๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐๐น๐ณ ๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ $๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ผ๐ผ๐ป ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐
The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded an additional $2 million from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to complete the Laguna Cove Little Lagoon Natural Resource Protection Project. This latest funding builds on ADCNR's previous support, bringing the total investment to $6.4 million for this landmark conservation initiative.
The project, fully funded through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process following the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill, will transform 53 acres of coastal habitat on Little Lagoon's south shore into a protected natural sanctuary. The site, which the City acquired in 2019 using NRDA funds, features 6,100 feet of shoreline and contains vital wetlands and critical habitat areas.
With conservation as its primary focus, the site will feature carefully planned passive recreation amenities that minimize environmental impact, including nature trails, wetland boardwalks, birding areas, kayaking access points, and interpretive educational areas. The additional funding will also support the construction of a small restroom facility to serve visitors.
In November 2017, the City Council authorized the execution of a project implementation agreement with ADCNR to implement the Laguna Cove Little Lagoon Natural Resource Protection Project. In June 2019, the City purchased the property using NRDA funds through Resolution No. 6155-19.
However, due to rising construction costs, last year the City requested additional NRDA funding from ADCNR. The additional $2M in funding will allow for the completion of this crucial project.
The Laguna Cove Little Lagoon Natural Resource Protection Project is just one part of a larger effort by Gulf Shores to restore and protect our natural resources. Other projects include the Oyster Bay & Bon Secour Wetland Restoration Project and the Little Lagoon Restoration Project.
Dan Bond, Director of Natural Resources for the City of Gulf Shores, stated, "We are grateful for the additional funding provided by ADCNR for this important project. The protection of this property will have a significant impact on the health and vitality of Little Lagoon and its surrounding areas."
For more information on the Laguna Cove Little Lagoon Natural Resource Protection Project and other natural resource restoration efforts in Gulf Shores, please contact Dan Bond at dbond@gulfshoresal.gov.