Revitalize basin to ensure lasting education – Rant

Last month 225 reported and opined about the draining of Alligator Bayou (read previous article here and editorial here). Mr. Couhig is chief operating officer for Resource Environmental Solutions, which owns land in the Spanish Lake Basin. He supports keeping open the long-shut floodgates and returning the Spanish Lake Basin to its natural state.

The picture in this publication’s past issue was quite illustrative of the current state of Spanish Lake Basin. The picture was stark and ethereally beautiful. In the picture, there were a few cypress trees, mostly dead or dying. Two plant species were pictured. Both were invasive and unhealthy for the basin. The most important ecosystem in our region is literally dying before our eyes.

Extensive reviews conducted by scientists show the negative impact the inundation and silting in of the basin has had during the past 50 years. There are no bass or bream left in Spanish Lake. There are no new trees and large areas of “ponding” where no plant life whatsoever is regenerated. On average, the water level is three feet higher inside the floodgate than outside in Bayou Manchac. During the past 50 years, flooding in the basin increased from 20 days per year to more than 180.

Now that the floodgate is open, the natural flow of waters through Spanish Lake Basin has recommenced. We will have a unique opportunity to see the reinvigoration of the basin resulting from the wet and dry periods required by wetlands. Contrary to today’s apocalyptic vision, the ecosystem will improve and prosper now that the holding of water behind the floodgate doesn’t damage it.

While we (Resource Environmental Solutions) agree it is important that Alligator Bayou continue its educational and ecotourism mission, we do not agree this operation is more important than the health of the basin. Nor do we agree it is more important than serving as available space to store floodwater in periods of intense rainfall—the original reason for the floodgate.

A healthy Spanish Lake Basin is vital for air and water quality in our region. It also serves an enormously important function in providing wildlife habitat in an increasingly urbanized area.

Our company primarily comprises young and energetic people fully committed to the protection and preservation of our nation’s wetlands. In the past year, we have restored 12,000 acres and planted more than 1.3 million trees in Louisiana alone. Our goal for saving Spanish Lake is to restore the basin and then to protect it with conservation easement that will make sure this jewel remains in place for children to study and enjoy—forever.