Elmer's Island Refuge

Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge
Elmer's Island WMA
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Elmer's Island Refuge is located in Louisiana
Elmer's Island Refuge
Location within Louisiana
LocationJefferson Parish, Louisiana
Coordinates29°10′55.20″N 90°04′16.94″W / 29.1820000°N 90.0713722°W / 29.1820000; -90.0713722
Area1,145 acres (4.63 km2)
EstablishedJuly 3, 2009
Governing bodyLouisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge is a 1,145 acres (463 ha) coastal wildlife sanctuary and wildlife management area referred to as the Elmer's Island complex. It is located across Caminada Pass from Grand Isle on Elmer's island, which is part of the Caminada headlands and not an actual island. The refuge consists of Saltwater marsh, coastal dunes and beaches and is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

History

Elmer's Island was formerly called Goat Island. It is part of the Cheniere Caminada peninsula. In 1949 Doctor Charles W. "W.J." Elmer, bought the location for a private fishing area. He later opened it to paid camping. There was an airstrip and a sea plane canal. After Dr. Elmer passed in 2001 or 2002, the site was eventually closed. The property was listed for sale by the heirs. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) launched a campaign to get the state to buy the land.[1] In 2006, U.S. Senator David Vitter began a process to appropriate $1.75 million for Louisiana to acquire the 1,700-acres. The state of Louisiana claimed expropriation on 244 acres (99 ha) and in 2009 classified it as a wildlife refuge.[2] In 2014, the state purchased an additional 877 acres (355 ha). A 1 acre (0.40 ha) was added in 2015 and 37 acres (15 ha) in 2016. The later additions were added as a wildlife management area and the entire area is named the Elmer's Island complex.[3]

In 2018, officials of Grand Isle made an agreement with the LDWF Secretary to allow the Grand Isle Independent Levee District (GIILD) to operate and manage a Grand Isle Airport at Elmer’s Island. Conservationists and public outcry caused this agreement to be rescinded.[4] Hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Ike heavily damaged the island causing severe erosion, habitat destruction, and the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) gravel access road was mostly washed out and inundated. The area was severely damaged by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Between 2013 and 2016 a massive undertaking by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) to rebuild the area, creating 1,059 acres (429 ha) of new barrier, dune, and beach habitat. Elmer's Island was reopened October 31, 2016.[5] The refuge was closed from September 2021, due to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Ida and reopened February 4, 2022, after repairs were made.[6]

Fauna

There is an abundance of wildlife in the refuge.[7] There are over 170 bird species on the island, with 40 bird species of conservation concern, and a crucial stopover for around 50 migratory species.[8]

Animals

Birds

Fish and crustaceans

References

  1. ↑ "State Acquisition of Elmer's Island". lawildlifefed.org. Louisiana Wildlife Federation. March 3, 2003. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  2. ↑ "After Nearly a Decade, Elmer's Island Reopens to the Public" (PDF). www.laseagrant.org. Louisiana Coastal Law: Number 91. December 2009. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Oops ! State Never Made Elmer's Island An Official Refuge". 973thedawg.com. 97.3 The Dawg. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  4. ↑ Johnson, Lyle (October 8, 2018). "Outdoor Corner: Elmer's Island Airport is in then out". www.weeklycitizen.com. Gonzales Weekly Citizen. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  5. ↑ "LDWF and CPRA announce the reopening of Elmer's Island Refuge". wlf.louisiana.gov. LDWF. November 3, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Elmer's Island Refuge to Reopen on February 4". wlf.louisiana.gov. LDWF. January 24, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Elmer's Island Refuge Management Plan" (PDF). wlf.louisiana.gov. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. December 15, 2016. pp. 10–16. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge Management". lawildlifefed.org. Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy. March 6, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
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