The Alabama Trustee Implementation Group has released a draft restoration plan proposing projects to address injuries to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Draft Restoration Plan IV and Environmental Assessment: Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction; Birds; Oysters; and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities (PDF, 343 pages) includes seven preferred alternatives for a total of $22.7 million.
We will accept comments on the Draft Restoration Plan IV through July 24, 2024. And, we’ll hold a public webinar to present the plan and receive comments on July 10, 2024.
The draft restoration plan, which is consistent with the Trustees’ programmatic restoration plan, evaluates 11 alternatives, seven of which we have identified as preferred. If those projects are approved, we will use Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment funds to implement the projects. The preferred alternatives are:
Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats:
- Lower Perdido Islands Habitat Restoration – Phase II (also listed under Birds Restoration Type)
Nutrient Reduction:
- Puppy Creek – Juniper Creek-Big Creek Nutrient Reduction
Birds:
- Stewardship of Coastal Alabama Beach Nesting Bird Habitat
- Lower Perdido Islands Habitat Restoration – Phase II (also listed under Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats Restoration Type)
Oysters:
- Improving Resilience for Oysters by Linking Brood Reefs and Sink Reefs (Large-scale) – Component 4 – Mid-lower Mobile Bay, AL
- Oyster Grow-Out and Restoration Reef Replacement – 5 Year Continuation
Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities:
- Bayfront Park Restoration and Improvement Phases IIa and IIb
- Laguna Cove Little Lagoon Natural Resource Protection – Small Scale Amenities
Public Comment and Webinar
The public is encouraged to review and comment on the draft plan through July 24, 2024 by submitting comments online, by mail, or during the public webinar. After the public comment period concludes, the Trustees will review, consider, and address comments prior to the release of the Final Restoration Plan IV. The draft plan can be accessed at the link below, and comments can be provided through one of the following mechanisms:
- Online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ALTIGRPIV
- Mail:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gulf Restoration Office
1875 Century Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30345
We will hold a public webinar on July 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm Central Time. We will present a summary of the draft plan and take comments during the webinar.
- Register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4873129432479890006
- After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the webinar. A GoToWebinar system check is recommended before attending.
Documents
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