GOMESA Application Details

Internal Project Number: 271366
1. Title of Project: Enhancing Coastal Trails and Conservation Education in Moss Point, Jackson County
2. Location of Project: The Pascagoula River Audubon Center 5107 Arthur Street Moss Point, MS 39563
3. Requesting Organization: National Audubon Society
4a. Name: Mary Rodgers
4b. Position
4c. Phone Number: 228.475.0825, Ext. 1004
4d. Fax Number
4e. Address Line 1: 5107 Arthur St
4e. Address Line 2
4e. City, State Zip: Moss Point, Mississippi
4f. Email: mary.rodgers@audubon.org
5. FundingRequested: $499,821
Awarded Amount:
6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources: No
7a. Amount of Additional Funds
7b. Source of Additional Funds
8. Total Project Funds Amount: $499,821
9. Project Description/Overview: Runoff, habitat loss, and rising flood risks threaten both ecological integrity and public safety across Moss Point, Mississippi’s coastal areas. At the Pascagoula River Audubon Center (PRAC), pedestrians, including wheelchair users and families with young children, must cur-rently share the entry drive with vehicles, creating unsafe conditions and limiting access to na-ture. The terrain does not meet ADA standards, restricting opportunities for outdoor learning and the health benefits associated with nature exposure (Jiménez, Menéndez, & Valencia, 2021; Nejade et al., 2022). This proposal offers a unified solution that integrates: • Safe public access • Environmental education • Habitat restoration • Workforce development Led by Audubon Delta and PRAC, in partnership with the City of Moss Point, Jackson County, Mississippi State University Coastal Conservation Service, and the Moss Point School District, the project will deliver three major infrastructure improvements: • A 250-foot gravel-pave walkway with watershed and water quality interpretive stations. • A 200-foot extension of the observation pier, adjacent to a proposed marsh restoration • Restoration of .26 acres of marsh habitat
10. Project Goals/Objectives: Project Goals, Objectives, and Metrics Goal 1: Provide Safe, Universal Access to Nature To promote inclusive access to coastal habitats, the project will implement several key improvements. Objective 1.1: Construct a 250-foot ADA-compliant GravelPave walkway that meets federal slope and width standards that includes benches at key intervals to allow rest for individuals with limited mobility. Objective 1.2: Reduce safety risks along the shared entry drive to improve access and visibility. Objective 1.3: Build three interpretive stations and two 10 × 10 water-testing decks that explain the watershed’s flow from upland runoff through woodland swamp and tidal marsh to Rhodes Bayou. Objective 1.4: Construct a 200-foot observation pier with an octagonal end to provide safe, elevated access to tidal marsh and deep-water inlet areas for education, recreation, and restoration viewing. Goal 2: Restore and Enhance Coastal Marsh Habitat Objective 2.1: Propagate and plant native marsh species to stabilize shoreline and improve habitat quality. Objective 2.2: Monitor restoration success through survival rates, water quality data, and biodiversity indicators. Goal 3: Develop the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals To foster career pathways in environmental stewardship, the project will engage high school students in experiential learning. Objective 3.1: Engage 50 to 75 high school students annually in STREAM (Students Tackling Runoff, Ecology, Aquaculture, and Microplastics) and GRITS (Green Resilient Infrastructure Technology Skills) programs. Objective 3.2: Provide authentic workforce experiences in habitat restoration and green infrastructure. Success will be measured by student participation in water sampling, and ecological monitoring, documented through program records, and the completion of annual water-quality datasets and habitat restoration reports submitted by student teams.
11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?

(A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses: Yes: • The project includes habitat restoration along trail margins, which improves water filtration, stabilizes soil, and supports pollinators and wildlife—key components of coastal restoration and conservation. • The elevated boardwalks and ADA-compliant trails are designed to reduce erosion and protect sensitive wetland areas, directly addressing infrastructure challenges caused by coastal wetland losses. • By guiding public access through ecologically sensitive areas, the project helps prevent further degradation and supports long-term coastal resilience.

(B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.: Yes: • The restoration of native vegetation and protection of sensitive habitats mitigates damage to local wildlife and natural resources. • The STREAM and GRITS programs engage students in water sampling and ecological monitoring, which contributes to the early detection and mitigation of environmental stressors affecting fish and wildlife. • The project’s design minimizes human impact on vulnerable ecosystems, helping to preserve biodiversity in the Pascagoula River watershed.

(C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.: Yes: • The project aligns with Audubon’s Gulf Coast conservation strategies, which are integrated with federally supported initiatives such as NOAA’s coastal resilience and habitat restoration plans. • PRAC offers the GRITS and STREAM programs which support implementation of conservation education and monitoring practices that reflect federal priorities. • The boardwalk and trail system are part of the City of Moss Point’s revitalization plan, which incorporates conservation goals consistent with broader federal and state coastal management frameworks.

(D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.: Yes: This project directly supports GOMESA Category (D) by funding onshore infrastructure that mitigates the environmental and community impacts of Outer Continental Shelf activities. The construction of an ADA-compliant observation pier, walkway, and decks enhances safe public access to sensitive coastal areas while reducing erosion and runoff through stormwater-friendly design. Additionally, marsh restoration activities stabilize shoreline habitat, improve water quality, and increase resilience to sea-level rise and storm surge—conditions exacerbated by offshore energy development. These infrastructure improvements serve both ecological and educational purposes, ensuring long-term community benefit and stewardship.

12. Project Timetable/Milestones: Project Timeline and Milestones Phase 1: Planning and Design (April – September 2026) PRAC and its partners will conduct site surveys and finalize ADA-compliant designs for the observation pier, trails, benches, rest stations, and interpretive features. Deliverables will include construction plans, habitat impact analysis, and coordination with engineering consultants. This phase ensures all infrastructure and restoration components meet accessibility, environmental, and permitting standards. Milestones: • Site surveyed and design finalized • Construction plans completed • Habitat impact analysis submitted Phase 2: Permitting and Engagement (October 2026 – January 2027) PRAC will apply for all necessary environmental and construction permits, including USACE Section 404/10, MDMR, MDEQ, and local floodplain compliance. Staff will coordinate with Jackson County and the City of Moss Point to finalize the construction schedule and engage community stakeholders. Milestones: • Permits submitted and approved • Construction timeline finalized • Community engagement initiated Phase 3: Construction and Installation (February – July 2027) PRAC will oversee contractors and trained volunteers to construct the 250-foot ADA-compliant GravelPave walkway, install benches, interpretive stations, water-testing decks, and extend the observation pier. This phase will also include installation of safety features and signage. Milestones: • Walkway, decks, and pier constructed • Interpretive infrastructure installed • ADA and safety features completed Phase 4: Habitat Restoration and Education Launch (August – November 2027) PRAC and a marsh restoration contractor will restore approximately 0.26 acres of marsh habitat using greenhouse-grown native plants. The STREAM and GRITS programs will launch during this phase, engaging students in restoration, water quality testing, and ecological monitoring. Milestones: • Marsh restoration initiated and completed • STREAM and GRITS programs launched • Student participation and data collection underway Phase 5: Outreach, Monitoring, and Evaluation (December 2027 – March 2028) PRAC staff, educators, and the marsh restoration contractor will host public events, collect ecological and visitor data, and evaluate project outcomes. A final report will be produced summarizing infrastructure performance, restoration success, and educational impact.
13. Project Timing: Short-term
14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):: N/A Paid For

15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?: • This project reflects a deep commitment to the long-term health and accessibility of Mississippi’s coastal ecosystems. Located at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, the initiative enhances public access to Rhodes Bayou and its surrounding tidal marshes. These areas are ecologically rich and culturally significant to the Moss Point community. • By constructing ADA-compliant infrastructure and restoring native marsh habitat, the project directly contributes to the Department of Marine Resources’ mission to protect and conserve marine interests for both current residents and future generations. The observation pier and walkway not only provide safe access to sensitive environments but also serve as platforms for education, stewardship, and scientific inquiry. • The restoration of 0.26 acres of marsh habitat using greenhouse-grown native plants stabilizes shoreline soils, filters runoff, and improves resilience to storm surge, addressing both ecological and infrastructural vulnerabilities. These efforts mitigate the cumulative impacts of offshore activities and climate change, while reinforcing the Department’s goals for habitat conservation and coastal protection. • Through the STREAM and GRITS programs, the project invests in the next generation of conservation professionals. Students from local high schools will gain hands-on experience in water quality testing, ecological monitoring, and habitat restoration. These are skills that align with Mississippi’s vision for a knowledgeable, engaged, and environmentally literate coastal workforce. • This project is more than infrastructure, it will create an impact for future generations. This project ensures that the marine interests of Mississippi are not only preserved but actively cared for by the communities who live alongside them.

16. Estimated Years To Completion: 2
17. Estimated Completion Date: 3/31/2028

Budget:

Salaries,Wages, Fringe: $91,108
Travel
Architecture & Engineering
Legal
Consulting: $65,000
Construction: $223,000
Site Work: $7,500
Equipment: $55,000
Indirects: $55,213
Other: $3,000
Total: $499,821


Application Submission Date: 09/30/2025
Fiscal Year: 2027
Project Status
Application Status: Submitted
Meets Criteria
Internal Notes:
Attachments:: https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1366_COMPLETE.pdf
Hyperlink:: Attachments

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