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. Southerly winds push
saline waters into the project area through existing canals
and bayous. Wind driven waves cause further loss of the
remaining marsh fringe.
Cycle III consists of the creation of 232 acres of marsh
platform using material dredged from the Calcasieu River
Ship Channel. Between February 12 and March 31, 2007,
828,767 cubic yards of dredged sediment material was
placed into the Sabine Refuge Cycle III marsh creation area.
The dredged material is contained by earthen dikes. Lower
level earthen overflow weirs were constructed to assist in the
dewatering of the marsh creation disposal area and to create
fringe marsh with the overflow. The dredged slurry has been
placed between elevations 2.03 NAVD 88 to 2.71 NAVD 88.
This project is located in the Sabine National Wildlife
Refuge, west of LA Highway 27, in large, open water areas
west of Brown’s Lake in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
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 III. The placement of the dredged
material has been completed. Degradation of the retention
dikes is ongoing and expected to be completed soon.
This project is on Priority Project List (PPL) 8.
The Sabine Refuge Marsh Creation Cycle III’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 