Bayou Preservation Association Inc.

Overview

Bayou Preservation Association Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the natural beauty and environmental health of bayous and streams in the Houston area. Founded in 1966, its mission is rooted in activism, advocacy, collaboration, and education to preserve the richness and diversity of local waterways.

History

The organization emerged from the Buffalo Bayou Preservation Association, which was established in the mid-1960s by a group of homeowners in Houston's Memorial Park area. Initially focused on protecting a specific neighborhood bayou, the organization expanded its scope to address broader watershed concerns across Houston and Harris County. This shift led to the rebranding as the Bayou Preservation Association by 1969. Notable early activists included Terry Hershey, who played a pivotal role in halting unauthorized bayou re-routing projects through her advocacy efforts, including testifying before Congress.

Mission and Activities

Mission Statement

The Bayou Preservation Association aims to celebrate, protect, and restore the natural richness of all bayous and streams through a science-based approach and collaborative efforts. This involves promoting water quality management, conducting cleanups, restoring habitats, reviewing permit applications, and organizing educational seminars on flood reduction.

Key Activities

• Water Quality Monitoring: The association is committed to addressing water quality issues in the bayous.
• Watershed Restoration: BPA has restored over 335 acres and monitors 67 segments of waterways.
• Educational Programs: Initiatives include seminars, workshops, and publications focused on flood management and bayou health.
• Community Engagement: BPA engages in various events such as the BPA Gala, Water Symposium, Trash Bash, and Project a Month clean-ups to foster community involvement.

Impact and Achievements

Bayou Preservation Association operates across 22 watersheds, focusing on restoring healthy bayous, streams, and watersheds. The organization has been instrumental in campaigns, such as preserving Armand Bayou and promoting Houston's inclusion in the federal flood insurance program.

Governance and Structure

As a nonprofit tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3), Bayou Preservation Association emphasizes sound fiscal management, making its audited financial statements publicly available. Governance includes diverse committees like Project, Water Quality, Paddle Trails, and Development and Nominations.

Archives

The organization's historical records are archived at the University of Houston's M.D. Anderson Library, dedicated to the memory of Al Morris, an early advocate for bayou conservation.

Legacy

Bayou Preservation Association is recognized as the longest-running conservation organization in Houston, advocating for the preservation of watersheds through education and community stewardship to ensure the long-term health of the region's bayou systems.