The Bayou Vermilion Preservation Association is hosting the Clean Streams Lecture Series, which is focused on the BVPA’s overall mission of litter-free water, fish and wildlife, improved water quality and recreation along the Vermilion River.
In the month of August, the BVPA will honor the Bayou Vermilion District and the work its done for more than 30 years to keep the Vermillion River clean. Since 1984, it has been the mission of the BVD to beautify, conserve and manage sites along the Vermilion River, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources for the citizens of Lafayette Parish. In addition to managing boat, canoe and kayak launches as well as public parks along the Vermilion, BVD is most well-known for its four-member Bayou Operations team, which works to improve the quality of the Vermilion five days a week, year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
“BVPA will recognize the unsung heroes of the Bayou Vermilion District who play a huge role in keeping our river clean,” says BVPA President Charles Wyatt in a prepared release.
On average, the BVD’s Bayou Operations team removes approximately 1,000 55-gallon barrels of floating debris from the Vermilion River each year, which includes items like water bottles, soda cans and fast food wrappers. The team also removes an average of 500 large items per year, such as furniture, appliances, propane tanks, televisions and swing sets. Tire dumping is also a major issue in Lafayette Parish, as BVD removes approximately 250 tires from the river each year.
The Clean Streams Lecture features a number of speakers including Bob Cole, a past president of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce who was instrumental in the creation of BVD and who will provide the history of the organization. Following Cole will be Dr. David Cheramie, chief executive officer of BVD, who will speak on its current activities. Then BVD Board of Commissioners Chairman Rodney Richard will speak on the goals for the future of the organization.
The Clean Streams Lecture takes place on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11:30 a.m., at Vermilionville, located at 300 Fisher Road in Lafayette. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit BayouVermilionPreservation.org.