NEW IBERIA, LA -- The Bayou Teche Paddle Trail and Cultural and Historical Map has been awarded the "Best of" category in the "Recreational/Travel Map Category" in this spring's Cartography and Geographic Information Society Map Design Competition held at Montgomery College, Rockville, Md.

The Louisiana Geological Survey worked with the TECHE Project, a non-profit organization which manages the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, a U.S. Department of Interior National Water Trail. The 12 " x 30", color, waterproof map depicts the paddle trail on one side and features the significant cultural and historical aspects of Bayou Teche on the other side.

"This is a great accomplishment,"  said Ian Muehlenhaus, CaGIS Map Competition Coordinator. "The judges felt your piece was well-designed and displayed very interesting information in a compelling manner." 

Cartographer Lisa Pond and GIS Specialist Robert Paulsell are the award recipients. As a result, the map will be entered into the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

"Louisianians are passionate about outdoor recreation, said Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne. "The state's beautiful landscapes, warm climate and unique ecosystem create a perfect environment for enjoying the great outdoors. I commend Louisiana Geological Survey's commitment to making Bayou Teche more accessible to locals and visitors. Congratulations on this prestigious award."

Bayou Teche is a 135 mile long bayou that runs through four parishes: St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary. In January 2015, it was included in the U.S. Department of Interior National Water System.

"This award showcases the qualities that make Bayou Teche Paddle Trail such an asset to the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area: history, culture and excellence in outdoor recreation, and recognizes the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the value of partnerships," said Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Director, Debra Credeur.

The TECHE Project was the recipient of the National Park Service Recreation, Trails and Conservation Assistance program and has since been included in the U.S. Department of Interior National Water Trail System. During this time, the TECHE Project worked with citizens, paddlers, local businesses, parish tourism commissioners, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana and the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to gather information for the map.

The historical and cultural annotations on the map were provided by Dr. Shane K. Bernard, author of the forthcoming book "Teche: A History of Louisiana's Most Famous Bayou."

"The Louisiana Geological Survey was great to work with," said project co-manager and TECHE Project council member Dane Thibodeaux. "We have over 250 years of information to include along 135 miles of bayou. Ms. Pond and Mr. Paulsell did an exceptional job putting the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail on the map and we are proud to share it with the public whether they are paddling the bayou or visiting one of our tourism offices."

The Bayou Teche Paddle Trail is part of a growing trend in low-impact, nature-based recreation in the state including bicycling, trail-running, hiking and kayaking.

"As we move forward to build a low-impact, culture and nature based recreation economy in Acadiana,"  said TECHE Project Executive Director, Conni Castille, "we are pleased to make an award-winning map part of the suite of tools and products for users, planners, local businesses, and tourism professionals."

Maps can be found at Cajun Paddle in Breaux Bridge, Pack & Paddle in Lafayette, Le Vieux Village Tourist Information Center in Opelousas, Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce in New Iberia and at TECHEProject.org.