a long term lease arrangement. Although private and commercial establishments serve a portion of demand, they cannot possibly serve the population of greatest need and least mobil- ity, which is the poor. 117 CHAPTER 6 During the past few decades, the entire region of Southern Louisi- ana has been impacted significantly by the oil and gas industry. As this is the leading industry in St. Charles Parish, the Parish has likewise been the focus of considerable economic and population growth. Life was MASTER rural in character until just two decades ago, but has become increasingly urbanized due to the industry's growth. It is anticipated that St. Charles Parish will experience additional growth upon completion of the Louisiana RECRE A TION Offshore Oil Port ("Superport") . Moreover, one of the most significant X__X JL development factors expected to affect the Parish is the Hale Boggs Miss- issippi River Bridge. The bridge, currently under construction, is being developed as part of a proposed interstate highway connection between PLAN U. S. Highway 90 at Luling on the West Bank and Interstate 10 on the East Bank. Upon the completion of this bridge and the proposed highway, the Parish will be more accessible from other parts of the region and intra- Parish travel will be much improved. Future population growth is expected to result in the loss of some outdoor recreation resources, place an increased demand on present facilities and necessitate the addition of new facilities. Other trends and factors are also expected to affect the need for recreational opportuni- ties in St. Charles Parish. Among these are: 1. An increasing amount of leisure time due to a trend toward shorter work days, shorter work weeks and longer vacation periods; 2. An increasing number of older persons seeking leisure time activities; 3. Increasing popularity of all outdoor recreation activities; 4. In future years, there will be an even greater demand placed on recreation facilities in St. Charles Parish by the residents of ad- jacent parishes which have urbanized to a point where open space and natural surroundings are extremely scarce. FIVE YEAR PLAN Given these trends and the need for recreational facilities as documented in the previous chapter, it is clear that there is much to accomplish in providing an adequate level of recreational opportunities in St. Charles Parish. The Five-Year and Ten-Year plans outlined in this ros Figure 16 chapter indicate the improvements which the Parish should pursue in the coming decade. With a reasonable level of funding and adequate RECREATION public and political support, implementation of the recommended improve- MASTER PLAN ments will be a major step toward making life in St. Charles Parish - 5 YEAR richer and more enjoyable. Of course, funding is an essential ingredient of this objective. Until a secure and recurring source of funding is found, the Recreation District will be extremely limited as to what it can accomplish. Efforts must be devoted to the maintenance of existing property, the renovation and improvement of facilities on existing property, and the acquisition of new facilities for existing property. Acquisition and development of new property in the first phase of this plan (1980-1985) can be accomplished 1. Moritz Playground by the donation and/or lease of property in conjunction with various 2. La Branch Launch% funding sources as outlined in Chapter Vill. 3. Cross Bayou Launch" It is recommended that within this five-year period all efforts 4. 1-310 Interpretive Center*- should be devoted to the following courses of action: 5. Killona Batture Park 1. Continue maintenance of existing owned and leased properties; 6. Hwy. 3127 Launches 2. Coordinate planning efforts with School Board and determine 7. I.-iome Place Plan-tation long term lease agreements on properties owned by the School Board; 8. Sunset Community Park 9. Monsanto Park 3. Establish methods of advising the general public of the needs of recreational development within the Parish by the following methods: Illustrated in Chapter 7, Figures - community meetings 22,23 &24 - newspaper articles - local billboards promoting recreational needs Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. - newsletters to concerned citizens - survey letters requesting input from residents; 4. Investigate and actively pursue the various funding sources 2 1 0 i 2 3 4 that have been outlined herein; 01111119 1 @ SCALE IN MILES 5. Form a committee comprised of a number of high ranking Parish officials and executives from industry for the explicit purpose ST. CHARLFS PARiSH of searching for and obtaining new land. MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. 69 enginoers. planners. environmental scientists Lake Pontchartrain T IN Norco 3-4 Hope % Taft Hahrivilte New Sarpy media Ama utte % a- Mimosa Park to. paradts V '0 0 Des At ancls. SALVADOR WILDUFE- Gauche MANAGEMENT AREA @/g O"N Figure 17 BOAT LAUNCH SCHEMATIC In addition to the above recommendations, the Five-Year Plan TO KILLONA TO BOUTE includes proposals for: (1) renovation and expansion of several existing HWY. 3127 recreation and cultural sites, (2) acquistion of additional sites and pro- vision of recreation improvements. (3) sites scheduled for immediate improvement. These sites will include project cost estimates and will be discussed in further detail on page 72. The location of specific proposals in the Five-Year Plan are illustated on Figure 16. As indicated on Figure CAR- 16 Legend Labranch Launch, Cross Bayou Launch and the 1-310 Interpre- LAUNCH TRAILER tive Center will be discussed in further detail in Chapter 7 (St. Charles Wetlands.) They are an integral part of that proposed plan. Elements of this plan are outlined below: Montz Playground CAR In addition to existing facility renovation, this playground needs a Z PARKING covered shelter with a drinking fountain and electrical service. The park should have area lighting for nighttime activity and prevention of crime PICNIC and vandalism. Landscaping is needed for visual interest and to pro- & vide shade for picnicking. The facility, though not centrally located OPEN PLAY AREA on the East Bank, is of primary importance for the Parish as it is the ut only park that is on Parish-owned property and is, therefore, eligible for numerous federal funding programs. Killona Batture Park This batture site will make an excellent recreational facility due to its diversity of natural features. However, it is subject to periodic flooding, so all permanent facilities will need to be elevated. The site contains a large pond suitable for a small boat launch and areas for sup- portive parking facilities. Other facilities that can be accommodated in the area include bridle and pedestrian trails, picnic facilities and large Not to Scale ST. CHARLES PARISH areas for open play and viewing the River, In the first Five-Year plan, MASTER RECRENriON PLAN property acquisition or a long term lease arrangement should be pursued. prepared by If this is successful, recreational improvements might be provided by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers planners - environmental scientists utilizing Great River Road Funds or other federal sources. ouir- PARKING 71 Highway 3127 Launches At two locations on Highway 3127, primitive shell boat launches have been constructed within the highway right-of-way. These sites need improvements to the launches in addition to organized parking for car-trailers. (See Figure 17.) Additional needs include fighting for night- time activity and security, trash receptacles and other minor facilities which would further enhance the area. See page 72 for the project cost estimate for this facility. At the launch closest to Boutte, the Parish should investigate acquisition of an additional tract of land to be utilized for a picnic area and space for open play, and possibly organized field sports in the future. As population increases in future years, it will probably occur in the Boutte, Luling, and Hahnville areas, and this site would be in close proximity to these new residents. Home Place Plantation This elegant plantation, listed on the National Register, is in dire need of restoration. In addition to intensive work on the structure, the adjacent property should also be restored. Located on the Great River Road this plantation has the potential to be a popular tourist attraction for numerous tour buses and sightseers that travel the roadway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Additionally, if property is available, a picnic area for visitors could be provided adjacent to the plantation. There is a possibility that the Great River Road funding program could be utilized to implement these improvements. Sunset Community Park The Recreation District board is currently negotiating with the Sunset Drainage District to obtain a 25 year lease on a 25 acre site adjacent to the R. J. Vial School in Paradis. This site, undeveloped at present, would make an excellent location for a community park for the St. Charles West Bank because of its proximity to adjacent schools and its central location. In addition to this 25 acre site, the Recrea- tion District and School Board should investigate the possibility of acquiring a parcel of land contiguous to the R. J. Vial School site 72 Figure IS PROPOSED SUNSET COMMUNITY PARK N, PICNIC & INFORMAL PLAY FIELD SPORTS N. PARKING R.J.VIAL SCHOOL COURT SPORTS Not to Scale ST. CHARLES PARISH MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers. planners - environmental scientists 73 for a joint facility. This facility would be used by both the school system and the Recreation District and should possibly include a gymnasium and pool complex in addition to meeting rooms, a kitchen, arts and crafts equipment and other facilities for all age groups. Site improvements should include the following: an area for court sports (tennis, volleyball, basketball), an area for field sports to contain at !east one regulation baseball and football field, an area for picnicking and group gatherings, restrooms and a children',s tot lot. See page 72 for the project cost estimate for this facility. The present 25 year lease under negotiation will be sufficient to pursue Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service funds for the pro- posed facilities (see Figure 18). Monsanto Park This existing park, owned by the Monsanto Corporation and leased to the Recreation Committee, has some facilities for recreational usage. The numerous live oaks that are on the site provide the atmosphere for an excellent picnic area. Located on the River Road, this park should also be lighted for evening activity. PROPOSED IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENTS The following sites which are a part of the Five-Year Plan are scheduled for immediate implementation. They are sites deemed of highest need and will provide organized recreational facilities in addition to access to vast wetland areas of the East and West Banks of the Parish. These sites . selected on the West Bank are the Sunset Tract of approximately 25 acres adjacent to the R.J. Vial School and the northernmost Hwy 3127 launch adjacent to the 80 Arpent Canal. On the East Bank the sites selected are the La Branch Launch adjacent to the East Spillway Levee and the Cross Bayou Launch at Airline Hwy. The project cost estimates for these East Bank sites will be illustrated in Chapter 7 as they are associated with the St. Charles Wetland. 74 Sunset Community Park 1 Site preparation and grading 25 acres @ $2, 000/acre $ 50,000 2. Field construction, fine grading and turf establishment $ 97,800 10 acres fine grading @ $1 000/acre $ 10,000 5400 yds3 top soil @ $7/yd $ 37,800 20 acres turf establishment @ $2, 500/acre $ 50,000 3. Roadway 2and Paving $ 78,200 1100 yds asphalt entrance roadway @ $12/ yd. 2 $ 13,200 Bridge L.S. $ 25,000 4000 yds2 asphalt parking lot @ $10/yd-2 $ 40,000 4. Perimeter fencing 4, 300. L. F. @ $8/ L. F. $ 34,400 5. Field equipment (backstops, goal posts, bleacher etc./L.S.) $ 40,000 6. Picnic Area 2000 sq. ft. shelter @ $30/sq. ft. $ 60,000 10 picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles @ $1, 100/ea $ 11,000 7. Children's Play Area Climbing structure, other play apparatus, benches etc. L.S. $ 15,000 8. Court Sports 6 tennis courts @ $15, 000/ea. $ 90,000 2 basketball courts @ $10,000/ea $ 20,000 600 L. F. fenc i ng @ $10/ L. F. $ 6,000 75 9. Community Center 4000 sq. ft. building @ $70/sq. ft. $280,000 10. Utilities Utilities for site, L.S. $ 40,000 Electrical fighting, L.S. $175,000 11. Miscellaneous Signs, benches, walkways, water fountains, etc., L.S. $ 30,000 Landscaping, L.S. $ 25,000 Construction Cost $1,052,400 *Would be a logical first phase if project is phased due to monetary constraints. Highway 3127 Launch 1 . Site preparation and grading 14. 5 acres @ $1, 500/acre $ 15,000 9 acre turf establishment @ $2,000/acre $ 18,000 2. Shelf parking and access roadway 8, 900 yd2 @ $4. 00/yd. 2 $ 35,600 3. Boat Launches 4 ramps @ $9, 000/ramp $ 36,000 Boarding Piers L.S. $ 15,000 4. Shelter and rest rooms 1, 000 sq @ ft. @ $,40./ sq. ft. S 40.000 76 Figure 19 5. Picnic Area 10 tables, grill and trash receptacle PROPOSED 10 YEAR PLAN combinations @ $1, 100 each $ 11,000 6. Backstop, L. S. $ 5,000 7. Lighting, L. S. $20,000 8. Miscellaneous @ 5% $ 6,880 Construction Cost $144,480 1. East Bank Community Park TEN YEAR PLAN 2. Killona Batture Park Proposals for the Ten-Year Plan are outlined below. It is important 3. Hwy. 3127 Launch & Park to note that most proposals outlined in this phase are contingent upon 4. Sunset Community Park property acquisition and/or other development in the first Five-Year Plan. 5. Public Boat Launches If some of these objectives are not obtainable in the first phase, they should be subsequently pursued as part of the Ten-Year Plan (see Figure 19). East Bank Community Paxk To serve the needs of the East Bank's expanding population a community center site should be obtained. The site should be located in an area central to present and future populations. The physical structure at this center should contain basically the same facilities as the one pro- posed for the West Bank at Sunset Park. Additionally, if funding is Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. available, the Parish also needs an olympic size swimming pool in con- junction with the community center itself. The pool should ideally be adjacent to a high school site to serve the school system for physical education programs and organized swimming teams. It should also be 2 3 4 available to serve the general public. SCALE IN MILES Other outdoor facilities at this site will be determined by the amount of property available and available funding. However, a variety of out- ST. CHARLES PARISH door activities for organized team sports should be pursued (see Figure MASTER RECREATION PLAN 2 0) prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. 77 engineers. planners. environmental scientists Lake Pontchartrain K Qna ikwra bft C-Cod Flop- 41% 1 <):, 4b Tail Hahnw:1A a 1, S a, r oy ,A Q 0 st A- "A njt 0 rn Boutte 0: Mimosa ParK A, U Parad gg 6 V s Allemanc@s x Ponds SALVADOR WILDLIFE -uche MANAGEMENT AREA ME/ gzg Y///, RY;MI/o/ Killona Batture Park Assuming acquisition or a long term lease of this site in the Five- Year Plan, recreational improvements should continue to be made on this unique site. Killona Batture Park will be in close proximity to expanding populations in the Waterford area and will be able to serve these needs. Highway 3127 Launch In addition to the boat launches and parking improvements proposed in the Five-Year Plan an additional tract of land, if it can be obtained at the site closest to Boutte, will be excellent for a waterfront park. This parcel will contain a picnic area adjacent to the water and an area for open play. As population increases in this area, open play areas can be adapted to accommodate organized sports (little league baseball, football, etc.) Sunset Community Park Assuming title can be obtained to this site, recreational improvements can proceed as outlined in the Five-Year Plan (Figure 18). Improvements which are outlined in the plan and are not implemented in the first five year phase will be undertaken in the Ten-Year Plan. This will provide the West Bank a much needed community center and park facility. If title cannot be obtained to the site, present long term lease arrangements will be sufficient to obtain HCRS funds for most outdoor facilities, including a large picnic pavilion, restrooms and other facilities proposed in the Five-Year Plan. In this phase of development, should title be unobtainable, the Parish should pursue the acquisition of a centrally located site for construction of a West Bank community center. Public Launches Public boat launches are in great demand throughout the Parish in order to give residents access to the many waterbodies throughout the area. While the need for launch facilities on the East Bank is addressed in Chapter VI, additional public launches are also needed on the West Bank. Pending availability of land, launches should be located in the following areas: Lac Des Allemands and Highway 90 vicinity, Bayou Gauche area and the area adjacent to Sellers Canal and Highway 90. These proposed launches should include adequate parking and access, light- ing, picnic areas and other supportive facilities. 79 Figure 20 SKETCH OF TYPICAL COMMUNITY CENTER V \\\\ PICNIC AND INFORMAL PLAY CHILDRENS PLAY 7E :S COMMUNITY FIELD PARKING CENTER SPORTS A& 0 COURT SPORTS BUFFER Not to Scale ST-CHARLES RARISH MASTER RECREATION PLAN preparod by A Burk and Associates, Inc. enginews-pianners-envirenmentel scientists 80 CHAPTER 7 St. Charles Parish contains within its boundaries several valuable wetland areas. One of these, the St. Charles Wetland, is currently under consideration for designation by Congress as a National Wildlife Refuge. It is with this particular wetland area, and its value as a natural fish and ST. CHARLES wildlife habitat and a recreational resource, that this chapter is concerned. Contained herein is introductory material on the value of wetlands in general, a description of the St. Charles Wetland, a discussion of current and pending WETLAND legislation affecting the area, and a proposed recreation development plan. WETLAND ECOLOGY RECREATION Wetlands can be defined as transitional area between dry land and open water. They are areas of low topography, poor drainage and standing water. Historically they have been considered areas of minimal value, being PLAN fit for little except breeding grounds for disease. In years past, it was generally felt that draining and filling such areas was a "progressive" step. As a result, it is estimated that in the last one hundred years, the American wetlands have been reduced to 70 million acres, or slightly more than half of the original acreage. In recent years, there has been a significant shift in both public attitude and public policy toward the wetlands, There is a growing aware- ness of the value of the wetlands themselves, not merely because they are natural habitats for fish and wildlife, but also because of the vital functions which they perform. The resource value of wetlands can be summarized as follows: 1. Wetlands affect the quality of water, performing a natural filtering function by trapping and storing the nutrients from upland runoff in plant tissue and serving as a settling basin for silt from upland erosion. 2. Wetlands influence the quantity of water by retaining water during dry periods and holding it back during floods, thus keeping the water table relatively stable. 3. Wetlands make a positive contribution to overall environ- mental health and diversity by providing breeding and nesting grounds for fish and wildlife, habitats for a wide range of vegetative communities, and sites for recrea- tion, research and education. 81 4. Coastal wetlands provide an additional valuable function as barriers to storms and floods. St. Charles Parish possesses extensive tracts of valuable wetland areas. The St. Charles Wetland, a 24,000 acre area bounded by the Bonnet Carre Spillway, the Jefferson Parish line, Lake Pontchartrain and Airline Highway is a transitional wetland between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. It is characterized as a back-water swamp grading into marshland along the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline. The swamp is a cypress and tupelo gum woodland that occurs at low elevations and is flooded most of the time. The marsh area supports a treeless community of grasses and sedges, and the water table is at or above the soil surface most of the year. This vast wetland area has been identified as one of the top five coastal wetlands in a study recently completed for the Louisiana State Planning Office, Coastal Resources Program. For purposes of this study, fifty areas in Coastal Louisiana were evaluated as natural areas. Criteria used for evaluative purposes were: naturalness, diversity, representative- ness, unique ecological value, susceptibility to damage, degree of threat, aesthetic quality, educational and scientific value, and recreational value. The St. Charles Wetland received extremely high ratings in di- versity, representativeness, susceptibility to damage, aesthetic quality and educational and scientific value.* *Diversity refers to the number of different species or habitats in the biotic community of the area. A representative area is a typical example of a distinct wetland type or native biotic community. Susceptibility to damage is a measure of how sensitive or fragile an area is and the ease with which natural conditions can be altered by natural or man-made changes. Aesthetic quality is a ranking of the scenic value and natural beauty of an area - Educational and scientific value. This is an indicator of the value of an area for environmental training research, or scientific interest. 82 The wetlands provide a wintering habitat for thousands of ducks and a nesting and feeding area for numerous shore birds and wading birds. Deer, raccoon, otter, bobcat, mink, nutria and muskrat also make their home in the area. The area is of prime importance as a nursery ground for fish in Lake Pontchartrain. In addition to being an extremely valuable fish and wildlife habitat, the wetland is an excellent recreational resource, offering fishing, hunting, trapping, boating and other water related sports. Two streams which traverse the area, Bayou Trepagnier and Bayou La Branch, are protected under Louisiana's Scenic and Natural Rivers System. These streams and the surrounding wetlands are used extensively for recreational purposes not only by residents of St. Charles Parish, but also by residents of the surrounding parishes. Proximity to the continually expanding New Orleans metropolitan area makes the St. Charles Wetland extremely vulnerable to pressures to reclaim the land and develop it for residential and commercial purposes. The presence of the area within the Coastal Zone of Louisiana has led to some control over development; however, efforts are also underway to guarantee preservation of the wetlands as a fish and wildlife habitat by having it declared a National Wildlife Refuge. CURRENT LEGISLATION AND REGULATION AFFECTING THE WETLANDS Presently, the Corps of Engineers has regulatory jurisdiction over all ocean and coastal waters, Their jurisdiction extends to the entire surface and bed of all water bodies subject to tidal action, including bays, estuaries and marshlands. A permit from the Corps is required before any construc- tion activity can begin. Such construction activity includes: 1. Dams or dikes; 2. Structures or work requiring excavation, dredging and/or disposal activities; 3. Activities that alter or modify the course, condition, loca- tion, or capacity of a navigable water; 83 4. Construction of fixed structures or artificial islands on the outer continental shelf; 5. Discharge of dredge of fill material; and 6. Transportation of dredge materials for purposes of dumping in ocean waters. The Corps sends copies of _permit applications to relevant State agencies for review and comment.12 The only Louisiana State Agency currently issuing permits re- garding land use in the coastal areas is the Louisiana Department of Wild- life and Fisheries, This agency administers the Natural and Scenic Streams System. Class B permits are issued by the Commission for all significant uses affecting the streams, including pipelining, tree cutting, building of bridges, building of camps, bulkheading, dredging and canalling of adjacent lands. Prohibited uses include: channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment and reservoir construction. A permit for dredging in wetlands and for use of the spoil for fill behind a bulkhead is also required. Approval by Wildlife and Fisheries is neces- sary for all permit applications to the Corps for wetland activities. Wild- life and Fisheries requirements may be added to those of the Corps in order to receive the permit.13 Within St. Charles Parish itself, three ordinances that relate directly to Coastal Zone management are flood insurance, zoning and sub- division regulations. The flood insurance ordinance relates to coastal zone inanagement because of the establishment of a permit system primarily con- cerned with floodprone areas. The current zoning ordinance places the majority of the coastal zone into a category titled IIA-1 Rural", which allows for a number of uses, as long as the use is on a lot greater than 20,000 square feet. The following is a list of allowed uses in an A-I area: Section V1. Zoning District RUulations A. The regulations in the A-1 Rural District are: 1. Use Regulations: A building or land shall be used only for the following purposes: 84 a Farming b. Animal Raising c. Trapping and Fishing d, Single-Family and Two-Family Dwellings e. Boat Houses and Boat Docks f. Cemeteries g. Churches and Temples h. Golf Courses and Golf Practice Ranges i. Home Occupations j. Mineral Extraction and Development of Natural Resources k. Private Clubs and Lodges 1. Recreational Uses m. Tourist Courts and Trailer Parks n. Public and Private Schools o. Conservation Projects p. Nurseries q. Public and Private Stables, and Kennels 2. Area Regulations: Every lot shall contain an area of not less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet per family. (SCP & DC, 1978, Vol. 2). 85 PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS Currently the Wildlife and Fisheries service is considering preser- vation of the wetland area under two different programs. One is aimed at identifying and preserving priority marsh areas in the states of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi that are vital to waterfowl. The other is aimed at preserving "unique" natural areas or ecosystems.14 In the 2nd session of the 95th Congress, a bill was introduced by Representatives Dave Treen and Bob Livingston proposing the establishment of the St. Charles Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The bill was not passed during that session and has therefore been reintroduced in the current session by Representatives Treen, Livingston and John Breaux. A copy of the text of the current bill (H.R. 2470) is included in Appendix D. According to the proposed legislation, the Secretary of the Interior is empowered to select approximately 24,000 acres of land within the selection area deemed appropriate for the purposes of a national wildlife refuge. An official map depicting the boundaries is to be prepared, suffic- ient land acquired to constitute an area which can be initially administered to carry out the purposes of the Act, and a comprehensive plan is to be pre- pared. The Secretary is given five years after the date of enactment to acquire land within the boundaries of the refuge by donation, purchase or exchange. Mineral rights may not be acquired by condemnation, and per- sons owning camping facilities within the boundaries are to be allowed a period of three years after the date of establishment of the refuge to remove such facilities. The Secretary is to develop and administer the land in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act of 1966. Under this act, the Secretary is authorized to permit by regulations the use of any area within the system provided "such uses are compatible with the major purposes for which such areas were established." Outdoor recreational uses such as hunting and fishing would be encourayed. Oil and gas production COUIA be per-itted under spe6fied rmndifions. 5 86 The laws of the State with respect to hunting, fishing and trapping are to apply unless otherwise provided for in the comprehensive plan to be developed. The Secretary is called upon to construct, administer and main- FigUre 21 tain at an appropriate site within or near the refuge a wildlife interpretation and education center. PHYSIOGRAPHIC UNITS The comprehensive plan is to consider the effects of salt water in- trusion and provide remedies for it, provide for contingencies arising from OF ST. CHARLES expansion of the New Orleans International Airport, including granting of WETLAND a right-of-way for runways and approaches and formulation of measures to minimize adverse effects; recognize the appropriateness of use of a portion of the refuge for construction, operation and maintenance of 1-310, and provide for granting without compensation a right-of-way to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development; contain other provisions deemed necessary for preserving, protecting and enhancing the refuge. 1. Natural Marsh Unit ST. CHARLES WETLAND RECREATION PLAN 2. La Branche, Impounded Wetland 3. Freshwater Swamp Unit Declaration of the St. Charles Wetland as a National Wildlife Refuge would ensure preservation of the area in its natural state, provide a C - Cross Bay habitat for fish and wildlife and access to the public for recreational enjoy- L - L abranch ment compatible with the ecology of the swamp and marsh. However, in the event that the proposed legislation is not passed by Congress, efforts W-Wetland Interpretive Center should be made on the part of the Parish to safeguard this extremely valuable natural resource and to provide for its utilization for public recreation. From a recreational perspective, it appears there are several problems preventing optimum usage of the area, These include the effects of salt water intrusion on the swamp, the extremely limited access to the swamp and marsh, and the lack of public space available for hunting, cray- fishing and other water related sports. Each of these problems will be addressed in the following sections and recommendations will be made not Source: Burk and Associates, Inc. 1978 only to provide remedies, but also to enhance the recreational potential of the wetlands. Saltwater Intrusion It is not within the scope of this report to present a marsh manage- 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 ment plan. A detailed environmental study would be required to illustrate SCALE IN MILES the full effects of salt water intrusion on the St. Chafles Wetland. Reference will be made in this section only to techniques which would increase the IDA recreational value of the swamp and marsh. ST. CHARLES 11-VRISH MASTER RECREATION PLAN 87 prepared by IJJ Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers-planners. environmental scientists Lake Pontchartrain -1 IT 7 T Kil a Norco Good H pe Taft % Almedia Hahnvtle New SaTPY Ama CQ, tu X 40 04 Boutte 0 Mimosa Park ll:@k Paradis 0 s AlWriands %.- x POrKlS SALVADOR WILDLIFE Gauche MANAGEMENT AREA lZ J @,//go ///,, 0/1 Generally, there are three rather distinct physiographic units within the wetland study area (see Figure 21). It is recommended that: 1) The area between the Pipeline Canal, the Interstate and the Parish Line Canal be maintained as an intermediate marsh and nursery area for fish. Existing wooden weirs that have broken through should be repaired along the Lake Pontchartrain shore- line. 2) The La Branche Wetland area be impounded, protecting the shallow ponds in the vicinity from merging with the Lake. This area is an abandoned and flooded agricultural area and now con- sists of shallow ponds left from prior draining of the land. Re- duced salinity and water level control through levees and pumps would benefit this area for waterfowl and freshwater fishing. 3) The.area below the Interstate be maintained as a freshwater swamp. A reduction in overall salinity is valuable from a recreational view- point because many of the wildlife and fish depend for their existence upon vegetation which is nourished by nutrients contained in freshwater. A periodic influx of freshwater would introduce additional nutrients into swamp and marsh, having the effect of fertilizing the entire ecological system. In- creased vegetative growth would be conducive to enlarged fish and wildlife populations, with resulting increased opportunities for sport fishing and hunting. A lessening of the effects of saltwater intrusion could be accom- plished by controlling existing water flow and by periodically diverting freshwater into the system. Many of the wooden dams constructed to control water levels and reduce salinity within the swamp and marsh areas are currently in a state of poor repair. Replacement of these dams with weirs would help stabilize water levels while allowing for some fluctuation or water flow. Controlled fluctuation is beneficial, as occasional drying out periods are necessary for growth of many of the annual plants which feed the waterfowl and fur bearing animals during the winter season. Wooden slides could be con- structed to one side of the weirs to enable boats to be pulled across, thus providing access to all the bayous within the swamp area. 89 Periodic divers 'on of freshwater into the system could be accomplished by opening the gates of the Bonnet Carre Floodway. The di- verted freshwater would eventually work its way into the swamp and marsh area of the St. Charles Wetland. Serious study of the overall environmental effects of such an action should be considered in order to determine whether the positive effects on the wetlands would outweigh any detrimental effects which might occur. In addition to controlling freshwater content in the swamp and marsh, it is recommended that the shoreline along Lake Pontchartrain be restabilized with riprap in the La Branche area. Freshwater fishing in the shallow ponds in that area will be endangered if the waters of the Lake are allowed to merge completely with the waters of the ponds. Access (Cross Bayou and La Branche Launches) Access to the wetland areas is extremely limited, and the facilities which exist are in need of considerable renovation and expansion. Two makeshift boat launches service the area. One is located on the eastern side of the lower guide levee in the La Branche area and provides access into Bayou La Branche via a small canal. The other is located at Airline Highway (La. 61) and Cross Bayou Canal, and also provides access into Bayou La Branche. Neither of these facilities is a properly constructed boat launch. The road along the guide levee leading to the La Branche boat launch is in a state of disrepair, and parking facilities are inadequate. The proximity of the launching site at Cross Bayou Canal to a major highway, and the total lack of parking facilities at the site constitute an extremely hazardous situ- ation. In order to alleviate these problems and to provide expanded boating access to the wetland area, it Is recommended that the boat launch on the levee be completely renovated and that a shell parking area be added on the inside of the levee (see Figure 22) and project cost estimate. Additionally it is recommended that the boat launch located directly off Airline Highway be moved across the canal onto an enlarged spoil bank. Access to the launching site could be provided via a small bridge, such as those built by the oil companies to provide road access to their operations. In addition to the launch itself, parking facilities, a small picnic area, shelter and rest- rooms could be provided (see Figure 23) and project cost estimate. 90 Figure 22 SKETCH OF PROPOSED LEVEE LAUNCH SITE Figure 23 (La Branch Launch) SKETCH OF PROPOSED LAUNCH SITE R. ADJACENT TO AIRLINE HWY. SPILLWAY n 01 C'01 x X .C I TO AIRLINE HWY. (Cross Bavou Launch) 3.0 LEVEE ROADWAY r 0 LAUNCH PICNIC C z x PARKING AREA HELTE AREA BRIDGE & EST R ACCESS jP LA N H PARKING ROADWAY f@_ AREA -4 TO NORCO TO KENNER z 0 0 Not to Scale ST. CHARLES PARISH C MASTER RECREATION PLAN r prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. z engineers planners. environmental scientists 0 Not to Scale ST. CHARLES PARISH MASTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by Burk and Associates, Inc. engineers -planners - environmental scientists =PARKING -m ------------ 91 LABRANCH LAUNCH CROSS BAYOU LAUNCH 1. Site preparation & grading 1. Site preparation & grading 2 acres @ $1,500/acre $ 3,000 3 acres @ $4,000/acre $ 12,000 8,900 cu. yds. fill @ $5/yd. $ 44,500 2. Shell parking & launch area 2 acres turf est. @ $2,500/acre $ 51000 9,600 yds.2 @ $7.00/yd.2 $ 67,200 2. Shell parking & access roadway 3. Boat Launches 5,000 yd.2 @ $5.00/yd.2 $ 25,000 2 @ $10,000/launch $ 20,000 3. Boat Launches 4. Boarding Piers L.S. $ 10,000 2 launches @ $10,000/ramp $ 20,000 5. Miscellaneous @ 5% $ 5,100 Boarding Piers L.S. $ 10,000 4. Access Bridge L.S. $ 60,000 Construction Cost $105,300 5. Shelter 500 sq. ft. @ $30/sq.ft.. $ 15,000 6. Picnic Area 6 tables, grills & trash receptacle combinations @ $1,100/ ea. $ 6,600 7. Lighting L.S. $ 10,000 8. Miscellaneous @ 5% $ 10,155 Construction Cost $218,255 92 Land Ownership Another problem which detracts from public enjoyment of the St. Charles Wetland area for recreational purposes is the fact that most of the land appears to be privately owned. A trip along Bayous La Branche, Trepagnier, and Traverse reveals innumerous "Posted" signs, with land being either off limits entirely or open for usage only to members of private hunting clubs. Whether or not all this "Posted" land is actually leased for private purposes is a matter which bears further investigation. It is possible that these warning signs are encroaching upon some land which may in reality be open to the public. According to information from the Coastal Zone Ad- visory Board, approximately 400 feet along the entire lakefront in St. Charles Parish is owned by the Parish. This land was acquired by the Parish in the past as a possible right-of-way for a future levee. I f the St. Charles Wetland does not become a National Refuge, perhaps an effort could be made on the part of the Parish to acquire additional acreage within the wetland for public use. Since it has been designated an area of special concern because of its unique ecology, it is feasible that federal funding sources could be tapped to assist in such a purchase (see Chapter V11) . Educational Facilities (1-310 Wetland Interpretive Center) The ecology of the wetlands is extremely complex, and it can be safely assumed that the average layman's understanding of its intricate functioning is quite minimal. Recognizing that recreational enjoyment can be maximized by some knowledge about the environment which one is ex-, periencing, it is recommended that an interpretive center be located within the wetland boundaries. This center would provide information on the del- taic formation of Southern Louisiana and the functioning of the wetlands. It would also delineate types of fish, wildlife and vegetative communities residing there, and the effect of man-made modifications on the wetland environment. In order to service both tourists and residents of the surrounding region, it is suggested that the center be located at the junction of 1-10 and the pro- posed 1-310 (see Figure 25). Facilities would include a rest area with picnic tables and restrooms, a parking area and a boardwalk-type structure leading into the adjacent swamp/marsh complex. In order to minimize any additional damage to the surroundings, this facility would utilize a spoil area necessary for construction of the new roadway. .93 Figure 24 PROPOSED WETLAND INTERPRETIVE CENTER INTERPRETIVE BOARD WALK 8, 0 THRU MARSH SWAMP AREAS 0 z 0 LIMIT OF FILL PICNIC INTERPRETIVI PICNIC T & CENTER & & 0 OPEN SPACE REST ROOMS OPEN SPACE PARKING & ACCESS 0 z 1- 310 PROPOSED m 0 rn z ST. CHARLES PARISH Not to Scale v MAsTER RECREATION PLAN prepared by Burk and Assodates, Inc. enginssrs. planners. enw1ironmental scimUsts 94 WETLAND INTERPRETIVE CENTER 1. Access Roadway & parking* 3,400 yds.2 parking @ $19/yd.2 $ 64,600 4,600 yds.2 roadway @ $22/yd. 2 $101,200 2. Site Leveling, fill, grading & turf est. Leveling & grading, 14 acres @$2,000/acre $ 28,000 Fill 23,000 yd.3 @ $8/yd.3 $184,000 Turf est. 12 acres @ $3,000/acre $ 36,000 3. Interpretive Center & rest rooms Offices, 500 sq. ft. Storage & Maintenance, 800 sq. ft. Interpretive Center, 1,400 sq. ft. Rest Rooms, 300 sq. ft. 3,000 sq. ft. @ $60/sq. ft. $180,000 Package Plant, L.S. $ 50,000 4. Picnic Areas 20 tables, grills, trash receptacle combinations, 20 @ $1,100/ea. $ 22,000 2 shelters 1, 000 sq. ft. each 2,000 sq.ft. @ $30/sq. ft. $ 60,000 5. Board Walk 1/3 mile length X 8' width 17,6001 x $10/sq. ft. $176,000 6. Lighting L.S. $ 80,000 7. Miscellaneous @ 5% $ 49,050 Construction Cost $1,030,850 Does not include cost of ingress & egress ramps to 1-310 which should be constructed in anticipation of this proposed facility. 95 In addition to this center, it is recommended that simple interpretive signs be placed along Bayous La Branche, Trepagnier and Traverse, forming a type of "Canoe Trail." The signs would consist of unobtrusive but recognizable numbered plaques which would correspond to explanations per- taining to the overall ecology of the area contained in a printed leaflet. The leaflets could be distributed through commercial shops which specialize in selling or renting outdoor sporting equipment, through tourist information centers, at the proposed interpretive center, and at the proposed boat launch facility at Cross Bayou Canal. CONCLUSION The St. Charles Wetland is an invaluable asset to the Parish, both in terms of its unique ecological environment and the recreational opportunities which it affords. The Recreation Plan presented herein seeks to enhance recreational enjoyment compatible with the sensitive wetland environment. Preservation of this fragile environment will be assured if Congress declares the area a National Wildlife Refuge. However, in the event that this does not occur, a concerted effort should be made by Parish officials, the Coastal Zone Advisory Board, the Recreation District Board and concerned residents to see that the wetland area is protected. 96 CHAPTER 8 An investigation of potential funding sources is essential to implemen- tation of the recreation plan described in the previous chapters. This chapter identifies federal, state, regional and local funding sources, explains regu- FUNDING lations and application procedures where applicable, and comments upon the likelihood of obtaining funding from these sources for recreation projects in AND St. Charles Parish. IMPLEMENTATION FEDERAL SOURCES The Land and Water Conservation Fund One major source of funding for outdoor recreation projects is money available through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Since the inception of this program, over $26 million of the monies have been obligated by the State of Louisiana for over 289 projects. These projects range from develop- ment of park facilities on urban lands located underneath freeway interchanges to acquisition of vast acreages to be set aside as wildlife refuges. The fund is administered by the U - S - Department of the Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS) at the Federal level and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism at the State level. It is intended to provide Federal financial assistance for the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreational lands and facilities. Financial assistance is granted on a 50 percent reimbursable basis. The project sponsor is to pay the total cost, after which 1/2 of the cost will be repaid to the sponsor from Federal funds. Sponsors must agree to operate and maintain the area or facilities at their own expense. Costs must be incurred after the project has received Federal Heritage Conservation and Recreation approval and the sponsor has been notified that the monies have been obligated. Donated land may be used to secure matching assistance. However, to be eligible for matching assistance, the donation of the property may not be made until the project is approved and the funds obligated. The Act of Donation may not contain any restrictive clauses. Because of this, land do- nated for recreational use under a lease is not eligible to be used as a match for federal funds. 97 Matching assistance is based upon the appraised value of the prop- erty. Prior to contracting for the appraisal, the applicant must submit to the Regional Office the names and qualifications of three competent appraisers. This office reviews the appraiser nominees and makes a selection. The appraisal must then be prepared according to HCRS guidelines. The initial project must include outdoor recreational development equal in cost to at least the donated value of the property. If extensive development is planned, the planning should be phased into maximum $2 00, 000 segments ($100, 000 federa I funds). After all documentation has been received by the Louisiana Depart- ment of Cultural Recreation and Tourism, Office of Program Development, Division of Outdoor Recreation, the proposal must be reviewed by the Louisiana State Parks Board in order to secure approval. The board meets on a quarterly basis. The project is also submitted to the Louisiana Depart- ment of Urban and Community Affairs, which must be given time to comment on the proposed project. By law, they have sixty days in which to review the project and comment upon it. Upon review and approval at the State level, the project is sub- mitted to the Federal Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service where it is reviewed to determine technical adequacy. If the project qualifies, it is then retained at the State level until funds are available to obligate. Funds granted under this act may be matched with local funding sources or with federal funding under HUD's community development program. Coastal Energy Impact Program The Coastal Energy Impact Program was established to compensate coastal areas which have been impacted by energy activity. Sections 308 (d) (1) and 308 (d) (2) apply to the financing of public facilities and services needed because of new or expanded energy activities. Community recrea- tional centers, local parks and playgrounds and facilities for amateur sports 11 Y 98 and performing arts are all eligible for funding under these sections. Finan- cial assistance is granted in the form of loans to state and local governments at Federal rates of interest. Alternatively, bonds issued by governments can be guaranteed by the Federal government. Formula grants are available as a secondary source of funding under Section 308 (b) (4) (b) , Conceivably, St. Charles Parish may be eligible for grant assistance under Section 308 (b) . Under this section, assistance is available to fund programs to remedy the unavoidable environmental and recreational losses suffered in the coastal zone from the consequences of coastal energy activity. Eligible losses are those which cannot be attributed to an identifiable person, prevented by existing regulations or paid for with funds that are available from other Federal Programs. The primary source of assistance is the Formula Grant 308 (b) (5) (C) . These are 100% federal funds and require no matching funds from the applicant. The secondary source is the Fund Grant 308 (d) (4). A copy of the preapplication is submitted to the Regional and State clearinghouses to initiate the A-95 review proecess. The Parish President forwards the preapplication, by letter of transmittal or resolution to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). DOTI) obtains certification of compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Plan, establishes project priority, and forwards the approved preapplications of the U.S. Office of Coastal Zone Management for determination of DOTI) notifies the applicant of project approval/disapproval and, if approved, the applicant is requested to prepare a complete application. This program places no restrictions on matching funds. The Estuarine Sanctuary Program The rules and regulations of the Coastal Zone Management Act re- 99 quire each state and locality to define areas of preservation a that are of particular concern to the State. There are two such areas in Charles Parish: Bayou Bois Piquant Crevasse Swamp and La Branch Wetlands (St. Charles Swamp). Acquisition of such areas has been provided for under Section 315 of the CZM Act. This section allows for 50/50 matching grants for acquiring lands to provide access to public beaches and other public coastal areas of environmental, recreational,recreational, historic, aesthetic, ecologica) or cultural value, and for preservation of islands (PL 95-370, Sec. 315 Amend. 1976). The same section also allots money for "acquiring, developing or operating estuarine sanctuaries. Local match may be made with other federal funds. The Great River Road Program The- Great River Road project is a funding program a administered by the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration. Funds are channeled through the La, DOT Office of Highways on a 75% Federal, 25% State or local basis. The intent of this program is the development of a national scenic and recreation highway known as the Great River Road. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 established the program, but no money was appropriated until May, 1976. At that time, Congress appropriated $80 million to cover a ten state area. The Louisiana share of this fund was $6.4 million. For the fiscal year 1979, Louisiana received $2 million. The type- of activities which are eligible for funding under this program are restricted to aesthetic and scenic improvements adjacent to the existing roadway. Such improvements include development of rest areas, scenic overlooks and historical sites immediately adjacent to the road. Re- creational faciliies such as parks would also qualify for funding if they are adjacent to the road at some point. Within St. Charles Parish, the designated Great River is on the West Bank, but it does not follow the road next to the river .It. follows newly constructed La. 3127 from Killona to Boutte and then joins Highway 90 through the rest of the Parish. However, according to the State Highway Department, sites adjacent to both this designated Great River Road and sites adjacent to the River itself (between River Road. La, 18, and the River) could be eligilble for funding under the program. Qualifications for eligibility: 1. Parish or State must own the land to be developed. 2. 25% local matching funds are required. Great River Road Funds cannot be matched with other federal funds. However, funds obtained from a source such as the Levee Board could be used as a local match. This program could be a good source of financial assistance for recreation facilities development within St. Charles Parish, as two areas of the Parish qualify for funding. The major drawback is that ordinarily land upon which facilities are developed must be State or Parish owned, so this restricts the sites which would qualify. However, it is a funding source worth pursuing. Recreation facilities are eligible for funding through this program administered by the Economic Development Administration under the auspices of public tourism promotion. The types of assistance available are project grants and direct loans. Qualified projects must fulfill a pressing need of the area and 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 opportuni- ties; 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. Though the funding of recreational projects is technically eligible under this act, the likelihood of obtaining funds is diminished unless it can be proven that the project will provide a substantial number of jobs for the unemployed or members of low-income families. Additionally, a parish must have an approved recreation plan before a particular project can be eligible for funding.. 101 Community Development Block Grants/Discretionary Grants The objectives of this program are to assist communities in pro- viding decent housing and suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Con- struction of public recreation facilities would be an eligible project under this Act. However, as with Economic Development Administration assis- tance, priority is given to projects which provide benefits to low and moderate income people. About 300 applications are received statewide inder this program every year, and of these only about 35 can be funded. Therefore, chances of obtaining funding for recreational facilities for St. Charles Parish under this Act are not great. Resource Conservation and Development Loans There are two programs in this category which provide funding for recreational projects. They are administered by the Farmers Home Admini- stration (FmHA) and the Soil Conservation Service, respectively. However, since St. Charles Parish is not presently in an established Resource Conser- vation and Development District, it is not eligible to receive funds from this source. A further difficulty with this source is that the amount of funding has recently been drastically cut back at the Federal level, and therefore also at the State level. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Under the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 the Federal government can assume up to 50% of the separable costs of recreational development at a water resource project location if local interests agree to fund the other 50%, and also agree to operations, maintenance and replacement of construction facilities. These projects are considered on an lbasis, with contact being made by local officials to the Corps Office when they are ready to begin a project. Federal Revenue Sharing Under the Federal Revenue Sharing Program funds are appor- loned by the Federal government to the states to be used at their dis- cretion. The states in turn allot money to the various muncipalities 102 to use for whatever purposes are deemed most pressing. Given the critical need for recreation facilities in St. Charles Parish, this revenue sharing program could be a source of funding for land acqui- sition, or for facility improvement. Increased land acquisition for re- creational purposes would enhance the Parish's chances for obtaining funding for facility implementation from other sources. STATE SOURCES Louisiana Office of Public Works 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. Each project is con- sidered 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 the project is applied for. Louisiana Highway Department The role of this office concerning recreation is primarily one of pro- viding access to recreation areas and scenic parts of the State. In conjunction with the construction of highways, the Department constructs and also main- tains rest areas, bicycle paths, boat launches and other facilities. Eligi- bility for a particular project is determined on an individual basis. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has the responsibility for managing and protecting the State's fish and wildlife resources. In addition to this responsibility, this agency is involved in a continual effort of boat launch and access facility construction throughout the State. The Department also offers technical assistance in specific projects ac- cording to the limits of their manpower and finances at the time the re- quest is received. Requests for assistance are handled on an individual basis. 103 Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission This agency's primary function is the administration of 31 State park areas. The commission has an implementation program to be funded through State bonds for three 5-year phases for recreational development. According to the State Parks and Recreation Commission's "Louisiana State Parks Plan," in the period 1981-85 the Lac Des Allemands State Park will be constructed on an 850 acre site at a cost of approximately $2,000,000. This park will be located between St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Parishes, and will provide recreational facilities for both par- ishes. REGIONAL SOURCES Levee District Funding Funding for recreational purposes can sometimes be obtained from the levee district or districts within which the Parish resides. Application for such funds is handled on an individual basis, contingent upon the feasibility of the project and the availability of funds at the time. In the past, St. Charles Parish has received money for recreational projects from both the Lafourche Levee District and the Pontchartrain Levee Dis- tr ict. Local Sources Another source of funding which should be considered is a local bond issue for funding recreational improvements and for acquiring land for recreational purposes. Such an issue was put before the voters of St. Charles Parish in November, 1978. Though it was defeated, the margin was not so great as to indicate implacable opposition. There- fore, it is feasible that in the not too distant future such an issue might meet with voter approval, particularly if there is tangible evidence of progress being made in obtaining funding from other sources and in actual implementation of planned programs. The new 1/2 cent sale tax which was passed this year has the potential of being used on a large scale for recreational facilities in the future. On the short term, smaller amounts may be available to match federal funds. 104 CONCLUSIONS The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, the Great River Road Fund and the Coastal Energy Impact Program appear to be the most likely sources of funding for recreation programs in St. Charles Parish. It is recommended that these sources be immediately investigated, particularly for the projects listed in Table 15. Additionally, it is recommended that a citizens' committee be set up for the purpose of approaching industries located within St. Charles Parish to solicit support of the recreation program. Such support could be in the form of contributions of land, money or equipment. Since many of the industries which located in the Parish in the last 10 - 15 years have now used up their period of tax exemption, they might well be in- terested in making such contributions as tax write-offs. A committee such as this should be composed of a cross-section of citizens including businessmen, politicians, members of the Recreation and School Boards, and others. 105 TABLE 15 POTENTIAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SHORT TERM DEVELOPMENT 1980-1985 PROJECT SUGGESTED FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCE Improvement of boat launches Great River Road Funds on Hwy. 3127 - West Bank Renovation of Homeplace Great River Road Funds Plantation, landscaping of grounds - West Bank Development of facilities on land Land and Water Conservation adjacent to R. J. Vial School - Act - The Federal Heritage West Bank Conservation and Recreation Service Expansion of picnic facilities at Great River Road Funds; Monsanto Park HCRS funds Expansion of boat launch on levee Coastal Energy Impact Program in St. Charles Wetland Area near Funds La Branche Construction of boat launch off the C.E.I.P. Funds; Highway Airline Highway at Cross Bayou Canal Department Funds Possible acquisition of a portion of the HCRS funds; C.E.I.P. funds St. Charles Wetland for public recreational under section 808 (b) (5) (C) use Expansion of playground facilities at Montz; C. E. 1. P. funds or HCRS funds development of picnic grounds; landscaping Acquisition of land and development of C.E.I.P. Funds; Great River batture park in Killona Road Funds 106 APPENDIX A ST. CHARLES RECREATION PLAN RELATED STUDIES An Analysis of the Changing Land Use in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana; Thesis by Gregory C. Rigamer, May, 1974. Exisiting Land Use and Future Land Use Plan, St. Charles Parish, N-Y Associates, Inc. , June, 1974. Existing Land Use Study St. Charles Parish, South Central Planning and Development Commission, 1976. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Community Facilities Plan, N-Y Associates, May, 1974. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Economic Study, N-Y Associates, February, 1974. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Initial Housing Study, Review of Codes, Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinances, N-Y Associates, June, 1973. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Flood Plains Study, N-Y Associates, Inc., 1973. St. Charles Parish Population Study, N-Y Associates, February, 1974. St. Charles Parish Solid Waste Management Study, N-Y Associates, April, 1975. 107 APPENDIX B CALCULATIONS OF REGIONAL DEMAND FOR SELECTED RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN ST. CHARLES PARISH Big Game Hunting 1980 1990 36,250 44,271 Population .81 .81 Participation Rate @9, 363 35,859.5 High Quarter User Day Part. 2.88% 2.88% 846 1,032.8 High Quarter Sunday Part. 26 26 SCORP Standard 21,996 26,852 Acres in Demand Small Game Hunting 1980 1990 36,250 44,271 Population 2.10 2.10 Participation Rate T7-, 12 5 92,969 High Quarter User Day Part. 2.88% 2.88% 2,192,4 2,677.5 High Quarter Sunday Part. 8 8 Standard* 17,539 21,420 Acres in Demand Picnick!nE[ 1980 1990 36,250 44,271 Population 1.33 1.33 Participation Rate T8, 213 58,880 High Quarter User Day Part.. 2.88% 2.88% 1,389 1,696 High Quarter Sunday Part. .02A .02A SCORP Standard AOutdoor Recreation Space Standar%-Als: p. 5", Re.-reation in Wisconsin, 227.7 34 Acres in Demand P. 67, 118 acres of range per hunt@Pl needed. 7 7 SCORP Standard 194 238 Number Tables in Demand 108 Trailer Camping 1980 1990 36,250 44,271 Population .67 .67 Participation Rate 29,662 24,287.5 High Quarter User Day Part. 2.88% 2.88% 854 699.5 High Quarter Sunday Part. .02A .02A SCORP Standard 21.4 17.5 Acres in Demand 10 10 SCORP Standard 214 175 Maximum Number of Trailers Tent Camping 1980 1990 36,250 44,271 Population .30 .30 Participation Rate 10,875 13,281 High Quarter User Day Part. 2.88% 2.88% 313.2 382.5 High Quarter Sunday Part. .036 .036 SCORP Standard 11.3 13.8 Acres in Demand 7 7 SCORP Standard 79 96 Tent Sites Horseback Ridinq Canoeing 1980 1990 1980 1990 36,250 44,271 Population 36,250 44,271 Population 1.06 1.06 Participation Rate .09 .09 Participation Rate 38,425 46,927 High Quarter User Day Part. 3,262.5 3,984 High Quarter User Day Part. 2.88% 2.88% 2.88% 2.88% 1,106.64 1,352 High Quarter Sunday Part. 93.96 114.8 High Quarter Sunday Part. .05 .05 SCORP Standard .16 .16 SCORP Standard 55.3 68 Miles of Trail in Demand 15 18 Miles of Stream in Demand 109 APPENDIX C TEXT OF CONGRESSIONAL BILL 2470 96th CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H.R. 2470 To establish the Saint Charles Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 27, 1979 Mr. Treen (for himself, Mr. Breaux, and Mr. Livingston) introduced the following bill. which was referred jointly to the Committees on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and Public Works and Transportation. A BILL To establish the Saint Charles Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep;-esentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act-- (1) The term "interests therein" means any property interest (in- cluding, but not limited to, any leasehold, easement, future interest, or equitable use) in lands or waters. (2) The term "land" means lands, waters, and interests therein. (3) The term "refuge" means the Saint Charles Swamp National Wildlife Refuge established under section 2(a) . 110 (4) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) The term "selection area" means the area within the State--- (A) the northern boundary of which is Lake Pontchartrain; (B) the eastern boundary of which is the boundary between Saint Charles Parish and Jefferson Parish; (C) the southern boundary of which is a line generally parallel to highway U. S. 61 and each point on which is not less than one thousand feet north of such highway; and (D) the western boundary of which is the eastern boundary of the Bonnet Carre Floodway. (6) The term "State" means the State of Louisiana. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF REFUGE. (a) ESTABLISHMENT. --The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, the Saint Charles Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, by publication of a notice to that effect in the Federal Register after-- (1) the Secretary selects approximately twenty-four thousand acres of land within the selection area which the Secretary deems appropriate for the purposes of a national wildlife refuge; (2) prepares an official map depicting the boundaries of the selections made under paragraph (1) and places such map on file, and makes such map available under public inspection, at offices of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) acquires sufficient land within the boundaries depicted in the map pre- pared under paragraph (2) to constitute an area which can be initially administered to carry out the purposes of this Act; and (4) completes the comprehensive plan required to be prepared under section 3. The refuge shall consist of the land acquired for purposes of paragraph (3) and land thereafter acquired within the boundaries set forth on the map required to be prepared under paragraph (2). (b) ACQUISITION AND ADMINISTRATION.--- (1) The Secretary shall, within five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, acquire land within the boundaries of the refuge, by (A) donation, (B) purchase (with donated, trans- ferred, or appropriated funds), or (C) exchange; except that the Secretary may not acquire mineral rights by condemnation, and shall allow persons owning camp- ing facilities within the boundaries a period of three years after the date of the establishment of the refuge to remove such facilities. (2) The Secretary shall develop and administer the land which is acquired for the refuge in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administra- tion Act of 1966. The use of areas within the refuge for the transportation pur- poses described in section 3(b) is appropriate and consistent with the purposes of the refuge. The Secretary may also exercise any other authority avail- able to him for the conservation and management of wildlife and natural resources, the development of wildlife recreational opportunities, wildlife interpretation, and environmental education, to the extent deemed by him to be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. The laws of the State with respect to hunting, fishing, and trapping shall apply unless provided otherwise in the comprehensive plan developed under section 3. In the ad- ministration of the refuge, the Secretary shall cooperate with the United States Corps of Engineers regarding flood control. (c) WILDLIFE INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATIO!" CENTER.-- The Secretary shall construct, administer, and maintain, at an appropriate site within or near the refuge, a wildlife interpretation and education center. Such center shall be designed and operated to promote environmental educa- tion and to provide an opportunity for the study and enjoyment of wildlife in its natural habitat. SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. (a) GENERAL. --Within three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in cooperation with the State and political sub- divisions thereof, develop a comprehensive plan for the conservation, protec- tion, preservation, and interpretation of the refuge by the Secretary (or appropriate State authorities should the State request management. authority) 112 (b) OTHER REQUIREMENTS. --The comprehensive plan under subsection (a) shall-- (1) consider the effects of salt water intrusion into the refuge and pro- vide for the mitigation thereof, if appropriate; (2) provide for contingencies which may arise if the New Orleans Inter- national Airport is expanded (including, but not limited to (A) the granting of a right-of-way within the refuge for runways and approaches to runways, and (B) the formulation of such measures as the Secretary may consider ap- propriate to minimize the adverse effects, if any, of such expansion on the refuge); (3) recognize the appropriateness of the use of a portion of the refuge for the construction, operation, and maintenance of Federal aid highway 1-310 as a transportation facility (which construction, operation, and maintenance may be conducted without regard to section 4(f) of Public Law 89-670 and section 138 of title 23, United States Code) and provide for the granting without compensation of a right-of-way therefor to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development; (4) permit hunting, fishing, and trapping in accordance with the basic principles of wildlife management, to the maximum extent allowed by law; and (5) contain such other provisions relating to public use, law enforce- ment, wildlife conservation, environmental education and interpretation, and other matters as the Secretary and the State deem necessary to preserve, protect, and enhance the refuge and to carry out the purposes of this Act. SEC. 4 ACQUISITION AND EXCHANGE OF LEVEE RIGHTS-OF-WAY. The Secretary may acquire rights-of-way for the construction of a levee outside the boundary of the refuge and may exchange such rights-of-way with the Pontchartrain Levee Board for such rights-of-way within the refuge as such Board may have acquired at the request of the Corps of Engineers. The value of any interests so exchanged need not be equal if such rights-of-way must be furnished by the Pontchartrain Levee Board to the Army Corps of Engineers in fulfillment of commitments made in connection with the flood control project authorized in section 204 of the Flood Control Act of 1965. 113 SEC. 5. BONNET CARRE FLOODWAY The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Chief of Engineers for the management of wildlife within the Bonnet Carre Floodway in a manner consistent with the purposes of the refuge and with such actions as are determined by the Chief of Engineers to be necessary and appropriate to provide for flood control and prevention. SEC. 6. NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. In recognition of the plans for the development of New Orleans Inter- national Airport, and notwithstanding the establishment of the refuge, it is the intent of Congress that the Department of Transportation, in approving airport development projects at, or adjacent to, such airport, shall not be required to either perform the analysis required by section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1653(f)) or make the finding required by section 16(c) (4) of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970. Nothing in this or any other Federal statute shall be construed as exempting any property later acquired by New Orleans International Airport authorities from any taxes which might otherwise be applicable. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. For purposes of carrying out this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated in the period beginning October 1,1979, and ending September 20, 1983--- (1) not to exceed $20,000,000 for the acquisition of land for the refuge; and (2) not to exceed $7,000,000 for the development of the refuge. 114 APPENDIX D DETAILED INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, ST. CHARLES PARISH INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CAMPING SWIMMING PICNIC BOAT FACILITIES STCHARLES PARISH .41 tuta Area go E or W NAME OF FACILITY Af Other Facilities and/or o* Comments Acreage BANK (COMMUNITY) (Sq. Feet) Sun Villa, Inc. E (Norco) 2 2 1 3375 Hill Heights Country E. Club (I;estrehan) 28 1 1 3150 6 10 E Norro Boating Club 6 45 6 51 30 St. Charles Parish E Boating Club (Norco) 25 1 1 1 1 1 E Norco Eoating Club 32 4 Marsh Duck Club, - E Inc, 3,17100 1 3 600 with cahin 3W figh pipr Sugarland Beagel E Club 65 65 Leon Roberts Riding E Stables (St. Rose) is with shelter @Rl S /H Y Property owned or leased by Police Jury - Rec. Dist. 115 INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES rCAMPING X, SWIMMING /PICNIC /BOAT / FACILITIES STCHARLES PARISH le C? (? 0, * 0 u " 9 Area Area q, ;Z@ -10 0 81-1 Other Facilities and/or Eorw NAME OF FACILITY AZ' BANK (COMMUNITY) (Sq. Feet) crea Comments E *Montz Playground 1 2 E Bonne Carre Spillway & Floodway 3800 2 3500 E *Norco Elementary 7.5 2 1 10-year lease; Lighted Permanent Steel Stands E Norco Women's Club Playground I E Hyland Park (Norco) owner allows usage-no I I formal acrreement . E New Sarpy School 18 1 Gymnasium used through Community Education E *New Sarpy Play- ground .5 E *New Sarpy Play- ground .5 E Destrahan High Gymnasium used through I School 20 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 Community Educatioa E ISt. Rose Elementary 7 1 1 E *Bethune Playground (Norco) 5 1 1/n t h, Property owned or Icased by Police jury - Rec. Dist. 116 INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL, FACILITIES CAMPINO ,41c A CL 1'1'i !"C 7 el ArzE I IV /A Otiiav FpcHiVas ane,/07 -X"'. 1"15 1Ai qj@ 4t comtnisrts (SCI 7eaqG)@@ 3 3 F i'Our Lady of th" RoSary Limited lighting Chw7ph (Hahnville) 3 2,; 1 sar leas from Church -1 American Legion Park W (Des Allemandsl 3 W *Boutte Spec. Ed. I - *Lagutta Playground W Mimosa Park I � Mimosa School 7 2 11 Tradition allows usage � Luling Elementary 11 2 11 Tradition allows usage � Mt. Pilgrim (Ama) *St. Gertrude Limited lighting � (Des Allemands) 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 25-year bease from Church Luling Tennis & � lBasketball Park 2 2 J. B. Martin Gymnasium used through W (Paradis) 20 1 Community Education Gymnasium used through � Hahnville Tr. Hloh is Community Education *Monsanto Bicentennial � Wark (Luling) 6 4 1 1 5 1 1 1 � Hahnville High 36 3 Allemands J. C. Rec. � Area 5 1 -71 Property owned or [eased by Police Jury - Rec. Dist. 117 T2 INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES /FCAMPING STCHARLES PARISH SWIMMING /PICNIC /BOAT ACI-LITIES 0 000f 4C 'C9 '41 Area Area .41 '1@ i -.0 1@ cy - 0 g,- E or W NAME OF FACILITY C, W Other Facilities and/or BANK (COMMUNITY) (Sq. Feet) Acrea 0, Comments Ellington Swim 1 3375 W Club (Luling) 4 1 1 2 WjAma. Athletics 1 1 1 Monsanto Park 3 2 W (Lulinj) Willodale Country 243 1 2 1 3200 1 18-hole golf course Club (Luling Mimosa Swim & W Racquet Club 2 1 2400 Fashion Golf & Country W Club (Hahnville) so 1 9-hole golf course Hahnville Lions Club 101 1 Outdoor skeet, pistol and W Skeet rifle range Pier 90 IAI rnff Pier -1Iv 0) W (Off Hwy. 90) Sportsman's Wharf 2 1 � (Bayou Gauche) Loupe's Boat Ramp � (Des Allemands) Simeneaux's Fishing 2000 1 4C 2000 � & Hunting Club Jeffrey Dufresne Boat � Launch (Bayou Gauche) Luling � Trailrides 15 Paradis nature 15 WiEh shelter W Study Trail Property owned or leased by Police Jury -Rec. Dist. 118 INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CAMPING G/ PICNIC BOA FACILITIES JO!" 0 , @@' 1 Cj U/ A Area /A. Other Facilities andlo; of .0V it-i of WiNik ME et), Acreag @?./(Sq. Fe Comments 41 Allemands Lions Club W I Rec. Area 16 W *Boutte Mlini-Park .5 i L -1 lot_LLbanaheq) *Public Boat Launch W (Off Hwy. 3127) 1 *Public Boat Launch W (Off Hwy. 3127) 1 Salvador Wildlife - W Management Area 31,000 1 1 1 31,000 Property owned or leased by Police Jury - Rec. Dist. 119 Burk and Associates, Inc. Land Capability Study of the Louisiana Coastal Zone. REFERENCES New Orleans, La., 1977. Burk and Associates, Inc. Louisiana Coastal Resources Atlas, St. Charles Parish. Prepared for Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development., 1978. Burk and Associates, Inc. Potential Preservation and Restoration Areas In the Louisiana Wetlands, prepared for Louisiana State Planning Office Coastal Resource Program. Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Program Develoopment; Louisiana State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Part 1: Information Base for Executive Decision, '11977. Deputy Director, Fish and Wildlife Service. "Memorandum to Legislative Counsel re- garding HR 11393." 1978. Engineer Agency for Resource Inventories, U. S. Army Engineer Topographic Lab- oratories. Inventory of Basic Environmental Data New Orleans, Baton Rouge Metro- politan Area. Washington, D. C., 1975. Gold, Seymour M., Phl). Urban Recreation Plannino. Philadelphia, Lea and Febinger Publishinq Co., 1973. Gulf South Research Institute, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission. Louisiana State Parks Plan McHarg, Ian L. Design With Nature. New York, Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1969. N-Y Associates. Existinq Land Use and Future Use Plan, St. Charles Parish. Metairie, La., 11974. N-Y Associates. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Community Facilities Plan, Metairie, La., 1974. N. Y Associates. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Economic Study. Metairie, La., 1974. 120 N-Y Associates. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Initial Housing Study Review of Codes. Subdivision Regulations, Zoning O@d-inance. Metairie, La., 1973. N-Y Associates. St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Populatian_@@tud . Metairie, La., 1974. N-Y Associates. The Comprehensive Plan for St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: Solid Waste Mana2ement Study. Metairie, La., 1975. Ohmer, Dr. M. M. and Ohmer, Merlin P. Coastal Zone Management, St. Charles Parish, Thibodaux, La. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Inc. Statistical Profile of St. Charles Parish. Baton Rouge, La., 1973. Rigamer, Gregory C. An Analysis of the Changing Land Use In St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University of New Orleans in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Urban Studies, 1974. Segal, Harris; Saussy, Gordon; Wrighton, Fred; Wilcox, Don; and Burford, Roger. Projections to the Year 2000 of Louisiana Population and Households. The Division of Business and Economic Research, College of Business Administration, University of New Orleans, 1976. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Existing Land Use Study, St. Charles Parish. Thibodaux, La., 1974. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Coastal Zone Management Program for St. Charles Parish, Vol, 1: Report of the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Board to the St. Charles Police Jury. Thibodaux, La., 1978. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Coastal Zone Management Program for St. Charles Parish, Vol. 11: Ree2rt of the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Board to the St. Charles Police Jury. Thibodaux, La., 1978. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Natural Resources, Resource Uses and Users of the Coastal Zone, St. Charles Parish. Thibodaux, La., 1978. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Special Management Areas In the Coastal Zone, St. Charles Parish. Thibodaux, La., 1978. 121 State Parks and Recreation Commission. Outdoor Recreation In Louisiana 1975-1980. Baton Rouge, La. 1974. Thurow, Charles; Tones, William and Early, Duncan. Performance Controls for Sensitive Lands. Washington, D.C.: American Society of Planning Officials, 1975. U. S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Outdoor Recreation Seace-Siandards, 197/0- 122 1 Burk and Associates, Inc. Land Capability Study of the Louisiana NOTES Coastal Zone, New Orleans, La., 1977. 2. Nancy Tregre Wilson. St. Charles Parish ... A Brief Look At the Past, A Bicentennial Project ;f St. Charles Parish Bicentennial Committee, 1976, 3. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Special Manage- ment Areas In the Coastal Zone, St. Charles Parish, Thibodaux, La., 1978. 4. Gregory C. Rigamer. An Analysis of the Changing Land Use In St.Charles Parish, Louisiana, New Orleans, 1974. 5. South Central Planning and Development Commission. Existing Land Use Study, St. Charles Parish, Thibodaux, La. 1974. 6. Dr. M. M. Ohmer and Merlin P. Ohmer. Coastal Zone Management, St. Charles Parish, Thibodaux, La. 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Seymour M. Gold, Phl). Urban Recreation Planning, Philadelphia, Lea and Febiger Publishing Co., 1973. 10. Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Program Develop- ment, Louisiana State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, October, 1977, p. 4,03.11. 11. Department of Interior Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Recreation Space Standards, 1970; 1.24 Reference: Baltimore County, "Waterfront Recreation Survey," p. 22. 12. This section was prepared utilizing the following sources: 123 Charles Thurow, William Tones and Duncan Early, Performance Controls For Sensitive Lands, Washington, D. C.: American Society of Planning Officials, 1975. South Central Planning and Development Commission, Special Management Areas In the Coastal Zone, St. Charles Parish, Thibodaux, La. 1978, Burk and Associates, Inc., Potential Preservation and Restoration Areas In the Louisiana Wetlands, June, 1977. 13. South Central Planning and Development Commission, Coastal Zone Management Program for St. Charles Parish, Vol. 1: Report of the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Board to the St. Charles Police Jury, Thibodaux, La., 1978. 14. Ibid. 15. Deputy Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, "Memorandum to Legislative Counsel regarding H.R. 1139311, 1978. 16.. Ibid. 124 Burk & Associates Incorporated ongineers-planners-onvironriwist scientists 4176 CANAL ST. NEW ORLEANS. LA 70119 15041486-11901 101-8 SECURITY BLDQ GULFPORT, US 39501 (601) 664-0064 job no. 7853 I I I I I I i I I I @ 3 6 68 0000 8096