The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recently completed a boating access project on the Ben Lilly Conservation Area, upgrading the existing launch to improve accessibility for kayak and small boat users. 
 
Area improvements included upgrading the existing launch to a concrete boat ramp and construction of an access road and parking area. 
 
Kayaking enthusiasts have long launched their kayaks in the world’s longest bayou, Bayou Bartholomew, and these improvements will both enhance their experience and allow safe, accessible entry into the water,” explained LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “Maintaining and developing recreational boating and fishing access opportunities has been a top priority of our department.”
 
The new ramp is now available for public use during Chemin-A-Haut State Park’s standard operating hours. 
 
The Ben Lilly Conservation Area is a 247-tract on Bayou Bartholomew in Morehouse Parish. The acreage contains a variety of habitats including mature bottomland hardwoods and approximately three miles of frontage along Bayou Bartholomew, which contains the highest fish and mussel diversity in the state.