Rabbit Island Restoration – Cameron Parish, LA

The Rabbit Island Restoration Project is one of the six selected projects in the Final Restoration Plan as set forth by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (TIG) in January 2017. Rabbit Island, located approximately 4.7 miles northwest of Cameron within the western portion of Calcasieu Lake, is considered important colonial waterbird habitat as it’s one of a limited number of rookeries left along the coast of Louisiana. Reports indicate that at least 89 acres have been lost since 1955, and the remaining 200 acres are either open water, or land that it is at or below sea level. This low elevation is subject to frequent inundation due to impacts by wind-driven waves and tidal affects from the ship channel. The birds on the island are adversely affected by these impacts.

CPRA has contracted Royal to perform the necessary engineering work and analysis for the design of the island restoration. Specific task to date includes a data gap analysis which involved a thorough review of existing and available historical, technical, and scientific literature such as available topographic and bathymetric surveys, tide and current data, geotechnical, geomorphological and geophysical information, data from various journals, and reports. Upon the identification of existing data gaps, Royal directed the collection of topographic and bathymetric surveys as well as geotechnical investigations and analysis within the project area. Royal also directed the collection of hydrodynamic data which included water level, wave height, and wave period data over a one-month interval.

Following the data collection activities, Royal then completed the development of project alternatives, developed a suite of alternative criteria and evaluated the project alternatives, drafted layouts of proposed alternatives, and provided a recommended path forward for preliminary design.

Royal also oversaw an environmental investigation which produced a report detailing environmental conditions and identified potential permitting considerations. Royal has completed preliminary plans, specifications and the associated design report. Remaining work to be conducted by Royal includes permitting support, preparation of final cost estimates, the compilation of final plans and specifications, design reports, and bid phase services.