Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA water-control structure damaged by Hurricane Isaac, poses navigation danger

LDWF

A water-control structure at Point-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area was damaged during Hurricane Isaac and is currently a navigation hazard for boats in the area, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries announced yesterday (Nov. 1).

The control structure is the western weir on the WMA's Montegut marsh management system, the LDWF said.

The water control structure, just south of the town of Montegut on the north side of Wonder Lake in Terrebonne Parish, is the first of two water control structures boaters will observe when traveling east from the Humble Canal. The structure was washed out by storm surge from the hurricane. The public is advised that crossing the breach created by the washout is prohibited and fishing near it is hazardous.

Additionally, the Montegut marsh management unit is a “Limited Access Area” (LAA) and the use of watercraft with internal combustion engines from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31 is prohibited within that unit.

During high tide events, the current through the levee breach is extremely dangerous. There is also submerged debris present that could damage and capsize boats, and injure passengers. LDWF is working with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the Terrebonne Levee District to expedite repairs.