Not too many years ago, one could marvel at Lake Maurepas’ unsullied shore and yet at the same time, despair there were few protections in place to keep it that way. I fact, it was once remarked it was a shame there were no condominiums or other development on this lake; as if it was a good resource gone to waste.
Once cypress mulch became a popular gardening item and various interests were seriously seeking to cut down Lake Maurepas regrowth trees, it became clear how ruinous this would be for the areas ecology and the brakes were put on this activity. The three Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Wildlife Management Areas – Joyce, Manchac and Maurepas Swamp – were the solution. They continue to expand, little by little with each new land acquisition and now there is hope for this natural wonder.
