Lake Martin
A friend emailed me about a Facebook post concerning the status of Lake Martin. While I haven't yet been able to validate the information, it does sound credible.
I've included a slide show of some images taken at Lake Martin above this post.
First a bit of history, Lake Martin was expanded from a smaller lake in 1950 with a levy to trap water and with water control systems to manage water levels. An agreement was between the State of Louisiana and the landowners compensating them for the loss of land and ensuring access to the Lake along the 3-mile long Rookery Road.
Several years ago, a local tour operator constructed a store along the lakefront and then progressively roped off adjoining areas with no trespassing signs in violation of the agreement with the state.
Image taken at the current location of the store at Lake Martin
Recently the state did not renew their contract with the landowners, leaving in question access to the Lake along Rookery Road and use of the boat launch. Additionally, the state is no longer responsible for maintenance. I've heard claims and counterclaims concerning the ownership, which I'm not able to confirm one way or the other, so all of this is open to interpretation.
Now there is a notice that Lake Martin will close for maintenance, and the Facebook post states the closure will be indefinite. The post says the reason is the landowners are concerned about liability, explaining the increasing number of no trespassing signs.
I suspect the action or threat of action is to provide leverage with the state to renew their agreement — also, leverage for removing the store from the lakefront.
Years ago, Lake Martin had an active Wading Bird Rookery accessible for photography from the road. It was one of the best places to photograph nesting Roseate Spoonbills. I've written about the failure of the Rookery here. Even without access to the Rookery, it is one of the best places for nature photography in the state. It is a go-to place for my photo tours with a great place to photograph sunsets. Over the past few years with the store and roped off areas, blocking access to some of the best photo locations, it has been increasingly challenging to produce good photographs.
Links to more information
Facebook Post Annoucing Closure
GoFundMe "Save Lake Martine" read the details for the history
I want to emphasize I have not verified the closure. I'm also unsure of the validity of the gofundme donation. However, watching things over the past several years, I'm concerned.
While I have alternative locations, none are as convenient to access. I am planning not to photograph at Lake Martin this season, focusing instead on visiting Cazon Lake, Laccasine and Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuges this spring. If anyone has more information concerning this, let me know and I will update the post.
Day in the Field
This past Sunday, I spent a morning photographing south of Houma. I was hoping to photograph pelicans at a bridge on Falgout Canal Road. In late winter the pelicans perch on the bridge structure and dive in the water for fish. I usually do this in March, and there are 10 or 12 pelicans, which allows me to practice my flight photography. Unfortunately, there was only one pelican, and he was sleeping. Moving on, I was able to get some shots of a Little Green Heron and a Great Blue Heron. I'll go again in the next several weeks, hoping to photograph the Pelicans.
Photo Tours
There are still openings for My Houma, Fall and Spring tours. Details found here.
Custom Photo Tours
I can also schedule custom photo tours; you can contact me for details and pricing.
Classes in New Orleans
I have two classes scheduled at the New Orleans School of Art and Craft. Classes are held in a refurbished Gym in the Bywater district, with dedicated classrooms in the back of the Store (Art Supplies and Pet Supplies). While I have a class outline I've devveloped for the classes over the years, I'm able to customize the classes for the needs of the students attending.
Basic Digital Photography A basic class on digital photography that covers exposure, making sharp images, camera settings, composition, and basic post-processing.
March 22nd
Photographing your Artwork A class for 2D and 3D visual artists to photograph their work for promotion and to apply to shows.
- May 24th
Consulting
I can provide help with your digital photography and post-processing. Topics that I can assist with include:
- Digital Photography
- Lightroom and Photoshop
- Digital Printing