Podcasts about atchafalaya basin

“I don't feel like nature is somehow healing me - I feel as if my body is remembering what it's supposed to be like.” Earth.fm's Wind Is the Original Radio podcast is pleased to share the second part of curator Melissa Pons' conversation with sound designer and field recordist Andy Martin. (You can find part one here.) Here, in another thought-provoking instalment, Andy shares his thoughts about deep listening, questioning (in part because of the varied ways in which it is defined) the difference from just… listening. In the field, Andy “describe[s] [him]self as a witness”, of anything from “the trickle of water to hummingbirds which are out to kill each other” - but he refutes the idea of there being any “inherent meaning in a soundscape; it just is; it just exists”. Where deep listening often aspires to finding meaning or making a connection - “an intentional beauty or a message within the soundscape” - he asserts his conviction that there are no such intentions, beyond those of individual wildlife. “I can listen in wonder and awe”, but “there's nothing there that is a meaningful, special interaction for me; it is just life existing. If we're looking for a deeper connection, a deep meaning within the soundscape [...] we're missing the reality of what's there, and we're trying to put our own feelings, our own belief systems onto that reality - and that's not my job. [...] My job is to listen and bring forth.” What Andy sees as people's misinterpretations of the natural world overriding the reality means that, “The moment I hear someone describe a dawn chorus as an outpouring of joy, they've lost me. Because that's what it sounds like to us - but that's not necessarily what it is.” Further topics discussed in this episode include: The idea that, by entering other beings' habitats, uninvited, recordists make themselves into “voyeur[s]”: “To imagine that I am not making a disruption when I go into that space [...] I think is very foolish” - one of the benefits of rolling out hundreds of metres of mic cables to listen while recording (another being the avoidance of self-noise: “I sniffle, I cough, I shuffle - I make a lot of noise”) The difference between American robins' dawn and dusk calls and whinnies The close evolutionary relationship between birds, dinosaurs, and crocodilians - plus, a hair-raising story of being alone in a Louisiana swamp, hearing alligators booming in the twilight and legging it for his car. (Really, who can blame him?) Hearing soundscapes in those fog-shrouded swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin change over course of a year and noting the different times at which different species of frogs and insects sing, and the different frequencies in which they do so: Bernie Krause's acoustic niche theory in action The potential selfishness of making nature recordings, and whether it's necessary to assign a 'higher cause' to justify making doing so in ways that may exoticize the environments in which they are made  Acknowledging the unlikeliness “that someone'll hear [his] recordings and dedicate themselves to some sort of ecological practice”... but also acknowledging the value of influencing people on a smaller scale - including himself. Though Andy states that he makes recordings for the enjoyment of hearing the more-than-human beings' comings and goings, he also notes that listening to them has changed his own behaviour to the extent of affecting how he brought up his daughter The privilege of being involved in the Giving Contest organised with George Vlad and Thomas Rex Beverly: a call for donations for environmental causes, with nature sound recording bundles as prizes The way that spaces like the Amazon rainforest, which we think of as untouched wilderness, were affected by Indigenous, pre-colonial farming and water management: places where humans have in fact influenced ecosystems for thousands of years. More modern examples include the American bullfrogs which are considered ubiquitous, but which were limited to the eastern half of North America before being bred as a cheap protein source during the Gold Rush, and ultimately released into the wild The possibility of humanity having positive impacts on the natural world - even if making that change may be a long time coming. We hope that you enjoy this episode. If you'd like to connect with Andy, you can do so on LinkedIn and Instagram and listen to various recordings and other interviews here.

Paul writes “Hi Wes. I've been listening to your show for quite some time now. I've had two sightings in different locations here in Louisiana but have been reluctant to share with anyone for a few reasons. I'm born and raised in South Louisiana and also spent a lot of time in East and NE Texas. I've spent a good amount of time outdoors and in the woods hunting, camping and fishing. I'm a Police officer which is one of my reasons for being reluctant to share. The First event took place on June 1st 2019 I say event because I didn't physically see anything. My son (he was 6 1/2 at the time) and I were remote camping in the Kisatchie National Forest. The location was located between Alexandria and Natchitoches LA. We had camped at this same location at least 3 times prior to this without any issues. It was not a designated camping spot but more of a clearing with bluffs on 3 sides. It's a beautiful location that's slightly off the beaten path of a remote fire road. We had met a friend of mine and his girlfriend there the day before for a couple of days of camping and off-roading. We set up camp on Friday afternoon, the day before. We both drove off-road Toyota 4runners. He had a roof top tent on his and we set up our large ground tent. Now me being a LEO I go pretty much everywhere heavily armed, especially remote camping. This trip I had my sidearm, a Sig P320 9mm, and also my suppressed .300 Blkout SBR M4 style rifle with two 30 round mags. Yes I'm a gun nerd. We all just hung out that evening around the fire and had sandwiches. That night we went to bed at about 10pm. I had my pistol and rifle in the tent with me. My son and I slept on a queen size inflatable mattress. We heard nothing outside of the normal forest sounds that night. The next day we went off for the day exploring and off-roading around the area. I left my tent and gear setup there, as I did many times before. We got back to camp around 4pm Saturday afternoon. It seemed like a few items were scattered around but I couldn't be sure and just thought maybe it was the wind or something. That evening rather than sandwiches again we cooked tacos and made smores. Yeah they were jam up!! We sat around the fire again just talking until about 9ish and then went to our tents. I'd say we were about 30-40 yards from each other. My son wanted to watch a movie on the iPad so we did that for a while until he fell asleep. I remember it was right at 11pm because I got out of the tent to put the iPad in the truck to charge. My phone was also in the truck because there was zero cell coverage there so it was pointless having it in the tent. I went back in the tent, took my pants and shirt off because it's hot as shit here and got settled in for bed. Then it dawned on me I forgot my rifle in the locked case in my 4Runner. I had my 9mm with me so I said screw it as I didn't feel like getting dressed again to go get it. Only real threat we have here would be black bears although I'd never seen one out there so I figured 16 rounds of 9mm would be more than sufficient for anything I might need. I had no way at this point to tell the time but I'm guessing it was about 30 minutes or so later that things got really strange. I was just drifting off to sleep but an eerie sense of complete silence came over me. I mean nothing was making noise, no crickets, birds or anything. Then I heard something coming up from the slight bluff through thickett behind us. It was a moderately wooded area but not real thick. My kid was playing in that same area that afternoon so I was familiar with the area. Whatever was coming up from the woods was stealthy but still made some noise moving through the brush. I could easily tell it was big, at least big in the sense that it wasn't a opossum or raccoon or something like that. My first thought was a bear. My second thought was I didn't have my damn rifle and the truck was locked and at least 30 yards from the tent. I reached for my pistol and slid it out of the holster and layed it across my chest. I thought about getting the truck keys and setting off the panic mode, hoping that would scare off whatever it was. I reached around trying to find where I put my pants to get my keys but I couldn't find them from where I was laying. I was trying not to make any noise so I didn't want to get up. It was at that time that I heard a loud pop, like when you step on a stick and it breaks. The movement at that time completely stopped. It was as if whatever it was knew it made a loud noise and paused walking. At least a minute or two went by without a single sound, then it started walking toward the tent again. As it got closer I could clearly tell that it was walking on 2 legs. It was definitely bipedal, no doubt. I thought this is a person but who hell would be coming out of the woods at midnight and approaching an unknown camp. The sound and weight of the foot steps as it got closer was no way a person. They were so heavy sounding. As it stepped close to the tent you could feel them on the ground. Not shaking the ground per say but damn you could feel the percussion of them. It walked right next to the tent down one side, and I mean right next to it. Wes I've never been scared for my life until this night. My only thought was “please don't let my son wake up”. I knew if he did he would make noise and I was trying to be completely quiet. I had a death grip on my pistol but something told me a 9mm was not nearly enough for whatever was out there. I made up my mind that shooting it was a last ditch resort. I thought my safest option was complete silence. It made its way around the head of the tent and then stepped away a little bit. Like maybe to check out the truck. I immediately heard it come closer to the tent again and start down the other side, walking the opposite way, like toward where it came from. It was then I almost died. It touched the outer roof of the tent as it walked the entire length of the tent. I could only imagine that it drug its finger down the tent as it walked along. It was a pitch black night so I couldn't see anything or even a shadow, but I could see the tent shake and it touched the roof. As it got to the end of that side it paused for a few seconds and then continued out towards the woods. This walk was different though. It was more hurried and seemed to not care about the noise it was making. As it hit the woods you could hear it pick up the pace as it made its way through the brush. I layed there completely still. Maybe after a few minutes or so the forest returned to its normal sounds. The whole thing lasted what seemed like maybe 5 minutes but honestly I really don't know. Other than the footsteps it made little to no sounds other than 2 maybe 3 slight huffs, if you know what I mean. There was a noticeable odor as it was close but nothing putrid as I've heard people report. Wes again I was terrified for my son's safety the most. I swear I layed in that exact position until the sun came up. I don't think I fell asleep at all. I wanted to get up and try to retrieve my rifle from the truck but I was scared that it was still watching. If my kid wouldn't have been there I think I would have reacted differently but also probably foolishly as well. I feel him being there may have actually saved my life. I didn't get out of the tent until I heard my buddy get out of his. I came out and looked around and nothing had been disturbed. I asked him if he heard anything last night. He said he thought he heard someone walking around but figured it was me getting up to pee or something. I looked around the tent to see if I saw prints of any kind but the ground was hard and grassy. I could see where the area around the tent was disturbed but no prints of any kind. I don't know what that thing was but I know it was huge. There is no way anything that wasn't walking upright could reach the roof of the tent. I know without a doubt it was not a person. If it was, he was huge!!!! Again I know I'm leaving out so many details here. Second Sighting This sighting was on November 8th 2020. It was just North of I-10 near the town of Rosedale. This is on the Eastern edge of Atchafalaya Basin and very close to the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area. The area is very rural, with wetland woods and sugarcane fields. I was on my way home from Texas traveling East on LA 76 about 1am. Again the road has no lighting and is very dark, with no traffic at that time of night. My 4Runner has ditch lights installed for off-roading. These are in intensity LED cubes mounted at the base of the windshield angled at 45 degree outward. They are to light up the ditch area out to the side of the truck when off-road. I normally wouldn't run these on the highway but I usually do on this road because it's so dark and there are deer everywhere along this stretch. Where I was the highway is elevate about 3-4′ higher that the surrounding field.I was traveling along a cane field which is separated from the road by a deep ditch, maybe 10′ deep and about 20′ wide, and there is about a 20 yard separation from the edge of the ditch to where the cane is planted. November is right at harvest time so the cane is about 10-12′ tall at this point. I'm going about 45 mph along this cane field and coming up to a point where the cane ends and the woodline starts. I travel this road often so I know where the marker reflectors are but in the distance I see a pair of what I thought were amber reflectors in the field where I know they shouldn't be. Now keep in mind I have way more lighting than the average vehicle so I'm seeing this at probably 100 yards or so. I know this isn't right so I took my foot off of the gas and started slowing down a little bit to check this out. As I get closer I see that these are not reflectors. I very clearly see a huge creature standing at the corner of this cane field holding a dead deer in its arms. I'm completely in shock at what I'm looking at but I immediately know what it was. There was at least an 8′ Sasquatch standing there looking back at me. It was standing against the cane close to where the woods were. It was maybe 2′ shorter than the cane so it was easily 8′ tall. It was holding a whitetail doe in both arms like it was cradling it. The deer's head was twisted the wrong way from where it should have been, obviously its neck had been broken. My thought is it had chased the deer down from the cane or woods and I just happened along at that moment. It was looking at me with the same amazement as I was looking at it. It just had the oh shit I'm caught look. It was completely frozen as I was passing. I would have thought it was a statue except as I passed it took a step with its left foot to watch me pass, rather than turning its neck. I just drove past it until I couldn't see it any longer and then thought to myself, “you idiot why didn't you stop”. Like before I just had this fear come over me. When I snapped but to my senses I knew I had to go back. Maybe another 100 yards past there was a culvert over the ditch that I was able to turn around at. I floored it back to where it was but it was gone. I pulled over another culvert right where it was, shining my lights down the stretch of dirt road between the cane and the woods but didn't see anything. I really thought about driving back there or getting out and looking for tracks but all I had was my 9mm with me. There is almost zero chance that would have offered me any protection from this creature had it chosen to come after me. I sat there for 10 minutes just looking all around hoping for another glimpse. Like I said it was at least 8′ tall with dark brown hair (I'd say cinnamon brown but darker). It was completely covered in hair except for the face around the eyes and cheek area. The skin there is what I'd describe as brown for several shades lighter than the hair, I guess maybe tan. The eyes were huge like the size of coffee cups and the eyes reflected a bright amber color, reflected not shined. The head was smaller in proportion to the shoulder width than it should have been with a slight pointy shape toward the top. It had a flat wide nose but more human shaped than ape shaped. The arms were long looking but hard for me to say how long because they were curled up supporting the deer it was holding. The legs were massive looking with the upper leg length very out of proportion compared to a human. I guess I'm trying to say the knees looked much lower making the upper thigh area look longer. It stood with the knees slightly bent. Okay this will sound crazy but the only thing I have to compare it to would be Patty and Chewbacca. LOL It had the Patty look but the build of Chewbacca. It looked much taller and leaner than Patty. It was at least twice as wide as a large person though. This thing had to weigh 600 plus pounds easily. I was on the elevated roadway in my truck but almost looked eye level with it. Maybe it was taller than 8′. I know I'm leaving out details here. I'd be happy to answer any questions that I could if you have any. I could also get pics of the area and pinpoint them on a map. The sugarcane has already been harvested this year so pics probably wouldn't help much. Why didn't I think to go back and document things better? I was in shock for so long I guess. I still have a hard time processing all of this and especially talking about the first incident. That was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I hope all of this makes some sense and if you'd like any further detail just let me know. Thanks for your time Wes and thanks for putting out this podcast for us. I never thought listening to your show that I'd be writing this email. Hope you had a great Christmas and have a happy New Year.”

Louisiana is blessed with several areas of natural wonders including the Gulf of Mexico's shore and barrier islands, the Kisatchie Forest and the Atchafalaya Basin. The basin cuts north-south from near Simmesport to Morgan City. Historian Jason Theriot joins host Errol Laborde and podcast Kelly Massicot to talk about this ancient wonderland of swamps, cypress trees, wildlife and native cultures. He also discusses the impact of floods and modern efforts to keep the area rivers on course. Then there are food sources. What's the basin's most popular fish for eating? Here's a hint, keep a frying pan nearby.

590. Part 1 of our conversation with Quentin Anthony Anderson, Candidate for District 6. "As the Executive Chairman of The Justice Alliance, a Baton Rouge-based social justice nonprofit, and the founder & Creative Director of Anderson Creative, Quentin embodies a lifelong commitment to fostering equity and empowerment.... A proud alumnus of McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Quentin earned his undergraduate degree at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana and he received his law degree from LSU, punctuated by a pivotal year in 2007 when he joined then-Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. This experience - starting as an unpaid intern and culminating as a field organizer in Missouri - solidified his path in political activism and community organizing. His commitment extended into his law school years, where he taught legal studies courses at schools like Capitol High as a volunteer instructor through the Street Law program and served the unhoused community through legal aid work at the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless in Baton Rouge" (Anderson2024). Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 220 years. Order your copy today! This week in Louisiana history. September 7, 1863. Alexandria captured by Union troops during the Civil War. This week in New Orleans history. The Freret Street streetcar, which first ran on September 7, 1924, was replaced with a trolley bus on December 1, 1946 and later with a diesel bus. This week in Louisiana. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site 57730 Main Street Plaquemine, LA 70764 Operating hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m As a distributary of the Mississippi River and a route to the heartland of Louisiana through the Atchafalaya Basin, Bayou Plaquemine was used as a navigable artery centuries before the age of European exploration. From the early 1700s, Bayou Plaquemine served as a commercial transport route, promoting settlement and economic prosperity in southwest and northern Louisiana via the Atchafalaya, Red and other rivers. Postcards from Louisiana. The Jazz Vipers play at the French Quarter Fest. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

Louisiana's Tourism Boom and State Park Revival with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser In this episode of What's What BR, we welcome back Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser to discuss the remarkable resurgence of Louisiana's tourism industry. Lt. Governor Nungesser shares insights on the unique attractions across the state, from Cajun country to the Atchafalaya Basin, and how these experiences draw visitors from near and far. He details the substantial growth in tourism numbers, efforts in international marketing, and the positive economic impact on local communities. Additionally, the discussion highlights the revitalization of state parks, innovative initiatives like 'glamping,' and the focus on inclusivity with special needs playgrounds. The episode wraps up with a passionate appeal for statewide participation in keeping Louisiana clean, emphasizing the importance of community involvement for both quality of life and economic development. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:58 Tourism Boom in Louisiana 02:11 Exploring the Unique Attractions 05:38 Revitalizing State Parks 08:35 Promoting Local Adventures 12:31 International Tourism Strategies 16:54 Combating Litter and Promoting Cleanliness 20:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The beautiful Louisiana Swamp Base, a national conservation and high adventure recreation program created by the Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America in 2010, is our focus this episode. Swamp Base aims to immerse thousands of young people in the environment and culture of the 1.4 million acre Atchafalaya Swamp each year. It is open to the general public for all kinds of activities, including ecotourism events for travelers, and the program also partners with universities across the U. S. to expand curriculum offerings.   Jason Sikora, of RADER studios, recorded this interview with host, Jan Swift, along with Swamp Base Executive Director Ben Pierce, and Gina Beckman, Program Director. The Atchafalaya is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. People who visit from across the U. S have many preconceived notions about what it means to live in Louisiana, and Ben Pierce and his team savor the opportunity to change minds and hearts. https://youtu.be/9v-_EeeBdMg Each summer, Swamp Base's high adventure treks offer 6 day/6 night paddling trips through the Atchafalaya Swamp, covering 61.6 miles. Modeled from the Boy Scouts of America's four National High Adventure camps and bases (Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, the Florida Sea Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve), Swamp Base offers a premier camping and paddling adventure opportunity for youth serving organizations from across America. A group of Scouts and registered adult leaders attending Swamp Base are called a "Trek Crew." Each Trek Crew consists of registered Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America or other accepted youth serving organization, including a minimum of two registered adult leaders. Swamp Base daily starts two Trek Crews on their high adventure journey from June 6 - July 15. Each Trek Crew consists of 8 to 11 people, which includes a minimum of 2 adult leaders. With two crews starting daily, a Scout unit can bring 16 to 22 people on a high adventure trek. The cost are $795 per person, or with a larger group. $745 per person. Hotel stays for the first night and last night are provided (in Lafayette) and all meals are covered. Visit https://www.swampbasebsa.org/trek-1-itinerary for more information. Ben Pierce is a founding member and co-creator of Louisiana Swamp Base and originally established the program as a conservation-based activity during the Evangeline Area Council's Centennial of Scouting celebrations in 2010. He has led the development and growth of the program as an accredited and official BSA high adventure base since 2013. Passionate about his work, Ben enjoys paddling whenever he can and finds refuge in the beautiful Cypress-filled Atchafalaya Basin. He graduated from LSU in landscape architecture and left Louisiana afterward. "I fell in love with Louisiana after I left. You don't know what you're missing until you're gone. When I had a chance to return in 2009-10 and have a chance to learn how to celebrate our local landscape and culture, it had become important to me. When I came back, I knew I had to leave a lasting legacy." Gina Beckman was introduced to Swamp Base in 2016 when she served as a summer trek guide, and returned to the program in 2022 as the organization's Program Director. In this role, she develops and implements trek activities that align with the mission of the organization while also making sure learning and having fun are at their cores. Gina is the recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, Venturing Silver Award, and Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. She brings inspirational enthusiasm and know-how as she educates others on this national treasure, the Louisiana Swamp Base. One of her favorite experiences occurs on day three of Trek 1 and is known as "Forgotten Cove" by Lake Dauterive. The Evangeline Area Council, BSA, is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year and has made a lasting commitment to the Atchafalaya Swamp as its ser...

Embark on an auditory journey to the vibrant heart of Cajun country as we sit down with Mike Davis, the passionate president of Conrad Rice Mill, and explore a story steeped in history and flavor. Mike's personal tale of acquiring America's oldest operating rice mill, with nothing but determination and the support of two backers, is as rich and textured as the medium grain rice his mill produces. Our conversation meanders through the milling process from paddy to plate, unraveling why rice isn't just a side dish in Cajun cuisine but the very soul of Southern cooking.Cook up a storm with us as we discuss Conrad Rice Company's innovative expansion, from the deeply aromatic wild pecan rice inspired by French Indochina to a potential for a grain bin-turned-restaurant. We share a home favorite, the verdant green rice, and how the company embraced change to grow from a local enterprise to a specialty food brand reaching across state lines. Plus, don't miss the story behind the Creole Cuban sandwich that's adding a new twist to classic flavors, proof of the company's unwavering spirit and adaptability in the face of an ever-evolving market.Finally, take a detour with us along Louisiana's Boudin Trail, where we uncover the everyday essence of Cajun life, far from the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans. From the mysterious swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin to the familial anecdotes of our first visit to this lush state, we savor every moment. Join us as we taste our way through Louisiana's culinary riches, experiencing the culture, people, and stories that simmer beneath the surface of this unique American region.Support the show

Madeleine Grace Kelly is a visual artist and educator living in New Orleans.  She is receiving her MFA from UNO this spring and you can witness her master's thesis exhibition entitled Temple of Familiars at the UNO Gallery (2429 St. Claude St) from March 9th to April 7th.  From the official blurb about her show: Her paintings, etchings, and installation explore encounters with mystery in the natural world, especially through the flora, fauna, light, and water of the swamps around the Atchafalaya Basin. Her practice explores kinship, reverence, and awe as an antidote to estrangement from the spirit of the land. The work invites viewers to engage with the memory that the water carries of our interconnectedness.    You can view her work on her website and on Instagram.   For more info about us and to donate to the show visit www.mondobizarro.org. Our theme music is by Rotary Downs.

Jeff Bruhl, member of Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association and pro angler stops by to give Don and us a welcome freshwater fishing report, Jeff's tips on finding freshwater and saltwater, what is going on around the Atchafalaya Basin, East Pearl is unbelievably clear, and what advice can Jeff would recommend for getting panfish? 

546. We interview Robin Roberts about her new book, City of the Undead. "From its looming above-ground cemeteries to the ghosts believed to haunt its stately homes, New Orleans is a city deeply entwined with death, the undead, and the supernatural. Its location near the mouth of the Mississippi River grants it a liminal status between water and land, while its Old World architecture and lush, moss-covered oak trees lend it an eerie beauty. Complementing the city's mysterious landscape, spiritual beliefs and practices from Native American, African, African American, Caribbean, and European cultures mingle in a unique ferment of the paranormal. A long history of enslavement and oppression have also produced fertile soil for stories of the undead. Focusing on three manifestations of the supernatural in New Orleans — Voodoo, ghosts, and vampires — Robin Roberts argues that the paranormal gives voice to the voiceless, including victims of racism and oppression, thus encouraging the living not to repeat the injustices of the past. Robin Roberts attended Mount Holyoke College, where the presence of its founder's grave in the center of campus kindled her interest in the otherworldly. After receiving her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses with a focus on popular culture and gender. She lives in New Orleans." (LSU Press) This week in Louisiana history. Rebellion against Ulloa began with spiking of protective New Orleans cannons. This week in New Orleans history October 27, 1768. Jazz is Legislated as a National American Treasure. November 4, 1987 In 1987, the US House of Representatives and Senate passed a bill proposed by Democratic Representative John Conyers Jr. to define jazz as a unique form of American music stating, among other things, "... that jazz is hereby designated as a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated." The bill passed in the House of Representatives on September 23, 1987 and in the Senate on November 4, 1987. This week in Louisiana. Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway Distance: 183 miles Duration: Half-day to two days for self-guided tour The Bayou Teche National Byway has long been recognized as a travel corridor to and through important cultural, historic, natural, recreation and scenic environments. It is located in a three-parish area of Louisiana that exists along the beautiful Bayou Teche west of the Atchafalaya Basin from Morgan City through Franklin, New Iberia, St. Martinville, Breaux Bridge and on to Arnaudville. Primary access to the Bayou Teche Byways occurs from Interstate 10 and US 90. Postcards from Louisiana. TBC Brass Band & Hasizzle at Satchmofest in the Old Mint in New Orleans. Listen on Google Play. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

French teachers can be a lonely bunch. But that doesn't mean they aren't part of a community of Francophones (and Francophiles) here in the US and abroad. As French teachers everywhere are gearing up for French week (November 1-8) join guest Terri Hammatt as she talks about the myriad of ways that French teachers can promote their programs and stay connected to the Francophone world, even if they are a department of one. Bio Terri was a French and French immersion teacher for 20 years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She then served as supervisor of world languages and immersion programs at the Louisiana Department of Education, supporting Louisiana teachers and numerous international teachers who come to Louisiana to teach their own languages. In addition, Terri currently serves on the CODOFIL board (CODOFIL--the state agency responsible for the ongoing development of French), LFLTA, and the Louisiana Consortium of Immersion Schools. Terri has worked hand-in-hand with France's Education Nationale and the Ministère des affaires étrangères, Wallonie-Bruxelles (the French-speaking Community of Belgium); le Centre de la francophonie des Amériques and numerous entities as partners to enhance la francophonie internationale. She is an instructional strategist with Wayside Publishing. Producer's Notes Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produced by Wayside Publishing - https://waysidepublishing.com Social Media FB: Terri Buchholz Hammatt; Instagram: terri_hammatt_languages; LinkedIn: Terri (Buchholz) Hammatt Mentions National French Week November 1-8, 2023 https://frenchteachers.org/promote-french/national-french-week/ Atchafalaya Basin https://www.atchafalaya.org/atchafalaya-basin Stuart Hall, Who needs identity? (2000) Télé Louisiane https://telelouisiane.com/ Franco-jeunes, Franco-Mariés Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOTL) https://www.scolt.org/ American Association of Teachers French https://frenchteachers.org/ Académie de Rennes https://www.ac-rennes.fr/ Délégraton Générale du Québec (à NY, Las Angeles, à Atlanta, en Floride, à Houston etc.) https://www.quebec.ca/en Embassy and Consulates of Belgium in the United States https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages (NCSSFL) https://ncssfl.org/ Speakers of French in the USA FACE Grants https://frenchlanguagek12.org/3318-speakers-french-united-states Embassy of France https://franceintheus.org/ French Cultural Services (FAC) https://frenchculture.org/ Alliance Française https://afusa.org/ Académie Française https://www.academie-francaise.fr/ Les Editions Tintamarre https://www.editionstintamarre.com/ Parlement des jeunes https://www.paricilademocratie.com/participer/26-parlement-des-jeunes Université d'éte https://francophoniedesameriques.com/vos-services/programmes/universite-ete/devenez-hote-2025 Concours de la bande dessinée https://francophoniedesameriques.com/vos-services/concours/concours-de-bande-dessinee-aventures-dans-les-ameriques-2022 La Francophonie des Amériques https://francophoniedesameriques.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCyCoFnipmOHxX1eqIC8TyvPuQlRv100ZrImA7ti7ifYMy5LlgVrQlYaApoZEALw_wcB Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIE) https://www.francophonie.org/Council Council on the Development of French in Louisiana (COCOFIL) https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/codofil/

This week Don and his guests cover what all need if you are going to duck hunt, Speckled Trout reports and Shrimp supply skyrocketing around the St. Bernard area, how rough the fishing has been around Venice, Pearl River, Chef's Pass, and the Atchafalaya Basin and how long could it take for Bass to recover from where they are now, some of the latest estimates for Red Snapper counts, what is going on in the Empire area and a few more Rodeo's happening at the Delta Marina, and a possible Pogie boat incident right off of Holly Beach.

Don calls up Jeff Bruhl, Mr. Big Boss Bass himself, to cover all things Bass fishing, he starts off with the Pearl River and Chef's Pass area as there aren't many Bass to find though Speckled Trout are definitely around, how things have been over in the Atchafalaya Basin, Venice Beach fishing has been a bit tough recently and how long could it be before Bass start to bounce back, and Jeff's advice for loading up on Catfish.

This week Don reflects on the life of Theophile Bourgeois, a friend and guest of the program who passed four years ago, fishing reports from our many field reporters covering everything from White Trout fishing, how things are hanging in the Atchafalaya Basin and Venice from the Big Boss Bass himself, and what all Daryl is seeing with such incredibly hot water. 

Don calls up Jeff Bruhl to cover a freshwater fishing report as well as how to best work the lowering Pearl River, an Atchafalaya Basin report, what's the latest in Venice, what all Jeff has seen from fishermen in Venice that could be improved on and the next big tournament happening in North Pass. 

Don calls up the Big Boss Bass himself, Jeff Bruhl to cover the Atchafalaya Basin area as fishing is down over there, Jeff's advice to constantly be on the move, what makes the Red Shad worm so outstanding, fishing reports for Pearl River and Manchac, and Jeff's tips for picking the hook that's best for you.

Join Small Town Podcast Host Mayor Matt Seale as he continues his journey through southern Louisiana. In this episode, Mayor Matt Seale explores a town renowned as the Gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin. His destination is Henderson, a charming small town where he has a conversation with Mayor Sherbin Collette. Born and raised in Henderson, Mayor Sherbin's unwavering dedication to his community spans nearly three decades. Although his dream was to become a commercial fisherman, he has diligently served as mayor, tirelessly working to enhance the town's prosperity day by day. This episode is proudly sponsored by the Louisiana Municipal Association and Louisiana Economic Development. For more information about the Small Town Podcast, visit www.smalltownpodcast.com.

This week Dalton and Ethan sit down with our buddy Corey Bailey of South Louisiana.  Corey is one of those hard working, quiet bowhunters that just flat gets it down year in and year out.  We talk about the great fall he had last hunting season, future plans, and hunting from the Atchafalaya Basin up into the Mid-West.  Corey is a down to earth and humble guy and we really enjoyed catching up with him!

Episode: 2462 The Mississippi Delta: Rewriting Geography.  Today, geography shifts before our eyes.

The Cajun Ace, Jeff Deblanc, shot down 5 enemy aircraft in one engagement in the South Pacific. For this, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. It's an amazing story of aviation agility, skill, and grit—but it's not the whole story. Enroute over the Solomon Islands, DeBlanc's external fuel tank on his F-4F airplane malfunctioned. He realized at that moment that he would not have enough fuel to complete the mission and make it back to Guadalcanal. But he pressed on anyway knowing that, after the battle, he would have to ditch his plane in the ocean, swim to a remoted island, and survive there until rescued. He was confident in his ability to survive because he was reared in the Atchafalaya Basin swamp and he could speak fluent French and a bit of Spanish to communicate to the natives if he had to. Somehow, some way, he would make it out alive. This is a story about one of Louisiana greatest war heroes and one of the most amazing World War II stories you'll ever come across.

On this week's PoM Podcast episode I sat down and talked with Rick Phillips who has 50 years experience living in South Louisiana next to the Atchafalaya Basin with it's Cajun People and beautiful bayou's, swamp & marshes making a living off the land by catching, buying & selling it's precious seafood. Rick's goal is to promote, preserve and protect this beautiful area with it's abundant Wildlife & Cajun Heritage so that future generations will be able to experience what we has been able to.Secure your spot in The Herd: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/the-herdSave 20% off of your Dark Water Wood Beard Oil by using the code "PURSUE" https://www.darkwaterkc.com/Save 25% off your Order of Armored Nation Coffee by using the Discount Code "PURSUEMANLINESS" when you check out: https://www.armoredcoffee.com/Support the show

From a young age, Shoren Brown's life has been shaped by his experiences in nature, from fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana where he grew up, to backpacking through Montana where he lives now. Today, as the Executive Director for Conservation Alliance, he is working to protect these spaces which are so fundamental to our existence on earth. Conservation Alliance is an organization that partners with locally focused grassroots organizations to enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve land and water resources. In today's episode, Shoren shares what makes him hopeful about the future, advice for anyone interested in getting involved in the conservation space, and explains why, in order to adequately address environmental issues, we need to be taking our concerns directly to congress.    Key Points From This Episode:An overview of Shoren's background in the conservation space, and the work that he is now doing with Conservation Alliance.Pride that Shoren feels towards the team that he is currently leading at Conservation Alliance.What inspires Shoren most about the brands that he and his team work with.Characteristics of grantees that Conservation Alliance likes to work with.The focus of Conservation Alliance's Confluence Program.Why Conservation Alliance is part of the movement against moving the Outdoor Retailer event back to Utah.Shoren shares the approach that he believes to be most effective when dealing with environmental issues.What a lot of Shoren's day-to-day work consists of.How Conservation Alliances chooses which projects to focus on.Why it is so valuable for brands to engage with elected officials about the issues they care about.Two people in the conservation space who Shoren admires.Shoren shares some examples of the wild experiences which have shaped his life.Advice from Shoren for anyone interested in entering the conservation space.A “final four” round with Shoren where he shares his favorite book, his most vivid desert memory, and a profound call to action.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Conservation Alliance Shoren Brown on LinkedInEmerald ExpositionsOutdoor RetailersBears-Ears Inter-Tribal CoalitionDesert Solitaire by Edward AbbeyEREMEREM on Instagram

Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in the country. It is filled with vegetation, birds, animals, reptiles (including alligators) and wonderment. Unfortunately, any place that is so ecologically precious also has its challenges, including keeping the water flowing through the proper channels. Ecologists Joseph Baustian and Bryan Piazza of the Nature Conservancy join Errol Laborde, Executive Editor of Louisiana Life, and podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about how the basin has withstood man-made intrusions yet benefitted from man-made technology. It is a moving story that includes keeping the water moving. Oh yes, we also hear about the successful strategy to keep the alligator population growing.

Besides color, what is the difference between a brown bear and a black bear? And which are you most likely to find in Louisiana? How plentiful are feral pigs? Does Louisiana have more alligators than people? What's the difference between a redfish and a red snapper? Chris Holmes has written several articles about the state's wildlife for many outlets including for Louisiana Life. Holmes joins Errol Laborde, executive editor of Louisiana Life, along with podcast producer Kelly Massicot to talk about the state's wildlife from the Kisatchie Forest through the Atchafalaya Basin. Oh yes, we will also hear about the re-emergence of the bird made famous by John James Audubon

In 1989, tonight's guest, Christopher, was working for an outfitter that was based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that did a lot of canoe trips into the Atchafalaya Basin. The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest wetland and swamp in the United States. It contains the largest contiguous block of forested wetlands in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Needless to say; there are a lot of areas in the Atchafalaya Basin that people rarely go to. Back then, Christopher's boss decided that he wanted to get together with a famous, local photographer and teach people how to shoot photography in the wild. They decided to use a place called Belle River as a starting point. On a Monday evening, in late spring of 1989, Christopher, his boss, and the photographer drove about an hour south, from Baton Rouge to the Belle River area and set up camp after getting there. The next day, they got into their canoes and headed into the swamp. After heading about 5 miles into the swamp, they came upon a shell island where they decided to set up a base camp. That evening, at dusk, Christopher was alone, on the island, because the other men had headed deeper into the swamp to look for things to photograph. Christopher was about 5 feet from the water's edge when suddenly, he saw what he initially took to be a huge dog swimming by, from his left to his right, just 15 feet from shore. It wasn't long, though, before he'd realize that it wasn't a dog he was looking at. It was a totally different animal he was looking at!If you'd like to help support the show, by buying your own Dogman Encounters t-shirt, sweatshirt, tank top, or coffee mug, please visit the Dogman Encounters Show Store, by going to… https://Dogman-Encounters.MyShopify.com If you've had a Dogman encounter and would like to speak with me about it, whether you'd like to keep your encounter confidential or be interviewed on a show, please go to… https://DogmanEncounters.com and submit a report. If you've had a Sasquatch sighting and would like to be a guest on My Bigfoot Sighting, please go to… https://MyBigfootSighting.com and submit a report. I produce 3 other podcasts. Below, you'll find links to them.My Bigfoot Sighting... https://spreaker.page.link/xT7zh6zWsnCDaoVa7Bigfoot Eyewitness Radio... https://spreaker.page.link/WbtSccQm92TKBskT8My Paranormal Experience... https://youtube.com/channel/UCyxVu8_b4yxLHcZ1fNPmRkAThanks for listening!

The guys discuss with the listeners the good and bad of this bill.

Bernie and Ian spoke with State Representative Jonathan Goudeau about his legislation dealing with creating a police force for the Atchafalaya Basin. While the measure was deferred, he believes he will be able to bring it again. Louisiana State Police Troop I Spokesman Thomas Gossen spoke about having your vehicle prepared for inclement weather and doing what you can to prevent distracted driving.

405. As part of our Black History Month emphasis, Jeffrey Barrois from Good Morning Comrade joins us to interview John DeSantis about his book, The Thibodaux Massacre: Racial Violence and the 1887 Sugar Cane Labor Strike. On November 23, 1887, white vigilantes gunned down unarmed black laborers and their families during a spree lasting more than two hours. The violence erupted due to strikes on Louisiana sugar cane plantations. Fear, rumor and white supremacist ideals clashed with an unprecedented labor action to create an epic tragedy. A future member of the U.S. House of Representatives was among the leaders of a mob that routed black men from houses and forced them to a stretch of railroad track, ordering them to run for their lives before gunning them down. According to a witness, the guns firing in the black neighborhoods sounded like a battle. Author and award-winning reporter John DeSantis uses correspondence, interviews and federal records to detail this harrowing true story. This week in Louisiana history. February 20, 1811. President Madison signed bill providing for Louisiana'a statehood. This week in New Orleans history. On February 20, 1995, Director Gilbert Adler was preparing to film Tales From The Crypt (Bordello of Blood) (formerly DEAD EASY) in New Orleans. Starring Dennis Miller, Chris Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Corey Feldman (among other lesser known names) the trailer says "The bloodsucking beauties who ply their trade in this "gorehouse" offer their clients the night of their lives..." This week in Louisiana. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site Head south of Baton Rouge for a look into Louisiana’s shipping history. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site in Louisiana Visit the historic shipping lock at Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site. Bayou Plaquemine’s history as an inland shipping route goes back to long before Louisiana was a state. Native Americans used the waterway that joins the Mississippi River with the Atchafalaya Basin, long before Europeans came onto the scene. When those French and Spanish explorers finally entered the Baton Rouge area, they too, used the bayou for moving goods and people. Bayou Plaquemine was a natural choice for constructing a series of shipping locks in 1909, when business was booming on the Mississippi River and boats needed to get into and out of the nation’s interior. Plaquemine Lock was an unrivaled engineering marvel, capable of raising ships 51 feet — a world record at the time. Postcards from Louisiana. Funk Dat Brass Band on Royal Street.Listen on iTunes.Listen on Google Play.Listen on Google Podcasts.Listen on Spotify.Listen on Stitcher.Listen on TuneIn.The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.Like us on Facebook.     

Episode: 3248 How and why our rivers meander: mechanics vs. teleology.  Today, our rivers meander.

Simone and Jacques kick off 2021 with a favorite guest, Dr. Robert Twilley, who updates the duo on the exciting development of Louisiana being considered for a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Louisiana is one of the few coastal states that doesn’t currently have a NERR. Dr. Twilley discusses what value a NERR would bring to a state and how having one would allow Louisiana’s coast to have greater attention at the national level. Simone and Jacques then chat with Karen Gautreaux, Director, Government Relations, Louisiana Chapter, The Nature Conservancy, who highlights Louisiana’s first-ever Climate Task Force and gives an update on important work happening in the Atchafalaya Basin.

Welcome back to Delta Dispatches as Simone and Jacques kick off 2021 with a favorite guest, Dr. Robert Twilley, who updates the duo on the exciting development of Louisiana being considered for a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Louisiana is one of the few coastal states that doesn’t currently have a NERR. Dr. Twilley discusses what value a NERR would bring to a state and how having one would allow Louisiana’s coast to have greater attention at the national level. Simone and Jacques then chat with Karen Gautreaux, Director, Government Relations, Louisiana Chapter, The Nature Conservancy, who highlights Louisiana’s first-ever Climate Task Force and gives an update on important work happening in the Atchafalaya Basin.

Tonight is that special time of year where families, friends and foe come together for opening weekend of squirrel hunting season here in Louisiana. The temps are perfect, the camp is loaded with groceries and adult beverages and we are ready to get after it come day break. We are live from the camp here in the Atchafalaya Basin with special guest and long time friend, Troy Fontenot and Jackson Roberie and we are talking squirrel hunting Louisiana style. This is Last Stop Waterfowl Outdoors. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

An excerpt from Evangeline, Longfellow's story of separated lovers. This passage is set in the Atchafalaya Basin, still the home of the Cajuns.

In this episode of KastKing On The Line host Nikki talks with MLF Bass Pro Cliff ‘Cajun Baby' Crochet. Cliff Crochet talks about Major League Fishing and the KastKing fishing gear he uses. Cliff fishes with KastKing reels and KastKing Spirale spiral wrapped fishing rods that he helped design. He also uses KastKing braided fishing line. About Cliff Crochet“The Cajun Baby” Cliff Crochet is an angler on the MLF Bass Pro Tour who has been fishing from the time he can remember growing up in the Atchafalaya Basin in southeast Louisiana. Cliff joined the Lake Verret Bass Club in 2000 and began doing well in Federation Nation events. He became the youngest-ever Louisiana State Champion in 2006 and set his eyes on fishing professionally. From 2007 to 2009 Cliff competed in the Bassmaster Open series and qualified for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic and an invitation to fish in the Bassmaster Elite Series.Thank you for stopping by the KastKing YouTube channel! Do you want access to weekly fishing videos, how to fish videos, fishing reel reviews, and our favorite...NEW FISHING GEAR VIDEOS?! Subscribe here to follow and stay up to date: https://goo.gl/VnHZtuKastKing On The Line host Nikki is a US Military Veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer. She is an avid angler and writes about bass fishing. She was the only woman angler to ever compete in the Big Bass World Championship bass fishing tournament. You can find Nikki on social media at bassfinatic432. Did you know? KastKing fishing gear is being used by angling professionals on the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour, FLW, BFL, NWT National Walleye Tour and Bassmaster (B.A.S.S) bass tournament fishing trails. KastKing is your one stop shop for fishing gear. Grab a KastKing reel, a new KastKing fishing pole, fishing line, sunglasses, fishing tools, and fishing tackle bags (just to name a few!) SHOP HERE: http://kastking.com Are you interested in learning more about KastKing? You can find out more information about KastKing and how to order all of our awesome and affordable fishing gear by watching our Amazon storefront video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suGMvIybqNk#kastking#cliffcrochet#cajunbaby

Jimmy Domengeaux is well-known as a successful Lafayette attorney and member of the iconic Domengeaux family which has served our community well. Jimmy is a graduate of LSU Law School and has practiced law for 33 years at the Domengeaux, Wright, Roy & Edwards law firm. He cherishes his French roots grounded in South Louisiana and shares his story with Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette. When asked to define what makes Acadiana so special, Jimmy recalled a classic Cajun song that sums up the culture: "Travailler c'est trop dur," which translates to "Working is too Hard." The cultural ethic defined in this song captures the hard work endured by the Acadian people, their family values, and the determined adherence to their French heritage. Travailler c’est trop dur (Working is too hard) Working is too hard,And stealing is not pretty,Asking for charityIs something that I cannot do.Each day that I live,They ask me, on what do you survive,I say I live on love,And I hope to live old. I take my fiddle,And I grad the bow,I play my old waltzTo make my friends dance.You know, dear friends,That life is too shortTo live in sorrow,Let us dance tonight. I get my old horseAnd I grab my old saddle.And I saddle my old horseTo go and get my darling.You know, dear,It’s far from one to the otherBut from San Antonio to Beaumont,I was looking just for you. Zachary Richard, Les Editions du Marais Bouleur While at LSU Law School, Jimmy wrote a Louisiana Law Review article in 1986 entitled, “Native Born Acadians and the Equality Ideal”, under the direction of Constitutional Law Professor Paul Baier. The article was based upon a 1980 federal lawsuit heard by U. S. District Judge Edwin Hunter in Lake Charles which decided whether or not French-speaking people, known as "Cajuns" and derogatory derivatives of that name, were protected as a class against employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act. It became settled law that Acadian descendants were a "protected class" under federal law, and as Judge Hunter said, "You don't have to come from a country, it's your place of origin that decides whether or not you are protected." Jimmy's uncle, also named Jimmy Domengeaux, was the founder of the Domengeaux Wright law firm, as well as the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana ("CODIFIL") which has worked diligently for the past 50 years to preserve the French language in Louisiana as well as to garner pride and respect for all people who descended from the Acadians deported from Acadie in Nova Scotia in 1755. CODIFIL was established during the time John McKeithen served as governor, and he well understood the mission of CODIFIL, as did local Acadiana icon Senator Sonny Mouton who shepherded the legislation through the Legislature. Jimmy's father, Jerome Domengeaux, another South Louisiana icon, served as Chief Judge of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals and was renowned for his legal acumen. Jimmy's Louisiana roots run deep and his family has always enjoyed the outdoor pursuits offered freely in Louisiana's "Sportsman's Paradise." http://www.jimmydomengeaux.com/ Now, back to our guest! Jimmy Domengeaux grew up enjoying opportunities to fish and hunt in the Atchafalaya Basin and marshes of South Louisiana. He always" felt a great connection with the serenity of the Atchafalaya Swamp" and particularly loved bass fishing and competing in fishing tournaments. While he always enjoyed being outdoors and viewing sunrises and sunsets, as Jimmy matured, he felt an obligation to capture the beautiful scenery he had always taken for granted. He picked up a camera, whatever it was, a Canon EOS or the camera on his iPhone. He's never taken a photography class or sought out professional training. Jimmy's legal work through the years has taught him about water issues in the swamp, how oilfield developments have changed the natural flow of the bayous and have choked off the vibrancy of the swamps.

Award-winning wildlife journalist Chester Moore explores the issues impacting wildlife, hunting, and fishing throughout North America. This week, in addition to talking with Sarah Boehme of the Stark Museum of Art, Chester discusses various outdoor topics to be aware of and pay attention to when severe weather affects Southeast Texas. Subjects covered include alligators, venomous and non-venomous snakes, black bears in the Atchafalaya Basin, and the perils of saltwater fishing in choppy seas.

Scott Eustis has had a busy mid-2017.As the Gulf Restoration Network‘s wetlands specialist, he’s been part of flyovers finding chemical and petroleum product releases in the flood waters following Hurricane Harvey’s strike and the flooding that inundated southeast Texas in the wake of the storm. He’s been involved in flyovers in the Gulf of Mexico where pipeline ruptures remain part of the regular cost of business there. And, he’s been flying above the Atchafalaya Basin watching pipeline operators wreck “water quality projects” that had repaired Basin water flow that had been disrupted by earlier pipeline work at a cost of millions of dollars to taxpayers.Like a number of environmental organizations in Louisiana, GRN and Eustis are fighting the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline proposed by Energy Transfer Partners. It’s one leg of the network that begins with the Dakota Access Pipeline in the Bakken fields of North Dakota and zig-zags across and down the country into Nederland, TX. Bayou Bridge aims to connect the Nederland operation and a Phillips 66 refinery in Lake Charles to a storage facility in St. James Parish on the Mississippi River.There are thousands of pipelines in Louisiana. The challenge is making the case that Bayou Bridge is somehow more dangerous than those others.Eustis talks about the need for an environmental impact study of the Bayou Bridge project in the context of the already significant damage inflicted on the Basin by those other pipelines. The cumulative effect of hundreds (if not thousands) of disruptions of water flow in the Basin threatens its viability as a swamp and estuary.Eustis and GRN work in five northern Gulf of Mexico states — Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. It’s a broad, culturally, geologically and environmentally diverse. The indifference of the Trump administration to the environment and threats to it has made the work of GRN all the more important. The broad range of outrages that flow from the Trump White House and threaten things from civil rights to climate protections has sparked resistance but also a raft of new organizations, all of which seem to be competing for a fixed piece of the financial real of progressives.Established organizations have been squeezed as new ones emerge with the resistance strategy of the moment.The climate and environmental challenges confronting the country grow daily and groups like Gulf Restoration Network have been stretching to respond.Scott Eustis is on the frontlines watching the problems unfold, documenting the damage done, and chronicling the reckoning that is coming if we don’t find effective responses quickly.

"Harold Schoeffler is a Louisiana treasure. He has more first-hand knowledge of the Atchafalaya Basin, the river that feeds it and the coast than any other single person around today. He has skillfully used the courts to enforce laws and change Louisiana for the better on issues ranging from shell dredging (as it scraping away protective barrier islands to be used for driveways) to protecting the Black Bear. Schoeffler continues to be a force to be reckoned with on environmental issues in Louisiana based on his instinctual sense of right and wrong which he has used time and again to convince lawyers of the righteousness of his causes who have in turn convinced judges of the righteousness of Harold’s convictions. Schoeffler is old enough to remember the Basin before oil & gas and flood control pushed the natural characteristics of America’s last great swamp into the background to serve what were argued to be higher interests. He remembers catching tarpon in the Basin above Morgan City. He understands that slow moving, meandering bayous are orders of magnitude better for protecting our wetlands than are box-type canals favored by oil and gas interests. All of this has been discounted by ‘experts’ in industry who have come to own our state government. Yet, as we have come to know early in the 21st Century, the Basin is the driver of our ecological wellbeing in south central Louisiana, just as surely as the coast itself is the driver of Louisiana’s wellbeing from Texas to Mississippi. He has heard the fancy language and seen the pretty pictures painted by those who have no interest other than exploiting the Basin and the coast, no matter the cost. He’s gone through his life with his eyes wide open. He’s seen water quality projects used to wreck bayous and streams. He’s seen hazardous waste dumped in ditches by companies who hid behind the law to justify it. He’s watched as state government leaders have pushed restoration plans that will primarily benefit contractors while turning the Basin and the coast into artificial remnants of their greater selves. Harold Schoeffler knows that we have spent more than half a century destroying our wetlands and the Atchafalaya Basin in a quest to save it. He knows that time is running out; that the forces that we have unleashed endanger the Basin now as never before. With three successive governors having the state to spending $50 billion to try to preserve some of our coast, Harold Schoeffler wants those planning the effort to look a little closer at how we got here. Maybe, he figures, if they did that, they wouldn’t make things worse while they try to make things better. Harold Schoeffler on the Atchafalaya Basin and the bogus process that wants to give Lafayette what it does not want – an elevated roadway through the heart of the city. ••• Thanks to Matt Roberts, AOC's Community Production Manager for help locating the music used in this segment. A Foolish Game by Hans Atom (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/hansatom/55394 Ft: Snowflake "