Louisiana

[administrator]

TRAVEL ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Sharon Broussard
August 18, 2010 ph. 225-342-5473

Lake Chicot Drawn Down for Bridge Repairs

VILLE PLATTE – Visitors to Chicot State Park are advised that lake levels will be drawn down, beginning in early September, in order for the Dept. of Transportation & Development (DOTD) to perform routine bridge inspection and repairs during the first two weeks of October.
Initial inspections of the bridge that crosses the Walker Branch cove, on North Landing Road in Chicot State Park, has shown that a number of pilings on the bridge are due for repair. Following the Labor Day weekend, DOTD will open the control structure on the lake and allow the water level to recede 3 to 4 inches per day. Starting Sept. 20, the lake will be closed to fishing during the drawdown in accordance with Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries largemouth bass length limits.
Repair time on the bridge pilings is anticipated to take 2 weeks, once the lake is drawn down to a suitable working depth and the mud line is dry enough to work on. After all repairs are completed and when water levels begin to rise and boaters have safe access to the lake, fishing in Lake Chicot will be re-opened.
Overnight guests with reservations at Chicot State Park during this period can contact Customer Service at 1-877-226-7652 for more information. Visit www.lastateparks.com for more information about Louisiana State Parks.

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[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lori Barnes

August 18, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

Fairview-Riverside State Park presents “Skulls, Skins, & Scat…What animal is that?” on August 21st


MADISONVILLE – Park guests of all ages are invited to enjoy a nature program, “Skulls, Skins, and Scat…What animal is that?” on August 21st at 9:30 a.m. The presentation will be under the oaks near Otis House Museum in the day-use area of the park. Learn about the abundance of nature at the park with hands-on learning aids. Explore the teeth and claws of the alligator; learn about predator/prey relationships
while examining the skulls of various animals and feel the furs of many indigenous species. The Interpretive ranger will discuss characteristics of mammals, birds and reptiles that help them survive in their habitat.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person; seniors aged 62+ or children under 3 admitted free of charge. The site also includes camping, a day use picnic area on the Tchefuncte River and Otis House museum. Call 985-792-4652 locally for more information or toll free 1-888-677-3247.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lori Barnes
August 18, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

Basket Weaving Demonstration at Fairview-Riverside State Park August 28th

MADISONVILLE – Visitors at Fairview-Riverside State Park on August 28th at 2 pm can enjoy a skilled basket weaver assembling a basket. A variety of baskets and techniques can be discussed during the demonstration as well as how to decorate, dye, and where to purchase supplies.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person aged 4 - 61, children under 3and seniors aged 62+ are admitted free of charge. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville on La. Hwy 22 in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area, and Otis House Museum. For more information call toll free 1-888-677-3247 or locally 985-792-4652.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Ann Durel
August 18, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

Chair Caning Demonstration at Fairview-Riverside State Park August 28th

MADISONVILLE – Visitors at Fairview-Riverside State Park on August 28th at 2:30 pm can enjoy a skilled demonstrator restoring a piece of furniture while learning why caned seats and backs gained popularity during the 1800’s. The demonstrator will explain the steps and tools necessary to attempt a similar project.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person aged 4– 61, children 3 and under and seniors aged 62+ are admitted free of charge. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville on La. Hwy 22 in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area on the banks of the Tchefuncte River and Otis House Museum. For more information call toll free 1-888-677-3247 or locally 985-792-4652.

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[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lori Barnes

August 5, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

Fairview-Riverside State Park presents “Skulls, Skins, & Scat…What animal is that?” on August 21st


MADISONVILLE – Park guests of all ages are invited to enjoy a nature program, “Skulls, Skins, and Scat…What animal is that?” on August 21st at 9:30 a.m. The presentation will be under the oaks near Otis House Museum in the day-use area of the park. Learn about the abundance of nature at the park with hands-on learning aids. Explore the teeth and claws of the alligator; learn about predator/prey relationships
while examining the skulls of various animals and feel the furs of many indigenous species. The Interpretive ranger will discuss characteristics of mammals, birds and reptiles that help them survive in their habitat.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person; seniors aged 62+ or children under 3 admitted free of charge. The site also includes camping, a day use picnic area on the Tchefuncte River and Otis House museum. Call 985-792-4652 locally for more information or toll free 1-888-677-3247.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lori Barnes
August 5, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

Basket Weaving Demonstration at Fairview-Riverside State Park August 28th

MADISONVILLE – Visitors at Fairview-Riverside State Park on August 28th at 2 pm can enjoy a skilled basket weaver assembling a basket. A variety of baskets and techniques can be discussed during the demonstration as well as how to decorate, dye, and where to purchase supplies.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person aged 4 - 61, children under 3and seniors aged 62+ are admitted free of charge. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville on La. Hwy 22 in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area, and Otis House Museum. For more information call toll free 1-888-677-3247 or locally 985-792-4652.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Ann Durel
August 5, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

Chair Caning Demonstration at Fairview-Riverside State Park August 28th

MADISONVILLE – Visitors at Fairview-Riverside State Park on August 28th at 2:30 pm can enjoy a skilled demonstrator restoring a piece of furniture while learning why caned seats and backs gained popularity during the 1800’s. The demonstrator will explain the steps and tools necessary to attempt a similar project.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person aged 4– 61, children 3 and under and seniors aged 62+ are admitted free of charge. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville on La. Hwy 22 in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area on the banks of the Tchefuncte River and Otis House Museum. For more information call toll free 1-888-677-3247 or locally 985-792-4652.

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[administrator]

NEWS RELEASE

Office of State Parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kathleen Mocklin
June 21, 2010 ph. (225) 687-7158

PLAQUEMINE MAIN STREET 10th YEAR JULY 4th CELEBRATION

PLAQUEMINE – The Plaquemine Main Street Program, the City of Plaquemine and the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site invites the public to come out and enjoy the Plaquemine Main Street 10th Annual July 4th Celebration.

On Sunday, July 4, the City of Plaquemine will be the place to celebrate our nations’ birthday with good old-fashioned fun, games and food. The day’s event has family-oriented activities, with free admission to the Bayou Water Front Park, Plaquemine Lock S.H.S. and Iberville Museum.

At 4:15 p.m. the boat parade will depart from the boat ramp across from the Iberville Parish Jail on Bayou Road. It will arrive at 5 p.m. at the Bayou Water Front Park with the 2010 Grand Marshals leading the parade. Our Grand Marshals are past and present veterans. All boats are welcomed to participate in the boat parade with no registration fee. A patriotic themed boat decoration is encouraged. Those wanting to enter the boat parade can simply show up at 4 p.m. at the boat launch on Bayou Plaquemine near the parish jail.

The Iberville Museum will be open from 2-6 p.m. with free admission. There will also be a nautical knot tying demonstration located in front of the Iberville museum from 2-6 p.m.The Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site will be open with free admission from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be tours of the Lock House and the Historic Boat Pavilion with a special boat motor demonstration by the Old Engine Boat Club from 3-8 p.m. at the back of site’s grounds.


Meanwhile the Waterfront Park will be filled with other activities, such as a Children’s Village with space walks, games, face painting and more starting at 5 p.m. Booth vendor’s spaces for food and crafts are still available. Please contact 687-3116 for information.

At 6 p.m. music will start with the sounds of Unfinished Business with a jitter bug dance contest held at 7 p.m. on the boardwalk in front of the band. Most activities will take place at the Bayou Water Front Park starting at 5-9 p.m. At 9 p.m. the day is capped off with a dramatic fireworks display. The City of Plaquemine also asks visitors to bring their lawn chairs, but not their ice chests, into the Water Front Park.

Plaquemine Lock S.H.S. is on the National Historic Register and celebrates the 101st Anniversary of its opening this year. The site is located in historic downtown Plaquemine, 13 miles south of Baton Rouge and 19 miles north of Donaldsonville. Entrance fees are $2 per person, ages 13-61, while children under the age of 12, and seniors 62 and older get in free. For more information about Plaquemine Lock SHS visit our website www.plaqlock.wordpress.com and for Louisiana State Parks, visit www.lastateparks.com.

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[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Sharon Broussard
May 24, 2010 Ph. 225-342-5473

Louisiana State Parks Host Fishing Clinics

During Wildlife & Fisheries’ Free Fishing Weekend

BATON ROUGE – The Office of State Parks (OSP) continues the partnership with the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) of supporting outdoor recreation opportunities during the 2010 Free Fishing Weekend (June 12-13) and free day-use admission at selected State Parks’ facilities on June 12.
“We’re happy to continue partnering with Wildlife& Fisheries, after the success of last year’s event,” said Dr. Stuart Johnson, Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Park. “Offering outdoor recreational opportunities, healthy lifestyle activities and a place to have quality time with family and friends is an integral part of the Office of State Parks’ mission.”
First time fishermen and parents or guardians with children can introduce someone to the sport at family fishing events scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following sites:
• Bayou Segnette State Park (Westwego)
• Chicot State Park (Ville Platte)
• Fontainebleau State Park (Mandeville)
• Hodges Gardens State Park (Florien)
• Lake D’Arbonne State Park (Farmerville)

Entrance fees at these sites will be waived on Saturday, June 12. OSP Interpretive Ranger staff and LDWF Education staff will provide assistance for park visitors on June 12 within the day-use areas at the family fishing event sites. Fishing supplies (poles and bait) will be available in limited supplies on a first come, first serve basis. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear and enjoy the day fishing from a pier or bank-side location.
Complimentary gift bags will be available for the first 100 participants to sign in within the day-use area at each park. Visitors are urged to bring a picnic lunch and soft drinks and spend the day. Vending machines on site provide soft drinks, but no food service is available at State Park sites. All children (under age 15) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“LDWF is encouraging licensed recreational fishermen to introduce someone to fishing on the weekend of June 12-13,” said John Sturgis, LDWF education manager. “It's an activity anyone of any age can enjoy, even without a boat. Louisiana offers some of the best bank and pier fishing opportunities in the south.”
Free Fishing Weekend is a part of Fishing Week in Louisiana that runs from June 7 to June 13. The event was created to help reverse the trend of declining participation in outdoor activities across America.
More information about Louisiana State Parks and Historic Sites, visit www.lastateparks.com.

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[administrator]

Office of State Parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kathleen Mocklin
May 11, 2010 ph. (225) 687-7158

MUSIC ON THE RIVER AT THE PLAQUEMINE LOCK SHS

PLAQUEMINE –The Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site invites the public to come out to the site to enjoy and experience Music on the River.

On Saturday, May 22, from 6-9 p.m.,the site will be hostinga concert featuring “Unfinished Business,”a local band from Plaquemine known for their lively covers of popular music and “oldies.” Visitors are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets, coolers, and refreshments for this event.

Plaquemine Lock SHS is on the National Historic Register and celebrates the 101st Anniversary of its opening this year. The site is located in historic downtown Plaquemine, 13 miles south of Baton Rouge and 19 miles north of Donaldsonville. Entrance fees are $2 per person, ages 13-61, while children under the age of 12, and seniors 62 and older get in free. For more information about Plaquemine Lock SHS visit our website www.plaqlock.wordpress.com and for Louisiana State Parks, visit www.lastateparks.com.

[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Lori Barnes

May 6, 2010 985-792-4652

Fairview-Riverside State Park to host Bait-N-Wait, A Kid’s Fishing Derby May 22nd

MADISONVILLE- Fairview-Riverside State Park will host Bait-N-Wait, a fishing derby for children on Saturday, May 22nd from 8 a.m. until noon. Bring some bait with your rod and reel and join the fun! During the event, participate in the casting competition where prizes will be awarded in different age categories for most points scored. A Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries educator will be onsite at the official “weigh & measure” station and at the end of the derby will award prizes for several categories. Please call to pre-register for the derby.
The fishing derby is free with park admission of $1 per person; seniors aged 62+ or children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area on the banks of the Tchefuncte River and Otis House Museum. To pre-register for the derby or for more information, call 985-792-4652 locally or toll free 1-888-677-3247.

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[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Ann Durel
April 22, 2010 ph. 985-792-4652

May Day Traditions, May 1st at Fairview-Riverside State Park


MADISONVILLE: To welcome spring, Otis House will display “Tussy Mussies”, a May Pole, and share the language of flowers during the guided tour. The art of porcelain painting, a popular activity during Victorian times will be presented by the St. Tammany Porcelain Art Club members who will demonstrate painting from 10 am until 2 pm. featuring the step-by-step process to create beautiful porcelain painted pieces.
The program is free with park admission of $1 per person aged 4 - 61. Children 3 & under or seniors 62+ admitted free. Otis House Museum tours are $2 per adult, children under 12 and seniors 62+ are admitted free. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville on La. 22 in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area on the Tchefuncte River, and Otis House museum. For more information call 985-792-4652 or toll free 1-888-677-3247.

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Fairview-Riverside State Park to host Bait-N-Wait, A Kid’s Fishing Derby May 22nd

MADISONVILLE- Fairview-Riverside State Park will host Bait-N-Wait, a fishing derby for children on Saturday, May 22nd from 8 a.m. until noon. Bring some bait with your rod and reel and join the fun! During the event, participate in the casting competition where prizes will be awarded in different age categories for most points scored. A Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries educator will be onsite at the official “weigh & measure” station and at the end of the derby will award prizes for several categories. Please call to pre-register for the derby.
The fishing derby is free with park admission of $1 per person; seniors aged 62+ or children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located one mile east of Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish. The site includes camping, a day-use picnic area on the banks of the Tchefuncte River and Otis House Museum. To pre-register for the derby or for more information, call 985-792-4652 locally or toll free 1-888-677-3247.

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[administrator]

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Sharon Broussard
April 13, 2010 ph. 225-342-5473

Opening of Bogue Chitto State Park

to be Delayed by Roadwork

FRANKLINTON – Due to road construction delays, the opening of Bogue Chitto State Park has been rescheduled for some time during mid to late May.
Workers are paving the existing dirt road from Highway 25 to the park entrance, along with select roads within the park. Construction on the park itself has neared completion; currently, buildings are being furnished and interviews are underway for staffing the site.
Upon completion of the road work, an opening date will be selected and reservations opened for overnight facilities. Park amenities will include 4 cabins, a lodge, 50 campsites, a group camp and meeting area, a boardwalk that winds through the ravines of the bluff area and 7 miles of nature trails.
Bogue Chitto State Park is located off LA Hwy. 25 in Washington Parish, approximately 10 miles south of Franklinton. Visitors to the park will experience a diversity of natural habitats on one of the most dynamic and scenic river systems in Louisiana. The 1,786-acre site includes small streams, cypress tupelo swamps, a hardwood-forested gorge and upland forests. For more information about Bogue Chitto State Park, visit www.lastateparks.com or call 1-877-226-7652.

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[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lori Barnes
March 5, 2010 985-792-4652

Hike to the Boardwalk

MADISONVILLE – Fairview-Riverside State Park invites guests and campers to hike to the boardwalk on March 13th at 8:30 am. Meet the interpretive ranger in the day-use area near the steam engine pavilion and hike through the park to the boardwalk looping through a segment of the swamp. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna in its natural environment. As spring approaches, life returns to the sleeping swamp. See which botanical buds, birds and other wildlife you can identify. The walk is approximately 1 mile; bring a bottle of water and insect spray.

Fairview-Riverside State Park is located 1 mile east of Madisonville on Hwy. 22 in St. Tammany Parish. The program is free with park admission of $1 per person aged 4 – 61, children 3 and under or seniors 62+ are admitted free of charge. The site also includes camping, a picnic area on the Tchefuncte River and Otis House Museum. For more information call 985-792-4652 locally or 1-888-677-3247.

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