Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Canoeing Lake Martin of Ascension Parish



CANOE LAKE MARTIN, Ascension Parish

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Jim Bolner, has asked that we visit this lake, which is about a 20-minute paddle from the Amite River.  He's concerned that the Pontchartrain Levee District & Ascension Parish will succeed in getting a wetlands permit from the USCOE & the La. DNR to build a 4.5 mile levee that will destroy the wetlands in this area.  The levee will run through the White Cypress Swamp from the existing Laurel Ridge Levee to just south of Port Vincent.  It  is expected to cost $26.5 million but will benefit only about 280 homes.  The other approximate 3720 homes are now above the 100-year base flood elevation.  Jim is also working with LEAN, Gen. Honore, and the Gulf Restoration Network.  The USCOE has just opened the comment period & Jim will have handouts regarding the comments.

DETAILS:  Meet at 9 a.m. at the boat launch.  The paddle will last 2 hours at the most, but if you paddle to the Amite, more time is needed.  If you need a kayak or a canoe, Jim has four extra kayaks & one two-person canoe.

DIRECTIONS:  Take the Prairieville exit off of I-10 & go left, under the interstate.  Take a right at the first signal (also marked by a Shell Station).  I believe the road is La. 621.  You'll cross a signal at Airline and at the second signal, take a left.  That should be La. 44.  At the next signal, turn right on Germany Road.  After about five miles, you'll cross another signal light.  The road will veer to the left, but you want to go straight & that road becomes Lake Martin Road.  You'll reach the end of the road in less than a mile.  On the left is a gravel road, which you'll take for about 100 yards at which point, it bends to the right.  That's the boat launch, where parking is allowed.

Once you leave the interstate, you should be at the boat launch in about 15 minutes.  If you get lost, Jim's # is (504) 442-0707.

CARPOOL:  Meet at 8:15 a.m. in the Lowe's Parking Lot off of Siegen.
CALL  Gwen at 225-573-1137 for cancellation information, if weather looks bad

Monday, May 11, 2015

2nd Quarter of 2015 Events


Green Army Lobby Day: When: Thursday, May 14, 2015, starting at 9 a.m.
Where: State Capitol

What:   A number of environmental organizations will be gathering in the Capitol Rotunda to share our concerns with our legislators. For more information, please go to http://lasierraclub.org/node/259

Of particular interest are HB 180, the Safe Schools Act (preventing schools from being located on top of hazardous sites); HB 590, a bill to require monitoring for pollutants along the perimeters of industrial sites; HB 745, the Water Governance Reform Act; SB 214, Solar Purchase Restrictions; and HB 597, a bill allowing self audit by industry.

2015 Legislation & the Environment
When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Where: The Backpacker
What:  David Brown, local attorney & lobbyist for the Delta Chapter of the Sierra Club will come discuss important legislation still pending.  He will also share with you his insight on the workings of the Legislature & tips on connecting with your legislator
Paddle on the Manchac
When:   9 .m., Saturday, June 6, 2015
Where:  TBD
What:  Nathaniel Klumb will guide us as we put in at a site in Highland Road Park & take a leisurely paddle shaded by a wonderful tree canopy.  More info will be forthcoming.  If you need a canoe or kayak, please contact me at nancygrush@gmail.com.