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Bayou Paul Mitigation Bank
Iberville and Ascension Parishes
 Bayou Paul Phase 1 and 2 Bank Maps
Bayou Paul Wetlands Mitigation Area, located in Iberville and Ascension Parishes, is part of the Bayou Manchac Basin, a recognized and important ecosystem. This watershed area includes the entire Baton Rouge area and land stretching from east of the Mississippi River to the Pearl River. This important and large watershed area drains from Baton Rouge to Lake Pontchartrain and into the Gulf of Mexico. Ecologists are interested in the area not only for ecosystem protection, but also for flood control in the area.
According to aerial photos taken in the 1940’s, Bayou Paul once covered 25,000-35,000 acres of bottomland hardwood containing Red, Pin and Water Oaks and Cypress Tupelo Swamp. At that time, oil and gas exploration was beginning in the Spanish Lake area. That activity coupled with local flood control and timber harvesting caused major harm to the area. These activities cut trees, cleared forest, built interior roads and blocked natural waterways. These actions disrupted water transfer and flow by blocking bayous and streams, resulting in a significant decline in the quality of the ecosystem. Over time, the area lost many of its original tree species mix and suffered a decline in wildlife. Today, the area is soaked throughout the year, which prevents new life from germinating.
Resource Environmental Solutions with other landowners and the greater public is working to undo the damage. First, we identified the components of the area’s natural habitat. Environmental experts determined which trees and plant species the area originally supported. Second, we assessed the damage and developed a plan for revitalization. After a plan is established, RES will restore natural drainage patterns in the area and plant native species.
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Pointe Aux Chene Coastal Mitigation Area