Bayou Vermilion District
Bayou Vermilion District’s purpose is to improve the water quality and the aesthetics of the Bayou Vermilion within the Parish of Lafayette in an effort to promote the bayou as a recreational and cultural asset; to create and control a new type of viable economic development adjacent to Bayou Vermilion so as to provide a diversified economic base for the City and Parish of Lafayette; and to do any and all other acts which would enhance the general condition of the Bayou Vermilion.
Environmental
On the environmental side of our mission, the Bayou Vermilion District manages boat, canoe and kayak launches in addition to public parks along the river in an effort to promote recreation along the Vermilion. The Bayou Vermilion District also removes trash and large debris from the Vermilion in addition to working with local government to monitor the water quality and water height of the Vermilion. We also work with the school board to educate students in Lafayette Parish about our Watershed and their role in helping to maintain water quality in the Vermilion.
CULTURAL
On the cultural side of our mission, the Bayou Vermilion District opened the Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park as a way to preserve and represent the Acadian, Creole and Native American cultures in the Attakapas region from the time period 1765-1890. Since its opening in 1990, the historic village has become one of Lafayette’s premiere tourist attractions welcoming more than 50,000 visitors each year from around the world. Vermilionville sits on a beautiful tree-covered 23-acre site on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion in the heart of Lafayette, providing a place for history, music, food, cultural exchange, historic architecture and much more.
THE BAYOU VERMILION DISTRICT
invites you to share in the beautiful, natural, and cultural resources we have to share.
The Bayou Vermilion District operates and maintains four Canoe and Kayak launches in Lafayette that will be part of the Lafayette Parish Paddle Trail. The Paddle Trail will connect other parish trails to Lafayette and surrounding areas.
The launches can accommodate two paddle vessels at a time and aid in an easy send-off or docking station.
OPERATIONS
The Bayou Vermilion District diligently works year-round to improve water quality in and around the Vermilion River.
EDUCATION
Bayou Vermilion District invites you discover its education opportunities such as field trips or demonstration projects.
RECREATION
Bayou Vermilion District offers recreational outlets such as fishing, boat launches, and canoe and paddling trails.
COMMISSION
The Bayou Vermilion District Board of Commissioners is made up of nine individual volunteers