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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 53
BY SENATOR MILLS
WATER/WATERWAYS. Nominates Bear Bayou, Bayou Chevreu, Big Bayou Jessie,
Bayou Grosbeak, Bayou Cocodrie, and Bayou Cane for inclusion in the Louisiana Natural
and Scenic Rivers System.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to evaluate2
and study the scenic Bear Bayou, Bayou Chevreu, Big Bayou Jessie, Bayou3
Grosbeak, Bayou Cocodrie, and Bayou Cane within the lower Atchafalaya Basin4
(Basin) for inclusion in the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System (LNSRS).5
WHEREAS, Louisiana has the largest scenic stream system in the nation including6
more than eighty streams or stream segments; and7
WHEREAS, located primarily in the southern reaches of the state, the bayou is8
described as a defining feature of this unique part of America and is home to many people,9
along with an abundance of wildlife; and10
WHEREAS, bayou life has its own pace and culture with swamps and alligators that11
are often misunderstood areas and in many ways remain unique mysteries; and12
WHEREAS, according to The Famous Wonders website, the term "bayou" is native13
to Louisiana and is believed to have originated from "bayuk," a word meaning small stream14
in Native American tongue; and15
WHEREAS, bayou culture is more diverse than most are aware of with a rich blend16
of cultures, languages, careers, hobbies, life and entertainment; and17
WHEREAS, since 1930, bayous have been disappearing as the coast of Louisiana18 SCR NO. 53
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loses twenty-five square miles annually; and1
WHEREAS, many do not understand the importance of the Louisiana bayou, not2
only as a natural habitat for many species of animals, but as a protector of inland areas; and3
WHEREAS, the residents of Louisiana who live, work, and enjoy the scenic quality4
of the many bayous in the Atchafalaya Basin agree they should be eligible and designated5
under the LNSRS for special protection, preservation, and enhancement for the present and6
future benefit of landowners, workers and visitors for the continuing economy of the region,7
and for the natural beauty of the bayous and surrounding areas; and8
WHEREAS, the recent designation of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and9
ongoing efforts through the state's Atchafalaya Basin Program to enhance water quality and10
recreational opportunities should encourage the inclusion of these scenic waterways in the11
inventory of LNSRS; and12
WHEREAS, south of Little Bayou Sorrel in St. Martin Parish, Bear Bayou, Bayou13
Chevreu, Big Bayou Jessie, Bayou Grosbeak, Bayou Cocodrie, and Bayou Cane are lined14
by large bald cypress trees, flowing into Flat Lake; and15
WHEREAS, the tranquility of bayous Bear, Chevrue, Big Jessie, Grosbeak,16
Cocodrie, and Cane are invigorating to the spirit and provide a more than unique ambience17
to the people who live, work, and visit them; and18
WHEREAS, these bayous comprise one of the most pristine areas in the Basin and19
are particularly suitable for inclusion into the LNSRS.20
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby21
request the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to consider all possible22
alternatives available to ensure future protection and preservation of scenic Bear Bayou,23
Bayou Chevreu, Big Bayou Jessie, Bayou Grosbeak, Bayou Cocodrie, and Bayou Cane.24
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and25
Fisheries shall submit a report of his findings and recommendations to the legislature no26
later than thirty days prior to the commencement of the 2014 Regular Legislative Session.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted28
to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the chair of the29
Atchafalaya Basinkeeper.30 SCR NO. 53
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The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Michelle Broussard-Johnson.
DIGEST
Mills SCR No. 53
Urge and request the inclusion of Bear Bayou, Bayou Chevreu, Big Bayou Jessie, Bayou
Grosbeak, Bayou Cocodrie, and Bayou Cane in the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers
System.