Top Ranked Mississippi River Bridge Location Threatens Old Growth Cypress in Iberville Parish

Old growth Cypress in new Missisippi bridge approach path

                                            (currently highest ranked Alternative E-11-4)

                    LeBlanc family stewardship of its cherished forest includes its youngest protector

Likely the largest and oldest concentration of mature cypress on the East Bank of Iberville Parish has been recently inventoried near the town of Sunshine. The LPCL has identified borings taken from several trees on the site and found many or the trees over 11 feet in circumference to be 200+ years in age, with many likely meeting the LPCL landmarked thresh hold of 219 years—“Alive in 1803”. Two of the trees from which borings were taken are likely over 300 years old. The LPCL has awarded one of the trees in the projected bridge approach right of way LPCL Plaque #78—it is estimated at 300—330 years old. See map pinpoint for tree #5 in map link to map below)

 

Many of these cypress likely were alive during the Revolutionary War, when Bernardo de Galvez and his troops marched through Plaquimines Point on their way from New Orleans to Fort New Richmond in Baton Rouge. The property “ is part of the original land grants to settlers by the Spanish government in 1767… because this property is located in a bottomland hardwood low lying area, it has never been farmed or utilized for grazing livestock” (La Wildlife and Fisheries Natural Areas Registry assessment) Laura Comeaux, descendent of the original owner of the site,  portrays the historic connection between the current owners and the original owers in the 18th century, who effectively became stewards of the 200+ year old cypress landmarked by the La. Purchase Cypress Legacy:

"The forest is named after Alphonso Etienne LeBlanc, Sr., the grandfather of the eldest living land-owners.  The family has appreciated the wildlife and beauty of the forest, using it for hunting, bird-watching, and nature walks among the old-growth trees.  The land, which has been in the family for over 200 years, tells the family history too.  The "land genealogy" goes like this:  Alphonso Etienne LeBlanc, Sr. inherited the land from his mother, Marie Caroline Terrell, who inherited the land from her mother, Marie Eugenie Lambremont, who inherited the land from her father, Michel Pierre Lambremont (the grandson of a French soldier) who moved to the Sunshine area and married Marguerite Pelagie Breau (of Acadia) in St. Gabriel in 1793 and purchased this land, which was one of the original Spanish Land Grants given to the Acadians by the Spanish government in 1767". 

 

"Augusto Ferrer-Delmu's painting, "La Marcha de Galvez" depicts Bernardo de Galvez and his ragtag army marching through Louisiana's swamp area, [including Plaquemine Point], to clear the British from Fort Bute and Fort New Richmond in Baton Rouge"

As mentioned above, the historic and ecological significance of LeBlanc Track has also recently been documented by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Natural Area Program, which has determined this site worthy of inclusion in its Louisiana Natural Areas registry. Additionally, the Old Growth Forest Network has included this site in its nation wide registry of significant old growth sites in each parish/county throughout the U.S. www.oldgrowthforest.net/private-forests 

  

Top Ranked Proposed Bridge Site Threatens Many Old Growth Cypress

 

The La Purchase Cypress Legacy was notified of the threat to these venerable cypress by the LeBlanc family, which has for generations owned 60 acres of unfarmed bottomland hardwood in Plaquemine Point near the settlement of Sunshine, on the East Bank of Iberville Parish. 

All three top ranked site alternatives for the proposed new Mississippi River Bridge near Baton Rouge would cross the Mississippi River at Plaquemine Point-- the East Bank of Iberville Parish, and the currently top ranking site proposal (E-11-4—third row in chart below) would have bridge pylons located in the area of the landmarked cypress at the northern end of the LeBlanc and adjacent Cox property.

 

This LA DODT chart ranks Alternative site E-11-IV (third row)as having the lowest impact on wetlands (“1” is least impact/most favorable), despite the considerable amount of old growth cypress that would be impacted on the LeBlanc and Cox properties on which bridge pylons would be constructed) 

 

  

The yellow arrow indicating the proposed bridge approach shows the location of bridge pylons on one of the three alternative bridge sites (E-11-4) that will directly impact the cypress recently landmarked by the LPCL. See map below:

Many old growth cypress have been identified on the Leblanc and Cox tract  tract, including  in the northern section of the site, where the bridge approach for Location alternative E-11-IV would be located

See the link below for specific locations of these cypress, most of which are estimated to be 200 years or older, based on ring counts from borings.

 

Click here for a link to the map

 

 

LeBlanc Old growth cypress deserve stewardship, not destruction

 

The trees from which borings have been taken represent only a fraction of the mature cypress that would be impacted on by the construction of the Mississippi River Bridge approach if the  currently highest ranked Alternative E-11-4 were chosen as the preferred site of the new bridge. As DOT’s environmental impact statement moves ahead on the preferred bridge alternatives, those of us committed to preserving the ecological heritage of Louisiana should make our voices heard.

 The LeBlanc family’s determination (as reflected in their participation in LA Wildlife and Fisheries Natural Areas  Program) to save the old growth cypress (as well as other mature bottomland hardwood habitat) on their property from unwarranted destruction is an inspiration to the La Purchase Cypress Legacy campaign. We at the LPCL believe, the ecological and natural heritage costs of bridge construction at this proposed site do not justify Alternative E=11-4 as the highest ranking  and other decision makers need to be reminded that the mature/old growth forested wetlands identified on the LeBlanc and Cox property  have significant value as storm buffers and carbon capture sites exceeding that of the other highly ranked bridge alternatives. We'll keep our readers informed on public comment opportunities as the LA DOT's Environmental Impact statement on the bridge alternatives progresses.

LeBlanc-Comeaux family members in front of LPCL registered tree (Plaque #78 on tree), estimated at 300-350 years old, based on tree ring count from boring. Tree is in right of way of bridge approach in high ranked alternative E-11-4

Preliminary Estimated Age derived from boring ring counts (See link above for map location these trees)

1. 30.292700, -91.179587 circ. 12’ 7” at 4.5 ft from ground (corrected to 11’ 7” to account for fact that original measurement taken around buttress) 

Boring: 8.75 inches
Rings counted: approx 68 Estimated age: 140 yrs 

Tree 2. 30.299195N, -91.179045W circ. 10’ 8” at 4.5 ft from ground (corrected to 9’ 8” to account for fact that original measurement taken around buttress) 

Boring: 6.75 inches
Rings counted: approx 87 Estimated age: 210—230 yrs 

3. 30.299077, -91.179009 circ. 16’ 0” at 4.5 ft from ground (corrected to 15’ 0” to account for fact that original measurement taken around buttress) 

Boring: 8.25 inches
Rings counted: approx 84 Estimated age: 230-260

 

4. 30.299707, -91.178546 circ. 13’ 6” at 4.5 ft from ground (corrected to 12’ 6” to account for fact that original measurement taken around buttress) 

Boring: 7 inches
Rings counted: approx. 58 Estimated age: 180--200yrs 

5. 30.299615, -91.177575 circ. 13’ 9” at 4.5 ft from ground (Actual measurement above buttress was 12’ 3”) 

Boring: 7.25 inches
Rings counted: approx 109 Estimated age: 300-330 years 

 

 

Tree 6. 30.298865, -91.176961 circ. 14’ 9” at 4.5 ft from ground (Actual measurement above buttress was 11’ 6”) 

Boring: 3.5 inches
 Rings counted: approx 65 Estimated age: 330-360 years 

TREE #7 GPS 30 17.987N   91 10.747W

Circum: 11’4”

Boring: 6.5”

Rings counted: approx. 85

Estimated age: 200–240 years

 

TREE #8GPS 30 17.987N   91 10.747W

Circum: 10”4

Boring:5.25”

Rings counted: approx. 46

Estimated age: 125–155  years

 

 

TREE #9

Circum: 10”4’

Boring:3.25”

Rings counted: approx. 44

Estimated age: 190–230  years

 

TREE #10

Circum: 11”7’

Boring:7.5”

Rings counted: approx. 91

Estimated age: 210–240  years

 

TREE #11 (Cox)

Circum: 8”4”

Boring:7.5”

Rings counted: approx. 95

Estimated age: 90–120  years

 

TREE #12 (Cox)

Circum: 10”4”

Boring:13”

Rings counted: approx. 190

Estimated age: 220–250 yrs

OLDEST KNOWN CYPRESS IN  VERMILLION PARISH IDENTIFIED IN  PALMETTO ISLAND STATE PARK

                                      Video of Landmarked LPCL tree in Palmetto Island State Park

The Louisiana Purchase Cypress  Legacy Campaign is delighted to announce the discovery of the oldest known cypress in Vermillion Parish, found at the end of the canoe trail that winds through Palmetto State Park south of Abbeville. Location is on the left side of the bayou, just before the entrance to the Vermillion River and below the bridge and weir. Although most LPCL landmarked trees need a boat to get to them, this one is visible from the Park picnic area near the bridge (see map below) 

Here is what we found:

GPS coordinates: 29 51.880N  092 88.032W

Circumference: Approx. 14'6" at trunk;  radius: 28 inches

Boring length: 5.5"

Approximate rings counted: 68

5.5" boring / 28" radius = 68 boring rings / X (total estimated rings)

X = 368 projected rings

Projected age is around 275-300 years old, taking into account  likely faster growth during the trees earliest years-- years which typically don't show up in boring samples, since the interior layers have deteriorated, resulting in hollow trunks. The boring is somewhat unusual in its spacing of growth rings (see photo below)-- very slow growth  (closely spaced rings) are interspersed with widely separated rings (indicating faster growth) during some years.

Portion of 5.5 inch boring from Palmetto State Park LPCL landmarked
cypress, Slower growth seen in closely spaced rings on right; faster growth  in more
widely spaced rings at center and left section of photo.

We are proud to have awarded this fine old cypress plaque #77 and congratulate Palmetto Island State Park for its stewardship of what is currently the oldest known cypress in Vermillion Parish. Additionally, this is one of the most southerly located cypress found to be worthy of LPCL landmarking-- "Alive in 1803", significant because of both natural and made-made stresses on the health of cypress in coastal Louisiana, including salt-water intrusion and subsidence

With the addition of Vermillion Parish to the LPCL registry there are  now 24 Parishes in which cypress trees greater than 219 years old  ("Alive in 1803") have yet to be identified:

Allen, Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Claiborne, E. Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Madison, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Red River, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Helena, Vermillion, Vernon, W Baton Rouge, West Carrol

Please contact Harvey Stern at LaPurchase CypressLegacy@gmail.com with any leads. And to help pay for the plaques that are on many of our landmarked cypress throughout Louisiana, we welcome any donations to the La. Purchase Cypress Legacy-- a 501 C-3 non-profit organization. (EIN 83-2457520) Checks can be made payable to the Louisiana Purchase Cypress Legacy and mailed to Harvey Stern, 740 7th St., New Orleans La 70115

Oldest known cypress landmarked in Lafayette and St. Mary Parishes

 Oldest known cypress in St. Mary and Lafayette     Parishes discovered along Bayou Tortue

Bayou Tortue, bordering Lafayette La, is the boundary between St. Mary and Lafayette Parishes

Until recently St. Mary and Lafayette Parishes were among those for which know La Purchase Cypress trees  been landmarked-- those trees determined  to be older  than 219 years old-- alive at the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Last December we explored Bayou Tortue and were fortunate to find among  the scattered old growth two cypress on either side two cypress worthy of LPCL plaques, attesting they were "Alive in 1803" --based on ring counts of borings taken form the trees. 

On the Lafayette Parish (west) side of Bayou Tortue.about two hundred feet from the shore is a fine old cypress landmarked with LPCL plaque #75

Here's what we found regarding the estimated age of this tree:

Measured circumference 18'11"  six feet above base

Estimated trunk circumference above buttress: 16'6"   radius 31"

Boring: 7.75 inches  Rings counted: approximately 210 (very closely spaced)

Age calculation:

    7.75 inch boring / 31 inch radius = 210 estimated boring rings / x (estimated age)

    X = 810 years

Accounting for likely faster growth in the tree's earlier growing years (in the currently hollow inner section of the tree), we are estimating this tree at over 600 years old.  Plaque #75

                                                         *************************

A few minutes paddle futher north on Bayou Tortue from the oldest known cypress in St Mary Parish

is located on the eastern side of the bayou. A bit smaller than the Lafayette Parish landmarked cypress just upstream, it is nonetheless worthy of LPCL landmark status based on its projected age, as determined here:

Measured circumference: 15'6"   radius: 29"

Estimated trunk circumference above buttress: 14   radius 27"

Boring: 13.25 inches  Rings counted: approximately 267

Age calculation:

    13.25 inch boring / 27 inch radius = 267 estimated boring rings / x (estimated age)

    X = 536 years

Accounting, as usual, for likely faster growth in the tree's earlier growing years (rings further apart than thiose found on the boring) we are estimation the age of this tree at over 400 years old. Plaque #76

Below is a short video of this cypress

We should note that we are long overdue to visit a cypress near Duck Lake northwest of Morgan Cityin St. Mary Parish

that we are told has a 31' circumference. This could easily be an older cypress than the one landmarked on Bayou Tortue

                                    

Ancient Lasalle Parish cypress landmarked on Big Saline Bayou, LaSalle Parish

This beautiful old cypress on Big Saline Bayou surpasses in age by several centuries the previously land marked LaSalle Parish cypress near the shore of Lake Catahoula which we landmarked with Plaque 74  in 20  (see Blog entry for LaSalle Parish, Dec 11. 2019 ) . We are always on the lookout in Parishes that already have LPCl landmarked cypress for additional cypress that may be older/larger in circumference,  in addition to those Parishes for which we have yet to discover cypress that were "Alive in 1803"-- see list at end of this blog post.

Here is how we estimated the age of this  Big Saline Bayou Beauty:

Circumference: 15' 2", Daimeter: 58", Radius:29"

Boring: 9.25 inches. Rings counted: Approx 293

    9.25 inch boring / 21 inch radius = 293 rings / x

    X = 918 projected rings

Accounting for likely faster growing period at during this tree's younger years (inner section of tree that is hollow) we are estimating this tree at over 700 years old.  LPCL Plaque # 74

Location is on right bank of Big Saline Bayou,  a few minutes paddle upstream of the Paul St. Bridge put-in, at the entrance into the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area.

GPS coordinates: N31 24.004 W92 08.452

                                                                            ***************

Where is the oldest cypress in your Parish?

As mentioned above, we are attempting to find at least one tree in each Louisiana Parish that was alive at the time of the Louisiana Parish in 1803. Click here for a link to a current registry of the Parishes for which LPCL landmarked trees have been identified (St. Mary Parish registered trees and Lafayette Parish trees to be added shortly). As of February, 2022 about two thirds of all Louisiana Parishes have at least one registered LPCL cypress-- "Alive in 1803"

Here are the Parishes for which we are still seeking to identify and landmark a 219+ year old cypress:

Allen, Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Claiborne, E. Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Madison, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Red River, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Helena, Vermillion, Vernon, W Baton Rouge, West Carrol

Please contact Harvey Stern at LaPurchase CypressLegacy@gmail.com with any leads. And to help pay for the plaques that are on many of our landmarked cypress throughout Louisiana, we welcome any donations to the La. Purchase Cypress Legacy-- a 501 C-3 non-profit organization. Checks can be made payable to the Louisiana Purchase Cypress Legacy and mailed to Harvey Stern, 740 7th St., New Orleans La 70115

   Hardwater Lake in Grant Parish a Treasure            Trove of Old Growth Cypress 

As promised in an earlier post, we will be adding locations throughout Louisiana where significant stands of old growth are accessible. One of favorite areas to explore is Hardware Lake in Grant Parish. Hundreds of old growth cypress are within easy paddling distance of the boat launch, including the grizzly old one we awarded Plaque #73--- many of which are likely several centuries old. The link below takes you to a map showing you the GPS location and a photo of the cypress at that location.

Hardwater Lake Map of Old Growth Cypress