The St. Martin Parish government has proposed a possible solution to the issues surrounding the Lake Martin Boat Launch.
At a committee meeting on February 18, Parish President Chester Cedars explained that the parish, land owners, lake users, LDWF, and other entities have been in a "complicated relationship" over the launch for years now, according to Teche Today.
The levee system that defines the lake, the St. Martin/Lafayette Game and Fish Commission, was dissolved in 1981. LDWF took control of the lake bed after that, but only focused on weed control. They have "remained hands-off with regard to lake use and ownership rights," the paper says.
Since then, it has been unclear what areas and aspects of the launch St. Martin Parish has control over.
"The vague legal status and lack of an agreement has prevented the parish from repairing the facilities," because work on private property by government entities is not allowed.
Cedars said his agreement would continue to guarantee access to the boat launch while allowing the parish to maintain the facilities.
Parish government is now waiting on a response from the owners' representatives before moving forward with a plan.
The owners are planning to close the launch on March 1 unless a deal can be reached.
