Why Start an LCP

Why Develop a Local Coastal Management Program?

Among the reasons for developing a local coastal management program...

1. A local coastal management program can serve as a centralized information hub or cross-roads, helping coordinate local implementation of the resource management programs of the many state and federal agencies who may not always put local concerns first. Establishing a local program office provides a logical point of contact to be included on mailing lists for agency announcements of public meetings and proposed project comment periods.
2. Through regular meetings of a parish coastal management advisory board, local coastal programs provide a forum for local folks who know the area best to speak out on what should be priority issues for local natural resource conservation, and to speak out on what local economic considerations should be appreciated and weighed in the balance as well.
3. State and federal law says that there will be management and regulation of coastal resource use by some governmental body. Establishing a local coastal program reasserts an increased level of local control over activities and uses that would typically be regarded as uses of local concern, but would fall to state oversight in the absence of a local coastal management program. Examples of these issues include camps, private docks, bulkheads, cattle walks, land fills, subdivisions, maintenance of most private canals, etc. With more direct involvement by the local coastal management program, local maintenance and development permit applications can be reviewed and processed in a more direct and timely manner. This is especially important with the newly emerging Programmatic General Permit (PGP).
4. Establishing a local coastal management program demonstrates that the parish is serious about taking an active role in participating in the decision-making that shapes coastal management policy in not only that parish, but for all of coastal Louisiana. As as example, with the recent Coast 2050 Initiative, Local Coastal Program administrators were among the first local officials looked to for expertise and guidance regarding local coastal resource management priorities.
5. Local coastal programs can help facilitate communications regarding access to funds for resource management, such as:
   • LCP development money CZMA 306
   • Coastal Resource Enhancement Grants -- 306A (local permit fee application revenue)
   • Clean Water Act 319 funds
   • Hardship Grants Program for Rural Communities (wastewater treatment)
   • ISTEA funds
   • Clean Vessel Act funds
   • Wallop-Breaux money
   • CWPPRA projects, large and small, including Christmas tree placement mitigation money
   • USDA Wetland Reserve Program, EQIP, WHIP, and Small Watersheds Program
   • Public/private partnerships such as American Greenways and Restore Our Southern Rivers

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Link: How to Start an LCP