Bayou Byline December '19...BAYOU BYLINE Calendar of Events Our monthly meetings are held at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112. Meetings

Bayou Chapter, Ozark Society Friday, December 13, 2019

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December31-Jan.1 Camp, Hike and Paddle at Bodcau Bayou –

Tom Merrill Recreation Area. Contact person is Tammy Jernigan at [email protected]

January10-11 Trail Maintenance and Camp at the OWL Center

in Dubach. Contact Wayne Kiefer

18 Hike at Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail. Contact Dee Jaye Teutsch

21 Monthly Meeting - Speakers: Kathy Kramer and Perry Hill speaking about their UK trip. They will cover the Lake District and Cotswolds Hikes.

25 Magazine Trail Hike at Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Karnack, Texas. Contact is John Fortune at [email protected]

31 Bonfire at Red River Marina. Hang out, roast hotdogs and have a bonfire. Show time at 5 or after. Bring a chair, food and a cooler. Contact Wayne Kiefer

February1 Orienteering/Hike at Eddie Jones Park. Contact for

Orienteering is Gary Hackman and contact for Monkey Trail Hike is Sandy Roerig.

15 Caney Lake Hike in Minden. Contact is Sandy Roerig

18 Monthly Meeting - Speaker TBA

29 Post Mardi Gras Duck Pond Cleanup - contact is Roy O’Neal

BAYOU BYLINE

Calendar of Events

Our monthly meetings are held at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday ofeach month. (except December) Programstarts at 6:30 pm. Business meeting follows.Plan to join us after the meeting forpizza and socializing.

December 2019

Kathy Kramer and Perry Hill will speak about their UK trip. They will cover the Lake District and Cotswolds Hikes.


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BCOS Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2019By: Gary Hackman

Wayne Kiefer called the meeting to order at the Red River Wildlife Refuge with 22 in attendance. Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s report: Dick Maxwell reported that we have a balance of $4,277.15 (more or less). There was a problem with some of the reporting this month that will be corrected for next month’s report. Membership dues are due in January. They can be sent to Dick or to the Ozark Society. Please fill out a membership form so he can make sure all the information is correct. Dick will send a roster by email.

Newsletter: No report from Marian Howard, but it was mentioned that there were a lot of good pictures in last month’s newsletter.

Publicity: Tom Goleman reported that the chapter had been involved with many good projects over the past year. He will give a full report when it is finished.

Conservation: Sandy Roerig reported on the Buffalo River Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit land trust. It works with Buffalo River land owners to preserve their land in perpetuity. It has a nine-member board that includes several environmental attorneys.

Old Business: Wayne Kiefer reported that the meeting with the audio system people did not go well. We have not received an estimate for the system changes. The Friends of the Red River Wildlife Refuge are holding our check. There was an Ozark Society meeting two weeks ago. The minutes are in the newsletter. Children’s PFD’s were in short supply at the Bodcau Hunting and Fishing Day. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Department has given us an extra 20 PFD’s for children and the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau has added another 7 child-size PFD’s. The tourist bureau is interested in outfitters to take tourists on local waterways.

Program: Jeff Sibley with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries presented information about access and paddling quality for our local waterways. To use wildlife management areas, you must have a hunting or fishing license or a WMA stamp. This helps with funding for these areas. You can also use the LDWF-WMA app on your phone to report use. He also discussed possible promotion of local streams to paddling or bird watching tourists.

Past events: We recently took part in the annual Red River Cleanup. Dick Maxwell asked about us giving our usual $250 donation for this year’s event. Sandy Roerig moved and Kathy Kramer seconded to donate $250 to the Red River Cleanup for 2019. The motion passed. Kathy Kramer reported that the Brady Mountain hike was nice. We plan to do the Ouachita Vista Trail piece by piece. Wayne Kiefer said that there were quite a few bald eagles along the trail.

New Business: Roy O’Neal reported that Bobbie and Vannie Edwards gave the chapter some climbing equipment, kayaks, and PFD’s. The climbing gear needs to be re-certified. Roy suggested giving the helmets, harnesses, and ropes to the OWL Center. He said that Vannie was OK with whatever we decided to do with the equipment. Tom Goleman moved to give the climbing equipment to the OWL Center. Kathy Kramer seconded the motion. After a discussion, the motion passed. Roy also brought up the need for new tubs for the PFD’s that would fit the trailer. Perry Hill volunteered to help Roy figure out how many tubs we need. Kathy Kramer moved that we give Roy the authority to spend up to $200 to get the number of tubs needed. The motion passed.

Upcoming events: Duck Pond cleanup/Blood drive will be Saturday morning at 8:30am. Breakfast at Strawn’s around 6:30 am. We need at least 4 boats for the cleanup.

Red River South Marina get together December 6 at 5:00 pm.

Christmas party December 8 at 5:00 pm at the Red River Wildlife Refuge. Sandy Roerig will need help setting up around 4:00 pm.

Planning meeting December 12 at 6:00 pm at Heroes Tavern on Airline north of I-220 near Johnny’s Pizza.

White Oak Lake State Park near Camden Arkansas on December 13.

New Year’s Eve at Bodcau.

Officer nominations are needed for next year. Sandy Roerig will lead a nominations committee and also look at the positions we have to see if they are still viable to have with our current membership.

Business cards are available.

We still have T-shirts available in assorted sizes. Contact Jenny Hackman if interested.

Meeting was adjourned to BeauxJax Crafthouse on Barksdale Blvd..


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Bistineau Paddle TrailBy: Tammy Jernigan

On December 3, I took a solo trip out to Lake Bistineau State Park to check on the availability of the Paddle Trail given the low water levels. Tracie and her staff had graciously cut a swath through the cockleburs so I could get to Clark's Bayou. Clark's Bayou is a secondary feeder into Lake Bistineau and runs very near the beach area in the State Park. It is a viable waterway even during the drawdown. I launched easily and was able to paddle to the Hwy. 163 bridge. I couldn't easily go past due to debris so I turned around. I followed the bayou past the state park and paddled along Clark's to the open water called Haymeadow. I was able to catch the end of the paddle trail and follow it south along the tree line past a duck blind, little island and big island to a second duck blind. These are good landmarks if anyone wants to paddle during the drawdown.

Clark's Bayou is safe enough even for a novice - just turn around when you get to the open water (park to bridge to open water and back to park is about 1 1/2 hour paddle if you're in no hurry). I was out there about 4 hours but I was doing a lot of piddling. It won't be long before I'll be back out to explore some more. I did see some tweaking that we need to do on the trail when the water comes up. I'm making notes each time I come out.

Lake Bistineau Paddle Trail

December 3, 2019


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Wayne’s Corner By: Wayne Kiefer

BCOS planning meeting for springtime 2020 went very well. Tammy Jernigan conducted the affair with 15 people attending. We had some new ideas and included the old traditional activities too. Please read over the list and see what you can attend. Pass it on to non-members and have them come join us. Many thanks to Heroes Tavern, who served excellent food and donated snack trays prior to the meal. Thank you to all that came out and shared ideas.

Congratulations to the 2020 Bayou Chapter Officers: Chairman - Wayne Kiefer, Vice Chairman - Tammy Jernigan. Secretary - Gary Hackman, and Treasurer - Dick Maxwell

Classy Ads and Other Important Stuff

If you have any equipment you want to sell or give away, get in touch with Roy O’Neal. 318-272-0259 or [email protected] or just bring it to the upcoming meeting.

Dry bags for sale: XL Green Seal Line Baja 55 HD bag barely used $15. Also XL Blue Seattle Sports Super Sack 34” L by 16” W for $10. Email Marian if interested [email protected]

Weekday Hikers

By: Becky Evans

Beginning Thursday November 21, BCOS formed a hiking group inspired by Tammy Jernigan’s hike suggestion before the 11/19 BCOS monthly meeting. Our goal is to hike weekly on Thursdays before dark excepting holidays. So, the start time is flexible with the time change. The day can be flexible based on the goal for that hike e.g. drive distance to the trail. The hikes will be cancelled for downpours, extreme weather and regular attendees’ agreement.

The fallback hiking trail will be Red River Wildlife Refuge, yet our hope is to become familiar with all trails in NW Louisiana and travel at least annually to trails out of state including the Trail Maintenance at Athens Fork.

We have been invited to join the Meet-Up hikers at Guadalupe Mountains National Park April 19-21, 2019 in Salt Flat TX to hike the highest point in Texas. This idea will be discussed at the planning meeting Thursday December 12…so more to come on that.

Barry Walker of Over the Hills Hikers and Aaron Gates of Shreveport Meet Up Weekday Hikers has also invited us to join any of their hikes which will be announced on Facebook and Yahoo Groups. Basically, all are welcome to our hikes, in hopes of gaining new members in BCOS along with getting more people interested in the great outdoors.

Before the first hike on a specific trail, Sara or Becky will verify if the trail needs cleanup so the hikers can do a Pop-Up Cleanup at the same time as the hike, assessing any greater need at that time and discuss with BCOS membership if a heavy cleanup (tires, etc.) would be appropriate by the group.

Please join us, invite family, friends and neighbors!

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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December “Special” Days

Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Steve Shipp’s Birthday Dec. 12 - Marian Howard’s Birthday Jack Land’s Birthday Kathe Miller’s birthday (Mrs. Dean Miller) Dec. 13 - Susan Harris’s Birthday Dec. 15 - Dean Miller’s Birthday (Mr. Kathe Miller) Dec. 20 - Mary Hale’s Birthday Dec. 22 - Winter Begins Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY Dec. 27 - Toni Spitale’s Birthday Dec. 29 - Michael Parks’ Birthday (Stephanie’s son)

A Fire With Friends

By: Wayne Kiefer

On the 6th of December, BCOS had a bonfire and hot dog roast at the Red River South Marina. It started early with a few people paddling the oxbow after launching on the boat ramp. The one hour paddle was great, almost no wind and only needing a long sleeve shirt. About 5:00 pm we began building the fire. Many brought wood and Sarah Coleman tended the blaze all evening. About 25 people came to enjoy the food and visit. Dogs of all kinds were served and home made marshmallows were toasted. Becky Evans contributed those tasty treats. A few guests came by also. One highlight was certainly the sunset. Mother nature always produces some fine colors at dusk. Thanks for all those who came out and thanks to all who brought so much to share. You're a great bunch of people. Sorry if you missed it!


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BCOS Christmas 2019(and December meeting minutes)

By: Sandy Roerig

Once again, Santa’s elves arrived at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge to help set up for the Bayou Chapter of the Ozark Society 2019 Christmas. The first elf to show up was Ann Gibson, who helped Sandy set up tables and chairs. Marian Howard arrived next, with a car full of decorations, prizes and food. The next generation elves, Abby, Daisy and Baby Kellie Sones (chauffeured by their grammie Dee Jaye Teutsch) and Johnny and Piper Opie (with grammie Barbie Halbert) provided extra energy to the activities. As in previous years, Abby was in charge of the sign-in sheet and distributing raffle tickets and Daisy carefully made numbered slips for the white elephant gift exchange. A new feature this year was guessing the number of M&Ms in a big glass jar, provided by Marian. Before long, the entire room was filled with festive lights, music and decorations.

More BCOS members started drifting in around 4:00 pm bringing food, gifts and good cheer. By about 5:30, there were 51 BCOS members and guests lining up to fill their plates with the delicious food offerings. As usual, there was lots of wonderful food and people kept returning to the tables for additional helpings.

When most people had eaten their fill, Marian announced the winner of the M&M contest – Marshall Kelly, who missed the total of 11,883 by only 5 (11,888)! His prize was keeping the jar of candies. Marian also awarded two door prizes, to Barbie Halbert and Dee Jaye Teutsch. There were some very creative entries for the Ugly Christmas Sweater competition and the judges had a difficult time deciding on a winner. The winner was finally determined by the entire crowd, when Jack Land received the loudest, most raucous approval of his unique article of clothing. The close runner-up was Becky Jutze, whose sweater included a unique design on the back.

The Christmas party is held every year in place of the December meeting, but there were two items of business to address at this gathering of members. Wayne Kiefer, BCOC Chair, distributed paper copies of a survey requesting BCOS members to list activities that they would like the Chapter to initiate in 2020. The results of the survey will be used to assist in planning outings for 2020. Also, the nominating committee (Sandy and Marian) announced their proposed slate of officers for 2020. The proposed officers for 2020 (the same members who served during 2019) are Chair: Wayne Kiefer; Vice-Chair, Tammy Jernigan; Secretary, Gary Hackman; and Treasurer, Dick Maxwell. These officers were reelected unanimously by the enthusiastic crowd. BCOS members greatly appreciate the efforts of these officers during 2019 and would like them to serve for another year.

Distribution of white elephant gifts is an anticipated tradition of BCOS Christmas parties. Daisy let each person who had brought a gift, pick a number from a dish. Sandy reviewed the ‘rules’ and then began to call out numbers, starting with one. Per the rules, the person with number one, chose a wrapped gift from the table and unwrapped it in full view of everyone. The remaining numbers were called and members could choose a wrapped gift, or one that had already been unwrapped – ‘stealing’ it from someone else.. As usual, there was a wide variety of gifts, including a ceramic white elephant. Popular items included a beer can Christmas wreath (complete with lights), bamboo eating utensils, homemade jelly, a thermos and a fishing pole. Baby Kellie got a special gift of coloring books and crayons. A good time was had by all.

Eventually, people started packing up their empty dishes, cleaning up and going home. Again, as usual, many people (including the elves and their grannies) helped with the clean-up.

This was a fun party – ending a year of great activities by the Bayou Chapter. We’re all looking forward to 2020, continuing with our newly reelected officers.


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2019 BCOS Christmas Party


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Bayou Chapter Officers - 2020


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Documents

Bayou Byline December '19...BAYOU BYLINE Calendar of Events Our monthly meetings are held at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112. Meetings