Public assistance needed to secure purchase

The public is encouraged to contact state officials immediately as there is the potential Kitterlin Creek Bay could once again become public property should the State of Louisiana decide to purchase it.

The news broke last week that work is being done behind the scenes to have the state purchase the approximately 4,000 acres in south LaSalle Parish known for its fishing and hunting paradise.

Kitterlin Creek Bay and all of its lakes, properties and infrastructure, is set to be auctioned to the highest bidder on August 28 by Bonnette Auctions of Alexandria, but information has been received that if the state could present an acceptable offer, the property would be pulled from the scheduled auction.

“This could be a huge turning point for LaSalle, Grant and Rapides parishes if the state is able to secure funding to purchase the property and make it into a state park,” District 22 State Representative Gabe Firment said. “It’s going to take millions of dollars to secure the purchase, but I believe the economic benefits the state would receive would be worth the investment.”

Although a minimum bid is not listed on the Bonnette website, several sources indicate it could cost the state anywhere from $10-12-million. The caveat is the state is limited to only paying fair market appraisal value for any property, which might have that figure lower.

The property is currently owned by the estate of Homer E. Gahn Jr. and has been managed for several years by Kitterlin Creek, LLC, which privatized the area and admittance was only gained by private memberships – memberships that cost thousands of dollars.

For many in LaSalle Parish, memories abound of growing up fishing and hunting in the Kitterlin Creek Bay area. The thought of having the area opened to the public once again, even by way of a state park, is extremely welcoming.

According to Bonnette’s website promoting the sale of the property, Kitterlin Creek Bay is one of the finest fishing, hunting and camping areas in the entire state: “This fine property is primarily encompassed of timberlands, lakes, and creek bottoms with great recreational fishing and hunting for ducks, deer, turkey, and squirrel. Fishing in Kitterlin Bay is outstanding and complimented by three other lakes on the property. There is also 12 miles of river frontage on Little River with great fishing and a good natural boundary. Little River is noted as a ‘Louisiana Scenic River.’ Kitterlin Bay is studded with large cypress trees. The woodlands with their large oak landscapes have numerous trails and roads throughout the property as well as good road access to most areas. There are private boat ramps to Little River and Kitterlin Bay. 2,973± acres of the property are enrolled in a conservation easement. This protects the natural scenic and aesthetic value of the property that it will remain in its natural state. There is approximately 1,000± acres in lakes, consisting of Kitterlin Bay, Lehman & Walker Lake, and Fools River Lake,” the website proclaims.

A listing of property improvements at the location include: 5,000 sq. ft. shop with office and living quarters.

1 manufactured home and one wood frame cottage.

45 R.V. park long term spaces with separate electric meters.

24 manufactured home park spaces for full memberships.

25± acre nursery area. 4± acre nursery area. Excellent internal road system for access throughout the property Pumps, hunting blinds, culverts, gates and boat ramps.

45 deer stands, 39 feeders, food plots and also 11 duck blinds.

902 Osage Trail – Built in 2016, 2,498± sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 ½ bath custom brick lodge home on the water of Kitterlin Bay.

Local Delegation Support

LaSalle Parish’s State Legislative Delegation is supporting the potential state-buyout of the property, noting several advantages having the area open to the public once again in the form of a state park.

“I am in full support of the possibility of it becoming a state-owned property,” stated District 32 Senator Glen Womack. “I feel this would be a missed opportunity for our region from an economic standpoint, however it takes funds and time to make it happen. We have started the conversation with the realtor and state departments.”

Womack, who chairs powerful Senate Finance Committee, said the first meeting with Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) is set for August 8, to discuss various monetary combinations from the state funds to purchase the property.

District 20 Representative Neil Riser, who sits on the House Commerce Natural Resources and Environment Committee, is also in support of the purchase, but notes with the Legislature not in session and the short time line, it be a monumental task to pull it off.

“And that is the real problem – finding the money to make the deal,” Riser said. “If we were going into session or in the middle of a session it would be much easier. But we’re not, so with this short notice, it will be tough, but not impossible.”

Firment noted that it will likely take a combination of funds from various state agencies to acquire the millions of dollars needed for the purchase.

“It’s going to take money from the LDWF, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office (tourism/state parks), other state agencies that would benefit from the acquisition, and certainly the backing of Governor (Jeff) Landry to make this work,” he said.

Riser stated that he has spoken directly with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Lt. Gov. is very hopeful the purchase can be made.

“He is in favor of it but he also knows the state will have to come up with a lot of money in a short time,” Riser said. “But if we can get the money and have this deal go through, there is not a doubt in my mind that the Lt. Gov. and his staff will do an excellent job of managing this area as another premier state park. He has already demonstrated how well he can do it with our other state parks.”

For Firment, getting the Kitterlin Creek Bay property is rare opportunity for the state that needs to be a high priority for state officials.

“I am 100% in support of the State of Louisiana pursuing the acquisition of the Kitterlin Creek property as I believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore public access to a true Louisiana treasure – an authentic Sportsman’s Paradise with deep roots in the culture and traditions of LaSalle Parish,” he said. “I stand with the citizens of LaSalle Parish who value this land not only for its recreational and ecological significance, but also for the positive economic impact it will have on our local communities. That being said, I also believe that any state-funded purchase must be based on a proper and transparent valuation of the property based on an objective fair market appraisal to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I look forward to working with my colleagues and state agencies to make this project a reality.”

Public Input Needed

As LaSalle’s delegation goes to work in Baton Rouge to secure other support from state officials in obtaining the financing needed for the purchase, they noted public input is desperately needed.

“We need everyone to contact their public officials to voice their support of the state acquiring this property,” Firment continued. “We need calls, texts and emails from everyone. As your legislators, we need it to show others the support this project has – and for the other state officials, they need to see just how many people in the state are for this project. I can’t express how vitally important it is for the public to take the time to call, text or email.”

(A list of contact information is available above.) All three of LaSalle’s elected officials realize what a tremendous impact transforming Kitterlin Creek Bay into a state park would have.

“This would totally transform tourism for La-Salle Parish and have an economic impact that we can’t imagine for that entire region,” Riser noted. “We’re talking about an increase of thousands of people coming into the parish each year and while they’re there, they will shop at stores, eat at restaurants, buy gas and supplies and so much more. The transformation of LaSalle and surrounding parishes would be astounding.”