Cameron Parish jurors and residents debate abandoning eroded Rutherford Beach roads; staff to seek surveys, state input

At the Oct. 6 meeting, residents and jurors discussed a proposal to abandon two eroded roads at Rutherford Beach — West Avenue and Cameron Drive — touching on public access, liability, and whether the land has reverted to state ownership.

Bobby Milner, a resident, told the jury he opposes closing the roads because access to the beach is important to local users and losing access should be taken seriously. "Taking away access is something that should be taken very seriously," Milner said. Multiple residents and jurors described intermittent washouts from Hurricane Laura, shifting shorelines and private property stakes along the coastline.

Parish counsel and staff explained that state law and property rights are central. Staff said the state generally owns land seaward of the high-tide line and noted the parish may not retain a right-of-way where erosion has removed the road footprint. Legal counsel explained that if the parish abandons an adopted public road, ownership may revert to adjacent landowners; if the road is an easement over privately owned land, abandonment releases the easement while the underlying ownership remains unchanged.

Speakers urged surveys and consultation with the state division that manages leases and submerged lands before taking final action. Several jurors said they would prefer to maintain parish roads to the point where jurisdiction ends and to work with landowners and the Rutherford estate on alternative access if parts of the roads are abandoned. Jurors agreed to table decisions on Cameron Drive pending surveys and state consultation and to preserve access up to where parish maintenance is practical.

What’s next: Staff will request surveys and follow up with the state agency responsible for submerged land leases, consult legal counsel about the status of affected road plats and easements, and bring recommendations back to the jury for future consideration.