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| | BVD HISTORY 
Historically, the southern Mississippi Valley flourished with an array of Native American Cultures. Along with these Native Cultures, Caucasians immigrated to the area and settled adjacent to the Bayou Vermilion in a town called Vermilionville, now known as Lafayette. The bayous and swamps not only served as valuable means of transportation and commerce but as fisheries and food lots. With the introduction of the railroad system and finally the paved highway system the importance of the Bayou Vermilion slowly began to be neglected. Through the years the value of the Bayou Vermilion has been undermined and Lafayette now prides itself in being one of the major oil production centers around the world. Along with a decreased sense of value, the water quality in the Bayou Vermilion slowly began to degrade. Consequently, in the 1980’s the bayou became known as one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. In 1984 the Bayou Vermilion District (BVD) was created in the hopes of improving the water quality and promoting recreational use of the bayou. BVD is unique -- A parish wide agency funded solely by a millage tax from local residents dedicated to improving & maintaining an important natural asset. In an effort to restore the water quality in the Bayou Vermilion, the BVD has focused on promoting community awareness through a sustained community education campaign. How has BVD accomplished its goals since its inception? Development | Since its inception, BayouV has undertaken several exciting projects including the Rotary Point Boat Launch, the North Launch, improvements to Beaver Park which include the Beaver Park Dock, a Southside Park off Robley Drive, and Vermilionville. | River Clean-up | BVD regularly patrols the Vermilion and its connecting waterways clearing it of trash and debris. BVD also has ongoing maintenance programs for clearing the Vermilion of fallen trees and up-rooted vegetation for safe navigation. In addition, we conduct community outreach and education to promote responsible, clean recreational use of the bayou and encourage conservation by the community. | Flood & Drainage | In a joint effort with the United States Corps of Engineers and the United States Geological Survey, four high-tech satellite river gages are installed at points along the Bayou to better monitor water levels. A computer-based data gathering and mapping system has been installed to enable BVD to assist local agencies in rapidly evaluating incoming water levels and develop various flood-prone scenarios. | Education & Community Involvement | BVD conducts regular community outreach and education to keep residents up-to-date on district and river happenings and on what we all can do to reduce pollution and erosion. Information is disseminated through public service announcements and educational seminars are given to interested groups and organizations which stress various aspects of the bayou from erosion prevention to pollution in the river. BVD regularly conducts water sampling along the river for measurement of dissolve oxygen, pH, water temperature, and fecal coliform bacteria levels. In addition, BVD is encouraging increased usage of the Vermilion for recreational activities—e.g., recently, we have been offering guided or self-guided canoe trips for groups. |
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