Mississippi Meeting Minutes

Mississippi River Conservation Initiative

Mississippi Planning Meeting

November 20-21, 2003

The Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) conducted the fifth in a series of six state-level planning meetings at the Battlefield Inn in Vicksburg, Mississippi on November 20-21, 2003 to identify aquatic habitat restoration opportunities in the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) leveed floodplain. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), members of the LMRCC, served as local hosts of the meeting.

Approximately forty participants representing state and federal agencies and the private sector participated in discussions to: 1) identify potential habitat restoration sites along the Mississippi reach of the LMR, and 2) to review federal, state, and private programs relevant to habitat and environmental restoration within the LMR leveed floodplain. Participants were welcomed to the meeting by Moderator Richard Ingram, MDEQ Yazoo River Basin Coordinator. The meeting began with an introductory session comprised of presentations on issues related to conservation and habitat restoration of the Lower Mississippi River’s aquatic resources. The introductory session was followed by general discussions of potential restoration opportunities. The second day consisted of reviewing and discussing restoration sites not covered during the first day. Because essential Memphis District Corps of Engineers (COE) staff weren’t present at the beginning of the discussion of potential restoration sites within their district, sites identified in the Vicksburg COE District were addressed first. After Memphis COE District staff arrived, discussion was focused on potential restoration sites identified within that district. The meeting notes begin with proposed restoration Site 1 (RM [River Mile] 719) and proceed down river to Site 80 (RM 322). A summary of presentations and discussions are presented below. Printouts of the slide-shows are provided in the appendices.

INTRODUCTORY SESSION

AWater Quality Benefits from Implementing the Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan@ - Richard Ingram (Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality)

Mr. Ingram discussed various environmental problems associated with the LMR, including the deforestation of wetlands along the river corridor that has resulted in soil from the river=s floodplain being increasingly eroded away by high water events. Increased nutrient input and sediment loss from LMR watershed has increased the Gulf Hypoxia problem. Implementation of the aquatic restoration goals outlined in the Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan will improve water quality in the LMR and positively affect the LMR ecosystem=s natural resources.

AOverview of the Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan@ -

Bubba Hubbard (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks)

Mr. Hubbard discussed the potential importance of the LMR’s role in providing natural resource and economic benefits to the Delta region and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks’ interest in working with other partners to accomplish habitat restoration objectives within the Mississippi reach of the LMR leveed floodplain. The LMRCC has three broad goals that will improve the LMR=s aquatic resources. These goals are to: 1) raise public awareness of the River as an ecosystem (most people aren’t aware of the river’s natural resources) 2) implement sustainable land use changes on the floodplain by working with willing private landowners to reforest marginal agricultural lands, and 3) increase public interaction with the river by promoting consumptive (hunting and fishing) and non-consumptive (tourism, bird watching, camping, recreational boating, etc.) uses. The Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan (LMRARMP) provides a mechanism for addressing these three broad goals. LMRARMP objectives are: 1) restoration of 50% of degraded secondary channels 2) restoration of 60% of degraded floodplain lakes 3) reforestation of 130,000 aces of cleared wetlands (primarily on private land), and 4) restoring hydrology on 80,000 acres of degraded wetlands. Mr. Hubbard concluded his remarks by saying the Tennessee restoration plan for the LMR was an excellent template to follow.

ALarge River Aquatic Habitat Restoration Techniques and the Potential Role of the Corps of Engineers in their Implementation@ - Steve Ellis (Mississippi Valley Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

The Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is comprised of six districts extending from the St. Paul District in the extreme northern portion of the Mississippi River to the New Orleans District on the south. Mr. Ellis provided an overview of the Corps= channel improvement project and how it fits into the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project (MR&T). The 1927 flood in the Lower Mississippi Valley focused national attention on the need to reduce flooding along the lower river and resulted in Congress passing the Flood Control Act of 1928, which is administered by the Mississippi River Tributaries Commission. The MR&T project is divided into four features: 1) levees 2) tributary basin improvements 3) floodways, and 4) channel stabilization. Mr. Ellis is responsible for administering the MVD=s channel stabilization program which provides opportunities to construct environmentally beneficial features such as notched dikes, articulated concrete revetment (provides a rough surface for invertebrates to become established), chevrons, etc. These tools are available for adding Aenvironmental benefits@ to the Corps= Congressional mandate to maintain a safe navigation channel. In addition to these practices, the Corps maintains an active LMR environmental program involving monitoring the federally endangered least tern and pallid sturgeon. Corps’ studies conducted to assess fisheries resources associated with dike fields have shown excellent populations of river fishes associated with scour holes and plunge pools within and below dike fields.

AOverview of Continuing Authorities Programs@ - Renee Turner (Vicksburg District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Ms. Turner discussed the following components of the Corps= Continuing Authorities Program (CAP): 1) Section 205 provides protection from flooding and costs exceeding $100,000 are shared 65 (Federal):35 (non-Federal) rate 2) Section 14 provides funds to protect public facilities that are endangered by a Corps project. The program is administered primarily to prevent erosion damage. The first $40,000 is not cost shared but the remainder of the project=s cost is cost shared at 65 (Federal):35 (non-Federal). 3) Section 107 addresses small navigation projects by providing improvements to navigation, including dredging of channels, widening of turning basins, and construction of navigation aids. Examples of Section 107 projects are the Yazoo Diversion Canal and widening the Mississippi River navigation channel. Cost sharing after the first $100,000 is 80 (Federal):20 (non-Federal). 4) Section 1135 – The Small Ecosystem Restoration Program of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 provides for restoration of degraded environmental systems. Section 1135 projects can be constructed both on Corps-owned land or on non-Corps owned land, if a Corps project caused environmental damage to the non-Corps owned land. The program involves a 75 (Federal):25 (non-Federal) cost share. Project expenses, including the feasibility study, are cost shared to a maximum of $5 million/project. Non-federal government agencies and non-governmental agencies can participate in this program. 5) Section 206 provides funds for restoration and protection of aquatic habitat. This program differs from Section 1135 in that the project need not be constructed on areas impacted by a Corps program. This program requires a 65 (Federal :35 (non-Federal) cost share. It does provide for in-kind work that can total 100% of the non-federal partner=s share whereas Section 1135 projects can only accept 80% of in-kind work. Appropriations for the CAP are authorized by Congress on an annual basis. Ms. Turner mentioned a non-CAP program known as Planning Assistance to States which is cost shared on a 50:50 basis. This is a good program to help fund state comprehensive or master planning.

ANatural Resource-Based Economic Development Potential in Mississippi@ - Ron Nassar (Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee & U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Mr. Nassar pointed out that the LMRCC has no Congressional mandate to restore the LMR’s natural resources, while the Corps has a Congressional mandate to control flooding and maintain navigation along the LMR. The LMRCC frequently partners with the Corps because they have a diverse array of natural resource conservation programs that can be utilized to achieve both organization’s goals. The LMRCC has begun promoting a new concept that the LMR provides a great economic opportunity for Mississippi, as well as the other states in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. People in Mississippi annually spend large sums to pursue consumptive and non-consumptive uses associated with the LMR. Tourism and wildlife-associated recreation are currently a major industry in Mississippi that was worth more to the state’s economy in 2001 than agriculture. Mississippi=s congressional delegation is beginning to recognize the value of the state=s natural resources to its economy. There is a new term called AGeoTourism@ that is being used by the travel industry to identify tourists who desire a more complete travel experience. The number of AGeoTourists@ is expected to increase from 55 million in 2003 to 100 million in the next ten years. The primary reason the LMRCC is proposing managing the river for sustainable use is that funding expended by tourists in Mississippi can provide a sustainable source of economic development to local communities. The LMRCC is currently conducting a series of six state-level planning meetings designed to promote natural resource-based economic development within the leveed floodplain of the LMR in the Lower Mississippi Valley. When these meetings are complete, the six state plans will be compiled into a Restoring America=s Greatest River, a landscape-scale plan for restoration of the LMR. The possibilities associated with addressing the =s economic value of the LMR’s natural resources were stressed. The river=s economic value can be enhanced through resource restoration, thereby leaving an environmental and economic legacy for generations to come.

“Constructing Dike Notches to Provide Environmental Benefits” – Derrick Smith (Channel Improvement Project Manager) & Kandita Waller (River Engineering Section) (Memphis District U. S. Army Corps of Engineers) showed a video on dike notching to restore environmental benefits within the Keyes Point Dike Field (RM 790). The video showed the relative ease with which notches can be constructed in existing dikes to restore flow into extrachannel areas. Cost ($2,000) of constructing the notch using a barge-mounted dragline barge was paid for by the Memphis District. The Memphis District has shown outstanding initiative in constructing environmental restoration features in conjunction with their Operations & Maintenance Program and Memphis District personnel discussed future plans for similar activities.

General observations made by the meeting participants and specifically Dr. Jack Killgore & Dr. Jan Hoover (U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center; Vicksburg, MS), Steve Ellis (Mississippi Valley Division Channel Improvement Coordinator), Derrick Smith (Memphis District Channel Improvement Project Manager), Glenda Hill (Vicksburg District Channel Improvement Project Manager), and Jim Guttshall (Vicksburg District River Engineer) relative to restoration of aquatic habitat in the Lower Mississippi River leveed floodplain.

1. Data on controlling elevations in secondary channels and their relationship to Mississippi River stage are required prior to initiating any habitat restoration work in the Lower Mississippi River. The Corps of Engineers may be able to collect this information during their Lower Mississippi River hydraulic surveys which are conducted annually at 0.2 mile (1,000 foot) ranges.

2. In October 2003 the Corps of Engineers collected low water aerial video footage from both sides of the Lower Mississippi River in the reach from Cairo, Illinois to the Old River Control Structure. The data, available in digital format with GPS coordinates, is available for both channel improvement and environmental planning purposes.

3. Corps of Engineers dikes that are notched naturally are not normally repaired, provided that the notch will not adversely affect navigation and there is an apron below the notch to prevent structural damage to the dike. L-shaped dikes, typically used to create a new bankline, are a good environmental feature because they create an unusual type of habitat.

4. Upstream heads of islands usually have gravel bars on them unless they have been armored. Dikes going through Lower Mississippi River islands are burying gravel bars with sand. Shallow water gravel bars provide important habitat for fish but, in some instances, they are degrading due to the effect of the dikes. Gravel bars in the Lower Mississippi River need to be mapped and engineering solutions to minimize their degradation need to be developed. Considering their relative environmental importance, all gravel bars should be designated as special habitat and every effort made to preserve them. Sand and gravel mining is occurring in the Lower Mississippi River and a pre-mining assessment is required by state law (data collected is transferred to a state regulatory agency for use by any agency that requests it).

5. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a study to examine the impacts of sand and gravel mining on fisheries resources and river geomorphology. Pre-existing, extraction, and post-extraction conditions are being evaluated.

6. Point bars have a high level of habitat diversity. Notching dikes on a point bar may adversely affect functionality of the sandbar for some species (sturgeon).

7. A joint (U. S. Army Corps of Engineers x states) monitoring study of 5-10 Lower Mississippi River side channels is needed to develop benefit:cost ratios for habitat restoration projects.

8. Construction of notches for environmental enhancement can be relatively inexpensive. An environmental notch with a 50 foot bottom width and 200 foot top width was constructed in Porter Lake, Arkansas Dike Number 6 (RM 697) at an approximate cost of $2,000. Features to consider when notching dikes for environmental enhancement include determination of the location and size of the proposed notch, amount of stone in the dike (6-10 feet of stone below the notch is considered a sufficient amount of base rock), location of the natural channel(s), and leaving the first upstream dike intact and staggering the locations of notches in the remaining dikes in the field. The Memphis District of the Corps of Engineers conducts surveys to determine the velocity and depth of pools created below notches. Notching dikes in secondary channels is a good environmental feature but the value of notching dikes in straight river reaches should be evaluated. Deep slackwater embayments downstream from some dikes are excellent fish habitat and should be maintained as such.

9. Restoration of meander scars within the leveed floodplain should be given a high restoration priority because of their habitat values to fisheries resources.

10. Proposed habitat restoration opportunities need to be evaluated through site specific assessments and prioritized.

11. Some oxbow lakes should be cut off from the river, rather than having an active hydrological connection other than during periods of extensive flooding, because connecting them can fundamentally change the fish community. We should diversify the lentic habitat within a river reach by working with the existing habitat to provide a mixture of permanently flooded, seasonally flooded, and almost entirely isolated oxbow lakes.

12. Headcutting has occurred 20-30 miles upstream of the mouth of Bayou Pierre (to a point above Smyrna, MS) and there are signs of headcutting in the mouth of the Big Black River.

AIdentification of Wetland and Aquatic Habitat Restoration Opportunities in the Leveed Floodplain of the Mississippi River from Mile 715 to Mile 305 - Ron Nassar (LMRCC), Steve Ellis (MVD COE), Memphis and Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers personnel

Note: Areas discussed during the meeting are assigned a number corresponding to the number on the enclosed summary map, followed by an approximate river mile location, a brief description, and the number of the planning map on which it appears.

719

Evaluate habitat rehabilitation need and feasibility in lake complex including installation of weirs, spot dredging, etc. Habitat restoration in Old River Lake located on Island No. 53.

Map

Comment: MDWFP reports that they are unaware of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency staff sampling or conducting other biological/hydrological investigations in the Horn Lake complex. A 1998 creel survey conducted by MDWFP in Horn Lake found this water body was likely the most heavily fished (hrs/acre) lake in the state. Because the area being recommended for potential habitat restoration lies within both Mississippi and Tennessee, any proposed work should be a cooperative effort between the two states.

710

Replace Desoto County Boat Ramp.

Map

Comment: The existing ramp has a sandbar in front of it hindering boat access. A new ramp should be constructed further down river from the present ramp. The Memphis COE District agree to provide depth information to MDWFP.

710-719

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Information on the location of gravel bars in the LMR is limited, necessitating the need to map and assess all gravel bar sites. Gravel bars are important because many imperiled fish species (e.g. sturgeon, paddlefish) utilize gravel substrates for spawning, foraging, and predator avoidance. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) said that when the Corps is working in the vicinity of a gravel bars they strive to minimize any adverse effects to the bar that might be caused by their work. Note: these generic comments pertain to all gravel bar sites contained in this list.

705-703

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Pickett dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: The Corps notched dike 3 this past summer and is committed to notching the remaining dikes.

702

Habitat restoration in Old River Lake located on Island No. 53.

Map

Comment: No one was familiar with the habitat features of this area. MDWFP mentioned that the Grand Casino and the Mississippi River Park are located in this vicinity. This site requires further assessment to determine what habitat restoration opportunities might exist.

694

Restore hydrology in Midway Lake to provide aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: The area is owned by Mississippi but managed by Arkansas. Access to the site is impossible during low water stages of the LMR. This project will require coordination between Mississippi and Arkansas to determine whether this is a public lake or privately owned.

693

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

690

Habitat restoration in Old River Lake on Rabbit Island.

Map

Comment: This is the area where the original casinos were built and the lower end of the site was dug out to facilitate passage of the casino boats into the slip. Approximately 90% of floodplain lakes have been lost and this area should be given high priority for restoration.

682

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

682-681

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Bordeaux Point dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: The Corps advised that this site is likely covered by 10-15 feet of sand and the dikes would be extremely hard to notch. The participants mutually agreed that the site would be omitted from the list of potential restoration projects.

676.5

Restore minimum flow through secondary channel by notching Below Walnut Bend dikes.

Map

Comment: The Corps sees no problem carrying this request out.

670

Habitat restoration within the Duck Lake, Mud Lake, North Lake, and Flower Lake wetland complex.

Map

Comment: MDWFP advised that the lakes receive heavy fishing pressure and the quality of their habitat is generally good. Because the lakes already have good quality habitat, they were assigned a low restoration priority. The questions was asked if there are opportunities for notching additional dikes in the St. Francis Dike Field (RM 670 – 671). John Rumancik (Memphis District COE) noted that the large sandbar in this area provides good least tern habitat.

668-666

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Flower Lake Bar dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: The Corps noted that this is not a problem area for navigation and plunge pools have already formed behind the dikes. Because these plunge pools provide good habitat diversity, the Corps recommended that this site should be left as is at the present time. The Corps agree to consider notching the Prairie Point dikes. It appears one of the dikes in this field may have been notched previously. The final decision at this site was to leave Flower Lake dikes alone and the Memphis District would assess the feasibility of notching the Prairie Point dikes. Note that the Flower Lake Bar outlet channel has been revetted.

667

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

667

Restore minimum flow through secondary channel by notching Prairie Point dikes.

Map

Comment: Dikes 3 and 4 need to be notched to allow flow through the right descending bank side channel.

658-656

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Montezuma Bar dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: The Corps has identified a navigation problem down stream from this site. Once this problem is addressed, they will reassess the feasibility of notching the Montezuma Bar dikes.

652

Notch dikes along Friars Point. Existing ramp at RM 653 is privately owned and no longer accessible to the public. A public boat ramp has been requested at Friars Point.

Map

Comment: The Corps identified a navigation problem at RM 653-652 and the proposed dike notching in this project was omitted. Slack water embayments downstream from some of the dikes are excellent habitat. MDWFP biologists commented that the boat ramp at RM 652.5 is usable, but there is a question as to whether this is a public ramp. Before discussing an additional boat ramp, ownership of the existing site needs to be determined. A suggestion was made that MDWFP explore the possibility of developing a Cooperative Agreement between the landowners and MDWFP.

650

Yazoo-Mississippi Delta Levee Board regulated water levels annually in Horseshoe Lake from February to May, but is no longer able to do so due to an inoperable water control structure. Weir with operable water control structure needed to raise water levels and improve aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: The MDWFP said the present water control structure in Horseshoe Lake is operated by inserting a plywood closure to maintain lake levels from January 15 to May 15. After May 15 the levee district may operate the control structure to lower the lake level. MDWFP felt their agency wasn=t ready to enter into an agreement to maintain the water levels within the lake. This project will require joint coordination between the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta Levee Board and MDWFP.

640

Notch closing structures at the head of Island 63 Bend to reintroduce flow. Access to the river is limited at low water but the higher water level in the bend will provide limited access and improve aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: The Corps will look at this site to assess whether the dikes can be notched. If notching isn=t feasible, suggest dredging out local side channel (Bend of Island 63) to provide low water access to the existing Qua Paw Boat Ramp. This project would have to be carried out through a Section 1135 or 206 Project with the potential for in-kind work by MDWFP to construct a new boat ramp.

639

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Island 63 Bar dike field to restore flow and improve aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: Dike 2 has a natural notch and the Corps has notched dikes 3 and 4. No further action is needed at this time.

637

Notch closing structure to increase side channel flow.

Map

Comment: The Corps agreed to enlarge the notch in dike 2 to increase flow into the side channel.

627

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Sunflower dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: A local hunting club is complaining about caving banks near this site. To address this problem, the Corp may construct hard points. Because the hunting club probably does not want increased flow behind the dikes, the Corps proposes to look at using hard points located below existing dikes to increase habitat diversity. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) suggested giving this project a low priority.

624

Construct weir at outflow of Desoto Lake to restore habitat.

Map

Comment: Congressman Bennie Thompson=s office has contacted Ron Nassar about constructing a Section 1135 project on this site. Site added to the list of potential Continuing Authority Program projects.

623

Restore habitat in Desoto Lake.

Map

Comment: This project is also being recommended by Congressman Bennie Thompson=s office as a Section 1135 project. Site will be added to the list of potential Continuing Authority Program projects. Bruce Reid (Mississippi Chapter of the Audubon Society) noted that a least tern nesting colony was present on Lower Island 67 and notching the dike field could potentially increase nest success.

616-614

Habitat restoration within Cessions Towhead side channel. Environmental parameters to consider include water quality, flow, depth diversity, seasonal water elevation, woody debris, etc.

Map

Comment: John Rumancik noted that the Corps had previously conducted an overflight of the area and the side channel was open at river stages >3 feet. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) discussed what could be done to maintain or extend the life of the side channel. One suggestion was to close off the chute=s upper entrance to reduce the amount of silt entering the system and simultaneously open the outlet to promote flow through the system. He also mentioned that another way to address this problem might be to go into the side channel and remove restrictions causing silt deposition. Jim Gutshall (VD COE) recommended the Corps consider this site for preservation, but they should survey elevations within the side channel before any habitat restoration actions were undertaken.

609-604

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Island 70 dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map 10

Comment: Glenda Hill (VD COE) said that dike 2 has an existing notch that was constructed in 1962 and future plans call for constructing one new upstream dike and raising the remaining dikes. The Corps will consider notching these dikes, provided there is no adverse effect on the navigation channel. Interstate Highway 69 will cross the Mississippi River near this site, providing economic development opportunities by increasing public access to the river.

608

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

604

Determine need for habitat restoration within Old River Lake on Island No. 71.

Map

Comment: The MDWFP noted that hunting clubs (Donaldson Point and Concordia Rod & Gun Club) which own this property try to maintain water elevations in the lake by operating a weir. The lake is shallow averaging 7 or 8 feet in depth. Ron Nassar suggested that he could work with MDWFP to follow up this discussion by contacting these hunting clubs to determine their interest in a restoration project at this site.

601-600

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Smith Point dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: This site is within the jurisdiction of both the Memphis and Vicksburg Districts. The dikes are maintained by the Vicksburg District, while the Memphis District maintains the bendway weirs. It=s not known whether the dikes are covered with significant amounts of sand and the Corps needs to determine if this is the case before further habitat restoration discussions occur. John Rumancik (MD COE) noted that Smith Point is a least tern nesting site and notching the dikes may reduce predator access to the tern colony.

599-596

Determine need for habitat restoration/enhancement within floodplain lakes on Concordia Island i.e., McClellan Lake, Concordia Lake, etc.

Map

Comment: The MDWFP staff were not familiar with this site. Ron Nassar commented he hasn=t been on this site in recent years, but he recalled that a number of years ago the lakes contained good fisheries resources. This site will be added to the list for future assessment by MDWFP.

597.5

Restore flow into Old White River Chute to improve aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: Vicksburg District Corps personnel said the Old White River Chute closing structure was constructed in 1963 and was probably a low water closure. Because there is a down stream navigation problem, the Corps recommended not restoring additional flow into the area. Currently there is some flow into the site at stages >5 ft. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) recommended not notching the closing structure and if the Corps undertakes any work in the area, they may consider placing hard points to curb local bank caving.

590-587

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Terrene Dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Earlier this year the Corps raised and extended dikes 1 and 2. Dike 1 was also notched. RM 590 continues to be a dredging problem and the Corps recommended that no further notches be constructed.

589-577

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching below Prentiss Dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Glenda Hill (VD COE) noted that dike 4 appeared to have a natural notch and dike 2 had been notched previously. Hydrological surveys of the dike field indicate a deep pool below dike 1. Dike 3 will be used to access sand for future construction in the area. It was agreed the Corps will assess the need to notch additional dikes at this site.

33a

570

Assess the need for habitat restoration within Lake Whittington e.g., increased depth diversity, improved hydraulic connection with main river channel, improved cover (woody debris), etc.

Map

Comment: This site is an approved Section 1135 project and for this reason it was previously dropped from the list of proposed sites. The MDWFP staff felt that, because this project had not been constructed, it should remain as a recommended restoration site. Restocking of fisheries resources is also planned for the lake after completion of the project.

571-570

Isolate least tern colony from mainland by notching Catfish Point Dikes to restrict predator access.

Map

Comment: Glenda Hill (VD COE) said she had no notes on this site and didn=t know whether any of the dikes had previously been notched. There may be an opportunity to notch dike 2. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) recommended adding this site to the Corps= list of sites to evaluate for notching.

570

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

551

Evaluate the potential for initiating a habitat restoration project within Black Bayou Drainage Ditch.

Map

Comment: No one could provide any information about conditions at this site. It was recommended the site be added to the list for future assessment.

548

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Ashbrook Cutoff dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc

Map

Comment: Vicksburg District Corps personnel said the dikes within Ashbrook Cutoff are short dikes with established plunge pools (i.e. 30 foot depth). Ron Nassar suggested putting a small notch in dike 3 which is blocking flow into the local side channel. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) said the Corps could look at doing this. The Corps preferred not to notch the existing short dikes, but will assess the feasibility of notching dike 3.

548-546

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Ashbrook-Miller Bend dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: The Corps says the slack water behind the dikes within Ashbrook-Miller Bend provides excellent habitat and recommended that the dikes not be notched.

544-540

Evaluate the potential for initiating a habitat restoration project within Lake Ferguson.

Map

Comment: MDWFP said at low water the lake becomes two separate bodies of water. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) said this site should be added to the list of sites to assess. If it=s deemed a worthy project it would have to be funded via a Section 1135 or 206.

528

Conserve/Restore gravel bar and notch closing structure to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: The Corps made note of this recommendation and will add this site to the list of sites for future evaluation/assessment. The MDWFP recommended adding Lake Lee, a local floodplain lake in the area, to the list of restoration sites. Refer to comments at Site 3.

522-520

Assess potential for habitat restoration within Longwood Chute.

Map

Comment: Aerial photos indicate that this chute was historically connected to the river. Garry Lucas says a weir to maintain water levels would provide good nursery habitat in the area. Jack Killgore says we may want to maintain a seasonal connection in some chutes because connecting them to the river fundamentally changes the fish community. There should be a mixture of 1) permanently connected, 2) seasonally connected, and 3) almost entirely isolated water bodies to create habitat diversity within reach. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) recommended keeping this site on the list of areas to be assessed.

514.5

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

505-503

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Corregidor dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc., within Old River Chute on Duncansby Towhead.

Map

Comment: The Corps said there are no notches in the dikes and it appears that dike 2 may be completely covered with sand. Because this site is a documented least tern nesting area, the Corps will assess it. It will, however, be a low priority because one or more of the dikes may be covered with sand and difficult to notch. Additionally, Steve Ellis (MVD COE) pointed out that this site is an area of natural deposition.

503-502

Restore hydrology in Old River and Bunch=s Cut-off channels.

Map

Comment: Steve Ellis (MVD COE) noted that these sites are two separate water bodies and the projects should be coordinated between Louisiana and Mississippi state agencies. There is an existing least tern colony at RM 503 that should be taken into account when assessing this area.

499

Assess the potential for habitat restoration within Skipwith Crevasse.

Map

Comment: If constructed, this project would have to be done under the CAP project because the proposed restoration is too close to an existing levee and it may not be wise to reopen the side channel. The final recommendation was to omit this site.

494-492

Evaluate potential to improve aquatic habitat diversity by constructing additional notches in Baleshed Landing dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Corps personnel noted that there are six dikes in this field and dikes 2, 3, 4 and 5 were notched in the Fall of 2001. Low river stages prevented notching dike 6 but the Corps will monitor this site to determine when conditions are favorable for notching this dike.

488-485

Notch Ben Lomond dike field to reintroduce limited flow into backwater habitat

Map

Comment: The Corps noted that this is a difficult reach with known dredging problems since 1999. There is an existing natural notch in dike 2 that will be left when the dikes are raised to address the navigation problem. There is an existing chute on the back side of the dikes which won=t be affected by raising the dikes. Bruce Reed mentioned the mud flats in this area attract shore birds. The final recommendation was that these dikes should not be notched because this could increase dredging problems in the area.

485-481

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Ajax Bar dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: It was recommended to leave this site as is and not notch any of the dikes.

483

Boat ramp needed in Shipland WMA.

Map

Comment: The MDWFP is trying to purchase additional land at this site to construct a public boat ramp. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) will get the MDWFP staff in contact with the appropriate Corps staff for assistance on this project.

471-468

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching closing structures in Arcadia Point dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Glenda Hill (VD COE) said she could find no notches in the current dike field. The Corps won=t notch dike 1 as it appears to have a natural notch, but they will consider notching the remaining dikes. Jack Killgore noted that there is an existing gravel bar above RM 468.

467-465

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Tennessee Bar dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: No notches are present at this site but the reach is so straight the Corps recommended not constructing notches because of potential negative impacts to navigation.

461

Restore hydrology in Chotard Lake to provide aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: The Corps said this habitat restoration project would have to be constructed under the CAP and would require a non-federal sponsor. This project will be added to the list of potential CAP projects.

447

Construct weir in Paw Paw Bend to raise water levels and improve aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: The Corps said dikes at this site are notched and have established plunge pools. Jan Hoover (USAERDC) mentioned that a weir regulating water levels within the chute would benefit endangered wood stork and alligator gar populations. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) said this project would have to be constructed under the CAP and it will be added to the list of potential CAP projects.

440

Restore minimum flow through secondary channel by notching dikes to restore aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: Dikes at this location have previously been notched. To address an existing navigation problem at this location, the Corps will raise a portion of dike 2, construct two more dikes at mile 439, and build small hard points to retard erosion on the right descending bank. The Corps will leave existing notches when they carry out their proposed work.

439

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Refer to comments at Site 3.

438

Determine potential for aquatic habitat restoration within Lake Centennial.

Map

Comment: MDWFP personnel noted that the lake contained a good crappie population but river elevations of 12 feet or lower hinder access into the lake. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) recommended establishing a riparian buffer on the river side of the lake to reduce the amount of sediment entering the lake. This site requires further assessment because there may be water quality problems, especially with dissolved oxygen levels.

424-423

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching 3^rd Diamond Cutoff dike to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Vicksburg District Corps personnel noted that there are existing notches in dikes 2 and 3. There appear to be a good plunge pools below dikes 1 and 2, but none below dike 3. Ron Nassar said this area (Palmyra Chute) is a large wetland complex and there is an existing sand plug at RM 425 restricting flow into the secondary channel at low water levels. There are a number of private hunting clubs in the area that would have to be contacted about construction of a weir that could affect water levels in the area. Because there was limited knowledge among the participants about this area, contact should be established with the landowners to determine their views on this proposed project and the feasibility of conducting a restoration assessment.

415

Determine habitat restoration/enhancement potential within Togo Island Lake complex.

Map

Comment: Steve Ellis (MVD COE) noted that this area overflows during flood stage and the actual location of the Mississippi-Louisiana border at this site is in question. Jack Killgore noted that there is a 100-foot deep hole at an old bendway above Palmyra Chute, which was cutoff during the 1970's. In order to answer questions regarding the site=s ownership and biological condition, a future site assessment should be conducted.

410-407

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Yucatan dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc. within Middle Ground Island Chute.

Map

Comment: Dike 1 takes all of the current=s pressure and the Corps does not want to notch it. Dike 2 has an existing notch. Dikes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the chute are very short but provide some measure of depth diversity. The Corps will monitor conditions at this site but recommended not notching dikes within the Yucatan dike field.

407

Conserve/Restore gravel bar to increase habitat diversity.

Map

Comment: Jack Killgore (USAERDC) said the site=s gravel bar is covered with sand. Ron Nassar suggested that a list of potential research projects pertaining to river gravel bars be developed. The Corps mentioned their Regulatory Division now requires that gravel mining companies report their activities annually. Blanket 5-year permits that do not require reporting are no longer being issued to mining companies. Refer to comments at Site 3.

405

Restore access to Yucatan Lake from the Mississippi River.

Map

Comment: This project is proposed to restore hydrology to the outlet channel of Yucatan Lake because highwater events leave woody debris that restricts entrance to the lake from the Mississippi River. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) recommended that MDWFP annually conduct a small scale operation at this site to reduce the amount of woody debris being deposited in the lake outlet channel and provide improved access for Mississippi fishermen. There may be a potential for increasing tourism within the area because Highway 61 is being converted to four lanes near Port Gibson.

400-399

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Grand Gulf dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Glenda Hill (VD COE) said her notes indicate no notches at this site. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) noted there are plunge pools behind dikes 2 and 3. The present dikes are short and it may be wise to leave them alone because the river=s current tends to keep the point clean. The Corps may have future work planned here and will work to maintain this site.

395

Construct weir in mouth of Bayou Pierre to restore historic water levels and improve aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: Over a period of many years Bayou Pierre has headcut for 30 or 40 miles above its mouth in the Mississippi River. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) noted that the Mississippi River bed in this reach is stable or possibly aggrading. This leads him to believe that upstream factors in Bayou Pierre may cause this tailwater to remain unstable. Jack Killgore (USAERDC) mentioned that the mouth of the Big Black River is head cutting and may require a weir to curb the problem. He said the Bayou darter is a species in question at this location and possibly a weir at Bayou Pierre would stabilize water fluctuations, thereby benefiting populations of the Bayou Pierre darter. The Corps said a geomorphic assessment in Bayou Pierre and the Big Black River is needed to answer questions regarding headcutting. Larry Marcy (VD COE) discussed Fish and Wildlife Service channel stabilization work on Bayou Pierre and said constructing low weirs would be very expensive. Todd Slack (MS Museum of Natural Science) led an extensive discussion of the biology of the Bayou Pierre darter and its habitat needs. NRCS staff attending the meeting were queried about appropriate programs to address this problem but responded that landowner agreements are very hard to obtain, making it especially difficult to apply any of their programs at this site. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) volunteered to talk to Renee Turner (VD COE Continuing Authorities Program) to see if either Section 14 or 206 are applicable here.

395

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Bondurant Towhead dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: The Corps noted that dike 2 has an existing 800-foot notch with a 30 foot plunge pool while dikes 1 and 1u also have plunge pools below them. The Corps proposed that these dikes provide currently provide aquatic habitat diversity and should be sustained in their present condition.

389

Restore hydrology in Rodney Lake.

Map

Comment: Rodney Lake is shallow and silt continues to enter it as a result of poor land management practices on adjacent agricultural fields. Access into the area is thought to be by Gilliam Chute, which may be privately owned. Richard Ingram (MS DEQ) will check to see if this site is classified as a public waterway. It was noted that a population of the fat pocketbook mussel (Potamilus capax ) is doing well in Gilliam Chute and should be considered when conducting restoration planning. The area needs a thorough biological assessment by MDWFP to determine base conditions and potential habitat restoration opportunities.

387

Construct weir in outfall of Rodney Lake to raise water levels.

Map

Comment: The need for a weir will be part of the area=s overall assessment as discussed in Item 65.

387

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Spithead Towhead dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc

Map

Comment: The Vicksburg District of the Corps noted that dikes 3 and 4 are notched. Dike 1 has a 30-foot plunge pool, indicating that there may be a natural notch present. Because there is a perpetual dredging problem associated with an area that is shoaling, the Corps is reluctant to notch additional dikes. However, they will continue to monitor the site to assess future possibilities.

382-0

Construct chevron dikes to diversify aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: This is a homogeneous straight reach of the river and chevron construction was proposed to increase habitat diversity. The Vicksburg District recommended not constructing chevrons in the area because a significant shoal occurs at RM 379.5. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) thought a better place for constructing chevrons might be down river at Giles Chute.

378

Restore minimum flow through secondary channel by notching dike.

Map

Comment: The Corps reported previously notching dikes 1 and 3 and a depth profile of the area shows good plunge pool habitat below the dikes. It was recommended to monitor this site and sustain the present habitat conditions.

371-370

Construct chevron dikes to diversify aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: This site encompasses a long straight channel with low habitat diversity and chevron construction might add additional diversity. Steve Ellis (MVD COE) recommended using multiple round point structures, rather than chevrons, at RM 371.5 to 372.5. He went on to say that dike design technology being utilized by the Corps may soon permit them to create islands.

367

Restore hydrology in Giles Bend to provide aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: All of this property is believed to be in private ownership (Giles Island Hunting Club) and none of the meeting=s attendees knew much about this site. The conclusion was that there should be: 1) an area assessment to gather baseline information, and 2) the site should be discussed at the Louisiana state-level planning meeting.

365

Restore hydrology to provide aquatic habitat in Marengo Bend wetland complex.

Map

Comments: Refer to comments from Site 71.

359-357

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Carthage Point dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Vicksburg District Corps personnel noted that there are no notches in the existing dikes. However, the Corps plans future work in this area and will notch existing dike 2 and consider a notch in dike. Vicksburg District Corps data show two dikes have already been constructed and a third dike is authorized if needed.

353-352

Construct chevron dikes to diversify aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: Steve Ellis (MVD COE) said that future dikes are proposed upstream of the existing dike field and the Corps would consider constructing multiple rampart structures or chevrons in the area. There are existing notches in dikes 3 and 4.

352-347

Improve aquatic habitat by notching Warincott Landing dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc., within the side channel adjacent to Catherine Bend; evaluate initiating habitat restoration projects within secondary channel and associated wetlands.

Map

Comment: Steve Ellis (MVD COE) noted that dikes 3 and 4 at this site already have notches.

341

Restore hydrology in Old River to provide aquatic habitat.

Map

Comment: This site will be discussed at the Louisiana planning meeting and MDWFP staff will need to attend.

340-338

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Buck Island dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map

Comment: Glenda Hill (VD COE) said there are problems with traffic getting through this site and there are plans to raise the existing dikes. Dikes 3 and 4 have been notched. Due to an existing navigation problem at this site, the Corps recommended not notching the dikes that will be raised.

331-330

Improve aquatic habitat diversity by notching Jackson Point dike field to increase plunge pools, quiet water, shallow depth, deeper areas, etc.

Map