Fourchon Beach reopens in wake of 2005 storm season

Another victim of the 2005 hurricane season is reopening. A three-mile stretch of the Fourchon Beach west of Pass Fourchon is reopened to public vehicular access.

Motorists can travel across Fourchon Bridge, take a right to the Chevron access road, across Pass Fourchon, and then left to the beach, officials said. The public is temporarily allowed to drive vehicles onto the beach and to the west.

The temporary access is the result of an agreement between the Greater Lafourche Port Commission and the Edward Wisner Trust. The access will end Sept. 1.

The port commission and Lafourche government officials are still seeking a long-term solution for public access to the parish’s beaches.

The road to Fourchon Beach was blocked following hurricanes Katrina and Rita because the bridge was seriously damaged and the beach was strewn with debris. The port commission has since restored the bridge and beach.

“We are excited that we were able to work out an arrangement that would allow the public to have vehicular access to Fourchon Beach for the fourth of July as it has had for so many years in the past,” said Ted Falgout, port director.

“Landowners have a legitimate concern about damage, and it is extremely important that the public respect this beach, which includes keeping it free of debris and trash and keeping off the fragile dunes,” he added.

Falgout said the Edward Wisner Trust, owners of the land, can block access if beach visitors ignore warnings about preserving the area. “We will be particularly active and looking for anyone who may be damaging a dune and we will prosecute them,” he said.

Beachgoers are also cautioned about the possibility of rip-tides developing in the area.