Historic label sought for Bayou Teche

OPELOUSAS (AP) — The St. Landry Parish Council is expected to pass a resolution later this month asking the state Legislature to designate Bayou Teche in St. Landry Parish as an official Louisiana Historic and Scenic River.
Woody Martin with the Teche Project said the state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is currently studying the bayou to see if it qualifies for the designation, with a determination expected this spring.
Port Barre Mayor Gilfred Savoy called the designation important and expects his own council to endorse the effort as well.
The bayou has been gaining a great deal of attention in the past few years, most recently having its entire 134-mile length from Port Barre to Patterson being named a national paddle trail.