Dean Wilson, secretary/director of Atchafalaya Basin Keeper, presented the group's basin management plan to the Assumption Parish Police Jury on Nov. 25 and said the organization has filed a lawsuit challenging recent permitting decisions tied to an East Grand Lake project.

Wilson described historical floodplain loss and sedimentation that, he said, have reduced the basin's capacity and increased flood risk. He outlined technical responses the group is pursuing — including sediment traps, dredging sections of Grand Lake and related pipelines to move sediment — and said those measures are intended to restore conveyance and protect communities that depend on the basin.

He also announced litigation: 'We filed our lawsuit' against the Chapla­yaya Basin program's project permits, Wilson said, and told jurors the group will circulate the complaint by email. The group invited jurors and residents to a community meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Bayou Pigeon Heritage Center to discuss the management plan and the lawsuit.

Why it matters: basin hydrology affects flooding risk, fisheries, hunting access and long‑term habitat for communities across multiple parishes. Wilson argued the basin's sedimentation is causing progressive loss of functionality that requires coordinated regional action and federal support.

Response and next steps: jurors asked clarifying questions about historical closures and recent access concerns; staff accepted meeting materials to distribute to the public. Wilson said the group is seeking broader policy adoption and will provide jurors with the lawsuit and supporting materials to review.

The jury did not vote on any formal policy but acknowledged receipt of the presentation and materials and agreed to help publicize the Dec. 10 meeting.