City of West Monroe

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I do not have all my money to pay my fine?

    You need to appear in court and upon entering a plea of guilty or being found guilty at a trial, you should request o the Court additional time to pay your fine.

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  • Do I need an attorney?

    That is a decision that you alone must make. Everyone is entitled to hire their own attorney. In some cases, depending on the nature of the charge and whether or not you can afford an attorney, the Court will consider appointing an attorney to represent you. When you appear in court for your arraignment, if you want an attorney, you must ask for one at that time.

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  • Do I have to pay court cost if I pay my fine before my court date?

    Yes. Court costs are due whether you appear in court or not. Costs of court are set by the Legislature and are set to defray operational costs and other expenses.

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  • Where can I pay my fine(s) if I do not want to go to court?

    You may pay your fine (between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) before your court date a the City Marshal’s office located in the City Court building at 2303 North 7th Street in West Monroe, Louisiana. You may call 318-396-6107 or 396-8192 for the fine amount and method of payment.

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  • How should I dress for court?

    Court attire should be modest and respectful. All persons should be modestly covered and must wear pants appropriate (no low-riders). Shorts, tank tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, or clothing with suggestive and/or obscene logos, etc., are inappropriate attire. Anyone wearing inappropriate attire will not be allowed in court. Other than women wearing pierced earrings, no one will be allowed in the courtroom with any body piercings showing, including nose piercings, eye-brow piercings, etc.

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  • I missed my court date, what do I do?

    Warrants are issued for the arrest of all persons who failed to appear in court. If you missed your court date you should immediately call the City Attorney’s office at (318) 396-2791. The City Attorney’s office will be able to explain to you whether you will be able to obtain a new court date, and whether you will be required to pay a fee or additional fine for missing your original court date.
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  • What if I’m going to be out of town or otherwise cannot be present on my court date?

    First understand that rescheduling a court date is only allowed in certain circumstances, as it affects the scheduling of a number of other matters.  If you wish to request that your court date be rescheduled, you must contact the City Attorney's office at (318) 396-2791 in advance of your court date.  You may be required to provide verification of your circumstances.  You should call as far in advance as possible, and it is more difficult to obtain a rescheduled court date if you call less than a week before that date.

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  • How much does it cost to watch events at The Ike?

    Almost all of the events are free to the public.

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  • Why did I get a sticker on my car?

    The city has ordinances against abandoned or nuisance vehicles. Your vehicle met the criteria.

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  • Why did I get a certified letter and not a phone call about code violations?

    Your property has a code violation. Ordinances require property owners to receive certain types of notification to obtain legal notice. A certified letter is the most common.

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  • Can I get more time to correct a code violation?

    If you need more time to correct your violation please call the Code Enforcement Hotline at (318) 323-2515 before the deadline date to work out a possible arrangement.

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  • Why has nothing been done since I reported a code violation?

    Either there wasn’t a code violation or the violation procedure is in progress. Feel free to call the Code Enforcement Hotline at (318) 323-2515 to check the status. Sometimes it may take up to 4 weeks just to mow a lot due to legal notification procedures.

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  • Are there restrictions on garage sales?

    You can not have a permanent garage sale. A garage sale is defined as the sale of personal or household items by a person or persons not licensed as a retailer operating lawfully. A permanent garage sale is defined as having a duration in excess of seventy-two (72) hours; having regularly scheduled hours of operation each day for more than three (3) days; or having regularly scheduled days of operation each week for more than two (2) weeks.

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  • What are the restrictions on temporary signs?

    It is illegal to place signs on trees, fences, sign columns, or building walls without prior permission of property owner. Any sign placed in or on public right of way shall be considered litter. This includes utility poles and street signs.

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  • When are permits required?

    Any type of construction including the construction of a storage shed or fence requires a permit. You must also get a permit if you want to demolish any structure. If there is a question regarding a permit, contact the Building and Zoning Department at (318) 396-2600.

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  • Why do I have to board up a house I own?

    The City of West Monroe requires all structures to be secured, which includes locking windows, doors, and other means of egress. If locking the doors or windows can not be done, you will be required to board up the structure in accordance with city ordinances.

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  • Why do I have to mow an empty lot?

    Not only is tall grass an eye sore, but it is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

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  • Who complained about my property?

    Chances are no one. Although, the Code Enforcement Office does act on all complaints; most violations are discovered through routine patrol.

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  • What do I do if there is an emergency?

    Call the West Monroe Police Department at (318) 396-2722 or dial 911.

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  • Why can’t I have a couch on my porch?

    Furniture intended for indoor use placed outside of your house is considered junk and debris. Humidity can cause mildew inside of the furniture, which is a health hazard.

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  • Why can’t I work on my vehicle in my yard?

    It is illegal to work on your vehicle if it is perceptible from beyond your property, which means it can’t be seen from the street or your neighbor’s property.

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  • Why can’t I place tires in my yard?

    Tires that are not on a vehicle are considered junk and debris. Tires must be kept in an enclosed shelter. It can not be visible from beyond your property.

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  • Can I put my vehicle for sale in a parking lot?

    In order to sale your vehicle on property that is not yours, you must have permission from the property owner, otherwise it will be considered as an abandon vehicle.

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  • Are there any items that the city trash service will not pick up?

    For questions regarding trash intended for pick up by the city, please call the City Complex at (318) 325-0496.
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  • How do I find out what is going on at The Ike?

    Our website calendar is a good place to find out about scheduled events. The event hotline (318) 325-9160 ext 510 also has event details.

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  • What kind of events does The Ike have?

    The Ike has a variety of events throughout the year. Horse shows, cow shows, goat shows, livestock sales, rodeos, bull riding, monster truck shows and beginning in 2008 the Ag expo.

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  • Is the seating at The Ike handicap accessible?

    The Ike is handicap accessible. There is an elevator to the second floor seating and designated handicap seating. There are ramps to the first level of seating.

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  • Are there concessions available at The Ike?

    There are concessions available for most of the events.

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  • Is there a charge for parking at The Ike?

    There is never a charge for public parking during events.

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  • Can I make a reservation for an RV space at The Ike?

    We have over 175 RV spaces therefore we do not take reservations for RV spaces.

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  • How much does an RV space at The Ike cost?

    An RV space is $15 per night.
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  • Do the RV spots at The Ike have a dump station or sewer?

    All RV spaces have water, electric and sewer.

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  • Are there showers available at The Ike?

    There are showers and dressing rooms available.

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  • How close is the RV area to the horse stalls at The Ike?

    An RV area is located immediately behind the horse barn.

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  • Can I rent an RV spot if I am not part of an event at The Ike?

    The RV spots are for the convenience of our participants and are not rented out unless there is an event.

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  • Can we plan to evacuate to The Ike RV area in case of another hurricane?

    The City of West Monroe was pleased to offer assistance during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In another similar disaster we would again jump to assist our southern neighbors. However, The Ike is not a designated evacuation center so each emergency must be individually evaluated.

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  • How big are the horse stalls at The Ike?

    Horse stalls are 10 x 10

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  • Do the stalls at The Ike have dirt floors?

    No, all stalls have an asphalt floor.

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  • Can I bring my own shavings to The Ike?

    No, shavings must be purchased from The Ike.

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  • Can I make reservations for the horse stalls at The Ike?

    The Ike staff does not usually take stall reservations unless special arrangements have been made with the show’s promoter.

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  • How many stalls does The Ike have?

    The Ike has 510 permanent stalls and additional covered space for temporary stalls.

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  • Do the stalls at The Ike have electricity?

    Yes.

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  • How much are the stalls at The Ike per night?

    The promoter establishes the cost of the stalls for his/her event.

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  • Must I stall my horse at The Ike?

    Absolutely! The Ike does not permit horses to be tied.

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  • Are there wash racks at The Ike?

    Yes, there are two sets of wash racks. Both sets have numerous wash areas.

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  • Is there a separate cow barn at The Ike?

    Yes, in 2006 a separate cow barn was added. It is attached to the horse barn.

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  • How many cow ties does The Ike have?

    The Ike has approx. 200 permanent tie outs and additional covered space for temporary stalls.

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  • Does the cow barn at The Ike have electricity?

    Yes.

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  • Who do I talk to about booking an event at The Ike?

    Manager Ramona Martin handles all bookings. She may be reached at (318) 325-9160 ext 2.

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  • How much does The Ike rent for?

    The daily rental fee varies depending on the time of year, the number of stalls or ties being rented, the length of the show, etc.

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  • How far in advance do I need to book an event at The Ike?

    Most of our events are booked two years in advance.

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  • Is there concrete under the dirt floor at The Ike?

    No, the dirt can be compacted if requested but there is no concrete underneath. At this time there is no additional floor covering provided.

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  • Do you rent The Ike out for family reunions, weddings, or meetings?

    Although The Ike is occasionally rented for non livestock events, it is not appropriate for weddings and similar events. We recommend you contact the West Monroe Convention Center for those types of events. The number for the Convention Center is (318) 396-5000.

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  • If we book The Ike can we sell concessions and have booths at our event?

    The City of West Monroe retains all rights to concessions. No vendor or promoter many sell or give away concession type food. A promoter may have vendor spaces. Fees for vendor spaces are in the contract.

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  • Can we have a meal catered at The Ike for our participants?

    Yes, we recommend that you use our chef to cater your event. However, you are free to choose another caterer if you wish. All catering must be approved by The Ike staff prior to an event.

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  • How do I report a code violation?

    Call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 318-323-2515 or by e-mail at codeenforcement@westmonroe.com

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  • What should I do if I need further information about HUD programs?

    The HUD website at HUD.gov provides information about all programs available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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  • When are applications taken by West Monroe Section 8 Housing?

    West Monroe Section 8 Housing opens and closes the application period based on funding. This information is published in the Ouachita Citizen prior to the open application period.  Historically, applications have been taken once a year in December, but this can vary.  Emergency applications are taken for those who are elderly, handicapped or disabled, homeless, living in substandard conditions, or paying more than 50% of their income for rent and utilities at any time.
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  • Does West Monroe have publically owned housing?

    West Monroe provides Section 8 rental assistance only. All publically owned housing projects/units are located in Monroe and are administered by Monroe Housing Authority.
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  • What jurisdiction does West Monroe Section 8 cover?

    West Monroe Section 8 Housing provides housing assistance for residents of the city limits of West Monroe only. Monroe Housing Authority covers the city limits of Monroe, and Ouachita Parish Housing Authority covers Ouachita Parish outside of the city limits of Monroe and West Monroe.
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  • Can I expect any other cost with the Farmer's Market?

    Yes: $5 per table per day with a max of 5 tables, $1 per for scale rental, $3 per bushel of peas and beans shelled, and cooler rent which can vary due to energy cost.

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  • Can I expect different products depending on the season at the Farmer's Market?

    Yes: a person can expected to find the following

    Early Season Crops March-May
    • Bedding Plants
    • Ferns
    • Hanging basket
    • Louisiana Strawberries
    • Greens
    Summer's Bounty June-August
    • Corn
    • Tomatoes
    • Potatoes
    • Cantaloupes
    • Squash
    • Green Beans
    • Peas
    • Peppers
    • Butter Beans
    • garlic
    • Onions
    • Watermelons
    • Okra
    • Cucumbers
    • Eggplants
    • Cabbage
    • Blackberries
    • Peaches
    • Blueberries
    • Plums
    • Muscadines
    Fall Harvest September-October
    • Greens
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Pumpkins
    • Sugar Cane
    • Decorative Corn & Gourds
    • Hay Bales
    • Tomatoes
    • Peas
    Holiday Seasons
    • La Navel Oranges & Satsumas
    • Grapefruit
    • Pecans
    • Peanuts
    • Christmas trees
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  • Are there any custom services offered to the public by the Farmer's Market?

    The market shells peas and butter beans during the season and cracks pecans during the fall and winter.

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  • How do I become a Farmer's Market member of the market and is there a cost for membership?

    To become a member of the market a person must submit an application for membership and apply for an occupation License. The cost of membership is $50. This fee covers the cost of your occupational license, if for some chance your application is declined your membership fee will be returned and your license canceled. This occupational license is only valid for the market and can not be used anywhere else in the city.

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  • Where do I go fill out an application for membership to the Farmer's Market?

    There is a link on this web site or you can come by 1700 North 7th street.

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  • What day does my garbage get picked up?

    A list of garbage pickup days can be downloaded by clicking here.

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  • What is the monthly charge for residential water?

    For residential water there is a $2.50 water minimum charge, which includes 0 to 999 gallons of water. Everyone pays this amount. $1.45 is charged for each thousand gallons after the minimum. We measure in thousand of gallons.

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  • What is the amount of a residential water deposit?

    The amount of the deposit for a residential account is $25.00. This fee includes all water services.

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  • What is the residential sewage charge?

    $3.00 is the flat rate for sewage.

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  • What is the garbage charge?

    $12.50 is the garbage collection fee for one can. There is an additional charge of $9.60 for a second can. Two cans is the maximum.

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  • What is the treatment plant charge?

    The amount charged for treatment plant is $1.20 per thousand gallons. This charge is dependant on the amount of water you use.

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  • What is the amount of a commercial water deposit?

    The amount for a commercial deposit is $50.00

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  • What is the monthly charge for commercial water?

    For commercial water there is a flat rate of $5.00 to $15.00 depending on the meter size. This includes 0 to 999 gallons of water. Everyone pays this charge. Commercial charges are reflective of water usage excluding the garbage fee. $1.52 is charged for each thousand gallons after the minimum. We measure in thousand of gallons.

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  • What is the charge for commercial sewage?

    There is a flat rate of $2.50 for sewerage collection which includes up to 10,000 gallons of usage. Thereafter the fee is .45 per thousand depending on water usage.

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  • What is the commercial treatment plant charge?

    The treatment plant charge is $1.20 per thousand gallons.

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  • What is the garbage charge for commercial accounts?

    There is a $15.10 fee for garbage collection per can. For dumpster fees the charge can vary from $69.00 to several hundred dollars depending on the size of the container and the number of times that garbage is picked up each week.

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  • How soon will water be turned on after I pay my deposit?

    A day's notice is usually enough time. Depending on the time of day that the deposit is paid we can sometimes have service turned on the same day.

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  • My mailing address has changed, how do I notify your office?

    Any changes to your property taxes should be reported to the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office. They are located at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse (300 St. John Street, Monroe, LA 318-327-1300). This information must be changed at their office and they will notify us!

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  • I have closed my business located in the city limits of West Monroe or any inventory that was previously reported has changed, whom do I notify of these changes?

    Any changes to your tax notice should be reported to the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office. They are located at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse (300 St. John Street, Monroe, LA 318-327-1300). This information must be changed at their office and they must notify us!

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  • Where do I pay my property taxes?

    Taxes can be paid at the water counter on the first floor of West Monroe City Hall or mailed to the address on the notices.

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  • My mortgage company pays my property taxes, will you send them a copy of the property tax notice?

    A copy of your property tax notice will be sent to your mortgage company if your mortgage company requests a copy of the notice from our office. We do not keep your mortgage company information on file. If a copy of your property tax notice is sent to your mortgage company, you will receive a copy of the tax notice with a stamp indicating that the notice was sent to your mortgage company.

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  • I sold my home during the year but I am still receiving a tax notice, what should I do?

    Take any paperwork that you have from the sale and call or go to the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office. They will process any changes and notify our office to change the name and mailing address of the homeowner. This information must be changed at their office and they must notify us!

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  • I did not receive my tax notices but my property is now going to tax sale or has already been sold at tax sale. Can you sale my property without notifying me?

    Property taxes are mailed and are are due every December. If you do not receive your notice during this time, call our office to get the information. Three notices and a certified notice along with printing the delinquent property tax owners in the legal section of the Ouachita Citizen four times will occur before your property is sold for non-payment of property taxes.

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  • My property is sold at tax sale, what do I do to redeem my property?

    Contact our office to receive the amount that you are now required to pay to put your taxes back into your name. If your taxes are sold at tax sale, you will have to pay the original tax amount along with any interest and costs associated with the sale and redemption of the taxes. You have three years from the date of sale to pay the redemption figure but each month the taxes are not redeemed, the cost increases.

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  • What kinds of wetlands exist?

    "Wetlands" is a general term for a large variety of terrain types including freshwater marshes, bogs, fens, ponds, prairie potholes, swamp forests, shrub swamps, vernal pools, and wet meadows. The precise definitions can vary from one source to another; the following definitions are based primarily on those published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Water, and supplemented by other sources.

    Bogs

    Bogs are characterized by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters, and a floor covered by a thick carpet of sphagnum moss. Precipitation is the primary—or even sole—source of water, resulting in scant nutrients for plant growth. Bogs usually form either when sphagnum moss fills a lake or pond or when sphagnum moss blankets dry land and prevents water from leaving the surface. A thick layer of acidic peat deposits builds up over time. Bogs serve an important ecological function in preventing downstream flooding by absorbing precipitation.

    There are two subtypes of bogs—northern bogs and pocosins.

    Northern bogs are generally associated with low temperatures and short growing seasons where ample precipitation and high humidity cause excessive moisture to accumulate. Northern bogs often form in old glacial lakes. They may have either considerable amounts of open water surrounded by floating vegetation or vegetation may have completely filled the lake (terrestrialization). The sphagnum peats of northern bogs cause especially acidic waters, so the ecosystem has very specialized and unique flora and fauna called acidophiles that can grow in these conditions. In addition to the characteristic sphagnum moss, bogs support a number of species such as cotton grass, cranberry, blueberry, pine, Labrador tea, and tamarack. Moose, deer, and lynx are a few of the animals that can be found in northern bogs. The greater sandhill crane, the sora rail, and the great gray owl depend on bogs for survival.

    The word pocosin comes from the Algonquin Native American word for "swamp on a hill". Pocosins range in size from less than an acre to several thousand acres. Pocosins are found in broad, flat, upland areas far from large streams, and rain provides most of their water. There is normally no standing water, but a shallow water table leaves the nutrient-poor, acidic soil saturated for much of the year. The soil is a mixture of peat and sand containing large amounts of charcoal from periodic burnings. These natural fires occur because pocosins periodically become very dry in the spring or summer. The fires are ecologically important because they increase the diversity of shrub types in pocosins. The most common plants are evergreen trees (loblolly bay, red bay, and sweet bay), and evergreen shrubs (titi, fetterbush, and zenobia).

    Habitat is the most valuable function of pocosins, sheltering plants and animals, including endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker. Some pocosins are very large and difficult to develop, so they remain largely undisturbed. As a result, they are a haven for species adapted to living in unaltered forests. The slow movement of water through the dense organic matter in pocosins removes excess nutrients deposited by rainwater. The same organic matter also acidifies the water. This very pure water is slowly released to estuaries, where it helps to maintain the proper salinity, nutrients, and acidity, which helps to maintain healthy fish populations.

    Fens

    Fens are peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients from sources other than precipitation, such as groundwater movement and run-off. Fens differ from bogs because they are less acidic and have higher nutrient levels, thus supporting a more diverse plant and animal community. These systems are often covered by grasses, sedges, rushes, and wildflowers. Some fens are characterized by parallel ridges of vegetation separated by less productive hollows. The ridges of these patterned fens form perpendicular to the downslope direction of water movement. In some cases, peat may build up and separate the fen from its groundwater supply, changing the fen into a bog.

    Fens are most frequently found in the northern hemisphere. They are generally associated with low temperatures and short growing seasons, where ample precipitation and high humidity cause excessive moisture to accumulate. Fens prevent or reduce the risk of floods, improve water quality, and provide habitat for unique plant and animal communities. Up to 10,000 years are required to form a fen naturally.

    Marshes

    Marshes are frequently or continually inundated with water and characterized by emergent soft-stemmed vegetation adapted to saturated soil conditions. There are many different kinds of marshes, ranging from the prairie potholes to the Everglades, coastal to inland, freshwater to saltwater. All types receive most of their water from surface water, but many marshes are also fed by groundwater. Nutrients are plentiful and the pH is usually neutral leading to an abundance of plant and animal life.

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency frequently divides marshes into tidal and non-tidal categories.

    Non-tidal marshes are the most prevalent and widely distributed wetlands in North America. They are mostly freshwater marshes, although some are brackish or alkaline. They frequently occur along streams in poorly drained depressions, and in the shallow water along the boundaries of lakes, ponds, and rivers. Water levels in these wetlands generally vary from a few inches to two or three feet, and some marshes, like prairie potholes, may periodically dry out completely. Non-tidal marshes mitigate flood damage and filter excess nutrients from surface runoff. Prairie potholes, playa lakes, vernal pools, and wet meadows are all examples of non-tidal marshes.

    A non-tidal marsh can be recognized by its characteristic soils, vegetation, and wildlife. Highly organic, mineral rich soils of sand, silt, and clay underlie these wetlands. Due to their high levels of nutrients, freshwater marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth, with a disproportionally large diversity of life. They sustain a vast array of plant communities that in turn support a wide variety of wildlife within this vital wetland ecosystem. Lily pads, cattails, reeds, and bulrushes provide excellent habitat for waterfowl and other small mammals, such as red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons, otters, and muskrats.

    Tidal marshes can be found along protected coastlines in middle and high latitudes worldwide. Some are freshwater marshes, others are brackish (somewhat salty), and still others are saline (salty), but they are all influenced by the motion of ocean tides. Tidal marshes are normally categorized into two distinct zones, the lower or intertidal marsh and the upper or high marsh. In saline tidal marshes, the lower marsh is normally covered and exposed daily by the tide. It is predominantly covered by the tall form of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). The saline marsh is covered by water only sporadically, and is characterized by short smooth cordgrass, spike grass, and black grass (Juncus gerardii). Saline marshes support a highly specialized set of life adapted for saline conditions. Brackish and freshwater tidal marshes are also associated with specific plants and animals, but they tend to have a greater variety of plant life than saline marshes.

    Tidal marshes serve many important functions. They buffer stormy seas, slow shoreline erosion, and are able to absorb excess nutrients before they reach the oceans and estuaries. (High concentrations of nutrients can cause oxygen levels low enough to harm wildlife, such as the "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico.) Tidal marshes also provide vital food and habitat for clams, crabs, and juvenile fish, as well as offering shelter and nesting sites for several species of migratory waterfowl.

    Swamps

    A swamp is any wetland dominated by woody plants. Swamps are characterized by saturated soils during the growing season, and standing water during certain times of the year. Swamps serve vital roles in flood protection and nutrient removal. The highly organic soils of swamps form a thick, black, nutrient-rich environment for the growth of water-tolerant trees. Floodplain forests are especially high in productivity and species diversity because of the rich deposits of alluvial soil from floods. Plants, birds, fish, and invertebrates such as freshwater shrimp, crayfish, and clams require the habitats provided by swamps. Many rare species, such as the endangered American crocodile depend on these ecosystems as well. Many upland creatures depend on the abundance of food found in the lowland swamps, and valuable timber can be sustainably harvested to provide building materials for people.

    Swamps may be divided into two major classes according to vegetation: shrub swamps and forested swamps. Forested swamps and shrub swamps are often found adjacent to one another.

    Forested swamps (or swamp forests) are often inundated with floodwater from nearby rivers and streams. They are occasionally covered by very slowly moving or standing water. In very dry years they may represent the only shallow water for miles. Their presence is critical to the survival of wetland-dependent species like wood ducks (Aix sponsa), river otters (Lutra canadensis), and cottonmouth snakes (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Some of the common species of trees found in these wetlands are red maple (Acer rubrum) and pin oak (Quercus palustris) in the northern United States, overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) and cypress (Taxodium spp.) in the South, willows (Salix spp.) and western hemlock (Tsuga sp.) in the Northwest, Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), and tupelo (Nyssa aquatica). Bottomland hardwood swamp is a name commonly given to forested swamps along the sluggish rivers in the southeast and south central United States.

    Shrub swamps are dominated by shrubby vegetation such as buttonbush, willow, dogwood (Cornus sp.), smooth alder, and swamp rose (Rosa palustris). The soil is often water-logged for much of the year, and covered at times by as much as a few feet of water because this type of swamp is found along slow moving streams and in floodplains. Mangrove swamps are a type of shrub swamp dominated by mangroves.

    Our 70.11 acre (283,735 square meter) wetlands park is a forested swamp, but lacks sufficient large and dense trees to qualify for the "bottomland hardwood swamp" subset. Although most swamps are found in coastal regions and along inland rivers and streams, Restoration Park is an example of a swamp that forms in inland depressions.

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  • The gate to the parking lot is closed. How do I visit the Visitor's Center?

    The Visitor's Center at Restoration Park is currently opened only on a reservations-only basis. Contact Sandra Bourgeois by phone at 318-396-4016 to arrange for a visit.

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  • What are wetlands?

    As the name suggests, wetlands are lands where the soil becomes saturated with water or covered with water for at least part of the year. Wetlands may be fed by runoff, rivers and streams, rainfall and other forms of precipitation, seepage from groundwater, or a combination of all of these sources. Some types of wetlands normally have standing water in them. Other types are flooded daily or seasonally, and may appear to be dry land at certain times of the year.

    The water table is at or near the surface of a wetland, and the soils are hydric (wet and low in oxygen). Hydric soils have distinctive color, texture and, sometimes, odor. The presence of hydric soil means an area was a wetland at some time in its history although it does not guarantee that the area is currently a wetland.

    Most resident plants are known as hydrophytes (plant species adapted to life in water or in saturated soils).

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  • Why Preserve Wetlands?

    Contrary to the misguided myth that wetlands are worthless, wetlands have a important role to play in nature and civilization.

    Wetlands reduce pollution. Wetlands act like a sponge to filter and absorb pollutants such as sediment, pesticides, herbicides, factory wastes, and heavy metals. Water-quality sensors placed at strategic locations in our wetlands park monitor its ability to process nonpoint source pollution.

    Wetlands help control flooding. Wetlands regulate water flow, holding it in place so that the so that the land has time to absorb the water. Our wetlands park detains storm water to prevent local businesses and residences from being flooded.

    Wetlands are home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. More than one-third of the endangered and threatened species in the United States need wetlands to survive. Our wetlands park has had only a single species survey so far (focusing on plant species). While we hope to make additional surveys in the future, you can see the results of our initial plant survey in the Flora section of our web site.

    Wetlands in general provide many other benefits. The abundance of wildlife makes makes fishing, hunting, fur harvesting, and even photography commercially viable. The dense vegetation prevents erosion of lake shores, river sides, and coastal shorelines. Wetlands absorb excess nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous) thereby preventing algal blooms from exhausting the oxygen needed by fish and other aquatic life.

    Our wetlands park provides educational and research opportunities to the neighboring communities. Over 35,000 school-age students are within 20 minutes' travel time, and an additional 35,000 students are within 90 minutes of the site. It is located within 25 miles (40.233 kilometers) of two universities (The University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana Tech University) which have combined enrollments exceeding 22,000 students.

    Although preparations for recreational and leisure use are not a priority at present, a crushed-stone walking trail has already been built. Since the wetlands park is surrounded by a rapidly-developing commercial park, restaurants and other merchants are readily accessible.

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  • What is the difference between natural wetlands and artificial wetlands?

    The distinction between natural and artificial wetlands is important. Artificially-created wetlands are normally unable to function at the levels of biological and hydrologic complexity of their natural models. They frequently feature very limited varieties of plants and animals, rendering them extremely vulnerable to diseases and other such disturbances. Natural wetlands are characterized by the diverse plethora of plant and animal species, which allow them to ignore many disturbances that would devastate artificial wetlands.

    Restoration Park is considered to be a natural wetland, where humans had no part in the transformation from gravel pit to wetlands. Man-made alterations were made only after it was recognized as a wetlands site. Furthermore, the alterations made were carefully planned not to harm the wetland and/or to accelerate its evolution into a mature wetland site.

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  • What makes Restoration Park special?

    Restoration Park is surrounded by a commercial park on three sides, and an interstate highway on the remaining side. To find a wetland that is located within an urban setting—especially a natural wetland in an urban environment—is a very rare occurance.

    The many purposes of Restoration Park is another distinction. This has garnered the attention and support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies. Few (if any) wetlands can match the diversity of roles that the wetland park performs for the local community.

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