The project area is experiencing marsh degradation due to
saltwater intrusion and freshwater loss. This has resulted
in the conversion of vegetated intermediate marsh to large
shallow open water areas. Salinity migrates into the region
from the Calcasieu River. Southeast winds push saline
waters into the project area through canals and bayous.
Wind driven waves cause further loss of the remaining marsh
fringe.
A permanent dredged material disposal pipeline, measuring
3.57 miles in length, will be constructed in Cycle II. The
pipeline will commence near Mile 13.2 of the Calcasieu
River Ship Channel and terminate at the northeastern corner
of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Much of the right
of way required for the pipeline was previously impacted
by the construction of a temporary pipeline used during the
construction of Cycle I. The pipeline is to be used for future
marsh creation projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers maintenance dredging of the Calcasieu
River Ship Channel.
The project is located on the
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, west of Highway 27, in
large open water areas northeast of Brown’s Lake.
The Sabine Refuge Marsh Creation Project was originally
approved as part of the Project Priority List 8 in 1999. The
project was later broken into 5 cycles. In 2004, additional
funds for engineering and design and construction were
approved for Cycle II. The pipeline is constructed and will
be available for use during the 2011 maintenance dredging of
the Calcasieu River Ship Channel.
This project is on Priority Project List 8.
The Sabine Refuge Marsh Creation Cycle II’s sponsors include:
- Federal Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Federal Sponsor: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Local Sponsor: Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
CWPPRA 