table of contents Welcome Sportsman’s Paradise (licensing information) History of the Trail Region’s History, Culture & Industry Calcasieu Parish Cameron Parish Hurricane Audrey Celebrations
Activities Along the Trail American Alligator Birding Butterflies, Dragonflies & Mosquitoes Wildflowers Crabbing Shelling & Beaches Shrimping Fishing Hunting & Trapping Oystering
One of a Kind Ecosystem Liquid Land Intracoastal Waterway Cheniers
Preservation: Looking to the Future Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge
Merci Beaucoup Appendix A: Birding Guide Appendix B:Waterfowl Estimates References
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Bienvenue In the southwest corner of
LOUISIANA lies one of the nation’s last great
wilder nesses— the
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.
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WELCOME Affectionately known as Louisiana’s Outback, the trail winds through 180 miles of bayous, marshland and shores along the Gulf of Mexico. It is an amazing blend of man and nature, and a unique opportunity to view Louisiana’s fertile prairies, lush marshes and abundant wildlife. The Creole Nature Trail is one of the oldest scenic byways in America. The route is so unique it was one of the first to be designated a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration. In fact, of the 14 byways originally designated, the Creole Nature Trail was the only one selected on the strength of its natural intrinsic qualities. Easy access from Interstate 10 provides excellent opportunities to visit Louisiana’s Outback—a region once traveled by cannibalistic Indians, the legendary pirate Jean LaFitte and Civil War soldiers. From a car the prairies and marshes of Louisiana’s Outback appear peaceful and tranquil, but don’t be fooled. These lands and waters—both salt and fresh—are teeming with life and activity. Louisiana’s Outback supports 28 species of mammals, more than 300 species of birds, millions of monarch butterflies, 39 species of mosquitoes (yes, there are that many different mosquitoes!), 35 species of amphibians and reptiles, 7 commercial species of mollusks, and 132 species of fish. Sections of the Creole Nature Trail are recognized as some of the best birding areas in the country. Not only is the byway the endpoint for two major flyways—the Central and Mississippi Flyways—the region also benefits from the little understood phenomenon of western birds migrating east in the winter. Large water bodies, vast wetlands, tidal beaches and cheniers also account for bird populations remaining high. Also along the Creole Nature Trail are the people of Louisiana’s Outback—people whose lives are linked closely to the place that is part land, part water. As unique as the marshes and prairies that they love, they depend on the bounty of the land—then celebrate their toil and heritage with a joie de vivre, or joy of life, that is like none other.
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Sportman’s Paradise
With the hunting and fishing opportunities that are available virtually year-round along the Creole Nature Trail, its no wonder the region is considered a true Sportsman’s Paradise. Yet along with these opportunities come unique challenges and rewards, as well as a responsibility for ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the sport, as well as potential bystanders.
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photo credit: Robin Cook
In Louisiana, appropriate licenses are required for commercial and recreational fishing and hunting. Recreational licenses can be purchased from anywhere by calling the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries toll free at (888) 765-2602. The department accepts payment by Visa, MasterCard, debit card or electronic check only. At the time of purchase, an authorization number will be provided for your immediate use, and the actual license will be mailed to the licensee’s mailing address. Everyone, even Louisiana residents over the age of 16, must possess a valid recreational fishing license for freshwater fishing, shrimping and oystering, while saltwater fishing requires both a saltwater and freshwater license. Likewise, everyone over the age of 16 must possess a valid recreational hunting license issued to and carried by the individual while hunting. In addition to the required state license, duck stamps are required by everyone 16 years of age and older to hunt ducks. Louisiana now requires the successful completion of hunter education for anyone born on or after September 1, 1969. Since all 50 states now require some form of mandatory hunter education certification prior to issuing a license, seasoned hunters should check the state regulation as it may apply to them. For questions regarding licensing requirements, please contact the local wildlife and fisheries enforcement office at (337) 491-2580 or explore the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries’ web site which provides the most comprehensive information on commercial and recreational licensing, limits and the various seasons at www.wlf.state.la.us.
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A Trail is Born
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For more than 25 years, local governmental bodies, tourist commissions, business organizations, and interested citizens have been working together to promote and protect the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which loops through Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes in Southwest Louisiana. As a result of their efforts to advance the route, which encompasses two national wildlife refuges, one state wildlife refuge, and numerous opportunities for visitors to satisfy their individual interests, the Louisiana Legislature established the Creole Nature Trail as a Scenic Route in 1975. Due to the scenic route designation and continued public support, the trail was promoted and signs were used to inform visitors of the trail’s unique qualities. In 1993, the state legislature designated the trail a Louisiana Scenic Byway. Designated a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration in September 1996 and then an All-American Road in 2002, the Creole Nature Trail encompasses an array of scenic, historical, cultural, and archaeological qualities. Yet it is by far the natural and recreational qualities that make it distinctive. Oak cheniers—which are found in only four locations worldwide—and world-class bird and alligator populations make the byway a natural wonder; top-notch fishing, hunting, crabbing, boating, nature photography and other outdoor opportunities distinguish the byway as a recreational paradise.
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The Region’s History, Culture & Industry
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C a l c a s i e u Pa r i s h Calcasieu Parish encompasses 1,071 square miles, or more than 685,000 acres, and is comprised of six cities: Lake Charles (which is the parish seat), Sulphur, Westlake, DeQuincy, Iowa, and Vinton. Rice, sugar cane, soybean and cattle comprise the extent of farming in the parish. Major industries include oil and gas, petrochemical and specialty chemicals, not to mention the Port of Lake Charles and tourism, which have been increasingly important parts of the economy for the past decade. Organized as a parish in 1840, Calcasieu Parish was originally occupied by the now-extinct Attakapa Indians, a nomadic tribe that was well known for its cannibalism. The area became known as Calcasieu, or screaming eagle, from the war cry of one of the tribe’s chiefs. Over the centuries it has been spelled many ways, but always pronounced KAL-ka-shew. The first permanent European settler to the area was Martin LeBleu, a Frenchman who arrived around 1780. He was followed shortly thereafter by Charles Sallier, a Gallicized Italian who built his home on the lake that would later bear his name. Sallier married LeBleu’s daughter Catherine in 1802. According to local legend, the winding Calcasieu River and its bayous gave the infamous pirate Jean LaFitte many opportunities to outfox a variety of pursuers, and made “Charlie’s Lake” a perfect base of operations. Lafitte’s romantic interest in Catherine Sallier, the legend goes, encouraged Charles to shoot her and then himself in a fit of rage. The bullet passed through Catherine’s hand and deflected off an amethyst brooch she was wearing, saving her life. Catherine continued to live in the community until her death at the age of 75, while LaFitte continued his seafaring exploits. The bayous, including the aptly named Contraband Bayou, made excellent hiding places for his buried treasure, and there is hardly a waterway in the area that does not claim its connection to LaFitte. He was given a full pardon by the U.S. government after helping to repel the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, but returned to raiding thereafter. 9
His history and legend are honored each spring during the Contraband Days Festival, a two-week celebration along the lake with hundreds of land and water activities to enjoy. By the 1850s, a booming timber and cattle industry had turned Lake Charles into a fast-growing parish seat. Shortly thereafter, several miles west of the lake, another industry that would contribute to the growth of the area was coming to life. Oil had been discovered as early as 1859, but engineers determined that sulfur was more plentiful; thereby, the town was named Sulphur. Before the mineral deposits were discovered in Sulphur in the late 1890s, Sicily, Italy had a virtual monopoly in the worldwide trade. Louisiana’s reserves provided an excellent opportunity for economic development within the United States. Today, Lake Charles is a port of entry on a 34-mile deepwater channel (completed 1926) and is linked to the Gulf of Mexico along the 20-mile Calcasieu Lake. Rich natural resources of petroleum and sulfur, as well as excellent water transportation, led to the development of the petrochemical industry that is still vital to the region today. While much of the rest of the world quickly discards its past, Southwest Louisiana has worked consciously to keep its history intact. The legacy of the sawmill industry lives on in Lake Charles’ Historic “Charpentier” District, a nationally recognized area of restored early 20th century Victorian homes. The entire city celebrates a traditional family-style Mardi Gras, beginning Twelfth Night and continuing all the way through Fat Tuesday, that is an extravaganza second only to that held in New Orleans. The DeQuincy Railroad Museum and the Brimstone Museum in Sulphur, as well as the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, all have preserved the heritage of the first great boom in our region.
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C a m e ro n Pa r i s h Cameron Parish, the largest parish in Louisiana, is located in the extreme southwestern corner of the state on the Gulf of Mexico. Originally called Leesburg, Cameron Parish has 26 miles of beautiful, easily accessible Gulf beaches, abundant wildlife and fisheries, and fresh and saltwater marshes. Alligators are very plentiful throughout Cameron Parish. In fact, with a human population of nearly 10,000 and a gator population of more than 100,000, the alligators outnumber the people! Fed by three river systems—the Sabine, Calcasieu and Mermentau— 750,000 of Cameron’s 900,000 acres are defined as coastal wetlands, open water or open range. More than 284,000 acres of Cameron Parish are included in four wildlife refuges: Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. Cameron Parish’s primary industry is fishing for oysters, shrimp, crabs, finfish and—most importantly—menhaden or pogey fish. The little known menhaden, or “pogey,” fish plays an important role in the life of the nation. Living abundantly in the Gulf of Mexico off the shores of Cameron Parish, this small perch-shaped fish is incredibly valued for its oil, which is used in the creation of such things as perfumes, cosmetics, medicines, paints—even margarine in England. After the oil is extracted, the fishmeal is a component of feed for chickens, pigs and cattle, is an important ingredient in cat food, and is used as fertilizer. Menhaden is not only caught in the waters off of Cameron Parish, it is processed in the town of Cameron, which also happens to be the parish seat. For many years, Cameron was one of the country’s largest ports for fisheries. Even today it ranks as one of the top ten ports in the nation in pounds of fish landed. The offshore oil industry and agriculture also play a critical role in Cameron’s economy. Parish crops include hay, rice, soybean and sugarcane, and the higher land sustains Cameron as one of the top five beef producing parishes in the state. 11
Comparatively large concentrations of Indian archaeological finds, such as pots, shards, and arrowheads, have been unearthed throughout Cameron Parish, and burial mounds were found on Little Chenier, indicating that the earlier Indian populations must have been large and widespread. The Sabine Pass Lighthouse is perhaps the most impressive landmark in Cameron Parish. The first of two structures used to guide sailors in the area, building of the lighthouse began in 1854 where the Sabine and Neches rivers join in their flow to the Gulf, and the lighthouse was lit three years later. During the Civil War, the light was extinguished by order of the Confederate Army to cause problems for Union troops attempting to attack Fort Griffin located at Sabine Pass. The lighthouse did become the site of several Civil War skirmishes, and Union soldiers used the tower to spy on enemy ships. Successful battles by local militia saved Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas from the destruction suffered in other parts of the South. After the war, the light was re-lit at the lighthouse. The structure would survive a storm in 1886 that produced eight-foot tides, and a hurricane in 1915 before a decision was made in early 1952 to extinguish the light a final time and tear down the lighthouse after 95 years in existence. A movement was begun to save the lighthouse by its keeper, resulting in the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission obtaining the title to the property. Today, the Sabine Pass Lighthouse is owned by the Cameron Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Cameron Parish. On a mud bank only three feet above high tide, it is constructed of brick with an octagonal tower and eight buttresses. A second beacon, the Calcasieu Pass Lighthouse, was proposed in 1854 and built in 1876, thanks to the booming timber industry in Southwest Louisiana. On the west bank of the Calcasieu River two miles from its mouth, the lighthouse was elevated 15 feet from the ground. It endured three major hurricanes with only minor damage. During the 1877
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hurricane, 25 men, women and children took shelter there while their possessions were swept away. The creation of a deep-water channel to Lake Charles led to the end of the lighthouse in 1940. A monument to the Battle of Calcasieu Pass and the Civil War rests in front of the Cameron Parish Courthouse. The two and a half hour battle was won by the Confederates, but it left 14 Confederate and eight Union casualties—all of whom are buried in unmarked graves on Monkey Island. The monument bears the names of all 22 soldiers killed during the battle and has recently been joined by a Veterans Memorial Wall. The Battle of Calcasieu Pass proved to be the last action for any of the battle participants. Although the war was to last for another 10 months, and most of the rivers and seaports were blockaded, Western Louisiana and Eastern Texas continued to fly the Confederate emblem until the last echoes of the long conflict were silenced.
H u rr i c a n e A u d rey “We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster.” From the Catholic Mass “Prayer for the Hurricane Season”
For residents along the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway, the season beginning June 1 and ending November 30 means more than warm weather and balmy winds. It represents the anticipation of the next big storm—and the preparations necessary for survival. With an average of one tropical storm striking every 1.6 years, one hurricane every 3.3 years, and a major hurricane every 14 years, byway residents are well versed in a storms’ effects on the corridor’s economy, coastline, wildlife and its inhabitants. 13
Before satellites and Doppler radar, one of the most devastating storms in the history of the United States struck. A Category Four storm, Hurricane Audrey struck Cameron Parish in the early morning hours on June 27, 1957, with winds reaching 150 miles per hour on shore. Waves associated with the storm were monstrous. In the Gulf, seas of 45 to 50 feet were reported. Waves at Cameron reached as high as 20 feet above sea level, and this was on top of the storm surge. Out of the 100,000 Louisiana buildings that experienced damage from the storm, several thousand were destroyed. Between 90 and 95 percent of the buildings in Cameron and neighboring Vermilion Parish were damaged beyond repair. Property damages totaled $120 million. More than 550 lives were lost. Some casualties were found as far 25 miles away from where they were last seen. Others were never found. The most curious aspect of the storm was the exodus of wildlife preceding it. On the evening before landfall, thousands of crawfish were seen fleeing the marshes around Cameron. As the hurricane evacuation route for Cameron Parish, the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway provides a vital service to the nearly 10,000 residents of the coastal parish. It also provides many opportunities to recognize and remember those that were lost. The Cameron Parish Courthouse was one of only a few structures that survived the storm and sheltered survivors, and Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church has a monument constructed in what was the direct path of the storm. The monument faces the Gulf of Mexico and is inscribed, “Do not harm my children.” Each year, survivors and their families observe the storm’s anniversary with a local holiday. And residents still measure time as before and after Hurricane Audrey.
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C e l e b r a t i n g L o u i s i a n a ’s O u t b a c k In the Cajun tradition of “hard work then play hard,” there are more than 75 annual festivals and special events throughout Southwest Louisiana—the “Festival Capital of Louisiana.” In “Louisiana’s Outback,” one of the most popular activities is the January Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival held in Cameron. In addition to the usual pageants, exhibits, parade, dances, and carnival, the “coldest and oldest festival” features fur skinning contests, trap setting, duck and goose calling, retriever dog trials, oyster shucking, trap shooting and gumbo cooking. Another important event is the Alligator Harvest Festival held each September in Grand Chenier. Once an endangered species, the alligator is currently harvested for meat and its hide, durable leather that is used in fine apparel. In addition to alligator skinning demonstrations, music, dancing, pageants, food and entertainment are available to enjoy.
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Activities along the Trail
Fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, nature walks, outdoor photography…if you’re interested in the great outdoors, you’ll be entranced by the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway. Even the critters won’t let you down.
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T h e B e a s t o f t h e B ayo u : T h e A m e r i c a n A l l i g a t o r Within the bountiful marshes and swamps of Southwest Louisiana resides a beast. Broad of face with a flat, round snout, this predator feeds on fish, frogs, snakes, turtles, birds, mammals, and carrion. Yet as vicious as this reptile can be, it fascinates visitors and residents alike. Along the roads that traverse the marshlands, warm, sunny days bode well for sightings of an American alligator, which derives its name from the Spanish el lagarto, or “the lizard.” Ranging in length up to 14 feet, alligators can readily be seen lounging on land or drifting along on a slowly moving canal. While afloat, it is often only the alligator’s beady eyes that break the water’s surface. Both its log-shaped body and short, webbed legs are submersed, enabling this seemingly docile reptile to quietly close in on its prey. Ever wondered how to estimate the size of an alligator when all you can see is his head in the water? Estimate the distance from the tip of his snout to between his eyes—now change that number from inches to feet! So if see about 6 inches of ‘gator from snout to eyes, chances are you’re looking at a 6-foot-long alligator! There are only two species of alligators: the Chinese alligator and the American alligator. A more timid and smaller reptile than the American alligator, the Chinese alligator rarely exceeds 8 feet in length, and is not considered a threat to people. The Chinese alligator makes its home in the Yangtze River Basin of China. The American alligator lives mainly in freshwater swamps, lakes, and bayous in the southeastern United States, and have been known to live more than 35 years in the wild. While attacks against people are rare since an alligator does not consider a human a natural enemy, they have occurred in areas where humans have recently encroached on alligator habitat or where alligators have become accustomed to the presence of humans.
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The alligator may seem slow and ungainly, but it can jump with a burst of speed, so the Creole Nature Trail community has a healthy respect for the reptile with the bite that’s worse than its bark. If you happen to come upon a resting ‘gator, don’t be deceived by its calm demeanor. Do not feed, tease, prod, or otherwise provoke an alligator, and for your own safety, always keep your distance! These are wild, often very large reptiles with big jaws and powerful tails that can be extremely dangerous, and should always be treated with respect. And be particularly careful to keep your pets on leashes.
A l l i g a t o r h a r ve s t i n g One of the top predators of the marsh, the wild alligator also has an economic impact on the state of Louisiana in the range of 8 to 10 million dollars each year from the harvesting of its meat and hide. In fact, Louisiana has the second largest wild alligator population in the United States. As important as the alligator is to the region, dwindling populations forced harvesting to cease in Louisiana in 1962, and the alligator was entered on the federal government’s endangered species list in the early 1970s. Research conducted at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge along the Creole Nature Trail near Grand Chenier that turned the tide—so to speak—for the alligator. Researchers were able to document the alligator’s nesting habits and other life history requirements, thus ensuring that a controlled harvest could occur without harming the overall population. Their findings indicated that after mating in the spring, the male seeks its own territory, while the female builds a nest of mud and vegetation in the marsh, above flood level. The female stands guard as the eggs hatch, which occurs in approximately 65-70 days, then may remain near her young for nearly a year or more. This nesting cycle finds the more adult males in the open ditches and the reproducing females back in the marsh in late summer. Thus it was determined that a successful harvest could be held during the month of September—when the adult males were exposed, but nesting females were isolated and protected.
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Strict controls on the number of alligators harvested have guaranteed the success of the annual hunt. These controls include the use of locked, numbered tags that are attached to each harvested animal before it leaves the marsh. These tags and control numbers enable the state to follow the movement of an animal from the marsh to the buyer. The tags are issued to hunters based on the quality and size of the wetlands they own or have permission to hunt. Within these restrictions, some 30,000 to 33,000 alligators are harvested each year throughout the state. Today, with proper permits and licensing, wetland owners can also harvest alligator eggs from their property. With 30 to 50 eggs in a clutch, the harvest is a potentially lucrative opportunity for a landowner— and another incentive to maintain and enhance the region’s wetlands.
B i rd i n g It is estimated that as many as half of all land birds that breed in eastern North America pass through Louisiana twice each year. Waterfowl are equally dependent on this region. A single wildlife refuge pool can host more than 800,000 ducks and geese at one time. Sightings of more than 300 species of birds have been recorded along the Creole Nature Trail—an astounding figure by anyone’s reckoning and the reason the Creole Nature Trail is considered one of the top 10 birding locations in the nation. Not only is the area rich with pine and bottomland hardwoods, prairie, coastal marshes, beaches and agricultural fields, but the region also overlaps the Central and Mississippi flyways, thus hosting a plethora of both eastern and western vagrants. Some of the top birding locations along the trail include the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, the largest waterfowl sanctuary on the Gulf Coast, located on LA 27 south of Hackberry; the Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve, an 84,000-acre tract near Grand Chenier; and the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, located on LA 27 south of Holmwood.
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Along the Gulf are three excellent birding opportunities. The Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, located approximately eight miles west of Holly Beach just off LA 82, is an oasis for transgulf migrants since it is their first landfall in spring and the last chance to add valuable fat before their autumn departure. Rutherford Beach, located southwest of Creole off LA 82/27, has hosted many of the rare gulls recorded in the state. And low tide along the jetties, which are located south of the town of Cameron where the Calcasieu River empties into the Gulf, creates exposed tidal flats, salt marsh and rocks that attract thousands of resting seabirds. Interested in trying your luck? Check out a partial listing of birds and some of their favorite haunts in Appendix A.
B u t t e r f l i e s , D r ago n f l i e s a n d M o s q u i t o e s The most conspicuous insects along the Creole Nature Trail are the butterfly, dragonfly and mosquito. Considered pests by many, insects are a vital component in the ecology of a marsh. From their aquatic larval to adult flying stages, insects are important food sources for birds, frogs, turtles and even small alligators. The most common butterfly species is the gulf fritillary, also known as the passion-vine butterfly, with monarchs, whose larvae depend on the milkweeds, coming in a close second. “Milkweed butterflies� are mostly tropical and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so they migrate south for winter, often flying thousands of miles. Not only do the larvae of these butterflies depend on milkweed for food, the milkweeds produce a toxic substance that makes them distasteful to their predators. The Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, located west of Holly Beach, is an ideal location for viewing the various butterflies that migrate to the region. You’ll want to be on the lookout for some of the more common sightings, including the black, spicebush, tiger, zebra and pipevine swallowtails; the gorgone and pearl crescents; red admiral;
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buckeye; cloudless sulphur; spring azure; varigated and gulf fritillaries; zebra longwing; hackberry; queen; viceroy; and red spotted purple. They tend to remain in the South’s warmer climates throughout the winter months, then venture further north during the warmer months. The best times for sightings would be late fall to early summer. However, there are some winged wonders who stick around all year, so it’s worth being on the look-out. Dragonflys eat mosquitoes and other insects while skipping across the prairie. Some of the more common species are the calico pennant; common green darner; black saddlebags; golden winged, widow, Needham’s, roseate, painted and golden skimmers; common whitetail; eastern pondhawk; Halloween pennant; ebony jewelwing; varigated meadowlark; and Rambur’s and citrine forktail. Not so affectionately called the “State Bird of Louisiana,” the pesky mosquito thrives in the rich damp marsh. Mosquito eggs are laid in either fresh water or on moist surfaces, such as wet soil. Depending on temperature and the breed, the eggs may hatch in 1 to 3 days.
W i l d f l owe r s With names like maypop passionflower, woolly rose mallow, and duck potato, thousands of wildflowers provide beauty and color throughout Louisiana’s Outback. Spring and summer offer the most colorful displays, but there are many species that bloom from April through November. The wildflowers aren’t just pretty to look at; many are food sources for wildlife and some provide food and other products for area residents. For instance, the maypop passionflower has an edible fruit and other parts of the plant have medicinal uses. Cooking starches can be extracted from the roots of the common cattail, while the plant’s spring shoots can be boiled and eaten like corn-on-the-cob.
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Development poses the greatest risk to grasses along the trail, which mostly grow in the prairie land in Calcasieu Parish and smaller portions of Cameron Parish. At risk are the bluestem; switchgrass; Indiangrass; eastern gamagrass; brown-seed, thin and Florida paspalum; longspike tridens; pinewoods dropseed; gaping panicum; purple silkyscale; and gulf cordgrass. The most common plant of the marsh is the salt-meadow cordgrass. Tolerant of salt water, the cordgrass is often found growing from the water’s edge to higher, drier areas. Cordgrass would eventually overrun the entire marsh if left undisturbed. Cordgrass has limited food value to the wildlife; it mainly provides shelter and concealment. Another problem for the marsh is the alligatorweed, a free-floating plant with lance-shaped leaves and white flowers that grows in dense clusters. An excellent biological indicator of freshwater, the alligatorweed can not tolerate salt or brackish water. It is so prolific it can clog open ponds and waterways. Unlike the cordgrass, alligatorweed is a forage plant for deer, nutria and cattle. Alligators may also use the dense mats to bask in the sun, and herons and egrets are attracted to the mats to feed on the small crustaceans found living in the roots.
C r a bb i n g From May through September, crabbing is a time-honored activity along the Creole Nature Trail. At any one of the many small bridges crossing the canals, there may be a lot of activity taking place. The best places to crab are in the waterways along the trail in the Sabine and Rockefeller Refuges. All that’s needed to crab is some thick string; turkey or chicken necks, cut fish or chunks of meat; a dip net for scooping; and a pail to hold the crabs. Be aware that alligators also like raw meat. Despite its disagreeable nature and strange looks, many recreational and commercial fishermen, naturalists, researchers and consumers hold the Louisiana blue crab in high esteem. The blue crab is one of the more abundant and tasty macroinvertebrates in Louisiana’s coastal waters, 22
and recreational crabbing is a popular and relatively inexpensive familyoriented outdoor activity that usually provides a tasty and nutritious meal. The blue crab also plays a crucial role in the estuarine food web. A prey for many species, it is in turn a voracious predator on others. Male blue crabs have a T-shaped abdomen that is easily distinguishable from both the immature female, which has a triangular shaped abdomen, and the mature female, which has a broad and rounded abdomen. Another crab commonly found along the beaches is the ghost crab, one of approximately 20 species of shore crabs. Although inedible, the sandy or whitish colored crab has claws of unequal size and rather hairy legs, and is noted for its running speed. The back, or carapace, is nearly rectangular in shape, and long stalks support the eyes. The crab lives in burrows sometimes more than three feet deep, and sand fleas are an important part of its diet.
Shelling & Beaches The 26 miles of natural beaches along the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway are undeveloped and easily accessible, providing an excellent opportunity for a wide range of water activities from swimming and tubing to surf fishing, shelling, birding and sun bathing. Along Holly Beach, rustic cabins are available for short- or long-term lease. Located to the west of the Mississippi delta, the beaches are all natural. Deposits from the “muddy river’s” southeast tidal flows most often include driftwood and a variety of shells, including welks, cockles, angelwings, cateyes, olives, wentletraps, coquinas, periwinkles and many more. Another fascinating find is the “Sea Bean,” a pod carried all the way from Central and South American forests. Constance Beach, located five miles west of Holly Beach, is a popular place to shell and you’ll discover a number of shops near here devoted to shell art. The best opportunities for shelling are at low tide—particularly after severe weather.
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Shrimping Louisiana harvests more than 100 million pounds of shrimp annually. That’s because the nutrient-rich estuaries are the perfect environments for both brown and white shrimp breeding. There are ample opportunities to shrimp while driving the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway— with just a cast net and a five-gallon bucket. Stop by the side of a small bayou, cast a net and gather it in. If the shrimp are “running,” it won’t take long to fill the bucket. Fresh shrimp can also be purchased at several areas along the trail. While the region’s shrimp seasons are flexible, they are set by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission based upon biological and technical data relative to shrimp populations. In general, the spring inshore season begins in late May and extends into July, and the fall inshore season begins in late August and extends into November or December. Offshore shrimping in Louisiana’s territorial waters is generally year-round, but exceptions do occur. A closed season may be set during the winter months beginning in January and extending into April or May. Likewise, shrimping in waters beyond the state’s regulations is usually open all year but is subject to federal controls. See the Sportsman’s Paradise section for up-to-date licensing and limit information.
Fishing The fishing opportunities in Louisiana’s Outback are almost too numerous to relate—and it is an activity that is the most accessible to the most people. Your major choice is between freshwater fishing and brackish, or saltwater, fishing. After that, you must decide if you want to fish from a boat or the shore. Surf fishing is excellent along the beaches and there are plenty of waterways along the Creole Nature Trail perfect for dropping a line. The trail boasts seven beaches along the Gulf Coast: Little Florida/ Oceanview, Peveto, Longview-Dunn, Gulf Breeze, Constance, 24
Holly and Rutherford. You’ll see stone breakwaters west of Holly Beach (built to stop beach erosion), the Cameron jetties (built to keep the shipping channel open), and oil rigs out in the Gulf of Mexico. These man-made constructions have created good habitats for barnacles, algae and crabs, which in turn attract a whole chain of fish. Small fish that use these rocky substrates for cover and feeding then attract fish of increasing size from speckled trout and redfish to sharks and other large predator species. While a 10.13 pound speckled trout was caught in Calcasieu Lake, state records are being caught throughout the region. Some of these records include a 12.38 pound speckled trout caught South of the trail in the Gulf of Mexico; a 11.25 pound red snapper caught 14 miles south of the Rockefeller Refuge; and a 36 inch king mackerel caught at Southwest Pass. Redfish caught along the trail have been weighing in between 35 and 40 pounds, and black drum have been weighing in as large as 60 to 70 pounds. Because fishing plays such a vital role in Louisiana Outback’s economy, there are many resources available, including expert guides to the marsh or the Gulf. Contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 456-SWLA for an up-to-date list of professional guides. See the Sportsman’s Paradise section for licensing requirements.
H u n t i n g & Tr ap p i n g Since the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway lies in the middle of the Central and Mississippi Flyways, millions of birds fly through during the fall and winter months providing a veritable smorgasbord for hunters. What makes the area unique is the variety of birds—including snows, blues, speckle belly and Canadian geese, as well as mallards, pintails and teal ducks—and the number of available hunting areas. In fact the trail is considered the “grand slam” for duck hunters, as the region is home to many species of duck. (See Appendix B.)
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Public hunting is permitted at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Cameron Parish, and guides can arrange for hunting in the marsh or in rice, soybean or plowed fields. Hunters must obtain permits from one of many license outlets around the region to participate in the various seasons—duck, goose, deer, dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel and turkey. Hunting licenses are also required for all furbearers, and trapping licenses are required to set or run traps for beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, river otter, red fox, raccoon, and skunk. Of the 14 furbearers that are hunted along the trail, three are rodents: beaver, common muskrat and nutria; 10 are carnivores: coyote, red fox, gray fox, northern raccoon, North American mink, spotted skunk, striped skunk, Nearctic river otter, and bobcat; and one is a pouched mammal: the Virginia opossum. Mink, otter and raccoon pelts traditionally command high prices in the commercial market. See the Sportsman’s Paradise section for licensing requirements. For an up-to-date list of hunting guides, contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 456-SWLA.
O ystering Louisiana oyster farmers land in excess of 10 million pounds of oyster meat per year, largely through cultivation. Since the mid-19th century, oyster harvesters have known that oysters grown in certain waters are better tasting and larger. Today, it is common practice for commercial fishermen to “bed” or relocate small “seed” oysters to these waters where they can mature until harvesting in as little as nine months. Most oyster beds are leased through the state and controlled by the leasee. However, for the adventurous traveler through Louisiana’s Outback, you have access to two oyster beds open to the public for recreational oyster fishing. One of these is located near the Creole Nature Trail in Calcasieu Lake and the other is in Sabine Lake.
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Recreational oystering in either Calcasieu or Sabine Lakes is limited to two sacks per boat and to tonging or gathering by hand. A recreational tonging license is required for each tong in use, and a recreational fishing license is required for persons who are taking oysters by hands. Health risks associated with consuming raw shellfish are a major concern. But rest assured that these concerns are strictly addressed by regulations governing water quality, harvest methods, refrigeration, transportation, processing and packing. The responsibility for enforcement of the rules and regulations rests with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Enforcement Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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One of a Kind Ecosystem
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“ L i q u i d L a n d ” — L o u i s i a n a ’s C o a s t a l We t l a n d s Is this marshy area near the coast freshwater or saltwater? The answer is both. Actually, there are four distinct types of marshes depending on how salty or fresh the water is, and each such area has its own unique habitat and purpose in this ecosystem. Louisiana’s coastal wetlands along the Creole Nature Trail are a national treasure whose value reaches far beyond their natural beauty. Louisiana’s wetlands represent an estimated annual economic value in excess of $40 billion, and contribute either directly or indirectly to the lives of everyone in the United States by: • Providing the wintering habitat for more than 5 million migratory waterfowl, including vast populations of North American geese and ducks; • Providing a year-round habitat for many endangered and threatened species of animals, including the previously endangered American alligator; • Functioning as a giant natural water treatment system filtering sediments, nutrients and chemical pollutants; • Providing breeding grounds and homes for shrimp, crab and the smaller crustaceans that sustain the northern Gulf of Mexico fish population. Since Louisiana is the country’s second largest fish producing state, most Americans rely on this Gulf Coast fish population as their source for seafood. • Providing a natural defense against erosion, and acts as a critical first-line defense against the potential devastation of hurricanes, high tides and heavy rains. Unfortunately, with ever increasing populations and prosperity over the years came alterations and diversions to river systems and floodplains. Significant alterations, such as the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway and the deepening of the Calcasieu Ship Channel, supported the growth and development of commerce locally and nationally. Additional changes to the coastal marshes came with our long history of oil and gas development, which required barge access canals to reach
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deep within the marsh for drilling. These actions have contributed to the increased salinities in our coastal marshes and have caused increased erosion of these valuable coastal wetlands. Without the ability to replenish freshwater supplies to the area, and coupled with the rapid erosion of the Louisiana coastline, the delicate eco-balance of these wetlands is in trouble. Saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico is rapidly intruding upon areas whose habitat so vitally depends on freshwater to survive. Destruction of the Louisiana coastline is a national tragedy. If this problem is left unchecked, the Gulf of Mexico could potentially advance inland more than 30 miles by the year 2050. If this were to occur, it would be both ecologically—as well as economically—devastating. This is why both the State of Louisiana and the Federal Government have enacted legislation and are working together to protect and restore this important natural resource before it’s too late.
T h e I n t r a c o a s t a l Wa t e r w ay The intrusion of salt water into fresh- and brackish-water marshes is a daunting issue all along the Creole Nature Trail. A significant source of growing salinities lies with the Intracoastal Waterway, which intersects the marsh on both the eastern and western loop of the byway. The 2,500-mile long ship channel between Brownsville, Texas, and Trenton, New Jersey was constructed by the federal government to allow ships to travel between Texas to New Jersey without having to venture out on the high seas. This was particularly important during World War II, when the route was used as a means of avoiding the submarine menace along the coast. While the Intracoastal Waterway has served many vital purposes and provided many advantages to the region, it has also severely impacted freshwater marshes. Not only does this 12-foot deep canal intercept and cut off the fresh-water drainage from the north, it also provides an inlet for salt water to reach the marshes. Whereas normal salinity, or salt content, in these marshes was formerly 2 parts per thousand or less, intrusions and droughts can—and do—increase them to 22.5 parts per thousand. 30
Intensive efforts by state and federal agencies are underway to limit saltwater intrusion and restore coastal wetlands. Under the Coastal Wetland Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), also known as the Breaux Act, millions of dollars are spent annually to restore hydrology, control salinities, prevent erosion and restore wetland habitats in Louisiana. Along the Creole Nature Trail, CWPPRA projects have included installing water control structures; plugging canals; creating marsh through the beneficial use of dredge material; constructing marsh terraces; and protecting levees and shorelines with rock and vegetation. An example of state-of-the-art water control structures to manage marsh salinities can be found by stopping at either the Hog Island Gully or West Cove Public Use Area on the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. More information on coastal restoration efforts can be found at www.lacoast.gov.
Cheniers The Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway takes you through a large portion of Louisiana’s Chenier Plain. Wooded sandy ridges formed thousands of years ago in this area through a combination of silt deposits from shifting river deltas and water currents from the Gulf of Mexico that carried and trapped these deposits, isolating strips of sandy beaches. Over time, these isolated or “stranded” beaches continued to build up and become ridges. The results are these cheniers which, because of their elevation above sea level, support the growth of hardwood trees such as live oaks. The word “chenier” is actually French for “oak tree” and oaks you will see—particularly when you pass through Grand Chenier where the road is lined with these magnificent trees. It’s particularly incredible to know that this is one of only four such areas of cheniers in the world! The highest cheniers are not more than 10 feet above sea level, but this critical extra height makes settlement possible. Besides hunting and fishing, many residents make their living raising cattle. The cattle are allowed to graze in the marsh during the winter when the insects are few and then moved to the top of the ridge during the summer when insects fill the marsh. 31
As a first-line defense against the devastation of tropical storms, cheniers are of vital importance to the area. They are also important as a natural barrier against the intrusion of saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico into freshwater areas of the marsh; as the habitat for the many species of area wildlife; and as the first stop for the multitudes of migratory birds that travel thousands of miles annually to Southwest Louisiana.
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Preservation: Looking to the Future
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S a b i n e N a t i o n a l W i l d l i fe R e f u ge Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is considered one of Southwest Louisiana’s most popular attractions. Consisting of an intricate network of canals and levees, the land was developed by the previous owner, the Orange-Cameron Land Company, which used the marsh for trapping and hunting and operated a major fur-pelt processing facility. The property was sold to the federal government and established as a refuge in 1937. Comprised of 125,000 acres of protected marshland, 61 miles of levees and eight major water-control structures, it is the largest coastal marsh refuge on the Gulf of Mexico. A star attraction, T’Maurice is an animated display at the refuge’s visitor center. Holding his pipe, he speaks to his guests from a pier in a simulated marsh about the Louisiana coastal marsh, its wildlife and why it must be protected and preserved. Most of the 200,000 people who visit the refuge each year walk the 1.5-mile handicapped-accessible Marsh Trail, where they can get close-up views of the birds and other marsh animals. The self-guiding loop has an observation tower, offering panoramic views of miles of the level marsh terrain, wading birds, marsh birds, waterfowl, songbirds, swamp rabbits, muskrats, nutria, water snakes, and alligators, which can be closely observed in almost any season. Thousands of ducks including blue-winged teal, American widgeon, and gadwall inhabit the refuge in February, along with as many as 50,000 common moorhens. White pelicans spend the winter, as do some 100,000 or more snow geese. Geese must have grit for digestion, and the refuge maintains a grit site where 300 tons of sand and bits of gravel has been spread in preparation for the wintering flocks to arrive. Refuge staff and other ornithologists have sighted 250 different bird species on the refuge. During February, March, and April, visitors are sure to see migrating warblers and other species that stay to nest, including barn and tree swallows, kingbirds, kingfishers, orchard orioles, and yellow-billed cuckoos. 35
White-fronted and white ibis also nest in the refuge as do purple gallinules, roseate spoonbills, great egrets, and great blue herons. Flocks of migrating shorebirds also visit the refuge in spring and fall. The rooting of wild hogs is a threat to the stability of the levee structure within the refuge, as is the burrowing of muskrats and nutria. In a 480-acre area where the large number of animals has outstripped the food supply (called an “eat-out�), more than 2,300 muskrat beds were counted. In that same area during 1992, trappers removed 1,571 muskrats in an effort to reduce the population and allow the area to re-vegetate. Waterfowl hunting is allowed on portions of the refuge, but fishing is the most popular activity, attracting as many as 13,000 fishermen a year. Non-commercial crabbing and shrimping are permitted in refuge canals and some impoundments, which are open to boaters from March 15 to October 15. In late August and early September, cast netters can haul in gallons of brown and white shrimp.
C a m e ro n P r a i r i e N a t i o n a l W i l d l i fe R e f u ge Consisting of 9,621 acres of fresh-water marsh and coastal prairie, the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge has been identified as crucial to meeting goals set by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international agreement to restore lost wetland habitats. Cameron Prairie, which was established in 1988, was the first refuge formed under the auspices of this plan. It was acquired with $5.1 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. An additional 15,000-acres, the East Cove Unit, was transferred from the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in 1992. The water-control system initially installed by rice farmers is now used to benefit wildlife through moist soil management for seasonal wetland habitat creation. The refuge also conducts prescribed fires on higher prairie sections. Keeping the area in early vegetative stages attracts geese and ducks and stops the invasion of Chinese tallow and wax myrtle, which can devalue wildlife habitat. 36
Considered a water bird wonderland, the refuge boasts nesting colonies of egrets, herons, cormorants, ibis, and anhingas. Roseate spoonbills are seen feeding from late summer to early winter. Wintering ducks and geese arrive in November; common snipe and woodcock also arrive in the fall and spend the winter. Swamp rabbits and white-tailed deer also inhabit the refuge, but the most numerous mammal is the exotic nutria, which are ruinous to levees but a delicacy for the alligators. Excellent wildlife observation opportunities are available approximately two miles south of the visitor center along the Pintail Wildlife Drive. During the fall and winter, flocks of ducks and geese can be seen feeding in the fields along the road. In addition to the seasonal waterfowl, wading birds and alligators can also be observed. Bird watching, photography and sightseeing are encouraged year-round on the refuge. Fall and winter months offer the best opportunities to observe flocks of migrating geese and ducks. Spring and summer are the best times to see wading and shore birds. Songbirds can be observed passing through the area on their spring and fall migrations. A comprehensive bird checklist is available at the visitor center. Hikers may use dikes and levees throughout the refuge, unless otherwise indicated. Public use of the East Cove Unit is restricted to boats only. The refuge is closed to all public use during the Louisiana Waterfowl Hunting season and when the Grand Bayou Boat Bay is closed. Motorized boats may be operated in refuge canals, bayous and lakes, but only with motors less than 25 horsepower. Only electric trolling motors may be used in refuge marshes. The visitor center at Cameron Prairie opened its doors to the public in 1994. Included among its interpretive exhibits are a diorama, which describes the four types of marsh found in Louisiana, and Tante Marie, the companion to the highly popular Cajun man T’Maurice at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Tante Marie talks about life on the refuge from her perch in a pirogue, a narrow, flat-bottomed, hand-made version of the
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canoe, traditionally built out of cypress wood. A basic part of Cajun culture, a pirogue is able to snake in and out of shallow, tight spots. These small boats allow Cajuns to maneuver through the marshes and bayous that larger boats can’t navigate, usually propelled by a push pole.
T h e R o c ke fe l l e r W i l d l i fe R e f u ge The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is located along the Gulf Coast in eastern Cameron Parish on land donated to the state by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1920. Managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, the refuge originally encompassed 86,000 acres of wilderness. Erosion, however, has taken a significant toll, and the most recent surveys indicate that less than 76,000 acres remain. Commercial fishing is prohibited, but recreational fishing, shrimping and crabbing is allowed. But being a state refuge, one must possess a Wild Louisiana Stamp or a Louisiana basic fishing license, both of which must be purchased before entering the refuge. While the refuge’s primary purpose is land stewardship, it is a major wetland research facility for the state. Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is one of the most biologically diverse wildlife areas in the nation, and has the distinction of having the highest alligator nesting densities of anyplace in the United States. Located at the edge of the vast Mississippi Flyway, Rockefeller has historically wintered as many as 400,000-plus waterfowl annually but severe declines in the continental duck population have altered Louisiana’s wintering population. These declines are due to drought and poor habitat quality on the breeding grounds. More recent surveys indicate a wintering waterfowl population on Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge reaching 250,000. In addition to ducks, geese, and coots, numerous shorebirds and wading birds either migrate through or winter in Louisiana’s coastal marshes. Neotropical migrant passerines also use the shrubs and trees on levees and other “upland” areas of the refuge as a rest stop on their trans-Gulf journeys to and from Central and South America. 38
A small resident flock of giant Canada geese may be seen on the refuge and in surrounding marshes. Hunting is prohibited on the refuge, but regulated trapping is allowed for furbearers that could potentially damage the marsh if their populations were not controlled. Common resident animals include mottled ducks, nutria, muskrat, rails, raccoon, mink, otter, opossum, white-tailed deer, and alligators. An abundant fisheries population provides recreational opportunities to fishermen seeking shrimp, blue crab, redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and largemouth bass, among others.
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Merci beaucoup
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Y’ALL COME BACK
The Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway provides a means to experience a complex and dynamic ecosystem unlike any other in the world. An extensive number of animals and plants, some of which are endangered, make this area their home. It is, however, a monumental challenge by man to maintain, and in many cases restore, the delicate eco-balance of the area often upset by natural disasters, as well as the growth and prosperity of human populations. Conservation efforts along the trail have been carefully designed to control animal and plant populations in proportions that maintain the natural interdependency that is essential to their survival. At the same time, projects are underway to maintain the natural habitats for these animals and plants—attempting to counter the devastating effects of coastal erosion as well as to restore the essential balance of freshwater and saltwater to the area. Within this unique habitat, each venue and each season means a new adventure and a new discovery. The plants…the animals… the residents…why, they all ask for you!
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APPENDIX A
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road Birding Guide The following is just a partial list of the birds you might see along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Some of the most popular birding sites are the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, the Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, the Cameron Jetties, and Rutherford Beach.
LEGEND U A C R O I X 42
uncommon: may see, low numbers or very local in extent abundant: hard to miss, very numerous common: should see in suitable habitat rare: seen only once or twice a season occasional: see only every few years irregular: may be absent in many years, appear in great numbers in others accidental: usually only a single, questionable record
Birds Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe American White Pelican Brown Pelican Double creasted Cormorant Neotropic Cormorant Least Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Tricolored Heron Green-backed Heron Black-crowned Night-Heron White Ibis Roseate Spoonbill Fulvous Whistling-Duck Snow Goose Canada Goose Wood Duck Green-winged Teal Mottled Duck Mallard Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler Gadwell American Wigeon Lesser Scaup Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Osprey Northern Harrier Red-shouldered Hawk Red-Tailed Hawk Merlin Peregrine Falcon Clapper Rail King Rail Purple Gallinule Common Moorhen American Coot Black-bellied Plover Snowy Plover Wilson’s Plover Semipalmated Plover Piping Plover Killdeer Blacknecked Stilt American Avocet Willet Spotted Sandpiper Long-billed Curlew Ruddy Turnstone Sanderling
Spring Summer O C C C C A C C A C C A C C C C C U U C C U U U C U C C C U U U C U U C C U A C C U U C U C C C C U U C C
C U C O A C C A C C A C C C C O U C
R
C C
O O O C C C A O O O U R C C U C O R R R
Fall
Winter
O C C C C A U C A C C C C C C U C U U C C C C C C C C C C U C U C U U C C U A C C U U C U C C C C U U C C
U C C C A A R C A C C R C U U O A C U A C C A A A C C C C C C U C U U C C R A A U U C U C C C C U U C C
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Western Sandpiper Dunlin Long-billed Dowitcher Laughing Gull Ring-billed Gull Gull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern Forster’s Tern Least Tern Black Tern Black Skimmer Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Great Horned Owl Common Nighthawk Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Belted Kingfisher Downy Woodpecker Eastern Phoebe Vermillion Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Purple Martin Barn Swallow Blue Jay Carolina Wren Marsh Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet American Robin Northern Mockingbird American Pipit Loggerhead Shrike White-eyed Vireo Tennessee Warbler Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart Common Yellowthroat Hooded Warbler Summer Tanager Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Dickcissel Vesper Sparrow Seaside Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark Boat-tailed Grackle Orchard Oriole Northern Oriole House Sparrow 44
C C C A C C U U C C C C C U R C R U C U U R C U C A C U C U U U U C U C C C C C C C C C C C U C U A C A C U U
R O O A R C U U C C U C C U R C U R U
C U C C C U C
C U
U C C
C C A C A C U
C C C A C C U U C U C C C O R C R U C U C R C U U A C U C C U U U C U C C U C C C C
C C C C C O U U C X O U C
C U C U U C U A C A U U U
C
R
O C U C R
C U C C U U C C O O O C
C
O C U A C A
U
APPENDIX B
Waterfowl Population Estimates in Louisiana’s Coastal Zone Below U.S. Highway 90 January 2-5, 2001* Species Mallard Mottled Gadwall Wigeon GW Teal BW Teal Shoveler Pintail
639,000 35,000 617,000 72,000 371,000 22,000 146,000 396,000
Total Dabblers
2,298,000
Scaup Ringnecked Canvasback
126,000 1,000 1,000
Total Divers
128,000
Total Ducks
2,426,000
Coots
168,000
The statewide mid-winter counts were incomplete at the time of this report. The duck season closed statewide January 21, 2001. * Estimates made from Aircraft. Reported By: R. Myers, E. LeBlanc; Pilot: P. Accardo;
Summary Of 2000-01 Waterfowl Population Estimates Statewide Species Mallard Mottled Gadwall Wigeon GW Teal BW Teal Shoveler Pintail Scaup Ringnecked Canvasback
9/14/00
11/13/00
12/7/00
1/11/01
66,000 22,000 258,000 2,000 * 0
6,000 86,000 360,000 117,000 143,000 196,000 34,000 377,000 1,000 134,000 0
131,000 62,000 1,166,000 194,000 331,000 66,000 167,000 289,000 132,000 421,000 65,000
827,000 81,000 1,136,000 163,000 715,000 68,000 200,000 1,005,000 288,000 134,000 180,000
Total Ducks
48,000
1,454,000
3,024,000
5,047,000
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REFERENCES
“50 Years Ago.” American Press. 21 May 2000: 3E. “Cameron Parish Hotspots.” Acadiana Park Nature Station. http://www.naturestation.org/fauna/birds/cameron.htm. “Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.” Refuge Reporter. GORP. http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_nwr/la_camer.htm. “Coastal Prairies, Physiographic Area 06-Executive Summary.” Partners in Flight. http://www.blm.gov/wildlife/pl_06sum.htm. “Courthouse Featured in Magazine Article.” Cameron Pilot. “Gulf Coastal Prairies and Marshes.” The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana. http://www.louisianature.org/. “Hurricane Audrey.” American Press. 26 June 1999:10B. “Hurricane.” American Press. 26 June 1996: 1E. “Informer: Chennault.” American Press. 1 August 2000: 1B. “Intracoastal Waterway.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 1999-2001. Britannica.com Inc. 24 April 2001 http://www.britannica.com. “Online Birding Resources.” Louisiana Ornithological Society. http://www.losbird.org/birdlinks.htm. “Points of Interest.” Mary Kay Hopkins Inc. Community Information. 2001 http://www.mkh.com/community/. “Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.” Refuge Reporter. GORP. http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_nwr/la_sabin.htm. “The Intracoastal Waterway.” Lone Star Internet: Lone Star Mall. 15 January 1998 http://www.lone-star.net/mall/txtrails/intra.htm. Block,W.T. “The Battle of Calcasieu Pass Louisiana.” http://www.block.dynip.com/wt block jr/calcasie.htm. Cameron Parish Police Jury. “Welcome to Cameron Parish.” http://www.user.camtel.net/cameron/public/. Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway District, Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and Federal Highway Administration. “Creole Nature Trail.” http://www.creolenaturetrail.org/.
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Flynn, Kathryn. “Understanding Wetlands and Endangered Species: Definitions and Relationships.” May 1996 http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/publications/anr/anr-979/anr-979.html. Godwin, Mike. “The Gator Hole.” http:// www.home.cfl.rr.com/gatorhole/. Gomez, Gay M. A Wetland Biography: Seasons on Louisiana Chenier Plain. UT Press. Advertisement. 1999 http://www.utexas.edu/utpress/books/gomwet.html. Kurpis, Lawson. “Endangered Specie.com,The Rarest Info Around, Endangered Species in Louisiana.” 08 January 2001 http://www.endangeredspecie.com. Lorio,Wendell J. and Malone, Sandra.The Cultivation of American Oysters (Crassostrea virginica). SRAC Publication No. 432. Southern Regional Aquaculture Center.1994. Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force.The 1997 Evaluation Report to the U.S. Congress on the Effectiveness of Louisiana Coastal Wetland Restoration Projects. Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force. “Watermarks.” November 2000 http://www.lacoast.gov/watermarks/. Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism. “Office of Tourism.” Birds of Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. “Louisiana Office of Tourism.” 2001 http://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/tourism.htm. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “Hunting Fishing & Boating- Recreational Oystering.” 18 January 2001 http://www.wlf.state.la.us/apps/netgear/page 3.asp. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “Non-game Programs, Threatened & Endangered Species.” http:// www.wlf.state.la.us. Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association. “Louisiana Travel.com.” 2000 http:// www.louisianatravel.com/outdoors/nature_wildlife/birding.html. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. “Cameron Parish Seafood Landings.” http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/wwwac/parish/cameron/landings.htm. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations 2001. 01 January 2001. Mount, Sean Patrick. “Historical Geology of Louisiana, Depositional Environments, Cheniers of Louisiana.” Spring 1997. Louisiana State University http://www.geol.lsu.edu/workshop/hist geol/LA chenier.html. United States. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey. Paradise Lost? The Coastal Prairie of Louisiana and Texas. 1999. United States. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Marsh Trail. 1998. United States. USGS National Wetlands Research Center. “LA Coast CWPPRA.” http://www.lacoast.gov/. United States.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “The Coastal Barrier Resource System.” 17 May 2000 http://www.fws.gov/cep/cbrtable.html.
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www.creolenaturetrail.org
Cameron Parish Tourist Commission P.O. Box 1248 433 Marshall Street Cameron, LA 70631 337-775-5222
Special thanks to the many area photographers, both professional and amateur, who provided photographs for this guide. These include Bill Turnbull (deceased), Victor Monsour with Monsour’s Photography, Jim Dunn, Don Elfert, Peter O’Carroll and many others.
F O R
T O U R I S T
I N F O R M A T I O N
This guide was made possible through grant awards from the National Scenic Byways Program (FHWA), the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway District, the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
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