If you wish to receive the Basin Bulletin by e-mail every month, please join our mailing list. It’s simple to do - just click here! Feel free to forward this email to any interested friends.

If you are having trouble viewing this e-mail please copy this link into your browser http://www.saveourlake.org/bulletin.htm
____________________________________________

In This Issue
Lighthouse Stabilization ~ Clean-Up St. Tammany ~ Golf Classic ~State Master Plan~ Derelict Crab Trap Removal ~ Tulane Swimming and Lifeguard Classes
____________________________________________

Lighthouse Stabilization

Thanks to all who have contributed to the stabilization of the New Basin Canal Lighthouse.  Our special thanks to the two major contributors for the light's stabilization, Gulf Coast Bank and Shell Exploration and Production.  Totally over $75,000 was raised to initiate this Phase 1 work to stabilize the lighthouse.

LPBF and the architects of HMS Architects are finalizing the construction bid package. We then send it to the US Coast Guard for their review. This process can take a while but we hope to begin stabilization this April.

____________________________________________

Spring Cleaning in St. Tammany

On Saturday, March 24th, from 9:00 AM-Noon the Sierra Club – Honey Island Chapter and the St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services are co-hosting the parish’s second Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The drop off location will be at the parking lot of Koop Drive Administrative Offices in Covington, off LA 59. About 60 volunteers 18 years or older are needed to help make the event a success. To sign up, email Diane. 999Diane@charter.net Find out more here. http://louisiana.sierraclub.org/honeyisland/

____________________________________________

Support Save Our Lake

LPBF continues work to restore and preserve the Pontchartrain Basin.  Now more than ever, we need your help to protect our natural resources. Donations, annual memberships, gift memberships, corporate partnerships, and event sponsorships help fund programs that benefit the Basin. Please consider making a donation or becoming a member today!

____________________________________________

Help LPBF make a hole in one and join us for our 11th Annual Save Our Lake Golf Classic scheduled for Monday, March 12, 2007 at the Chateau Golf & Country Club. Entry fee is $125 and sponsorships are available beginning at $250. For more information, please contact Sheila Ehren at 504-836-2205 or sheila@saveourlake.org. Click here for printable Golf Classic registration form.

____________________________________________

State Master Plan

In November 2006, the state released its preliminary draft Comprehensive Coastal Protection Master Plan (CCPMP).   It is intended to address flood protection and coastal restoration needs of coastal Louisiana.  In developing the plan, the state has adopted LPBF’s Multiple Lines of Defense Strategy (See website).   The master plan includes possible levee alignments, flood gates, coastal restoration features etc.  The plan does call for closure of the MRGO at Bayou la Loutre.   Although the plan does include many restoration recommendations of LPBF’s Pontchartrain Coastal Lines of Defense Program or the Comprehensive Habitat Management Plan, LPBF did submit comments to the state regarding deficiencies or potential problems with the plan.   A link to the state’s plan and LPBF comments may be found at www.saveourlake.org/wetlands.htm. A primary criticism of the master plan is the lack of assurance to maintain the health of the coast which can best be assured by a development of a map of the wetland habitat goals for the coast.

We encourage everyone to review the state’s master plan and be involved in this important planning effort.

____________________________________________

Derelict Trap Removal Program in Lake Pontchartrain

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) is sponsoring a derelict trap removal program. In the Lake Pontchartrain estuary, the LDWF intends to prohibit the use of crab traps for a 10-day period from 6 a.m., Feb. 24, 2007 through 6 a.m. March 5, 2007 within that portion of Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany Parishes. Volunteers are needed to assist the LDWF with this project. It is an excellent opportunity for everyone who enjoys our coastal waters to work together and to help make a difference. All water-based user groups, including recreational anglers, boaters, waterfowl hunters, and commercial and recreational shrimp and crab fishermen, are encouraged to participate in the trap cleanup. Several types of boats are needed: small shallow-draft boats and air boats to retrieve traps, and larger mother vessels (such as commercial crab boats) to collect traps from smaller boats. For more information, contact Vince Guillory (Project Leader) at (985) 594-4139 or vguillory@wlf.louisiana.gov. The project website (with closure map) is www.derelictcrabtrap.net. Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge Boat Launch: The boat ramp in Lacombe on Lake Rd. The Dock: Located in Slidell at 118 Harborview Ct. Lake Catherine Marina: Located on US HWY 90 in Orleans 2 miles west of the Rigolets Bridge. Bonnabel Ramp: Located at the end of Bonnabel Blvd. where it meets Lake Pontchartrain

____________________________________________

Tulane Offering Swimming and Lifeguard Classes

Water Safety Instructors' (WSI) Classes and Lifeguard Classes will be offered at Tulane University. Please consider taking one of these classes and volunteer for LPBF as we offer the Ashley Marie Kelly Swim Safety Program this summer. The LPBF program offers a week of free Red Cross swimming lessons to anyone over the age of 5.

DATES OF CLASSES:
WaterSafety Instructor Class: March 1-4
LifeGuard Instruction: Class I: February 22 – 25
LifeGuard Instruction:Class II: March 29 – April 1
LifeGuard Instruction:Class III: April 12 – 15
LifeGuard Instruction:Class IV: May 24 - 27

TIMES:
Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Friday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Call the Reily Center at Tulane for costs and details: 504-865-5170.

____________________________________________

Click Here to Unsubscribe