fgazette.com Community news site for Union Parish Louisiana
A big shout out and thank you to Stephanie Hermann in connection with her tireless efforts to help develop one of her conservation passions – Turtle Bay Landing Launch and Paddle Trail on Lake D’Arbonne! Well done Stephanie and all the others involved, where credit is given on Turtle Bay’s Face Book post, reprinted here:
Turtle Bay Landing What started out as a donation has turned into a new tourism destination for Union Parish. Turtle Bay Landing launch and paddle trail officially was launched on Thursday, September 18 at the location off of Ramp Road on Hwy 2.
In December of 2023, Ben and Cindy Martin donated a floating dock and mobility kayak launch valued at 15,000 to local kayaking enthusiast Stephanie Herrmann. Herrmann said, “That was the beginning, and from there this project just continued to evolve with several community entities making this happen.”
The vision of the Martin family was that this remain a public launch for those with mobility challenges, so volunteers began looking for locations in January of 2024.
Caleb Seney with Med-Camps helped select the location based on slope and scenic vista. Terry Morris, President of the Bayou Darbonne Lake Watershed District added, “The project idea was presented to the board and it was approved to place the launch at the Hwy 2 Ramp Road location and call it “Turtle Bay.”
The Turtle Bay name is inspired by both the shape of the bay in front of the launch as well as a location for Turtle nesting among the sandy dunes. In addition, turtles have a biological response when they see other turtles in need where they immediately try to rescue turtles that have flipped by helping them get right side up again. In March of 2024 some initial dirt work and cleanup began at the site by the Town of Farmerville to restore the location from storm debris and years of litter.
Ryan Daniels, Fish Biologist with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries met with Herrmann in May of 2024 to help define waypoints for an interpretive paddle trail that would focus on lake ecology. Those waypoints were provided to Garrett Carlson, local artist who began working on a vision for artwork that would be incorporated into the launch and paddle trail. Carlson added, “My intent with the artwork was to evoke a minimalist design that would convey the information while not distracting from the natural beauty of the lake.”He was inspired by Native Americans who revere common turtles as symbols of longevity, strength and wisdom. He chose to do all the artwork by hand instead of digitally enhanced to honor the dedicated people who made this project a reality. He hopes that people find Wabi-Sabi (finding beauty in the imperfections) refreshing in this wave of artificial art.
The Lake Commission wrote and received a grant to Claiborne Electric Operation Round Up for funding to rebuild the road entrance to make it more suitable and better access for individuals with mobility challenges including those that may be wheelchair bound so that they would have access to the location. The vendor for the project was the Union Parish Police Jury who completed the access in summer of 2024.
During the summer months, the narrative for the paddle trail was written with help from the Union Parish Library. The 30 factoids were written for children and families to encourage curiosity about lake ecology. Jacque Cousteau, the famed oceanographer once said, “We protect what we love.” It is the hope of Turtle Bay that if people understand better the importance of our ecosystem, then perhaps we will seek to protect it.
The Union Parish Tourist Commission donated to the project for the funding for the educational signage.
In September of 2024, the paddle trail was completed with signage placed along a 3.1-mile paddle path around the Turtle Bay. Attempts to make the path in the shape of a turtle as intended fell short, the gps trail looked more like a bird. So, a story was written for the signage about a turtle that wanted to fly.
The first group of eco-tourists, a paddle group from Monroe visited the trail in early September before the drawdown began and tested out the logistical turns. Ecotourism is defined as tourism for those that appreciate and respect nature. Ecotourist follow leave no trace principles and often leave environments better than they find them by cleaning up litter or protecting habitats. They take only photos and leave only footprints.
The first inaugural paddle trail guests helped place the educational signage designed by Carlson. More work is still to come. A wheelchair accessible picnic table made by Stowe Creek Woodworks has been placed in the center with plans to make the area more accommodating for wheelchair access including a ramp and patio area all donated by Read Hardware.
Herrmann adds, “What initially was a project geared toward those with mobility challenges, expanded to include families, paddlers, and ecotourists. We are excited to see where this project goes next.”
There are plans once the drawdown is complete to host turtle programs, nesting observation areas, kayak classes, and programs to introduce families and student groups to the ecology of the lake habitat. There is even a children’s book being discussed with artist Garrett Carlson that will feature the story of the turtle that wanted to be a bird. Volunteers, groups, and visitors that use the site are invited to follow the Facebook page for more information on upcoming events. Turtle Bay Landing. Guests can also post and share photos on the page of interesting experiences! And those that paddle the trail are encouraged to use the hashtag #turtlebaypaddletrail so that total visitors can be tracked.
If you are interested in a school, kayak class, or educational program, contact Stephanie Herrmann at the Union Parish Library at 318-368-9226. Special thanks again to all those that have made this project a reality. “Never doubt that a small, committed group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
And from the Gazette and on behalf of the community, a heartfelt thank you to Stephanie and all of the others who made this possible!
