I spoke to Clay Carter @ the state land office and he said that a state surveyor had removed Chicken Island from state land without getting permission to do so. His reason was that he thought this island was formed through accretion. However, Clay made him aware of the fact that this island was formed through the Corps of Engineer's dredging of the river and depositing the silt that formed this island. Under state law, any land formed in this matter is state land. He is compiling the info on the Corp's past dredging and this should be completed in the next several weeks. He did state that this island is state land and as soon as he completes his report, they will reflect this as state land on the Atchafalaya basin state land map.
The other problem is Miami Corp. has leased this island property to adjoining leaseholders and claim that they have been paying the taxes on this island for a number of years. Seems to be the same ploy they have used in the past. As for as legalities are involved, Clay said that anyone wishing to hunt the island will need to contact the DA's office in St. Mary parish to inquire about their opinion on this matter. The only problem I see with that is the Sheriff, David Naquin will show favoritism to Miami Corp. and one of the assistant DA's has a lease from Miami Corp. so this may cause problems.
Additionally, I understand that the adjoining lease holders with Miami Corp. have posted Chicken Island and seem intent to claim this island as part of their lease. Chad Courville who is the head honcho for Miami Corp. in Lafayette, Louisiana is adamant in his decision to claim this state owned island for Miami Corp. and I am sure he dares anyone, including the state to get in his way. It looks like Louisiana and the little man is raped once again unless we contact our respective representatives and senators and make them aware of this situation and pressure them to take action.
