Biological Diversity Policy

Louisiana does not have a formal biodiversity policy. However, the state legislature has recognized the importance of a diversity of natural areas. (La. R.S. 56:1921)

Status of Biodiversity Science

Louisiana does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. Instead, the state utilizes its Natural Heritage database and GAP. Louisiana also has a Breeding Bird Atlas that inventories birds to make distribution maps for breeding in the state. Some surveys of small game populations and habitat also exist.

Endangered Species

Louisiana has an endangered species law covering all animal species. (La. R.S. 56: 1901-1907) Listings are based on scientific, commercial and other data. Recovery plans, critical habitat designation and agency consultation are not required. Penalties for violations range from $400 to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of 120 days, plus license revocation. (La. R.S. 56:34-38) Plants are not protected.

State Agency Management for Biodiversity

State-owned Lands

Louisiana has no specific policies or programs intended to manage public lands in a biologically sustainable manner. Wildlife management areas, refuges, wetland conservation and a marine sanctuary system provide protection for natural areas and wildlife, however.

Cooperative Efforts

The state engages in several cooperative efforts to improve land management across ownership boundaries. For example, the Deer Management Assistance Program is a cooperative agreement between major landowners and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries focusing on overpopulation prevention and habitat conservation. The Forest Stewardship Program includes state agencies and private landowners to sustain forest lands for multiple use.

State Agency Training

Louisiana does not have identified programs of agency personnel training for biodiversity.

Impact Assessment

Louisiana has no "little NEPA," although the state constitution has been interpreted as requiring all state agencies to assess their activities for impact on biological resources. (See, Save Ourselves, Inc. v. Louisiana Environmental Control Commission, 452 So.2d 1152 (1984))

Habitat Acquisition

Louisiana has some programs designed to protect land for wildlife and other purposes. A Duck Stamp Fund is used to acquire lands for migratory waterfowl habitat. This fund has approximately $3 million. (La. R.S. 56:155) The Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust Fund is used for land acquisitions to preserve critical habitat for wildlife and unique natural areas, and has approximately $1.2 million. (La. R.S. 56:1923) In addition, a Wetland Conservation and Restoration Trust Fund, which has a $53 million budget, provides revenues for the development and implementation of a program to help conserve and restore state coastal vegetated wetlands. (La. R.S. 49:213.7, 30:311) Finally, a Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Fund, which receives monies from the legislature, is for the purpose of conservation of the state's wildlife, including land acquisition.

Private Land Conservation

Louisiana has few private land incentives to protect land for wildlife. Under one incentive, the state can contract with private landowners to use the land as a wildlife management area. Such lands are then relieved of all state and local taxes. (La. R.S. 56:24) The state also provides tax benefits to nonprofit organizations dedicated exclusively to the conservation of migratory waterfowl and wetland habitat. (La. R.S. 47:305.43)

Exotic Species

Louisiana has few statutes designed to control the introduction and spread of exotic species. Farm-raised exotic animals and some imported exotic animals are regulated, requiring licensing and permits. (La. R.S. 3:3101 et seq.; 56:319) Penalties for violation include license revocation and fines up to $1,000. (La. R.S. 3:3105, 3:3117) Permits must also be granted for the importation, sale, and possession of certain exotic fish. (La. R.S. 56:319) No provisions to regulate exotic plant species were identified by the research.

Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities

Louisiana's animal damage control program is run cooperatively by the federal government and state agencies, though some projects are operated solely by the state. For example, the state has a trapping program for agricultural problems. A separate state agency works on wildlife damage in urban areas.

Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity

The state constitution requires that the natural resources of the state are to be "protected, conserved, and replenished insofar as possible and consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of the people." (La. Const. art. IX, 1)

Louisiana has a statute that allows enforcement of environmental quality laws through citizen suits. (La. R.S. 30:2026)

Related Issues

Several environmental education programs exist in Louisiana. For example, an Environmental Education Commission has as its purpose the promotion of environmental education to schools, businesses, government, nonprofit organizations, and citizens. (La. R.S. 30:2502) In addition, the state participates in Project WILD, and has published a wildlife viewing guide, though independent of the Watchable Wildlife series.

Louisiana passed a talkings law in 1995 granting agriculture and forest owners a cause of action to seek compensation when a portion of their property is reduced in value by 20 percent or more because of a government action. The law requires payment to the property owner for any reduction in value. (HB 2199)

Contacts:

Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 631
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0631
504-922-1234

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000
504-765-2800

Office of State Parks
Department of Culture,
Recreation and Tourism
P.O. Box 44426
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
504-342-8111

State Extension Services
P.O. Box 25100
Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100
504-388-6083