Saline Bayou

Saline Bayou is located in North Central Louisiana im the Kisatchie National Forest, Wynn Section. The section of the Saline Bayou located in the Wynn District was designated a Wild and Scenic River by the United States Congress in 1986. This designation was put in place to provide additional protection to this national resource.

The protected section of the Saline Bayou is an excellent example of the lowland forested wetlands prevelent in the lower Mississippi Valley.

The Winn District of the Kisatchie National Forest including the protected section of the Saline Bayou. Map courtesy of the US Forest Service.

The Saline Bayou forms the boundary between Natchitoches Parish(pronounced Nak-i-dish, trust me) and Winn Parish.

The Saline Bayou is a tributary of the Red River with headwaters in the Ouchita foothills of Arkansas. Prior to the turn of the twentieth century Saline Bayou meandered through old growth longleaf pine forests and lowland hardwood forests. These forests were among the most commercially important in the world from the late 1800’s through the Depression. Prior to World War II, the forests were completely clear cut and abandoned. The low wet areas along the Saline were among the few protected from logging and harbor most the remaining old growth.

Since that time, the Federal government as acquired the lands that became the Kisatchie National Forest. The forests have been restored and are now managed by the US Forest service. While the modern forest has regained the diversity it once held, it is unlikely that the old growth forests will ever be restored.

Flood deposits of the Red River dominate the topography of the region. These quaternary sand and gravel deposits have formed terraces and levees through which the Saline Bayou flows. The rich sandy soils form low ridges, which support the abundant forests. The Saline Bayou has been impounded to form Saline Lake, which has become a recreational center for the region.

Note the railroad trestle through the lush vegetation.

A typical example of forested bottomland. These woods will typically be composed of Cypress, Sweet Gum, Magnolia, Various Oaks, Longleaf and Loblolly Pine, and Tulip Poplar.

A small feeder creek draining into the Saline. Note the dark stained water. These small, slow moving tributaries drain low lying backwaters, this particular one provided an abundance of mosquitoes.

One of many small pools that harbor amphibians and insects. While some of these pools are seasonal, there was evidence that many were flooded year round.