Restoration Strategy: To enhance 8,000 acres of coastal marsh on Marsh Island Wildlife Refuge through refurbishment of existing levees. The external levee surrounding the waterfowl impoundment was severely damaged to constant wind and wave action from several large hurricanes. Over 15,000 linear feet of levee needed repair using approximately 60,000 cubic yards of fill dirt. Completion of this project will (1) prevent saltwater intrusion and resultant marsh loss, (2) improve habitat conditions, and (3) increase fish and wildlife populations. Marsh Island is host to several thousand ducks, geese, coots, and numerous wading birds each year. It also serves as a resting area for many of the transient birds that winter in Central and South America. The LDWF will manage the area to maintain submerged aquatic vegetation for wintering waterfowl.

Location: Approximately 27 miles south of New Iberia, LA (Iberia Parish)

Acres Impacted: 8,000 acres

Habitat Type: Coastal Marsh
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Partners:  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline:  Project was completed in fall 1987

DU Contact: 

Bob Dew
Regional Biologist
646 Cajundome Blvd., Ste. 180
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 291-3065
bdew@ducks.org