Fenstermaker project team members were thrilled to take part in the Grand Reopening of Queen Bess Island on Monday, February 3, 2020.  The highly-publicized project brought together dedicated professionals throughout the state who were unflagging in their commitment to restoring the island’s nesting area for the Louisiana Brown Pelican and over 60 other bird species. Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards stated, “Before we started this restoration last August, only five of the island’s 36 acres were usable for nesting. Now all 36 acres are available, and we have plans to keep it that way for years to come.”

The project was designed to restore suitable colonial waterbird nesting and brood-rearing bird habitat on the island through the placement of dredged material, vegetative plantings, and limestone rip rap and aggregate. The scope of the project included enhancement of the existing rock ring, the strategic placement of bird ramps around the island, and the installation of breakwaters. These features will protect the island and enhance its nesting and brooding habitat.

Fenstermaker’s multi-disciplinary team on this project included members of Surveying & Mapping, Engineering and Environmental divisions. Working in tandem, the team provided topographic, bathymetric and magnotometer surveys, geotechnical investigations, environmental and cultural investigations, permitting, and land rights support.

Before and After Aerial Photograph:

Follow the links below for more information and insights from our Fenstermaker team about this important coastal restoration project.

Fenstermaker Engineer Amanda Phillips, P.E., was recently featured on the LSU College of Engineering website describing her experience in the restoration of Queen Bess Island. Click Here to read the article.

Bliss Bernard, P.E., recently penned a fascinating Insights article detailing her work with Queen Bess Island and her love for Louisiana’s wildlife. Click Here to read “The Bird Nerd”.

View more pictures from the Grand Reopening of Queen Bess Island below.

---