Moving Forward Archive

Louisiana has billed itself as the “sportsman’s paradise” for decades, and there is no place in the state where that is truer than in St. Landry Parish.

Diverse terrain, wilderness areas, designated trails, and scenic waterways offer something for everyone, whether their favorite outdoor activity is hunting, fishing, boating, camping, birding, cycling, hiking, or simply looking for great places for nature photography.

Activities such as these bring enjoyment to thousands of St. Landry Parish residents and visitors each year, and, in addition, provide a substantial economic stimulus that is bigger than most people realize.

According to a 2008 study done for the Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Department, “The fisheries, wildlife, and boating resources of Louisiana provide the state economy with important sources of jobs, income, tax revenues, and other benefits. Outdoor sportsmen and recreationists spend millions which benefit many other industries.

“By stimulating more than $4.6 billion in retail sales [statewide], over 76,000 jobs, $1.75 billion in salaries and wages, and over $446 

million in state and local tax revenues, these activities are of great value not only to industry and local businesses, but to every resident and community in Louisiana.”

Breakdowns by individual parishes are not available, but, according to St. Landry tourism director Celeste Gomez, “We get our fair share, and more, of that revenue, because we have so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts.”  And, she pointed out, these economic impacts are in addition to the regular tourism dollars generated by visitors who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and buy gasoline and other things here.

One of the primary attractions here is the Atchafalaya River Basin, the greatest wilderness wetlands in the nation. Designated areas within it, such as the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area and the Indian Bayou Area, provide some of the country’s most productive wildlife habitat, making it truly a paradise for hunters, fishermen, bird-watchers, boaters, and photographers.

In the center of the parish, the 17-square mile Thistlethwaite Wild Life Management area offers 11 miles of wood trails that are very popular for nature walks and bird watching. Gomez noted that Thistlethwaite is part of a national system of birding trails because of its diversity of terrain and the bird life it supports. In all, more than 225 species have been identified in St. Landry Parish.

“That makes us attractive to the growing number of people who have taken up birding as a hobby,” she said, noting that the once obscure pastime now ranks 15th on a list of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States, just below bicycling—which is also bringing a growing list of visitors to the parish.

“We have a climate that is great for biking at almost any time of year, and St. Landry Parish is a perfect fit for riders of all skill levels,” Gomez notes. Cyclists can pick from routes along scenic back roads that fit their experience level—10, 25, 50 or more miles. The St. Landry Parish government has partnered with the 

state Department of Transportation and Development to encourage safe biking with “Share the Road” signage along a number of roads, and there are plans to add more.

For those who would rather paddle than pedal, the nationally-designated Bayou Teche Scenic Bayou begins in St. Landry Parish, and other bayous and streams, such as Bayou Courtableau, offer the opportunity for a leisurely trip through some of the prettiest countryside in the South.

“Developing and promoting these recreational opportunities can play an important part as we continue to move St. Landry Parish forward,” said Bill Rodier, director of economic development in St. Landry. “Recent studies have shown that our cultural and physical assets can be key components in an economic development plan. We are putting a lot of effort into helping St. Landry businesses and communities realize the potential that these assets offer.”