Little Lagoon
Little Lagoon is a shallow, brackish lagoon located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The lagoon is approximately 10 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, with an average depth of 4-6 feet, and has a surface area of approximately 2,480 surface acres.[1] Little Lagoon is bordered by both residential and commercial properties and serves as a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists.
Geography
Little Lagoon is located on the western side of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the mainland. The lagoon is fed by several small streams and creeks, including the Little Lagoon Pass, which connects the lagoon to the Gulf of Mexico. The pass is located at the southern end of the lagoon and is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing.
Little Lagoon Pass Dredging
In 1991 a lawsuit was filed against the Alabama Department of Transportation which resulted in resulted in a court order requiring the Alabama Department of Transportation to dredge and maintain the channel into the lagoon and to place pass channel dredge spoils back into the coastal drift system west of the pass.[2] Little Lagoon pass dredging is a major and continuous project undertaken in Gulf Shores, Alabama, aimed at restoring the natural flow of water between Little Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico. The project involves the removal of sand from the Little Lagoon Pass, which had become an obstacle to water flow and was causing stagnation in the lagoon. The state of Alabama spends approximately $400,000 a year to hire an engineering company to maintain the pass.
Flora and Fauna
Little Lagoon is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The lagoon is also home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and pelicans. The surrounding areas of Little Lagoon are home to a variety of plant species, including sea oats, palmetto bushes, and live oak trees.[3][4]
Recreation
Little Lagoon is a popular spot for recreational activities, including boating, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. The lagoon is also a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography. There are several public access points to Little Lagoon, including a public boat launch, fishing pier, and a public beach.
Conservation
Little Lagoon is an important ecosystem that provides habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lagoon has faced several environmental threats over the years, including pollution and habitat loss. In response, several organizations, including the Friends of the Lagoon and the Coastal Alabama Clean Water Partnership, have worked to protect and preserve Little Lagoon and its surrounding areas.[2]
References
- ^ "Coastal Watershed of the Little Lagoon" (PDF).
- ^ a b "About Us – Little Lagoon Preservation Society". littlelagoon.org. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- ^ "Bon Secour Planning" (PDF).
- ^ "Gulf Frontal Complex Watershed Management Plan" (PDF). Mobile Bay NEP.