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Bayou Lafourche has been around since the beginning of time.
And now, efforts are being made to inform the public about its rich history and tradition, while also working to showcase its beauty.
Multiple projects are ongoing to try and make Lafourche’s bayou better.
Announced last month were a project to showcase attractions along the 106 miles of the bayou and also plans to remove sunken vessels from the waterway’s floor.
Both projects have a common cause and purpose: to give love to a waterway so rich in our area’s history.
FOBL ANNOUNCED COMPREHENSIVE MAP OF BAYOU LAFOURCHE
The Board of Directors for Friends of Bayou Lafourche, Inc. (FOBL) announced this past month the creation of a comprehensive and multi-platform map of Bayou Lafourche.
The map includes information on more than 60 facilities along the banks of the Bayou that provide recreational access, dining options, historical tours, lodging and various other attractions along the 106 miles of the bayou.
Friends of Bayou Lafourche recognized that a central source of information documenting assets along the entire Bayou Lafourche was not available and it sought to fix that.
As the only entity that works along the entire 106 miles of the bayou across Ascension, Assumption and Lafourche parishes, Friends of Bayou Lafourche understood the need for making this information available and initiated the project.
After the group formed a plan and scope of work, FOBL received funding support from the Bayou Community Foundation and the Callais Family Fund for the project.
Additionally, the project includes a series of informational videos documenting the critical importance and various uses of Bayou Lafourche.
In order to make the map valuable and user-friendly, the information is available in three different platforms:
A. Online / Web Browser
1. On your computer or smartphone, visit bayoulafourche.org/map.
2. This allows for full access.
B. Smartphone View Utilizing Location Services
1. Download the “Google Maps” app.
2. In your web browser, visit bayoulafourche.org/map , then click on the button that says “View in Google Maps App”.
3. The Google Maps App will open automatically and display icons for all waypoints along Bayou Lafourche.
4. Selecting a waypoint icon will provide additional information such as pictures, contact info, and other details.
C. Print Brochure
1. Available at Visitors Centers along Bayou Lafourche
2. Email info@bayoulafourche.org
or call 985-665-8474 to request brochures
“Some of these vessels have been derelict in the bayou for many years and we are excited to play a role in finally getting them removed. It is impressive to see multiple government agencies and private entities working together to resolve issues like this for the betterment of the community.”
-Ben Malbrough
Ryan M. Perque, Executive Director for Friends of Bayou Lafourche, said the project will be a community asset.
“This is a much-needed source of information that we are excited to release,” Perque said. “It has been designed to attract and assist both visitors to our region as well as our local residents looking to explore the bayou. Bayou Lafourche has so much to offer and this map exhibits that perfectly. The map is a work in progress, and we look forward to adding new attractions as our community continues to develop Bayou Lafourche. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Bayou Community Foundation and the Callais Family Fund for making this project possible. We are grateful to share a wonderful vision for Bayou Lafourche with these dedicated supporters.”
“From our bountiful seafood production to the Gulf oil and gas industry serviced by Port Fourchon, Bayou Lafourche plays a very important role in the economy of our region and our nation. My family and I are happy to support this Bayou Lafourche map project and are excited to share with the world the immense value of our bayou,” added Mike Callais.
“Bayou Community Foundation collaborates with local donors like the Callais family to fill critical needs in our community and promote the long-term sustainability of our precious Bayou Region,” added Bayou Community Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Armand. “We are delighted to play a role in making this interactive map of Bayou Lafourche a reality.”
12 sunken vessels to be removed from bayou’s floor
As efforts are being made to publicize and showcase the bayou’s rich history, there’s also a push to make her look as good as she can to the new sets of eyes that will be focused on our area.
In late October, the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District announced an agreement with Couvillion Group LLC to remove 12 derelict vessels in the bayou between Raceland and Larose.
Titled the Bayou Lafourche Derelict Vessel Removal Project, this is being funded by the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District and Lafourche Parish Government.
It’s being done in an effort to improve water quality in the bayou and to provide a safer waterway for recreational users.
Bollinger Shipyards has played a critical role in the project’s progress by providing a bayou-staging area at their Lockport facility.
In total, 12 boats will be removed and discarded.
The work will begin in mid-November and will last a month.
There are no anticipated environmental complications expected with the project, but precautions will be taken to ensure the bayou is not contaminated by oil during the removal.
“It is really great to see this project get started,” said Ben Malbrough, Executive Director of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District. “Some of these vessels have been derelict in the bayou for many years and we are excited to play a role in finally getting them removed. It is impressive to see multiple government agencies and private entities working together to resolve issues like this for the betterment of the community.”
Bollinger President and CEO Ben Bordelon said he’s happy to assist in the project, adding that the landscape and beauty of the bayou will be enhanced by removing the vessels.
Lafourche Parish President Jimmy Cantrelle agreed and said this will be great for the people of Lafourche.
“The beauty of Bayou Lafourche should be a showcase that attracts tourism and recreation,” Cantrelle said. “As good stewards of our natural resources, we should always look for better ways to take care of the land and water we live off of. Cleaning out vessels up and down our bayou should improve aesthetics and the environment in which wildlife can florish. We are hopeful that this project will increase activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing an touring along Bayou Lafourche.” •
BY CASEY GISCLAIR
