Bayou Teche added to the National Water Trails System

BAYOU TECHE, La. --- Bayou Teche has been added to the National Water Trails System, a first for Louisiana. Designation as a national water trail places the Teche in an elite group of rivers across the nation and will increase recreational tourism for the visitors to the fifteen communities and four parishes (St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary) the 135-mile river runs through.

The National Water Trails System is a network of "exemplary water trails that are cooperatively supported and sustained." The system was established "to protect and restore rivers, shorelines, and waterways and to increase access to outdoor recreation on shorelines and waterways."

Bayou Teche has a total of 13 established access points for paddle trips as short as seven miles and as long as 135. It is nestled in the Bayou Teche Corridor and is part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. Bayou Teche Paddle Trail was conceived by the TECHE Project, a non-profit organization. 

"We worked with community leaders to submit the bayou for this recognition because it is a great economic driver for tourism, it's another way to celebrate the culture and the nature of South Louisiana," said Kristen Kordecki, project manager. "The TECHE Project will also be the managers of the trail working with local communities, municipalities, parish and state governments."

"The Teche has historic and cultural value to us, and we are happy to share it with the nation," said Conni Castille, executive Director of the TECHE Project. "The trail exemplifies the natural beauty of South Louisiana bayous and its people." 

To highlight this national designation, a floatilla is being organized. More information about the significance of this dedication and the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail can be found at TecheProject.org or by contacting Conni Castille at 337-277-5292 and Kristen Kordecki at kkordecki@gmail.com.

To learn more about the National Water Trail System, visit Nps.Gov/WaterTrails

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For more information on parish events and tourism assets, call the Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau at 337-365-1540 or visit www.iberiatravel.com

  

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