Approximately 58,000 linear feet of earthen marsh terraces will be constructed to create emergent wetlands, reduce erosion, lessen turbidity, and promote the growth of desired plant species for fish…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631) provides $250,000.00 to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to construct approximately 58,000 linear feet of earthen marsh terraces in Louisiana. The goal is to create emergent wetlands, reduce erosion, lessen turbidity, and promote desired plant growth to benefit fish and wildlife. Ducks Unlimited will oversee the construction work performed by qualified licensed contractors within 5 years, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service providing technical assistance and site access for monitoring. The project aims to deliver a largely self-sustaining habitat restoration solution through the installation of the marsh terraces and supplemental plantings.

Approximately 58,000 linear feet of earthen marsh terraces will be constructed to create emergent wetlands, reduce erosion, lessen turbidity, and promote the growth of desired plant species for fish and wildlife. The terraces will be constructed using marsh buggy excavators and will utilize on-site soils for construction. The dimensions of the terraces will be 50 wide at the base and 10 wide at the crown. The elevation will be 2.5 NAVD88 and the lengths will be approximately 1,000. There will be gaps within the terrace to allow for ingress egress of tidal waters and marine organisms. The distance between terrace rows will be 300. A magnetometer survey will be performed before construction to identify buried pipelines and other unknown hazards. After the terraces are constructed, plants will be installed along the intertidal shorelines of the terraces. These plantings will help stabilize the shorelines, provide a head start on vegetation colonization, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. Smooth cordgrass (spartina alterniflora) plugs will be alternately planted along the land water interface of the terraces (spacing of 3). One row of plants will be installed along the entire perimeter of every terrace. Supplemental planting events may be conducted through volunteer efforts hosted by local non-profits to plant the terrace tops. All physical enhancements will require little to no maintenance and be largely self-sustaining. Personnel roles and timeline: DU will oversee coordinate with contractors and USFWS will provide technical assistance and site access to DU for monitoring. All work will be performed by qualified licensed contractors within 5 years from the award date.