HENDERSON – The Atchafalaya River community of Butte La Rose fell under mandatory evacuation this week but Henderson Lake and the businesses along the West Atchafalaya Protection Levee remain open for business.

There are no plans to shut down the boat ramps, said Parish President Guy Cormier.

While the water’s high, it’s not something they haven’t seen before, say the folks at Basin Landing, McGee’s and Cypress Cove.

The Society of American Travel Writers, Central States Chapter, made a paddle tour of Henderson Lake on Saturday part of their four-day visit to Acadiana. About a dozen members participated in a canoe trip from McGee’s with owner David Allemond telling them about the area by the local canoe trail.

The Basin has become a viable canoe and kayak trail destination to view the cypress groves while enjoying the sites of commercial fishermen, including crawfishermen, and over 128 bird species. The trails are well marked, and so far the flooding water hasn’t stopped people from going to the landing.

Tom Griffith of Deadwood, SD., vice chairman of the Central States Chapter, said that from past experience, the conference will generate at least $1 million in media exposure of this region over the next three years. This coverage will be through magazines, newspapers, broadcast outlets, blogs, and websites throughout the world.

Griffith also explained that the area is perfect to write about not only for its food, but for the mix or gumbo of cultures, which is less homogenized than the rest of America. People else where find the region fascinating for their individualism, music, and unique cuisine.

Other places on the writers itinerary in the Parish were Historic St. Martinville, Lake Martin, and Historic Breaux Bridge.

The only concern Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries officials have about using the Basin while the flood waters are still up is the increased likelihood of encounters with black bears displaced from their southernmost haunts.

“They say we will see an increase in black bear population in St. Martin Parish,” Cormier said.

The Louisiana black bear is a protected animal and should be avoided.

As of Tuesday, the crest at Butte La Rose is still expected to stay a half-foot below the 25-foot flood stage, reaching the community on Friday and lasting for six to 10 days.

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