LEADERSHIP


MONTE HURLEY

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road 

LOUISIANA 


2 0 0 7  B Y W A Y  A w A R D  w I N N E R  f o r 

L E A d E R S H I P

Southwest Louisiana’s bayous and marshland 
along the Gulf of Mexico include critically 
important natural and historic resources. 
Protecting these wilderness treasures comes 
with many challenges. A dedicated group of 
community volunteers and staff of State and 
Federal agencies have worked together to create 
a nature trail that goes far beyond the general 
“eco-tourism” term to meet these challenges. 
Today, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road 
has become major national tourist attraction 
as well as a laudable conservation project. 

[PHOTO: Monte Hurley]

DEDICATION TO ACTION 

Monte Hurley stands at the heart of this 
effort to simultaneously protect and 
promote the Creole Nature Trail. He has 
lived and breathed the Creole Nature 
Trail All-American Road for more than 
30 years, beginning when its designation 
was only a dream for this locally and 
nationally significant place. Mr. Hurley’s foresight and 
perseverance, as well as his contribution of countless volunteer 
hours, make him truly deserving of the first Scenic Byway 
Leadership Award. 

SUCCESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS 

Mr. Hurley became involved with the Creole Nature Trail even 
before it was designated as a trail in 1975. He has remained 
active over the years, through its designation as a State scenic 
byway, a National Scenic Byway, and an All-American Road. 
As the chairman of the Creole Nature Trail District from 1995 
to the present, he is responsible for creating and working to 
implement many of the relationships and partnerships that 
benefit not only the trail, but also the communities it includes. 

INNOVATION IN THE FACE OF DISASTER

After years of volunteering for trail and byway activities, Mr. Hurley 
had already established a long list of accomplishments when he 
demonstrated strong leadership in the wake of Hurricane Rita in 
2005. He made visits to Congress to ensure a consistent and 
correct message about recovery of the resources. He led the 
effort to ensure clean-up after the storm. He also led the effort 
to renew the idea of constructing a national learning center 
designed to study and interpret the impact of natural forces on 
land and people. 

In his letter of support for Mr. Hurley’s nomination for this 
award, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu said, “Monte showed 
exceptional leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita 
when he worked with the Creole Nature Trail Board members, 
neighboring wildlife refuges, the Louisiana Department of 
Transportation and Development, and the Federal Highway 
Administration [National] Scenic Byways program to implement 
recovery planS... Through these relationships, Monte and 
many others have been diligently working to create a National 
Hurricane and Science Center that will focus on the forces of 
nature and how they affect each and every one of us.” 

COMBINATION OF WINNING ELEMENTS

Monte Hurley is truly an incredible example of strong, committed 
leadership that takes action to find solutions. There is no doubt 
that Southwest Louisiana, the byway community, and the nation, 
have benefited from his volunteer commitment. 

PHOTOS (3): Wildlife along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.


MOTTO: Sharing Success and Honoring Excellence