500+ Year Old Cypress Landmarked on Bayou Dorcheat, Webster Parish, Louisiana
| Bayou Dorcheat 500+ year cypress landmarked |
Bayou Dorcheat is one of the most
scenic of Louisiana’s designated Scenic Streams, extending from
Lake Bisteneau through Webster parish into
Arkansas. Hundreds of old growth
cypress line its banks, enriching
the timeless sense of wilderness
experienced while paddling along this remote stream. The Louisiana Purchase
Cypress Legacy landmarked one of these cypress—LPCL Plaque # 38.Here’s what we
found out about this representative example of the old growth cypress along
Bayou Dorcheat:
GPS coordinates 32 54.837
North 093 23.211 West (on left bank of bayou paddling south)
Circumference (above buttress) 13 feet 4 inch circumference
Circumference (above buttress) 13 feet 4 inch circumference
Diameter: 50 inches Radius: 25 inches
Core sample: 4.5 inches
Rings counted: Approximately 130
Projected age; 500+ years
Projected age of 500+ years takes
into account likely faster growing period during early growth period. Like most
of these ancient trees the inside is hollow, meaning that core samples reflect
slower growing later years.
To view this tree, launch boat at the Hwy 2 access. Paddle south
about twenty minutes. Tree is located on left side (east bank) about two
minutes paddle before teaching the overhead power lines.. The plaque is not
easily visible as you paddle south towards the power lines; however, it will be
visible viewed on the right bank heading north about two minutes from the
overhead power lines. It is quite a distinctive tree with a full canopy and
swirling bark.
We'll be adding this tree to our State wide registry of oldest known trees in each Parish.
If you know of possibly a large/older cypress in Webster Parish please let us know!