Henderson dredging project to begin this week

Project to provide low-water access funded with $580,000 from Atchafralaya Basin Program, DNR says.

Andy Crawford

A dredging project funded by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Atchafalaya Basin Program will allow fishing access to Lake Henderson during low-water periods.

Dredging will begin this week at Lake Henderson just east of Lafayette to allow access to the lake from several boat launches along the western guide levee of the Atchafalaya River during low water periods, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announced today (Oct. 16).

The project is a cooperative venture between the DNR and St. Martin Parish, and is expected to take three to four months to complete.

DNR Secretary Stephen Chustz said construction cost of the project is approximately $580,000, which will come from the agency’s Atchafalaya Basin Program.

St. Martin Parish President Guy Cormier said the channels will allow boats to continue to access the Lake Henderson area from the western guide levee boat launches during low-water periods such as during the periodic lowering of Lake Henderson as part of the state’s ongoing hydrilla-control program.

Another benefit of the project is to deepen water habitat for fish during times when Lake Henderson water levels are low, the DNR said.

“The Atchafalaya Basin is not only a key part of the heritage and history of St. Martin Parish, it is one of the signature natural features of our state, drawing fishermen and tourists from around the state and the nation,” Cormier said. “Projects such as this can serve the two important purposes of supporting the ecosystem and expanding access for the public to enjoy the Basin.”