Ridge Restoration

Bayou L’Ours Ridge Restoration

Bayou L’Ours is one of several remnant natural ridges in the upper Barataria Basin. The goal of the Bayou L’Ours Ridge Restoration project is to revitalize this approximately 54,000-foot ridge along the bayou. This restoration project is designed to serve a multifaceted purpose, including the creation of vital coastal upland habitat, the restoration of natural hydrology and the establishment of a robust defense mechanism against waves and storm surge. By breathing new life into this historical ridge, the project seeks to benefit over 3,900 acres of wetlands, fostering biodiversity and environmental resilience.

About This Project

Project ID: 334
Parish: Lafourche
Type: Ridge Restoration
From the 2023 Coastal Master Plan

Region: Barataria
Parish: Lafourche
CMP ID: 334
Project Type: Ridge Restoration
Estimated Total Cost: $8.9M – $10M
Description: Restoration of approximately 54,000 feet of historic ridge along Bayou L’Ours to provide coastal upland habitat, restore natural hydrology, and provide wave and storm surge attenuation.

CPRA Project Factsheet

What is a Ridge Restoration Project?

A ridge is a strip of land, usually a remnant of the bank of an abandoned bayou or stream, which is naturally elevated above the marsh surface and typically populated with trees. Restoring ridges can protect important habitat, provide storm surge protection to nearby communities and help prevent saltwater intrusion into freshwater wetlands. Ridge restoration projects can work with hydrologic restoration projects to reestablish historic salinities within the basin, reduce shoreline erosion of marsh creation projects and trap sediment from sediment diversions to help build land more quickly.

Other Ridge Restoration Projects

Bayou La Loutre Ridge Restoration

Ecological Highlights

Habitat
Wildlife

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