Help Protect Atchafalaya Cypress Swamps

The St. Martin Parish School Board decided to log the cypress-tupelo swamps that it owns in the Atchafalaya Basin. However, in April 2012, the School Board will discuss the possibility of NOT logging its cypress swampland, afterall. It is critical that we ensure that the School Board decides not to clear cut the cypress forest it owns. Here's how you can help: Write to members of the St. Martin Parish School Board, urging them to keep School Board owned cypress forest alive and intact for today and for generations to come. If you are looking for inspiration for your letter, follow these links to see examples of letters that have been sent or are being sent to the School Board. You may use any part or all of any of these letters. Links to Sample Letters Letter by Woody Martin, Delta Chapter Sierra Club, Chair Letter by Greg Guirard, author/photographer, ABK Board of Directors Letter by Cara Leverett, Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, Staff Scientist ABK would like to thank our partners with the Delta Chapter of the Sierra Club for their help on this issue. Why not log the Basin's Remaining Cypress Forests? Cypress-tupelo logging in the Atchafalaya Basin is unsustainable, once the trees are logged they will not regenerate, and the roads that they need to access the trees are illegal without a permit. The Basin is the greatest asset that kids who live in the area have. The School Board is only making about $148 per acre ($98,000 total for the timber) and it has to pay $9,800 to the timber company, which means they are only making $88,200--barely enough to cover the salaries for two teachers for a year. Click Here for video of School-Board-owned cypress swamp slated for cutting.
Contact Information: St.Martin Parish School Board Members District I Steve Fuselier 1059 Sonny Drive St. Martinville, LA 70582 District II Wanda Babin 314 Elmer St. St. Martinville, LA 70582 337-394-8450 District III Aaron Flegeance 2532 Catahoula Hwy. St. Martinville, LA 70582 337-394-9296 District IV James Blanchard 1213 South Main Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 337-332-3992 337-278-6804 district4@stmartin.k12.la.us District V Russel C. Foti 1005 Judy Street St. martinville, LA 70582 337-342-2993 district@stmartin.k12.la.us	District VI Robert E. Hollier P.O. Box 896 Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 337-442-6148 District VII Richard Potier 201 Leonard Street Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 337-332-5477 District VIII Frederic Stelly, Jr. 1100 Carrier Rd. Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 337-434-6199 337-962-7921 District IX Floyd Knott 1094 Bushville Hwy. Arnaudville, LA 70512 337-754-9980 district9@stmartin.k12.la.us District X Mark Hebert P.O. Box 10 Cecilia, LA 70521 337-667-7161