State of Alabama FINAL Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP ...

planning process could include Chickasabogue Park, Dead Lake Marina, Byrnes Lake Landing,
and Blakelely State Park. Specifics related to these locations will be provided in the grant
application.
• The Perdido River Canoe Trail: The objective of this project is to establish a canoe trail along the
Perdido River, adjacent to State-owned conservation land along the Perdido River Corridor and
the tract proposed for purchase in AL-1. The Perdido River forms most of the boundary between
the State of Florida and Baldwin County, Alabama and has numerous natural resource-based
opportunities, inlcluding canoeing and kayaking as the river contains numerous, large beach
quality sandbars in addition to scenic Atlantic White Cedar Swamps. First, this project will
involve developing a master plan and locating sites suitable for overnight camping and camping
platforms. This master plan will be develop by trail design professionals. Log jams from recent
hurricanes will be identified and at least 2 infrastructure improvements at key entry and exit
points will be constructed, with the objective to construct 25 miles of designated and marked
trails.
• Alabama Coastal Kayaking Trail: The objective of this project is to establish a kayacking trail similar
to the Bartram Canoe Trail on coastal Alabama waters. First, SLD conservation staff will identify
sites suitable for overnight camping and development of camping platforms. Subsequently,
infrastructure improvements, including camping platforms, will be designed and constructed.
Next, proper signage will be installed – both on land in the water and brochures and maps will be
published. Key entry and exit points along the trail will include the city of Bayou La Batre, Town
of Dauphin Island, Gulf State Park, Fort Morgan, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Five
Rivers Alabama’s Delta Resource Center and the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve. Also, county and city waterfront parks could be incorporated into the trail, if
appropriate. The objective of this project is to construct at least 50 miles of trails including single
day and multi-day expeditions.
A generalized map of the location of the water-based nature trails describe above is included in Appendix
G-6.
AUTHORIZED USES
o This project meets the criteria set forth in Authorized Use #1: projects and activities for the
conservation, protection, or restoration of coastal areas, including wetland.
o Justification: This project meets Authorized Use #1 because it provides low impact public access
to Alabama’s waterways via a network of water-based trails. Also, educational brochures and
maps will be published which will promote Alabama’s coastal waterways and associated habitats,
thus enhancing public’s understanding and appreciation of the resources.
o Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is not applicable to this project.
o Partnering: This project will utilize 100% CIAP funding.
State of Alabama Final Coastal Impact Assistance Program Plan
State of Alabama Tier One Project Descriptions
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