Number 1Volume 33 January, 2005

Bird Quest

Climate Change

White Lake..New Day

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PAID Permit #1393 Baton Rouge, LA CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

Official Publication of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation 3 From The President and Executive Director VOL. 33 January 2005 NO.1 13 Conservation Line Editorial Creed: To create and 30 Tibby Sez encourage an awareness among the people of Louisiana of the need for wise use and proper management of those resources of the earth upon which the lives and welfare FEATURES of all people depend: the soil, the air, the water, the forests, the minerals, the plant life, and the wildlife.

4 Bird Quest Magazine Staff 7 Freedom to Hunt, Fish, & Trap by Landslide Randy P. Lanctot: Editor 8 Alaska & Louisiana: Not So Far Apart

9 NWF/LWF Defends Ducks Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine (ISSN 0738-8098) is the official publication 10 Climate Change Predicted to Impact Wildlife of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Inc. The 11 Award Nominations Sought Federation office is located at 337 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 14 State Duck Calling Winners 70806. All editorial and subscription correspondence should be mailed to P.O. Box 15 Fisheries Committee Meets 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 (Phone/Fax 225-344- 22 New Day for White Lake 6707;mailto:[email protected]. All 29 John Burroughs Association manuscripts submitted for publication are subject to editing or rewriting.

Postmaster: Send change of address to: Louisiana Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239.

Membership: For information, write to: Louisiana Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896- 5239. Phone/Fax: (225) 344-6707. mailto:[email protected] On the Cover... Stories around a campfire -- a time-honored ritual tying Visit Our Website families together, fortifying young ones with a sense of http://www.lawildlifefed.org place and a foundation of values that will help carry them through their lives. Sharing the campfire links new generations to their heritage. In Louisiana, an important part of that heritage is the enjoyment of our abundant natural resources. To pass that on, those resources must be conserved and used wisely, and our freedoms preserved. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation works hard on "conserving our natural resources and your right to enjoy them" every day. But sharing the campfire is up to you! Here Wilson J. "Tibby" Thibodeaux, pushing 90 (Tibby says that's 90 years, not 90 miles per hour), shares a campfire with great grandson Jesse and friends Caleb and Devin, the boys hoping those roasting rabbits will be ready to eat, SOON. Photo by Jon Barry.

Page 2 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 FROM THE PRESIDENT

E.R. “Smitty” Smith III

As we welcome the new year I want to thank all of you who helped the Louisiana Wildlife Federation have a banner year in 2004. I am particularly gratified by the overwhelming support expressed by Louisiana voters at the polls last November when an 81% majority voted to add the Freedom to Hunt, Fish and Trap to the “Declaration of Rights” in the Louisiana Louisiana Wildlife Federation office at 337 S. Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge received a “facelift” this past summer Constitution. It took 3 tries in successive with new siding and paint.. legislative sessions to get the proposition on approved an amendment giving constitu- and accomplishments in 2004 follows this the ballot. But thanks to the hard work of tional protection to the Conservation Fund, column. You can see that your support of Senator Joe McPherson and colleagues, the the operating fund of the Louisiana the Federation goes a long way toward con- determination of the LWF, our members and Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, thus serving our natural resources and your right friends, and the support of the Governor, we protecting our investment in conservation. to enjoy them. One thing not covered in succeeded and you all responded with In earlier days, the LWF was the leader in this summary is the exterior renovation of resounding affirmation that our state is still assuring that the Louisiana Wildlife and the LWF office. LWF owns a modest old the “sportsmen’s paradise.” Read more Fisheries Commission was designated by the home on Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge about it on Page 7. This is the second ballot Louisiana Constitution as the authority for that has served as its headquarters office proposition successfully initiated by the conserving the wildlife resources of the state. since 1986. The building has been in need The LWF legacy continues. LWF in support of conservation and conser- Continued on page 20 vationists. In 1987, Louisiana voters A report on the many LWF activities FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Randy members responded to a survey soliciting their views on various conservation regula- Lanctot tions and hunting issues. The survey includ- ed questions on issues such as buck harvest limits, tagging for deer and turkeys, willing- ness to pay a nominal fee for tags, LWFC rulemaking procedure, waterfowl regula- tions to reduce hunting pressure and enhance waterfowl numbers, and other sub- Its an exciting time for the Louisiana jects of interest to sportsmen and women in Wildlife Federation as we bid adieu to a pro- our state. LWF will share the results with ductive year that saw major initiatives the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries achieved (read about the "Freedom to Hunt, Commission which will soon be proposing Fish & Trap" and White Lake in this issue). regulations for next season. A summary of Most importantly, we welcomed hundreds the survey results will be printed in the next of new members who will add their vigor issue of Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine. and "clout" to LWF's efforts this year. They Joe Herring and Randy Lanctot ring the bell outside the are acknowledged at the end of this column. The new year brings many challenges. visitors center at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Thank you for joining us. We look forward Some will be carried over from last year like: Refuge at the NWR Fall Celebration. to your participation. Most of these new reopening Elmer's Island on the Louisiana coast for public camping, surf fishing and all Continued on page 12

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, November 2003, Page 3 In Quest of Four Hundred Life North American Birds — A Trip to California by Jay Huner over that “barrier.” So, when I had an I also found that a birding field trip opportunity to go to a professional meet- was planned for Bodega Bay by the Central The broad definition of a “birder” is ing in Sacramento, California, I jumped at Valley Audubon Club on the Saturday that I was to be in California. Well, folks, I’ve been Birding, hunting, and fishing enough to know that any time you can find a guide, especially a free one, you take advantage of the opportunity. (Note: Numerous birding clubs across the coun- try have monthly birding tours and visitors are almost always welcomed. State and federal wildlife management areas often have “nature walks” and checking ahead can secure the necessary information to take advantage of these opportunities.) Well, how did I do? We are always at the mercy of the weather whenever we make excursions outdoors. Birding is no exception. My two trips to the Pacific Coast itself were hampered by rain and high wind. My trip to the Audubon site near Sacramento was made in excellent, cool overcast weather with wonderful visi- Elegant Trogon, a much sought after Arizona bird, courtesy High Lonesome Ecotours. bility. The symposium I attended spon- sored a post meeting field trip to the US anyone who enjoys birds enough to watch the chance to cross the Continental Divide Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sacramento them and care for their well being. The to seek out new life birds. National Wildlife Refuge and the weather, specific definition of a “Birder” is a person Ever read stories about memorable although brisk and windy, did not hamper who actually takes the time to identify and hunting and fishing trips? Careful plan- our ability to view thousands of ducks and list the various birds that he or she has ning was needed to ensure success in geese, hundreds of swans, and numerous encountered. I’ve always been a birder bringing home trophies and limits. Of other birds associated with the refuge’s but, as a consequence of my professional course, dumb luck often plays an impor- managed wetland habitats. research activities, I rather quickly became tant part in any successful outdoor endeav- I wound up with twenty-five NA life a Birder about four years ago. or. But, if you are not situated in the right birds bringing my total to 390. I suspect A Birder keeps a “life list,” usually location, dumb luck rarely helps you to be that I could have found another 5-10 life based on the area where he or she lives, successful. birds IF my trips to the Pacific Coast had plus a world list. I live in Louisiana so I I did my homework, checking with not been hampered by bad weather. But, maintain a life list of North American knowledgeable people who knew the San maybe not! So, I’m now looking forward birds plus those found elsewhere in my Francisco - Sacramento area, secured field to a trip to southeastern Arizona which is travels. One is recognized as being serious guides for the area, and went to the world- the one easily accessible area where 20-40 about birding when he or she reaches 400 wide web to locate good sites. I scruti- life birds are possible over a 3-4 day trip North American life birds. I passed 300 nized the field guides to find out what with, of course, preplanning. about a year ago. Thanks to a trip to the common life birds might be present in the What were some highlights of my bird rich lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas area. My list included 40 species with trip? I was driving along California plus fortuitous encounters of unusual birds about half associated with the arid Central Highway 1, a tortuous low speed two lane in southern Louisiana and the northern Valley east of the coastal mountain range roadway, trying to locate the Point Reyes Texas Gulf Coast, I managed to reach 365 and the other half found along the wet, Bird Observatory and looked up to see a NA life birds by the end of October 2003. narrow sliver of forested coastal land to the striking Stellar’s jay, the only one I saw, on The Rocky Mountains divide the west of the mountains. I was directed to top of a tree as I slowed to make a curve. North American Continent such that there the Point Reyes-Bodega Bay area along the Slightly farther down the road, I encoun- is a reasonably unique avifauna on either Pacific Coast and “found” a likely nature tered a flock of California quail complete side with, of course, numerous crossovers! preserve, the Bobelaine Nature with top knots, black faces, and reddish- Once you hit 300 life birds, the only way Conservation Area, about half an hour brown barred breasts in a pasture next to to quickly add new life birds is to cross north of Sacramento. the road. Driving along the coast, I made

Page 4 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 a sharp turn with a sheer rock cliff to my ly hard for me to find. Later, I saw a mixed to its official North American bird list. right and water to my left and I found a flock of small songbirds flitting across the The yellow-rumped warblers that I saw are flock of bobbing black surf scoters. Male path from bushes on either side “fly catch- the so-called Audubon’s variety common surf scoters have a colorful red and yellow ing.” At first, I thought they were winter- to the western USA. The yellow-rumped beak and a bright white eye patch. Later, ing yellow-crowned warblers, probably warblers most often encountered in as I returned to Sacramento, I stopped to the most common North American war- Louisiana are the myrtle variety. It is, shop at a brand new Wal-Mart off I-80 bler, but close examination showed a therefore, possible that my life list might and thought I saw a yellow-billed magpie. number of them to be grayish bushtits, a increase IF these two subspecies are sepa- As I left the parking lot, I passed a “dump- tiny, 4-inch-long bird. rated by the AOU. I also saw the red- ster” and found a whole flock of these neat I did not see any life birds at the shafted form of northern flicker and two colorful birds. Sacramento NWR, but I saw over 50 cin- new forms of fox sparrow! On another trip to the coast, we namon teal, a species that is rarely encoun- In conclusion, birding can be very stopped in the parking lot of a conve- tered in Louisiana. The drakes of this rewarding to those interested in learning nience store overlooking the water. It was species are a beautiful cinnamon brown more about the birds seen while outdoors, windy with light to heavy rain. There was color that is best seen in person to appreci- especially on hunting and fishing trips. a steep drop off to the water at the edge of ate. Prior to my visit to the refuge, I had Interestingly, some of the best Birders are the parking area. We heard a buzzing, and seen only two individual drake cinnamon also avid hunters and, if you think about chirping sounds, and found 10-20 Anna’s teal. it, the skills needed to be a good hunter are hummingbirds hovering around and hid- I almost thought that the post sympo- the same as those needed to be a good ing in a thicket of rose bushes. All hum- sium field trip was going to be a “wash” as Birder. And, you always have a list at the mingbirds are neat but the males of this far as life birds go. However, as I was get- end of the day while it is not all that species have a reddish-pink throat, which ting off the bus at our hotel in late after- unusual to come away from a hunt with no makes them look very striking. Later we noon, I heard the characteristic “twitter- game! I’ve found combining birding with saw several, new to me, gull species includ- ing” of swifts. I looked high above me and hunting ensures that I always have a good ing glaucous gull, Heerman’s gull and found swifts darting about just above the day in the field. mew gull as well as two new cormorants - high rise buildings in Sacramento. I 400 (Plus) At Last! Brandt’s cormorant and pelagic cor- quickly checked them out with my binoc- Birding is just like hunting and fish- morant. ulars and “got” life bird 390, the white- ing. To get “trophies” as noted in this arti- On my trip to the Bobelaine Audubon throated swift! cle, you have to go where the trophies are site, I was greeted by a number of western The American Ornithological Union and plan your trip carefully. Since the pre- bluebirds with their intense blue backs (OAU) is the official body that generates ceding account of my effort, I made a trip and bright orange breasts. I found spotted the list of birds in North America. There to southern Arizona (late April) and man- towhees with reddish-orange breasts and is continuous “discussion” about whether aged to reach and surpass 400th life North black head, wings and backs. I walked sev- or not certain species are “good” species or American Bird as recognized by the eral miles past numerous white-crowned simply variants of a diverse species assem- American Birding Association (ABA). and golden-crowned sparrows to finally blage. Thus, it is just as common for a Here’s how it happened. find the clown-faced acorn woodpeckers, Birder to lose a life bird as gain one when I spent the week of 24-30 April on a said to be common by “everyone” but real- the AOU makes its annual list of “changes” tour organized by High Lonesome Ecotours (Sierra Vista, AZ). We visited Portal Peak, Sierra Vista, Nogales, and Tuscon areas and logged over 175 Arizona birds for the week, including 70 “lifers’ for me. Remember, to reach the 400 level of lifers, you just about have to “Go West” or “Go East” depending on where your home base is located. All of those western lifers will be fond memories ranging from color- ful trogons, warblers and tanagers, flighty hummingbirds, majestic eagles and hawks, and nondescript chickadees, titmice, fly- catchers, sparrows and vireos, to noisy jays and ravens. It was a great trip but there are still “trophies” for me to seek like Green Kingfisher, Red Crossbill, Five-striped Sparrow, Virginia’s Warbler, Mountain Chicadee, and others. Well, there’s always next time! Mexican Spotted Owl, another “lifer” for Huner on his Arizona trip, courtesy High Lonesome Ecotours.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 5 Charles, St. James, St. John the Louisiana Wildlife Federation BaptistParishes) Officers: Keith R. Saucier, 13086 She District 3 Ronnie P. Sonnier, 104 Hesper Lee Place, Gonzales, LA Dr., Carencro, LA 70520; President Elbridge R. “Smitty” Smith III 70737; (hm) 337 896-4536 415 Azalea Dr., New Iberia, 225 (res.) 647-6653 (wk.) mailto:[email protected] LA 70563; 337 (res.) 364-9341 242-5561 (fax) 677-7416 (Lafayette, Vermilion, St. mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] Martin, Terrebonne, Iberia, St. Mary, Iberville, Assumption 1st-V.P. Kathy Wascom, 1255 Ivor van Heerden, Ph.D, Parishes) Aberdeen Ave., Baton Rouge, 29787 S. Satsuma Rd., LA 70808; 225 (res.) 344- District 4 Wayne Hammons, 354 Livingston 70754;(hm) 225 4313 (wk.) 231-3731 (fax) McFarland Rd. Choudrant, LA 686-0384, (wk) 225 578-5974 344-0014 71227; 318 (res.) 982-7185 mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] (Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, Bienville, 2nd-VP Jay V. Huner, Ph.D, 200 Jackson Parishes) Edgar F. Veillon, Merchant’s Blvd., Apt. 137, mailto:[email protected] Rep. to NWF, Lafayette, LA 70508; 337 905 Harrison Ave., (res.) 234-0682 District 5 Ann B. Smith, 306 K Metarie, LA 70005; 504 (res) (wk.) 394-7508 St., Monroe, LA 71201; 318 833-9298 (wk) 454-1212 mailto:[email protected] 342-1144, (fax) 318 342-1149 (fax) 885-4887 mailto:[email protected] Secretary Ken Dancak, Ph.D, 224 (Union, Morehouse, East Shady Crest Lane, Pineville, Carroll, West Carroll, Executive Director LA 71360; 318/487-8879 Ouachita, Richland, (fax) 318/473-7117 Randy P. Lanctot, P.O. Box Madison, Caldwell, Franklin, mailto:[email protected] 65239 Audubon Station, Tensas Parishes) Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 District 6 Ivor van Heerden PhD, 29787 Treasurer Eugene J. Dauzat, Jr., 608 Office: 337 South Acadian S. Satsuma Rd., Livingston, Meursault Dr., Kenner, LA Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA LA 70754; 225 (res.) 686- 70065; 504 (res.) 468-8408 70806; 225 (wk.) 344-6762 0384; (wk.) 578-5974 mailto:[email protected] (fax) 344-6707 (res.) 346- mailto:[email protected] 0752 (Washington, Tangipahoa, St. Executive Committee: mailto:[email protected] Helena, Livingston, Ascension, Above 5 Officers and 4 Persons Listed Below: East Feliciana, West Feliciana, District Vice-Presidents: Joe L. Herring, 1021 Rodney East Baton Rouge, West Baton Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808; Rouge, Pointe Coupee District 1 Vacant (St. Tammany, 225 (res.) 766-0519 Parishes) Orleans, St. Bernard, District 7 Jerome C. Haas, Jr., 52 Plaquemines Parishes) Horseshoe Lane, Sulphur, LA 70663; 337/625-4232 mailto:[email protected] District 2 Clinton Mouser, 4428 Toby (Beauregard, Allen, Calcasieu, Lane, Metairie, LA 70003; Cameron, Jefferson Davis, 504 (res.) 887-8475 Acadia Parishes) mailto:[email protected] (Jefferson, Lafourche, St. District 8 Rick Bryan, 2405 Evergreen Ln., Pineville, LA 70663; 318 640-0198; mailto:[email protected] (Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Rapides, Avoyelles, Evangeline, St. Landry Parishes) District 9 Sharon Miller, 345 Point 3 Dr., Florien, LA 71429; 318/565-4990 mailto:[email protected] (DeSoto, Red River, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Vernon Parishes)

Page 6 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 Voters Pass Freedom to Hunt, Fish & Trap by Landslide used to successfully defend a 1995 law that zens to government, with the government On November 2, 2004, Louisiana vot- prohibits the use of gill nets in coastal accountable to the citizens. ers overwhelmingly approved a constitution- waters. Another complaint offered was that • Preempts the prohibition of hunting, fish- al amendment to guarantee every citizen the fish and wildlife resources are public ing and trapping, except as required to meet freedom to hunt, fish and trap. The amend- resources and “consumptive” user groups the obligation to protect, conserve and ment, garnering 81% of the votes should not be given priority over “noncon- replenish the natural resources of the state (1,194,907 to 281,161) adds the following sumptive” users by provision of the constitu- pursuant to Article 9, Section 1 of the specific language to Article 1, the tion. Again, the existing Article 9, Section 1 Louisiana Constitution. “Declaration of Rights,” in the Louisiana of the Louisiana Constitution, which is inte- • Serves to fend off attempts through emo- Constitution: Section 27. The freedom to gral to FHF&T, requires conservation and tional and zealous appeals, aimed at influ- hunt, fish, and trap wildlife, including all protection sufficient to sustain fish and encing a populace that is becoming ever aquatic life, traditionally taken by hunters, wildlife resources which in turn sustains more isolated from the production of the trappers and anglers, is a valued natural “nonconsumptive” uses of these resources. food it eats and the skills and traditions that heritage that shall be forever preserved for The Advocate (Baton Rouge), Times- built our society, to curtail the many tradi- the people. Hunting, fishing and trapping Picayune (New Orleans), Town Talk tional hunting/fishing/trapping activities shall be managed by law and regulation con- (Alexandria) and other newspapers around enjoyed by Louisiana citizens and which sistent with Article IX, Section 1 of the con- the state questioned the need for FHF&T, were understood as a fundamental right by stitution of Louisiana to protect, conserve and recommended that voters reject it. The the immigrants who first settled our Nation, and replenish the natural resources of the newspaper editors apparently did not think fleeing from tyrannical governments to find state. The provisions of this section shall not that hunting, fishing and trapping was freedom in America. alter the burden of proof requirements other- threatened in Louisiana and opined that the • Reinforces Louisiana’s rich hunting, fish- wise established by law for any challenge to a Legislature should handle any related issues ing and trapping heritage. law or regulation relating to hunting, fishing that come up. They must not have been • Reminds lawmakers and regulators of the or trapping the wildlife of the state, includ- down at the capital during the 2004 legisla- importance of this heritage and their obliga- ing all aquatic life. Nothing contained here- tive session. By missing the point (that tion to respect and protect it. in shall be construed to authorize the use of adding this amendment before these free- Will “Freedom to Hunt, Fish & Trap” private property to hunt, fish or trap without doms are seriously threatened was a major permit hunting, fishing or trapping activi- the consent of the owner of the property. purpose behind it), they made the point of ties on private property without permis- Prior to the election, naysayers chal- why it makes sense to add it to the constitu- sion? lenged the wisdom of “Freedom to Hunt, tion now, before animal rights activism in No. The amendment respects the right Fish & Trap” (FHF&T) saying that it could Louisiana grows in influence. The papers of property owners to restrict and control be used to justify use of private property also suggested that the amendment may tie access to their property for hunting, fishing without permission, authorize the restriction the Legislature’s hands in limiting hunting, or trapping purposes. of public access to public waters by private fishing and trapping activities, thereby open- Will “Freedom to Hunt, Fish & Trap” landowners, affect protection of endangered ing a “can of worms.” The amendment is give a person the right to break wildlife and species, and challenge restrictions prohibit- very clear on that in making hunting, fishing fisheries laws and regulations without con- ing the use of certain gear to take fish and and trapping subject to law and regulation sequences? game, such as nets. All of these concerns are that are necessary to preserve, protect and No. The amendment provides that the addressed in the specific language of the replenish the natural resources of the state. right to hunt/fish/trap be managed by law amendment. However, prohibitions for other reasons not and regulation consistent with the State’s The concern about trespassing and related to conservation, absent a clear and obligation to protect, conserve, and replen- access is answered by the last sentence of the compelling public interest, are what the ish the State’s natural resources. amendment which reinforces the right of amendment is intended to address and pro- Will “Freedom to Hunt, Fish & Trap” private owners to control the use of private tect against. Clearly, a large majority of impair the enactment or effect of legislation property. Louisiana voters agree with this rationale. or regulation that restricts or manages The reference in the second sentence of The following questions and answers hunting, fishing, and trapping? the amendment to Article 9, Section 1 of the provide background and explain what the Not if such legislation/regulation is constitution addresses both the endangered amendment does and does not do. consistent with the State’s obligation to pro- species and the gear prohibition concerns What does “Freedom to Hunt, Fish tect, conserve and replenish the State’s nat- because it binds law and regulation govern- and Trap” do? ural resources. ing hunting, fishing and trapping to the • Confirms that the freedom to hunt, fish Will “Freedom to Hunt, Fish & Trap” state’s obligation to “protect, conserve and and trap is an inherent right of citizenship prevent the State from limiting or revoking replenish” the natural resources of the state. and that the authority to limit that right for a citizen’s right to hunt/fish/trap as a penal- This is the constitutional provision the state the common good is conveyed by the citi- ty for violation of the State’s conservation

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 7 laws? No. Similar to the freedom of speech, the right to own firearms and other rights Alaska and Louisiana: guaranteed by the constitution, the freedom to hunt/fish/trap cannot be exercised in vio- lation of the law or in such a way as to infringe the basic rights of others. Freedom Not So Far Apart of speech does not permit the inciting of a riot or a life threatening situation by the use by Jerome Ringo become open water. Songbirds, ducks of frightening or abusive language; firearms and other wildlife dependent on marshes cannot be carried into certain establish- Alaska in the summertime is stun- will be forced out. Shrimp and menhaden ments or concealed without a permit; and ning. The state is blessed with majestic fisheries could face substantial losses. convicted felons cannot possess firearms, mountains; icy blue waters full of salmon, And, just as Alaska is grappling with mov- even though both the US and Louisiana sea otters, and humpback whales; and vast ing entire communities away from its constitutions give citizens the right to bear open lands teeming with grazing caribou. coast, so too will Louisiana have to grap- arms. Thankfully, the constitution does pre- Alaska Natives still live off the landscape ple with a similar fate for cities like New vent government from taking away the right on wildlife bounty the way their ancestors Orleans. of law-abiding citizens to express an opin- did for generations before them. I had But it doesn’t have to be this way. ion, practice a religion of their choice, own the good fortune to see all of this on a Solutions to global warming are right at and lawfully use a firearm, and vote. recent trip to The Last Frontier. our fingertips - strategies that we can What are the threats that make the But I also saw signs of major changes begin implementing now, such as using “Freedom to Hunt, Fish and Trap” a good in Alaska, and I fear I have witnessed energy-saving equipment in our homes, idea? first-hand the beginnings of a disaster lap- businesses, factories, and cars, and The population of the state is increas- ping at the shores of our own beloved expanding renewable energy like wind ingly urban and detached from the reality of Louisiana if we fail to take action on solu- and solar power. We can urge Congress to food production, and its relationship to the tions to a growing threat: global warming. enact policies today, such as the bi-parti- land and to wild nature. Therefore Global warming is happening, and san McCain-Lieberman climate change Louisiana citizens are more subject than ever Alaska is on the front line. The evidence bill that would limit global warming pol- to ignoring that relationship and supporting is everywhere. I saw remnants of the sec- lution while at the same time spur inno- efforts to prohibit hunting, fishing and trap- ond largest fire season in Alaska’s history - vation and promote an emerging market ping activities that are practiced by a dimin- more than 4.5 million acres have burned for alternative energy sources. ishing proportion of citizens. this year — thanks to warmer conditions The upshot is, American companies Is this a Louisiana idea? that are turning rich forests into dry tin- already are developing renewable energy No. At least 8 other states have a pro- derboxes. I photographed the brittle, and more efficient fuel technologies that vision in their constitutions similar to what brown dirt exposed under glaciers melting will reduce the pollution that causes glob- Louisiana has adopted. Wisconsin, Montana faster than at any time in recorded histo- al warming. Our ingenuity and entrepre- and Louisiana are the states that have most ry, and I witnessed severe coastal erosion neurial spirit are alive and well in the recently added this right to their constitu- where sea ice and permafrost no longer board rooms and manufacturing plants of tions. Alabama is the closest neighbor that protect the shores. The entire coastal vil- companies that want to invest in a clean- has such a constitutional provision. lage of Shishmaref is contemplating relo- er, better energy future. Louisiana indus- What organizations endorsed cating because the land its residents live tries have an opportunity to be part of “Freedom to Hunt, Fish & Trap?” on is literally melting under their feet. these solutions. The amendment was officially While it may seem like Alaska and Are we really willing to say goodbye endorsed by the Louisiana Wildlife Louisiana are as different as night and to the Louisiana water thrush, whose Federation, NRA, East Ascension day, I see a lot we have in common. southern range may someday end in Sportsman’s League, Delta Waterfowl, Alaska’s rapidly melting sea ice means that Arkansas? Can we afford to lose a seg- Louisiana Association of Professional Coastal Louisiana faces a growing threat ment of our seafood industry to sea level Biologists, National Taxidermist’s from rising seas. According to the U.S. rise? Are we prepared to saddle our chil- Association, Safari Club International, Geological Survey, about one-third of dren and grandchildren with the cost of Recreational Fishing Alliance, Conservation Louisiana’s barrier islands have disap- moving entire towns and cities inland? Force, Iberia Rod and Gun Club, Central peared since 1880, while our coastal wet- The sky isn’t falling. But the ice is Louisiana Chapter, SCI, Jefferson Rod and lands are slipping away at the rate of sev- melting. Let’s develop a serious action Gun Club, Westlake Hunting Club, Baton eral acres per hour. New Orleans, built plan now before Louisiana is completely Rouge Sportsmen’s League, Louisiana on a river delta, could sink further below swamped. Trappers and Alligator Hunters Association, sea level as the ocean rises. Jerome Ringo is president of Progressive the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Scientists estimate that if we do not Resources, Inc. in Lake Charles. He is Commission and Ducks Unlimited. stop global warming, sea levels will con- chair-elect of the National Wildlife tinue to rise by up to three feet before the Federation Board of Directors. century is out. That could mean that much of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands will

Page 8 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 NWF, Affiliates Defend Ducks and Sue FSA Over Harmful Grazing/Haying Policy

waterfowl conservation, LWF president, E. wildlife. At the time, Congress explicitly Citing the Conservation Reserve R. “Smitty” Smith said, “It doesn’t make mandated that any haying or grazing of CRP Program’s (CRP) enormous value to ducks, sense to be providing good nesting habitat lands must be “consistent with the conserva- pheasants and many other species of ground- for waterfowl and other wildlife (through tion of soil, water quality, and wildlife habi- nesting birds, the National Wildlife CRP) on the one hand, then destroying tat (including habitat during the nesting sea- Federation (NWF), Louisiana Wildlife nests, eggs and even ducklings by mismanag- son for birds in the area.).” The FSA subse- quently implemented a blanket policy of allowing enrolled croplands to be hayed or grazed every third year on all CRP lands nationwide, even though in the Great Plains and in the Interior West, where rainfall is limited, it can take five to 10 years to estab- lish optimal grassland cover after haying has occurred. When haying or grazing outpaces recovery, according to the lawsuit, the result is degraded habitat. The FSA’s managed haying and grazing policy is also problematic, the lawsuit holds, because the agency implemented it without conducting environmental impact assess- ments or providing public notice and com- ment as required by federal law. “Procedurally speaking, the Farm Services Agency’s current haying and grazing regime sprang up out of nowhere,” France said. In seven states - New York, Wisconsin, Federation (LWF) and five other NWF state ing the program on the other.” Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah and affiliates have filed a federal lawsuit to stop The nation’s largest private lands conser- Washington - the FSA allows haying and the mismanaged haying and grazing of lands vation program, the CRP pays farmers incen- grazing to occur during primary nesting sea- in the program. tive fees to retire environmentally sensitive son, while its policy of allowing haying and The lawsuit, filed on October 22, 2004, croplands for a period of 10 to 15 years. grazing every third year applies in most of the holds that the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Much of the 34 million acres enrolled in the Central Plains and Interior West states. the Department of Agriculture Division that program consists of high-quality nesting Among the states with the most enrolled administers the Conservation Reserve cover, which, collectively, has become essen- CRP acreage land are Montana (3.4 million Program (CRP), has violated the program’s tial to sustaining America’s migratory bird acres generating $115 million in annual conservation mandate by allowing the haying population. Between 1992 and 1997, for rental payments), North Dakota (3.3 million and grazing of millions of enrolled acres in example, CRP habitat was credited with acres, $111 million), Kansas (2.9 million the Great Plains and Interior West at inter- adding more than 12 million ducks to the fall acres, $111 million) and Colorado (2.3 mil- vals too frequent to sustain healthy levels of migration. Every year, substantial numbers lion acres, $71 million). the grassland cover required by nesting birds. of migratory birds that nest on CRP lands in Nationally, the CRP makes $1.7 billion “When the Conservation Reserve Montana, the Dakotas and other northern in rental payments to farmers each year. Program is being managed in a way that states fly south along the Central Flyway to “CRP pays farmers with taxpayer dollars works against conservation, something is winter in southern states like Texas and to conserve soil and provide nesting cover,” fundamentally wrong,” said Tom France, Louisiana. said Smith. “Grazing and haying during the NWF senior counsel. From CRP’s inception in 1985 until nesting season must stop. A deal is a deal,” The lawsuit also charges the FSA with 2002, haying and grazing on enrolled lands Smith concluded. compromising the program’s conservation was only allowed during drought emergen- The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District value in some states by allowing haying and cies. In 2002, when reauthorizing the Farm Court in Seattle, Washington. Besides the grazing during primary nesting season - a Bill, Congress chose to allow managed hay- Louisiana Wildlife Federation, NWF was time when birds are likely to still be on the ing and grazing, based on the rationale that joined in the lawsuit by its state affiliates in nest or to be rearing their broods. light grazing or very occasional haying could Indiana, the Dakotas, Washington, Arkansas Noting Louisiana’s keen interest in actually make lands more productive for and Kansas.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 9 Report Forecasts Disruption of Wildlife Populations

global warming may cause closely interact- particularly at risk. A Wildlife Society report, Global ing species to become out of phase, disrupt- • “Climate change may cause a mis- Climate Change and Wildlife in North ing essential ecological processes such as pol- match in the timing of breeding between America, finds that “there is sufficient evi- lination, seed dispersal and insect control by birds and their prey.” dence to indicate that many species are birds. • In the Prairie Pothole Region from already responding to warming, and that • Effects of global warming on pop- northern Iowa to central Alberta - the duck animals and plants are exhibiting discernible ulations and range distributions of wildlife factory of North America - “most scenarios range changes consistent with changing tem- are expected to be species specific and high- and models projected significant declines in peratures.” ly variable, with some effects considered neg- wetlands, and thus declines in the abun- The report also details the disruption of ative and others considered positive. dance of breeding ducks in this region by the essential ecological processes, displacement • In the southeastern United States, 2080s.” Projected declines in duck breeding or disappearance of coastal wetlands species, the range of the dominant pine and hard- range between nine and 69 percent. significant loss of coastal marshes and dis- wood forests is projected to expand north- Based on the report, The Wildlife ruption of alpine and Arctic ecosystems. ward while the conifer forests of New Society will consider adopting formal policy Direct threats to many species are reported, England and much of the Northeast are recommendations at its March meeting. In including polar bears, migratory songbirds expected to change to temperate deciduous draft form, those recommendations now and waterfowl and alpine amphibians. forests similar to those today found in south- include measures such as reduction of car- Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society eastern Pennsylvania and northern Virginia. bon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emis- is the nation’s preeminent association of “Some forest species such as sugar maple are sions and that state and federal wildlife agen- wildlife professionals, with nearly 9,000 projected to disappear entirely from the cies consider climate change in developing members including wildlife biologists and United States over the next century.” long-range wildlife management plans and research scientists, habitat managers, field • Projected sea level rise due to glob- strategies. technicians, educators and wildlife agency al climate change may cause some wildlife “We need to build support for a work- administrators. species to be displaced inland or disappear able, market-based approach that will first Previous reports from The Wildlife entirely if their lowland wetlands are rapidly cap and then begin to reduce this nation’s Society have played a significant role in inundated, “critical mudflats used by migra- carbon pollution emissions,” says Jeremy determining major trends in wildlife conser- tory shorebirds” may be flooded, and “sub- Symons, manager of the National Wildlife vation and influencing public policy. mergence of coastal marshes is expected to Federation’s Climate Change and Wildlife Reports from The Wildlife Society on wolf be most severe along the U.S. Gulf and program. “That is the approach taken in leg- restoration (1991), acid rain (1993) and Atlantic coasts.” islation sponsored in Congress by Senators conservation opportunities in the national • “Even a small amount of warming John McCain and Joe Lieberman.” Farm Bill (1995), for example, articulated a may eliminate some wetland plant and ani- The Wildlife Society panel responsible consensus among wildlife professionals that mal species in alpine regions because there is for the report includes Michael G. ultimately played out in national policy little opportunity to disperse among these Anderson, Institute for Wetland and reform and innovation. isolated habitats.” Waterfowl Research at Ducks Unlimited, “Global Climate Change and Wildlife • “Loss of sea-ice will likely directly Canada; Andrew R. Blaustein, Department in North America” is the distillation of a affect marine mammals and seabirds depen- of Zoology, Oregon State University; two-year review by a professional panel of dent upon ice shelves and flows as platforms Virginia R. Burkett, National Wetlands hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific reports for reproduction, pupping, nesting and Research Center, Lafayette, La.; Benjamin examining the wildlife implications of glob- migration.” Polar bears, walrus, ringed seals Felzer, The Ecosystems Center, Marine al warming. and bearded seals are considered particularly Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Mass.; The report’s major findings include: vulnerable to loss of sea-ice. Brad Griffith, Biological Resources Division • During this century “the ranges of • In areas where warming is greatest, Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife habitats and wildlife are predicted to gener- “changes in forest dynamics due to disease Research Unit and Institute of Arctic ally move northward as temperatures and insects are very likely.” In conjunction Biology, University of Alaska; Doug Inkley, increase.” The ability of plants and animals with rapid Arctic warming from 1992 National Wildlife Federation, Jeff Price, to shift to new ranges in response to climate through 1996, the report notes, a sustained American Bird Conservancy in Chico, Ca.; change, however, will be limited by several outbreak of spruce bark beetles has caused and Terry L. Root, Center for factors, including migratory pathways, polli- over 2.3 million acres of tree mortality in Environmental Science and Policy, Institute nator availability and the concurrent move- Alaska. “This was the largest loss to spruce for International Studies, Stanford ment of forage and prey. bark beetles ever recorded in North University. • Diverse responses to climate America.” Global Climate Change and Wildlife in change by interdependent species “could • “Amphibian populations and dis- North America is available in PDF format cause significant restructuring of existing tributions are likely to change significantly at: http://www.nwf.org/news plant and animal communities.” Changes as air and water temperatures change,” with in the timing and length of seasons due to species inhabiting high-altitude areas being

Page 10 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 Nominations Sought For Top Conservation Awards

to the program, these awards are widely dreds of key communicators about the loss The Louisiana Wildlife Federation acclaimed as the most prestigious recogni- of America’s WETLAND; (LWF) is now accepting nominations for tion of conservation accomplishment that Robert E. Stewart, Jr. Director of the the 41st Governor’s State Conservation are presented annually in our state.” National Wetlands Research Center in Achievement Awards. The program recog- Smith noted that, in keeping with tra- Lafayette for developing and guiding the nizes those persons and organizations who dition, Governor Blanco has endorsed the Nation’s premier wetlands research facility make outstanding contributions to the nat- program. He encouraged the public to and lending its expertise to better under- ural resource welfare and environmental make nominations. stand and preserve wetland resources; quality of the community, parish and state. Nominations are now open and will be James Walker Moore, Jr. of Monroe for dedicating his time, skills and energy to conserve wildlife in his community though his work with Friends of Black Bayou and the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge; The Ascension Parish Youth Council for numerous clean-up and beautification projects in the parish, particularly the effort to restore New River; Roy O. Martin Lumber Company for leadership in forest stewardship and wildlife management on almost 600,000 acres of company forest lands in Louisiana; The Louisiana SeaGrant Extension Communications Committee for facilitat- ing the delivery of fisheries and wetlands science and conservation information to the people of Louisiana through the devel- opment of the web site: SeaGrantFish; Senator Reggie P. Dupre, Jr. of Bourg Winners of last year's conservation awards L to R: Chris Clayton (Roy O. Martin Lumber Company), Dr. Bob Stewart, Senator Reggie Dupre, Jim Moore, J. C. Ashford (Toledo Bend Lake Association, Melissa Dufour (SeaGrantFish) and John for championing the cause of coastal Felsher. Not pictured: Mark Schleifstein and Ascension Parish Youth Council.

There are eight award categories for accepted until February 8, 2005. The which nominations can be made. They are: awards will be presented on March 5th at a professional; volunteer; business; educator; special banquet held in conjunction with youth; elected official; communications the 66th annual convention of the and organization. Louisiana Wildlife Federation at the The awards themselves, handsome Holiday Inn in Monroe. statuettes of majestic wild animals, are Complete program details and nomi- unique to the program and highly coveted nation form are available from the by all who receive them. Louisiana Wildlife Federation, www.law- According to E. R. “Smitty” Smith, III, ildlifefed.org or 337 S. Acadian Thruway, LWF president, “For over 40 years the fed- Baton Rouge, LA 70806; phone/fax eration’s annual conservation awards pro- 225/344-6707; Mark Schleifstein (R) receives the Governor's Award for gram has recognized those individuals, mailto: [email protected]. outstanding conservation achievement at the '04 awards organizations and businesses who have Last year’s honorees were: banquet. gone ‘above and beyond’ in their efforts to Times-Picayune environment reporter, conserve fish and wildlife resources, to Mark Schleifstein for his award-winning restoration in the Louisiana Legislature; enhance opportunities for all of our citizens environmental writing and particularly for John N. Felsher, Outdoor Editor for to enjoy the outdoors, to improve the qual- the series, “Washing Away,” an expose on the Lake Charles American Press for advo- ity of the environment, and to educate and the Louisiana’s coastal land loss and the cating, in word and deed, the preservation advocate on behalf of our natural resources increasing vulnerability of coastal commu- of Louisiana’s outdoor heritage; here in Louisiana. Thanks to the participa- nities to tropical storms. He was also com- The Toledo Bend Lake Association for tion of hundreds of Louisiana citizens who mended for convening a major conference being Toledo Bend Reservoir’s chief citizen have, over the years, encouraged good con- of environmental journalists in New stewards and tenacious guardians of its nat- servation work by submitting nominations Orleans that succeeded in informing hun- ural resources.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 11 award-winning Friends of Black Bayou LNG then be recycled and reheated within From the Editor: Continued from page 3 (FoBB). FoBB is the "Friends' support the closed system to be used over and over group for the Black Bayou Lake National again. Another much cheaper processing the enjoyment provided for so many years Wildlife Refuge on the outskirts of the City method that can be used where the available before it was closed and put up for sale; of Monroe. FoBB was recognized by the water volume is unlimited is to simply pump restoring public use of coastal waters for fish- LWF two years ago with the Governor's ambient water through the heating coils ing and navigation, where that right is pro- Award, our top recognition of conservation continuously, discharging the cooled water tected by law, and negotiating equitable achievement. It was also named the out- out the other side. That sounds like the way agreements with coastal landowners where it standing NWR "Friends" group in the to go until you consider the important is not; reducing mercury pollution that nation for its efforts last year and will be rec- marine organisms that will be killed when threatens the quality of our waters and the ognized at a national meeting of "Friends" they are caught (entrained) in the volume of fish we want to catch and take home to eat; groups in Washington, DC in February. water being pumped through the establishing a state policy on reservoir devel- One of FoBB's major achievements has been heating/cooling coils. I think you get the opment that does not diminish important winning support and funding for the devel- picture. habitat resources and private property rights opment of the refuge visitor's center, nature The waters of much of the Gulf of in favor of the enrichment of a few, and that trail, observation tower and 400' pier, and it Mexico support a living soup of organisms. is driven by the state's real current and future is currently very successfully pursuing the All those tiny eggs and larvae may not look water supply needs. Then there is the peren- development of a wetlands learning center like much, but they grow up to be shrimp, nial challenge of securing authorization and adjacent to the refuge visitor's center that and fish, including red snapper, redfish, funding for large-scale coastal restoration will be available to the community and edu- cobia, amberjack, tuna and others of signifi- that is made even more daunting by the mas- cational institutions for hands-on nature cant economic importance to the recreation- sive federal budget deficit, and taking a hard study and learning. It has accomplished a al and commercial fisheries of the Gulf look at the causes and solutions to global cli- lot in its short 7-year existence and is a States. So you can see that the cheap way to mate change. Others are new, at least in model for volunteer community conserva- go for the LNG facility can be very costly to their specificity, like the threat to marine tion groups. Come to the convention and public natural resources. The case in point is resources posed by the location of liquefied meet this outstanding group of conserva- the Gulf Landing, LLC Deepwater Port natural gas (LNG) regasification facilities in tionists. facility proposed for the Gulf of Mexico coastal and offshore waters. More on that One last word on convention. The south of Cameron Parish. Using an open ahead. Some of these new issues will be Louisiana Department of Wildlife and system as proposed by Gulf Landing, the determined by the resolutions adopted at Fisheries will have its LaserShot exhibit set company's own environmental impact state- LWF's 66th annual convention March 4-6 up outside the registration area. This is an ment (EIS) predicts that the system could in Monroe. If you would like to suggest a exciting new computer game the department destroy enough redfish eggs and larvae to resolution for the delegates to consider at the is now utilizing in its hunter education pro- impact up to 8.5 percent of total redfish convention, please notify one of the LWF's gram to demonstrate shoot, don't shoot sit- landings (annual) in the Gulf of Mexico officers or District Vice-Presidents listed on uations, effective shot placement and other (11.5% of Louisiana Redfish landings). page 6. shooting and hunting skills. I haven't tried That doesn't account for the other species The LWF convention will have the dis- it yet, but I'm told it's almost like the real impacted and the food chain impacts. Keep tinction of being attended by the new presi- thing. So come on out to the convention in mind that other such facilities are consid- dent and CEO of the National Wildlife and give it a try. ering locating in the Gulf and coastal waters. Federation, Larry Schweiger. Larry is a You may have heard about the LNG If the estimates of potential mortality are hunter and angler from Pennsylvania who issue I mentioned earlier. High domestic even close to accurate, it is simply not per- grew up involved with the Pennsylvania natural gas prices have made it economic to missible from a resource conservation per- Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, one of convert natural gas produced in other coun- spective to allow such a facility to be built off NWF's largest affiliates. He is one of us. He tries to liquid form, transport it to the our shore. Although more expensive to is tentatively scheduled to speak at the United States in vessels on barges and ships, build and operate, a closed, recirculating Saturday Board of Directors Luncheon and regasify it and pump it into existing natural heating/cooling system would avoid this later that evening at the Conservation gas pipelines. Several LNG regasification unreasonably severe threat to our marine Awards Banquet. Both events are open to facilities are proposed for coastal and off- resources. Sometimes it's necessary to just LWF members and guests. Knowing Larry, shore waters in the Gulf of Mexico. To con- say NO, and if the impacts of this facility, as he will be available and involved throughout vert the LNG back to the gaseous state, it proposed, are as severe as suggested by the the meeting. Come and meet the leader of must be safely warmed which requires a heat EIS, I hope the powers that be will say just the National Wildlife Federation at the LWF source. Water is a good source of heat, even that, NO. You can help them make up their convention. Details of the convention, cold water as long as there is sufficient vol- minds by contacting the U. S. Department including room reservation and registration ume available and it is moving quickly of Transportation, Docket Management forms, a preliminary agenda and other infor- enough to keep from freezing as it transfers Facility, 400 Seventh Street SW, mation will be posted on the LWF website its heat to the LNG. Where the supply for Washington, DC 20590-0001 and refer to soon, or you may contact the Federation heating water is limited, a sufficient volume License Application DOT Docket Number office if you would like to receive the infor- of water can be contained in a closed system USCG-2004-16860. Better yet, isn't that mation in the mail. and heated by solar energy or fossil fuel com- The convention host affiliate is the bustion so it can do the job of heating the Continued on page 26

Page 12 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 CONSERVATION LINE

Where the Ducks Are on LDWF Website Volunteers are needed to assist with retriev- * * * * * ing and disposing of the traps under the The Louisiana Department of Wildlife direction of the Louisiana Department of Turkey Season Dates Set and Fisheries, in partnership with the U. S. Wildlife and Fisheries. During the time of Fish and Wildlife Service, is expanding the cleanup, the fishing of crabs with crab The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries waterfowl surveys statewide to provide addi- traps will be closed in the designated areas. Commission set the dates for the 2005 tional information to the Louisiana public. The areas subject to the closure and cleanup turkey hunting season at its December meet- LDWF annually conducts four aerial water- program are the east side of Sabine Lake in ing. The seasons were proposed in fowl surveys from September through Cameron Parish from Feb. 19 - 27 with the September and open for a 4-month public January of the coastal zone, Catahoula Lake, main volunteer days scheduled for February comment period. Area A will open on and central and northeast parishes. This 19 and 25; the Breton Sound area near March 25 and close on April 24; Area B will year the survey will be expanded to include Delacroix and Pointe A La Hache in St. open on March 25 and close on April 17; the Red River and other wetland complexes Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes on Feb. and Area C will open on March 25 and close in northwest Louisiana, along with new and 26 - March 13 with the primary volunteer on April 3. expanded waterfowl counts on numerous days on Feb. 26 and March 5; the Dulac/Cocodrie area of Terrebonne Bay * * * * * from March 5 thru 20 with primary volun- teer days on March 5 and 12; and the Turkey Lottery Hunts Announced Cypremort Point/Quintana Canal area of Vermilion Bay/West Cote Blanche Bay from The Louisiana Department of Wildlife the opening of the spring inshore shrimp and Fisheries has announced the locations season and continuing for 9 days. For more for the season’s turkey lottery hunts. The details of the program and to volunteer to 2005 turkey season will feature lottery hunts help go to http://www.derelictcrabtrap.net. on nine of the department’s wildlife manage- ment areas. Bayou Macon, Boise-Vernon, * * * * * Loggy Bayou, Sabine, Sherburne, Sicily Island Hills, Tunica Hills, Union, and West department managed Wildlife Management Public Comments Invited Bay wildlife management areas will have lot- Areas and USFWS National Wildlife on Invasive Species Plan tery-only hunts for a least a portion of the Refuges. Most of these surveys will be con- open turkey season. In addition, youth only ducted by air, but some will be estimates The Louisiana Aquatic Invasive Species lottery hunts will be held on Bens Creek, Big derived from ground counts. In addition to Task Force, has completed the draft State Lake, Fort Polk/Peason Ridge, Jackson- waterfowl population estimates, timely Management Plan for Aquatic Invasive Bienville, Loggy Bayou, Sherburne, Union, information will be included on local habitat Species in Louisiana. Public comment on and West Bay WMAs. Hunters 15 years old conditions, weather patterns, waterfowl the draft is being solicited. “Invasive species” and younger are eligible for the youth hunt migration events and results of recent hunt- are non-native organisms whose introduc- lotteries. Lottery hunt applications are avail- ing at WMAs and NWRs. This information tions cause or are likely to cause adverse able from any LDWF regional office and can will be posted at the department’s website at environmental, economic, and/or human also be found on the department’s website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov. Other helpful links health impacts. The Task Force has deter- http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov. There is a $5 at this website include U.S. weather maps mined that invasive species pose a serious nonrefundable application fee that must that will provide insights into winter weath- threat to the economic and ecological health accompany each application. Applications er patterns across the country and waterfowl of the state of Louisiana. This draft man- must be received in the Baton Rouge office survey reports from other Mississippi Flyway agement plan describes the nature and by February 15, 2005 to be eligible for the states north of Louisiana. Results of some of extent of this potential threat and proposes drawing. these surveys are currently on-line and will specific actions toward addressing it. The be updated regularly throughout the water- draft State Management Plan for Aquatic * * * * * fowl hunting season. To locate this water- Invasive Species in Louisiana may be down- fowl information, click on “Hunting loaded at: Trade in Alligator Snapping Information” on the LDWF website. http://is.cbr.tulane.edu/LouisianaAIS.html. Turtles Prohibited All comments must be provided in writing * * * * * to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and The alligator snapping turtle, or logger- Fisheries and directed to Mark McElroy. head, once a common site in Louisiana mar- Crab Trap Cleanup Set The comments may be e-mailed kets, can no longer be trapped for commer- mailto:[email protected], faxed cial sale. In addition to banning commercial The second annual derelict crab trap to (225)765-5176 or mailed to LDWF, P.O. harvest, the new regulation limits recreation- removal project is scheduled for 4 areas Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898. along the Louisiana coast in 2005. Continued on page 18

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 13 GreenGreen WinsWins 20042004 StateState DuckDuck CallingCalling TitleTitle

took 2nd place in the state contest followed field of 17 specklebelly callers to take 1st With a focused, consistent performance by Jason Campbell of Iowa, LA in 3rd. place in the Senior Division. He was followed through three rounds of competition, Phil T. Housend had finished 3rd in last year’s con- by Scotty LePretre of Gueydan in 2nd and test. Only a few points separated the top Tom Fulkerson of Kaplan in 3rd. The Junior scorers. speck competition was won by Ian Woods of In the Intermediate (14-16 years of age) Jennings with Chris Daniels of Lake Charles duck calling division, Ryan Champagne of taking 2nd place and Casey Bertrand of Luling placed 1st followed by Bobby Jorden Gueydan taking 3rd. of Lafayette. Charles “Slade” Norfleet of Thanks to the following sponsors and Luling repeated as the Junior Division (under donors for supporting the contest with their 14) champ. Second place in the Junior products, services and financial contribu- Division went to Matthew Laprairie of tions: Academy Sports and Outdoors; Deville (3rd in last year’s contest) and Bo Angelle Concrete, Inc.; Agri Sport Coating; Bourque of Gueydan took 3rd. Laprairie Baton Rouge Sportsmen’s League; BellSouth; competed in the Junior World Duck Calling Budweiser; Enterprise Rent-a-Car; Farm Contest in Stuttgart where he came in second Bureau Insurance; GO-DEVIL place. Manufacturers of Louisiana, Inc.; Gueydan In the goose calling competition, James Duck Festival Association; Lipsey’s, Inc.; Meyers of Sulphur repeated as champ in the Richard Louque; Louisiana Wildlife Senior Division of the Blue/Snow category Federation; Paradise Louisiana; Toyota; Trade followed by Cody Vincent of Gueydan in Winds Blinds. 2nd place and Joe Dantin of Raceland in 3rd. The Junior Blue/Snow division was won by Hunter Canik of Grand Chenier. Ryan

Phil Green of New Iberia, 2004 Louisiana State Duck Calling Champion. Green went on to take 2nd runnerup in the World Duck Calling Contest.

Green, II of New Iberia maintained his early lead and eased away from an outstanding field of 20 callers Sunday to win the 2004 State Duck Calling Championship. The Senior Duck Calling Competition was the premier event at the 36th Annual State Duck and Goose Calling Contest hosted by the Gueydan Duck Festival Association and con- ducted under the auspices of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. This was the first time for Gueydan, the “Duck Capitol of America,” to host the contest which tradi- tionally has been held in Baton Rouge. The victory was especially satisfying to Green who had finished second in last year’s state competition. This time, persistence and State Senator Nick Gautreaux keeps track of the scoring on his laptop at the State Duck and Goose Calling Contest. practice paid off as Green outscored the com- petition in each round. Green went on to Godare of Sulphur took 2nd place followed represent Louisiana in the World Duck by Laikin Canik, also of GrandChenier, in Calling Contest on Nov. 28 in Stuttgart, 3rd. Laikin was the only female caller Arkansas where he finished 3rd. entered in any of the competitions. Shannon Housend of Des Allemands Nathan Lopez of Lake Arthur bested the

Page 14 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 Fisheries Issues, Cooperation the Focus of Sponsor Members Special Legislative Committee First-time $100 or greater LWF fish hook and line fishery restricted by con- Contributing members are entitled to On January 10th the Joint Natural servation quota with limited entry to certi- receive a sponsor plaque for their Resources Committee of the Louisiana fied commercial fishermen; increasing fund- home or office. We extend our grateful Legislature met to review recommendations ing for enforcement of fishery laws; limiting appreciation to the following Sponsor from 16 commercial and recreational fishing the number of "sow" speckled trout that can Members of the Louisiana Wildlife and seafood industry groups. The commit- be taken within the overall creel limit; Federation. Their support and that of tee was holding its second meeting pursuant restricting the use of trawls and skimmers in all our loyal members is directly to SCR 107 of the 2004 Regular Session of shallow water nursery areas; and resolving responsible for the Federation’s growth the Louisiana Legislature. The groups pro- the issue of access to public waters for fish- and success. viding recommendations were requested to ing and navigation, among others. This last identify priority issues that could be worked issue was also emphasized at the meeting by on cooperatively with other fishery users and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and user groups. shrimping industry groups. SCR 107 was introduced by Senator Some of the other recommendations Walter Boasso, offered by a freshman the advisory legislator and organizations businessman that demon- from St. strate a com- Bernard mon interest Ryan Barnes, Mandeville Parish. He and desire to Eddie E. Baxley, Dry Prong had become cooperate Steven E. Bech, Marrero frustrated by included Billly Byrd, Columbia what he establishing Dan Chase, Baton Rouge Sally Cooper, New Orleans observed as an new sources Steve Daigle, Harvey unnecessary, of funding - Punctual Abstract Co., Inc. unproductive for fisheries Felix A. DeJean, III, Opelousas conflict between recreational and commer- law enforcement and management - Attorney at Law cial fishing groups down at the state capitol. (Allocation of the state tax on fuel sold at Donald E. Delesdernier, Boothville Paul Durfield, Shreveport So he introduced SCR 107 in an attempt to marina's was suggested by the Louisiana - International Paper promote cooperation and to get the most Charterboat Association.); restoring and Richard W. Eckman, DDS, Baton Rouge out of Louisiana's public fishery resources conserving fish and fishing habitat; respect- Ken Firmin, Baton Rouge for everyone. Although many of the veteran ful behavior on the water and reporting vio- - Atlas Industrial Corporation David B. Fontenot, Anacoco legislators on the joint committee have been lations; establishing a process/forum for dis- Richard E. Gerard, Lake Charles down this road before, they were cautiously cussing fisheries issues and legislation among Greg Godfrey, Westlake hopeful as they listened to the testimony. user groups prior to consideration by the - Louisiana Pigment Company, LP At the meeting, Senator Boasso had sev- Legislature; continuing the derelict crab trap Jud Hale, Minden eral questions of his own which he directed removal program; fair and equal application Gerald D. Kimble, Jr., Belle Chasse Phillip T. Lalande, Lafayette mostly to the Louisiana Department of of fisheries law enforcement; and protecting Elizabeth M. Landis, New Orleans Wildlife and Fisheries. They pertained to marine resources from the impacts of lique- Boo Langhoff, Metairie getting information about the various fish- fied natural gas processing facilities proposed - Northside Electric, Inc. eries that will be necessary to formulate con- for offshore and coastal waters. Kenneth B. Morrison, Youngsville Durwood Newton, Bunkie cepts and recommendations for improved or Senator Boasso recommended that sub- Benny J. Pennington, Calhoun alternative management. Things like harvest groups be formed to examine the concepts Ivy Reeves, Baton Rouge records, number of commercial and recre- and recommendations identified at the Bill Roundtree, Ruston ational resident and nonresident licenses meeting and Senator Malone, serving as - Bill Roundtree & Associates, LLC sold, fees generated from the licenses, etc. chairman of the joint committee, summed Ashton J. Ryan, Jr., New Orleans - First Bank & Trust will be provided to the committee by the up the sentiment of all stating that the com- Morteza “Marty” Shamsnia, MD, Metairie department. He also tossed out a few issues mittee's number one priority is to make sure - Advanced Neurodiagnostic Center and ideas like extending state jurisdiction for that enough fish, shrimp, oysters and crab Tom B. Tarver, Monroe fisheries management from 3 to 9 miles off- are available for future generations. The Michael Touchet, New Iberia Waterborne, Inc., New Orleans shore; controlling black drum populations committee will continue to examine the Leon T. Watkins, D.P.M., Metairie to reduce predation on oysters; identifying issues and make a final report early next year. Gordie R. White, New Iberia underutilized species that could be harvested - Attorney at Law and sold for crawfish bait; a commercial red- N. Thomas Willie, Baton Rouge

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 15 LWF ANNOUNCES 41ST CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS PROGRAM

scientists, researchers, etc. ) The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is now accepting nominations for the 41st 2 - VOLUNTEER annual Governor’s State Conservation Achievement Awards. The awards program For outstanding accomplishments dur- seeks to recognize those individuals, organi- ing the year in the management, enhance- zations and businesses that have made sig- ment, or protection of Louisiana's fish, nificant and outstanding contributions wildlife, air, water, soil or forest resources, toward the protection and wise use of the or related recreational opportunities by a state’s natural resources — its air, soil and person acting in a volunteer capacity. minerals, its forests, waters and wildlife. There are 8 award categories for which 3 - YOUTH nominations can be made. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 8, For outstanding conservation effort by 2005. Self-nominations are completely a youngster (18 years old and younger). acceptable. Further, in nearly all cases it is Youth groups are also eligible in this cate- necessary to enlist the cooperation of the gory. The winner should have demonstrat- nominee in order to provide the judging ed outstanding ability, leadership, and Honorable Kathleen Babineaux Blanco committee with adequate supporting infor- accomplishment in any phase of conserva- mation. So please do not feel awkward tion, either individually or as a group. about nominating yourself or providing With the knowledge and under- background material for someone who may standing that conservation, wise man- 4 - BUSINESS/CORPORATE wish to nominate you for one of these agement and use of our State’s natural awards. We urge you to bring your accom- resources is essential to the health, For outstanding achievement by a plishments or those of others to the public’s happiness, welfare, and economic business in pollution control, habitat con- attention through this program. well-being of Louisiana’s citizens; and servation/restoration, donating lands for Awards will be presented at a special with the belief that proper recognition wildlife conservation and public recreation, Saturday evening recognition banquet to be of conservation efforts promotes wise etc. (This category is to honor a company, held in conjunction with the Louisiana resource management and use. not an individual person. It covers a wide Wildlife Federation’s 66th annual conven- I, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, variety of possible achievements. Submit an tion, March 5, 2005, at the Holiday Inn in Governor of Louisiana, do hereby entry and let the judges consider the nomi- Monroe, Louisiana. endorse the concept of the Governor’s nation.) A nomination form, explanation of the State Conservation Achievement award categories, rules, procedures and Awards Program as conducted annu- 5 - EDUCATOR other details of the program follow. ally under the auspices of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. For outstanding effort in conservation Award Categories education by a professional or volunteer. Instructors of hunter safety and outdoor Nominations will be accepted for the ethics are eligible in this category as are following categories. Winners may not be Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Governor teachers of the natural sciences, fish and named in every category. Recognition will wildlife management, environmental be based primarily on accomplishments tribution to the management, enhance- design and management, various aspects of during 2004. Immediate past winners are ment, or protection of Louisiana’s fish, environmental education, etc. Emphasis not eligible to succeed themselves in the wildlife, air, water, soil or forest resources, should be on teaching and working with same category of accomplishment for or related recreational opportunities. (For students or the public rather than research which they were recognized the previous the purpose of this category a Professional or administration. year. is a person who receives monetary compen- sation for the work that has resulted in the 6 - ELECTED OFFICIAL accomplishments for which she/he has been 1 - PROFESSIONAL nominated. This includes, but is not limit- For outstanding conservation effort by ed to, persons employed in renewable nat- an elected official. All Louisiana elected For outstanding accomplishments dur- ural resource management or recreation officials are eligible in this category. ing the year by a person who, in a profes- fields including biologists, enforcement sional capacity, has made a significant con- officers, wildlife managers, administrators,

Page 16 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 7 - COMMUNICATIONS accepted for the Governor’s Award. GOVERNOR’S AWARD Attach the Nomination Form to the nom- For outstanding effort by a writer, For the outstanding over-all conser- inee’s resume’ of achievements. The reporter, radio or T.V. broadcaster, photog- vation effort and achievement. The resume’ should be a narrative description rapher, artist, cartoonist, radio or T.V. sta- Governor’s Award recipient is select- of the nominee’s accomplishments and tion, or newspaper or other publication in ed by the judging committee from include an explanation of their signifi- creating a public awareness of the impor- among the award category winners. cance or impact, that is, why the nomi- tance of environmental quality and natural Nominations are not accepted for nee’s accomplishments are important and resource conservation or making a signifi- this award. worthy of recognition. The resume’ cant contribution toward the solution of a should not exceed 3 single-spaced typed major conservation problem in the state. pages. Information such as past recogni- Nominations will be evaluated based on tion, organization memberships, etc. may efforts and accomplishments in the imme- 8 - ORGANIZATION be appended to the resume’. diate past year. Prior records may be con- Documentation of accomplishments such sidered but this will be left up to the For outstanding contribution to the as newspaper clippings, correspondences, judges. conservation effort by a state or local etc. should be included as a supplement 2. Nominations for the Governor’s organization. Bona fide organizations to the resume’. If a nomination is sub- State Conservation Achievement Awards including but not limited to civic organi- mitted for more than one category, a sep- must be hand-delivered or sent by mail or zations, environmental groups, sports- arate nomination form and complete other delivery service (return receipt men’s clubs, environmental groups, gar- resume’ must be submitted for each cate- requested) to the Louisiana Wildlife den clubs, etc., are eligible. Nominees gory entered. Federation, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon should have taken action and developed 5. If possible, please include a photo- Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 progams to address significant natural graph of the nominee with the nomina- (street address: 337 S. Acadian Thruway, resource management and environmental tion, or mail:to [email protected] Baton Rouge, LA 70806), and be post- quality challenges. In special cases where Nominations without photos are accept- marked on or before midnight February state, federal or local agencies or institu- able, however, and submission should not 8, 2005. tions have accomplished extraordinary be delayed. A photo can be forwarded at a 3. The Conservation Achievement work above and beyond their normal later date. Awards will be presented at the annual responsibilities, such organizations will be 6. All rules must be strictly adhered Recognition Banquet held during the given consideration for this award. to. Nominations which do not meet all 66th Annual Louisiana Wildlife standards and criteria will be returned to Federation Convention, Saturday, March Program Rules and Procedures sender to be resubmitted with appropriate 5, 2005 at the Holiday Inn in Monroe, additions/modifications. Program judges Louisiana. 1. The Forty-first State Conservation may declare any nomination ineligible if 4. Please specify on the Nomination Achievement Recognition Program proper documentation and supportive Form the category for which the nomina- awards shall be restricted to achievement materials are not included. The decision tion is made. No nomination will be completed prior to December 31, 2004. of the judging committee will be final.

NOMINATION FORM Date:

Full Name of Nominee: Category #: Address: Recommended By: Address: Phone: Signed By Email address Title (if any):

Reply to: LWF • P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station • Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 337 South Acadian Thruway • Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 17 CONSERVATION LINE

step to establish field borders for bobwhites etation best suited for the targeted species. Conservation Line:Continued from page 13 on an unprecedented scale with the creation To learn more about the program or to of a new 250,000-acre field border practice, enroll contact al take of the turtles to one-per-day per boat “Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds (CP33),” mailto:[email protected] or vehicle. The alligator snapper, America’s in the Continuous Conservation Reserve largest freshwater turtle, was once processed Program (CCRP). CCRP, a streamlined * * * * * by the thousands each year in Louisiana, variant of the Conservation Reserve ending up in turtle soups and gumbos. That Program, is designed to place a variety of Wood Duck Banders Recognized market had waned during the 1980s, but biologists were still concerned that popula- The Region 6 staff of the Louisiana tions of the turtle and its habitat were Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has diminished to the extent that additional pro- been recognized for its efforts in banding tection was necessary. In response, LDWF wood ducks. Robert Helm, LDWF water- placed commercial size and recreational take fowl study leader, presented wildlife biolo- limits on the turtles in 1993. To determine gist Pat Deshotels with the annual trophy population levels, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife acknowledging that Region 6 had banded Service funded a five-year study in which more wood ducks than any other of the two Louisiana trappers caught, tagged and state’s seven regions. Region 6, which released nearly 550 alligator snappers. includes the Atchafalaya Basin northward to Those results, as well as numbers trapped in Avoyelles Parish, and is headquartered in other states, satisfied the Fish and Wildlife Opelousas, banded almost 600 wood ducks. Service that the turtles did not require buffer practices on working cropland, to Just over half of those bands were placed on Federal regulation. Even so, by 1998 enable mutual accommodation of cropping wood ducks caught with cannon nets and Louisiana was the only state that allowed and conservation. A notable feature of the the remainder were hens captured in depart- commercial harvest of alligator snapping CCRP is its continuous signup process, ment nesting boxes. The department’s total turtles. Spurred by Senator Robert Barham whereby producers with eligible land can was 1,600 banded wood ducks, which is of Rayville, the Louisiana Legislature adopt- apply any working day of the year and be double that of 2003, and Region 6 banded ed a resolution requesting that a moratorium accepted immediately, instead of having to almost 40 percent of that total. Helm stated be called on the commercial harvest of this wait for periodic competitive signups. Most that the purpose of this annual award is to species. As of November 20, alligator snap- CCRP practices are focused on sediment show appreciation for the hard work of the per cannot be taken from the wild for com- retention and water quality improvement, banding crew in the winning region and to merce, and the sale of the turtles, their meat, not wildlife enhancement. But CP33 is help promote the program. Banding pro- shells and other parts are prohibited. designed and intended as a wildlife practice. vides essential information used to calculate However, licensed turtle farmers will still be The Southeast Quail Study Group (SEQSG) the population status and distribution pat- allowed to sell alligator snappers that hatch and other conservation organizations first terns of this native waterfowl species. Due from their breeding stock, and Louisiana res- proposed a CCRP field borders practice to to their use of wooded swamps and sloughs, idents can still satisfy their culinary desires FSA in 1996, but it was not accepted. In wood duck populations are very difficult to and traditions by doing their own trapping. 2002 the SEQSG later published the first monitor using traditional survey techniques, nationwide quail restoration plan, the making banding the most important man- * * * * * “Northern Bobwhite Conservation agement tool. Initiative” (NBCI), which aims to restore the Bobwhite Restoration Gets Boost birds’ populations back to 1980 levels. See * * * * * http://qu.org/seqsg/nbci/nbci.cfm for a copy Seventy-five years ago, Herbert of the plan. Congress subsequently issued Michaelsen Wins ‘05 Stoddard, the acknowledged “father of quail guidance in the 2002 Farm Bill for the State Duck Stamp Competition management,” advised in his classic 1931 Secretary of Agriculture to accommodate book, The Bobwhite Quail; Its Habits, habitat needs of quail, per the NBCI. Ken Michaelsen, a well-known wildlife Preservation and Increase, that row crop cul- According to FSA’s “Notice CRP-479,” the artist from the state of California, was select- tivation “should be held back a few rods, for CP33 acreage, which equals 62,500 miles of ed as winner of the 17th Annual Louisiana such border cover furnishes one of the most 33 foot-wide borders, has been allocated by Duck Stamp Art Competition sponsored by favored feeding grounds of the bob- FSA among the 35 states in historic quail the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and whites....” Bobwhite managers have sought, range. Each state gets an initial allotment of Fisheries. Runners-up were Michael Braun unsuccessfully ever since, to establish crop- from 500 to 20,000 acres. According to the from New Jersey with the second place entry land field borders on a sufficiently large scale NBCI, the practice could produce as many and Tony Bernard of Lafayette who placed to make a difference for quail populations. as 750,000 additional quail per year. The third. Michaelsen’s painting was chosen The US Department of Agriculture’s Farm borders can be from 30 to 120 feet wide, and from a field of 15 artists to appear on the Service Agency (FSA) has taken the historic must be established to and managed for veg- 2005-2006 state Waterfowl Conservation

Page 18 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 CONSERVATION LINE

Stamp (Duck Stamp). The winning image the artist’s eye and to encourage preservation depicts a black Labrador retriever in a of images of this island culture and its disap- * * * * * marsh-hunting scene with pintails in the pearing habitat for future generations. The background. The department initiated a awards reception will be held April 17, 2005 LOWA Makes 2 More “Retrievers Save Game” series this year that featuring the presentation of Best of Show Species Eligible For Fish Records featured the black lab. Competition require- ($1000) and three Awards of Excellence ments specified that entries had to also ($500 each). Two new fine arts categories The Louisiana Outdoor Writers include a discernable species of live water- have been added this year: Installation Art Association has added two species to the list fowl. A second retriever will be chosen for and Video. More information is available at of fish eligible for the state record book. the duck stamp contest next year. Judges for http://www.grandisleport.com. Starting in January of 2005 the Louisiana the 2005 Louisiana Duck Stamp contest State Fish Records will accept applications included Dr. Headley Adelmann, biology * * * * * for both gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) professor and artist from Hammond, Bimbo West, Leesville dog trainer/contractor and DMAP / LADT Violations Cited current state Ducks Unlimited chairman, Bob Kennon retired Baton Rouge attorney Two hunters were recently cited in sep- and lifelong Labrador trainer/judge, Charles arate cases by Louisiana Department of Frank, New Orleans artist/author and Dale Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Pousson, the winner of the 2003 Louisiana Sgt. David McAlpin for allegedly violating duck stamp competition. Prints will be DMAP and LADT regulations in available from the artist in the summer. The Natchitoches Parish. James E. Sturm, 28, of 17th anniversary 2005 - 2006 stamp, featur- Leesville, was cited on October 23 after Sgt. ing Michaelsen’s work, is expected to go on McAlpin found him to be in possession of sale on June 1, 2005. The Louisiana an untagged button buck that had been Waterfowl Conservation Stamp program killed on Po’ Folks Hunting Club. The was established in 1988 by the Louisiana hunting club’s land is enrolled in the and smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalis). Legislature to generate revenue for conserva- Landowner Antlerless Deer Tag (LADT) Smallmouth buffalo, is a first cousin to the tion and enhancement of state wetlands and program. Sturm was cited for possession of bigmouth buffalo and is frequently targeted has generated over $8.5 million since its an illegally taken deer and failure to abide by by freshwater anglers for its sweet, although inception. Approximately $4.5 million has commission rules. He was also issued a civil been used to acquire wetlands for the depart- summons to pay $524.50 in restitution to ment’s wildlife management areas. Other LDWF for the deer. The hunting club was duck stamp funds have also been used to dropped from the LADT program, and the manage wetland projects on the state’s antlerless tags issued to them were seized. Wildlife Management Area’s and to fund the The deer was also seized and later donated. Louisiana Wetland Project in association Halstead B. Ayrton III, 44, of DeRidder, was with Ducks Unlimited and the U. S. cited on October 25 after Sgt. McAlpin Department of Agriculture’s Natural found him in possession of an untagged doe Resource Conservation Service. deer that had been killed on Cypress Hunting Club, which is enrolled in the Deer * * * * * Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Sgt. McAlpin also found that the deer had Grand Isle Fine Arts Exhibition been shot with a .308 caliber rifle, when the “boney” white, meat. Known by many as a only legal method to hunt deer in this area at “razorback” due to its highly arched back, The 3rd annual Grand Isle juried art this time was by archery or muzzleloader. this spunky fish ranks with its cousin and competition is open for entries. The dead- Ayrton was cited for taking deer by illegal many catfish species as freshwater big game line for submissions is February 1, 2005. method, possession of an illegally taken deer, fish. The gray triggerfish, is becoming more The Exhibition will be held at the Grand Isle and failure to abide by commission rules. and more popular with snapper/grouper Community Center on Highway One, April He was also issued a civil summons to pay fisherman and is frequently a targeted 9-17, 2005 and is sponsored by Team City $524.50 in restitution to LDWF for the species by these offshore anglers. Weighing Grand Isle, a not for profit organization, deer. The hunting club was dropped from up to 10 pounds, the gray triggerfish is excel- along with the Grand Isle Port Commission the DMAP program and the antlerless tags lent table fare and a challenge on light tack- and the Town of Grand Isle. The 8th issued to them were seized, pending an le. The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Annual Grand Isle Migratory Bird administrative hearing by LDWF to deter- Association has been the official custodian of Celebration also is held during that same mine continued DMAP participation by the the Louisiana State Fish Records since the week. The goals of the Exhibition are to remaining club members. The deer was also raise awareness of coastal erosion through seized and later donated. Continued on page 23

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 19 President: Continued from page 3 submission of nominations and I want to to Coastal Waters” which were attended by thank Governor Blanco for renewing the tra- overflowing crowds and acclaimed as inter- of some maintenance and improvements dition of the Governor’s endorsement of the esting, informative and steps toward under- which we were able to accomplish this past program. Submitting nominations is a great standing and addressing these two extremely summer. Thanks to the Baton Rouge way to recognize and encourage conserva- important concerns of hunters and fishers Sportsmen’s League, Georgia Pacific and tion efforts in our state. and boaters. other donors for supporting this much need- Before closing, I want to welcome our The “Declaration of Rights” in the ed project. Another accomplishment not newest affiliate, Hunters for Hardwoods, Louisiana Constitution now guarantees mentioned in the report is the recruitment and their president Glenn Maxwell. I look every Louisiana citizen the “Freedom to or reinstatement of over 500 new members. forward to their participation. Hunt, Fish and Trap.” LWF succeeded in its Many of their names are listed elsewhere in 2004 was a good year for the Louisiana 3-year effort to place a proposition on the this magazine. Thank you for your confi- Wildlife Federation, and I hope it was as ballot, and, after presenting a strong defense dence in the LWF and I welcome your par- stellar a year for each and every one of you. against opponents and naysayers, was grati- ticipation. I hope that 2005 can only be better for all of fied when Louisiana voters agreed, by an Even with the successes, significant us and I want to wish everyone the best for a 81% landslide, that this important part of challenges in the conservation and outdoor great start to the new year ahead. I am hop- Louisiana’s heritage should be protected. recreation arena remain. One of the impor- ing to see many of you as you get more LWF continued to oppose the man- tant issues facing us in the coming year is the involved in the Federation and its work. agement of state wildlife lands, the White fair resolution of the controversy regarding This can be as simple as joining one of our Lake Property, by a private corporation with public access to coastal waters. This is a committees, attending our annual meeting, no accountability to the public or opportu- dicey debate with strong feelings held on or getting involved down at the legislature nity for public participation in management both sides. Last year the Legislature showed by contacting your legislator concerning an decisions that is rightfully and normally a strong interest in working on the problem outdoor issue you deem important. The afforded to the public when decisions are and took some modest steps, but more effort gratification of knowing that you have done made concerning the management and use must be applied. It is a priority issue for the something to protect wildlife and wild of state conservation lands. The Federation LWF and our Fisheries Policy and places will be most satisfying and will be part joined a lawsuit contesting this arrangement Management Committee, chaired by Keith of a unique legacy of stewardship that you and in 2004 was successful in getting legisla- Saucier. Anyone wanting to get involved can leave behind for future generations. tion adopted, with the support of Governor should contact the LWF and volunteer to While many of us may not be able to leave Blanco, to restructure the management for work with the committee. vast fortunes to our children and grandchil- the property. A favorable appeals court rul- The acquisition and reopening of dren, we can insure that the places that they ing has given impetus to negotiations that Elmer’s Island on the Louisiana coast, reduc- work, live, and play will remain at least as should lead to a satisfactory resolution of the ing mercury contamination in fish, develop- good as we found them if not better. An issue in early 2005. ing the state’s Comprehensive Wildlife inheritance no ancestor could or would turn LWF, in cooperation with the Conservation Plan, establishing a sound down. So, until next time, keep her between Louisiana Department of Wildlife and state policy on reservoir development, the buoys and enjoy what’s left of wintertime Fisheries and the Louisiana Forestry restoring the coast, and preserving our here in the sportsmans paradise. Association, won a $5,000 grant from the waterfowling heritage are other ongoing National Wildlife Federation’s Species challenges that LWF will be working on this Yours in conservation, Recovery Fund to demonstrate the place- year, along with any new direction given by ment of red-cockaded woodpecker nesting the resolutions that will be adopted at our E. R. “Smitty” Smith, III cavity inserts to forest managers and owners upcoming convention. Speaking of conven- President as a means of encouraging and enhancing tion, the LWF’s 66th Annual Meeting will be RCW colony development on their proper- held in Monroe on March 4-6, 2005. Please LWF 2004 ACTIVITIES & ty. The inserts can be used by landowners as make plans to attend. Our host affiliate is ACCOMPLISHMENTS tools in establishing “Safe Harbor the Friends of Black Bayou. For more infor- Agreements” with the US Fish & Wildlife mation about the convention, contact the LWF sponsored and conducted the Service that provide for conservation of the LWF office via phone or email. 40th State Conservation Achievement endangered red-cockaded woodpecker while Another important way you can con- Recognition Program, awarding 9 individu- allowing a landowner leeway in managing tribute to the conservation effort is by nom- als and organizations for outstanding conser- property without violating the provisions of inating some outstanding individual, busi- vation work. the Endangered Species Act. ness or organization for a conservation The Louisiana Wildlife Federation LWF renewed its call for the reduction award. A nomination form and details of held its 65th Annual Convention to develop of discharges and emissions of mercury into the awards program are included in this policy/positions on important natural the environment in the wake of additional magazine, or you can visit the LWF website resource management and environmental advisories against consuming fish that are for a nomination form. The awards will be protection issues. Convention delegates being contaminated with mercury and won presented on Saturday evening at the LWF debated and adopted twenty-seven conserva- the support of the Legislature for a resolu- convention. Awards Program Chairman Joe tion policy resolutions. The convention pro- tion requesting similar mercury reductions. Herring is doing a great job encouraging the gram included two panel discussions — LWF successfully advocated accelera- “Where the Ducks Were” and “Public Access tion of the development of the Statewide

Page 20 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan the issue until it is resolved to the benefit of also investigating approaches to improve the as required by the State Wildlife Grants the citizens and natural resources of the duck hunting experience in the face of Program (SWG). SWG is a federal match- state. apparent changes to the habitat and historic ing fund program that supports planning LWF brought to the attention of the migration and movement patterns, includ- and management efforts for species that are Governor, legislators and the public the pro- ing strategies to reduce hunting pressure and not hunted or fished and provides about $1 liferation of reservoir funding proposals in improve winter habitat. million annually to LDWF. The planning the state’s capital outlay budget, most of LWF was instrumental in assisting the for this 3-year-old program had languished, which would adversely and irreversibly formation of the Louisiana Legislative but with LWF’s prodding and new LDWF impact fish and wildlife habitat, and urged Sportsmen’s Caucus that will be helpful in leadership, more vigor is being applied that they be thoroughly evaluated and prior- guarding sportsmen’s rights and promoting toward developing a comprehensive wildlife itized within the context of the state’s conservation within the state legislature. conservation plan by the October 2005 tar- ground and surface water supply needs With continued LWF involvement get date. before any additional state funds are allocat- and support, the state’s Atchafalaya Basin The LWF continued its campaign for ed for land acquisition, detailed engineering Program moved forward with projects and state acquisition of Elmer’s Island to preserve and other pre-project work that tends to plans to enhance recreational opportunities and reopen it for the traditional, compatible commit the state’s support, even though the and improve water quality through water public uses of fishing, camping and birding projects are damaging to the ecosystem and management. LWF weighed in with its sup- that have endeared generations of beach- poor investments of scarce taxpayer dollars. port for implementing the Buffalo Cove combers to its shores. Elmer’s Island is a bar- We will continue this campaign until an Water Management Unit, a pilot project to rier beachfront located across Caminada Pass acceptable evaluation and prioritization improve the water quality in the basin and from Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish. It has process for reservoir development is estab- established an ad hoc committee to coordi- been closed to the public for more than 3 lished. nate LWF’s involvement in the Atchafalaya years. Through LWF’s efforts, funding was LWF’s Deer Management Committee Basin Program and provide additional sup- made available to acquire and operate responded to proposals and actions by the port and guidance to the program. The Elmer’s Island in the 2004 Capital Outlay Louisiana Legislature and Wildlife and Federation also continues to play an impor- Budget, however, ownership and appraisal Fisheries Commission. Through the com- tant supporting role in garnering national issues have conspired to complicate the mittee’s guidance, LWF was able to salvage attention and support for stemming the loss acquisition process. The results of a user sur- legislation authorizing the LWFC to develop of the Mississippi River Coastal Delta vey and economic study released by the LSU a tagging system for harvesting deer and through its work with the America’s WET- AgCenter last year confirmed the strong turkeys. In response to LWFC action that LAND Campaign and the National Wildlife public interest in acquiring and reopening made significant changes to hunting season Federation. The LWF’s Louisiana Coastal Elmer’s Island and the substantial economic rules at the same meeting the rules were Area Study Committee reviewed and com- impact associated with doing so. A conserv- finally adopted, LWF proposed that the mented on the LCA near term plan prior to ative assessment of the survey results indi- LWFC establish a policy against adopting adoption of the final report. The LWF was cates that the cost of staffing and maintain- rules at the same meeting major changes to also able to get the Louisiana Legislature to ing the area could easily be supported by the those rules are adopted and to strive to set support a recommendation to establish a projected admission fees. Despite the fact the dates for the hunting seasons at least 6 “Coastal Forest Reserve Program” to provide that buying Elmer’s Island is a good business months in advance of the opening of the sea- landowner incentives to preserve cypress deal for the state, legal constraints on the son. Defending the equitable allocation of swamps and other forested habitats that con- amount of money the state can offer for the the deer resource, LWF objected to an tribute significantly to the stability of coast property, and the apparent reluctance of the LWFC proposal to allow individuals hunting lands. owner to negotiate, have delayed the acquisi- on private land the opportunity to harvest In addition to those already men- tion. LWF is firmly resolved to continue this more than the season limit of deer. The tioned in this report, LWF successfully sup- campaign to fruition. LWF conducted a survey of hunters con- ported several important pieces of legislation Following up on the momentum from cerning some of these issues and will provide including: revision of law pertaining to the its annual meeting, LWF succeeded in get- the results to the LWFC in 2005. reservation of mineral rights in conservation ting the Legislature to support the work of The LWF Waterfowl Committee chal- land donations to ensure that the conserva- the State Land Office in accelerating efforts lenged the practice of hunting waterfowl tion purposes of the donation are sustained to identify state waterbottoms the public has over artificially-flooded, unharvested crops by subsequent surface owners; ensuring that the right to access for fishing and boating by based on the principle of fair chase and the regulation of aquaculture adequately pro- appropriating funds for the work and potential adverse impacts the practice may tects native species and habitats from escape requesting expedited effort. At LWF’s urg- have on waterfowl and waterfowling tradi- and invasion of non-native species; review of ing, the Legislature also encouraged the tions, including the distribution of birds in enforcement powers of LDWF employees; a Governor to take steps to ensure that the the flyway. Early responses from hunters prohibition on the feeding of bears; estab- public is not being prevented from utilizing indicate considerable support for prohibit- lishing an aquatic invasive species task force; state lands and waters. Although other ing this practice, but a significant number of increasing the funding for the restoration of strategic legislation to address the issue failed hunters support it and the bureaucracy has abandoned oilfield sites; addition of streams to pass, legislators got a healthy exposure to shown no interest to date in examining the in southwest Louisiana to the Natural and the problem and indicated a sincere desire to issue. It will take strategic prodding to get a Scenic Rivers System. fairly resolve it in the future. LWF will press fair hearing on this issue. This committee is LWF presented a backyard habitat dis- Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 21 play and educational materials at the annual Baton Rouge Earth Day celebration; exhib- ited at the National Hunting and Fishing New Future For White Lake Day event in Baton Rouge, the National On the heels of legislation (Act 613 of do something good for the environment Wildlife Refuge celebration at Black Bayou the 2004 Regular Session) directing trans- and wildlife and was contemplating the Lake NWR in Monroe, New Orleans City fer of management of the White Lake possibility of donating the property to one Park Fishing Rodeo, and other venues dis- Property to the Louisiana Department of or more of the major national habitat con- tributing National Wildlife Week posters Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF),an agree- servation organizations. But ultimately a and other conservation education material. ment has been negotiated between the deal was made with the state and the The Louisiana Wildlife Federation state, BP America Production Company donation was announced in July of 2002. held the 36th Annual State Duck and Goose and White Lake Preservation, Inc. (WLPI) The state would own the property, but it Calling Contest in conjunction with the to complete that transition by July of this would be managed by a private corpora- Gueydan Duck Festival. Duck calling con- year. A LDWF press release issued on tion controlled by Governor Mike Foster test winners in the senior and youth divi- January 10th announced that transfer of and some of his friends. Normally, state sions went on to take 3rd and 2nd places, control of the 71,000 wildlife preserve and conservation lands are managed by a state respectively, in the World Duck Calling all facilities on the property has begun. agency like LDWF. Championships in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The agreement allows WLPI to complete When this peculiar management Local and other statewide organiza- fundraiser hunts through the current arrangement was questioned by the tions affiliated with the Louisiana Wildlife hunting season, and WLPI's three full- Louisiana Wildlife Federation, and alter- Federation conducted various activities such time property managers will have the natives suggested, the LWF was dismissed. as organizing youth fishing events, hunter option to maintain their positions as "They have no legitimacy," retorted the education classes, litter pick-ups, wood duck LDWF employees. BP retains its mineral Governor when a reporter asked him and bluebird nest box building and place- rights on the property. about LWF's concerns. ment projects, etc. According to LDWF, habitat assess- State Senator Joe McPherson also LWF monitored legislative proposals ment will begin following the current questioned the deal, as did the state's concerning natural resources conservation hunting season with staff biologists assess- major newspapers. Rebuffed by the and environmental quality and provided ing site resources and gathering data to Governor, too, McPherson filed a lawsuit representation before the Louisiana formulate the department's management challenging various provisions of the Legislature and the Wildlife and Fisheries plan. Due to the unique features of the donation agreement on both statutory and Commission. LWF reports on the status of preserve, public access to the property will constitutional grounds. The LWF filed to legislation to its members and the outdoor be determined only after staff assessment join the lawsuit. Subsequently, media in an effort to keep the public is complete and the White Lake Property McPherson introduced legislation direct- apprized of legislation that can impact the Advisory Board, established by Act 613, ing that the management of the property natural resources, environment and recre- has reviewed staff recommendations. be transferred to the LDWF. On the sec- ational opportunities in the state, and pub- Nominations to the advisory board are ond attempt, with the support of lishes the report on its website, www.law- now under review by the Governor, who Governor Blanco, the legislation was ildlifefed.org. will make the appointments. adopted by a wide margin. The Louisiana Wildlife Federation The "Reserve," as it's known locally, In consideration of the legally bind- was represented on numerous panels, task is in Vermilion Parish near Gueydan, ing agreement that transfers the manage- forces and committees pertaining to natural Duck Capitol of America and new home ment of the White Lake Property to the resources conservation and the quality of the to the State Duck and Goose Calling state, the lawsuit has been settled and dis- environment including the Oilfield Site Contest. Its relatively pristine freshwater missed. According to LWF Executive Restoration Commission, Groundwater marsh is a magnate for wintering water- Director Randy Lanctot, "Essentially all Management Advisory Task Force, fowl and for many other species through- our concerns have been addressed by the Atchafalaya Basin Program Advisory out the year. It also includes a slice of new agreement and we are gratified that Committee and additional ABP working White Lake waterbottom and about we can now focus on mustering sufficient subcommittees, Habitat Advisory Panel of 16,000 acres of agriculture, mostly rice. It resources to properly manage the property the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management was managed for years by owner Amoco and on developing and implementing a Council, Management Conference of the Corporation as an exclusive hunting management plan that fulfills the conser- Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary retreat. Pumps and water control struc- vation, education and recreation purposes Program, Louisiana Pesticide Advisory tures help maintain the property's prime of the donation." Commission, Louisiana Invasive Species marshland. The following background informa- Task Force, America’s Wetland Foundation, When British Petroleum bought tion further describes the requirements of Abandoned Crab Trap Cleanup Program Amoco a few years ago, the "Reserve" did- the Act of Donation of the White Lake Committee, Governor-elect’s Transition n't fit well with the new owners' priorities Property, the provisions of Act 613 of the Panel on Wildlife and Fisheries, Coalition to and discussions began on how best to dis- 2004 Regular Session of the Louisiana Restore Coastal Louisiana, among others. pose of the property. Legislature and the guidelines and respon- Perhaps the "greenest" of the world's sibilities for the White Lake Property largest energy companies, BP wanted to Advisory Board.

Page 22 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 The White Lake Property has been of the Louisiana Legislature authorizes the CONSERVATION LINE historically managed as a waterfowl and establishment of the White Lake Property wildlife refuge and hunting preserve with Advisory Board (Board) whose members water control structures and pumps to are appointed by the Governor, subject to Conservation Line:Continued from page 19 maintain the freshwater marsh, and agri- approval of the Senate. culture leases on 16,000 acres farmed pri- Organizations/entities designated to make 1950’s. The complete records can be marily for rice. Some of the agriculture nominations for consideration of the reviewed at the following web sites: leases are subleased for private hunting. Governor include: Ducks Unlimited; http://www.rodnreel.com (under Fish & Since the donation, some public waterfowl Delta Waterfowl; Louisiana Nature Game Statistics), hunting has been allowed via lottery hunts Conservancy; Louisiana Wildlife http://www.louisianasportsman.com, and and high-dollar fundraising hunts have Federation; Louisiana Ornithological http://www.rodnreel.com. Record book also been provided. Society; Sierra Club (Delta Chapter). applications can be downloaded from the The act of donation (donation) of the Other nominees are to come from LSU, http://www.rodnreel.com site. property to the State requires that the Southern and the UL System; Vermilion property be conserved and protected in Parish, BP, the Louisiana House and * * * * * perpetuity as a relatively natural habitat of Senate and White Lake Preservation, Inc. fish, wildlife or plants, or similar ecosys- Up to 13 members will be appointed. LSU Seeks Participants for tem. It further requires that the state pre- Three members of the Board must be res- Coastal Fishing Bait Survey vent any use of the property that will sig- idents of Vermilion Parish and 7 members nificantly impair or interfere with the con- of the Board must have expertise in scien- In an effort to strengthen Louisiana’s servation values of the property, its tific disciplines pertinent to the conserva- saltwater bait industry, Louisiana Sea Grant wildlife habitat, natural resources or asso- tion and management of the natural and the LSU Agricultural Center are con- ciated ecosystem. The donation also resources found on the White Lake ducting a study of the current status of bait reserves the mineral interest in the proper- Property. The members of the Board will species and the potential for further devel- ty and the right to access the property and serve without compensation and not be opment of this industry in Louisiana. to maintain the mineral production on the eligible to engage in the taking of fish or During the first phase of research, conduct- property to the donor, including priority game resources or other recreational activ- ed last summer, Sea Grant agents inter- use of facilities on the property as required ities on the property at times and places viewed numerous bait harvesters and retail to conduct energy development opera- when these activities are not also available bait dealers along the Louisiana coast. In tions. The donation requires the State to to the general public. The Board will Phase 2 of the study, coastal anglers and honor existing servitudes and leases on the meet at least twice annually at times and charter boat operators are being asked to property. It requires the State to maintain places determined by the chairman. The participate in the study through an on-line the quality and extent of marshlands on duties of the Board are to advise the survey. Information derived from this por- the property to the extent that is possible. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and tion of the study will help to guide future It also requires the state to make a reason- Fisheries and Wildlife and Fisheries research and extension programs related to able effort to maintain and preserve the Commission regarding the administra- the production and distribution of marine agricultural character of that portion of tion, control, management and operation bait species and to enhance economic devel- the property that is currently in agricul- of the property consistent with the conser- opment in this vital component of the state’s ture, particularly rice culture, because of vation purposes of the donation, including coastal recreation fishing industry. The the benefits to waterfowl and the larger the development and implementation of a results of this study, along with information ecosystem and to require the agriculture conservation management plan and the concerning the industry’s history, current lessees to maintain canals, ditches, levees, establishment and maintenance of a wet- regulations, and technological aspects will roads and other structures needed to lands center for environmental research be published in the coming year. Coastal maintain agriculture production, as long and education on the property. Duties anglers and charter boat owners/operators as there are lessees willing to perform the further include advising the LDWF and who have access to the world-wide-web and agricultural operations on commercially LWFC regarding the protection of natural 15-minutes to spare can take the survey on- reasonable terms. The donation prohibits resources, preserving and promoting bio- line at: commercial hunting on the property logical diversity, undertaking land and http://www.agecon-extension.lsu.edu/caffeyweb/bait.htm except to the extent provided for in exist- water management projects that enhance For additional information about the survey, ing leases and requires that any such leases or restore natural wetland and upland contact Rex Caffey (225-578-2393) or be modified to prohibit commercial hunt- habitats, and promoting environmental Rusty Gaude (504-433-3664). ing if and when the leases are renewed. education and research. The board has a With the exception of harvesting alligators fiscal role in that it may solicit and accept * * * * * and controlling pest animals, the donation gifts and donations to be used to operate limits the discharge of shotgun to not less and manage the property, and its recom- LDWF Names New Turkey Leader than 200 yards and rifles to not less than mendations will have weight with respect 1,000 yards from any present or future to the appropriation of funds by the Larry Savage, a 28-year veteran of the structure on the property, including min- Legislature for the operation of the prop- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and eral production facilities. erty. Fisheries, has been appointed to be the Act 613 of the 2004 Regular Session Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 23 CONSERVATION LINE turkey biologist in the LDWF Upland Game gardener. The plant guides are searchable by ian habitats, including salt marshes, man- Section. Savage replaces Danny Timmer, state and the native list can then be sub- grove forests, and freshwater habitats impor- who retired after 32 years with the depart- divided according to plant type (for exam- tant to anadromous fish species. ment. Savage has been serving as the Deer ple, evergreen shrubs, wildflowers, vines or Community-based nonprofit organizations, Management Assistance Program coordina- aquatic plants). And, each plant has a color such as local sporting clubs and conservation tor since 1998. During this time, he initiat- photo and a full field guide description as associations, as well as state and local agen- ed the DMAP newsletter, coordinated the well. This guide is going to be an invaluable cies are encouraged to submit proposals. harvest data reporting program conversion resource to anyone wanting to garden in an Projects must result in on-the-ground habi- to a new data system and has coordinated environmentally friendly way and is a much tat restoration, clearly demonstrate signifi- the Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance needed resource for those involved in habitat cant benefits to marine, estuarine or anadro- program for the past two years. Savage work. mous fisheries resources, particularly sport- began working with wild turkeys while fish, and must involve community participa- doing his graduate work at LSU where he * * * * * tion through an educational or volunteer studied two turkey populations occupying component tied to the restoration activities. bottomland hardwood habitat in Louisiana. Get Connected: Learn About Applicants are encouraged to incorporate the He continued that interest as district biolo- Natural Gardening Online participation of NOAA staff to strengthen gist with the department, trapping and relo- the development and implementation of cating turkeys and doing habitat and harvest There’s no better time than the present sound restoration projects. Grant recipients management work. to get started developing a wildlife-friendly will be contacted prior to receipt of the grant habitat-and if you’ve an Internet connection, contract to discuss specifics of the contract, * * * * * finding out how is just a few keystrokes matching requirements and reimbursement. away. NWF’s tuition-free online learning The FishAmerica Foundation must receive LDWF’s Capello Recognized as program, Wildlife UniversityTM, offers inter- applications and required documentation no Outstanding Educator active courses, downloadable study guides later than February 25, 2005 by 5:00 PM. and presentations from noted experts. Its Electronic and faxed applications will NOT Louisiana Department of Wildlife and award-winning “Creating Places for be accepted. Proposals must be submitted Fisheries Educator Angela Capello was Wildlife” series contains all the basics you’ll to: FAF/NOAA RFP - Grant Applications; recently presented with the Outstanding need to begin attracting the wildlife you love FishAmerica Foundation; 225 Reinekers Educator Award from the Southern to your yard, balcony, workplace or school- Lane, Suite 420; Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Association of Marine Educators. The yard. If you really want to get “back to For additional information contact Johanna award was given to Capello at the SAME school,” you can pursue academic credit for Laderman at mailto:[email protected] regional meeting on November 19 and 20. your educational experiences from the The organization is comprised of marine College of the Humanities and Sciences, * * * * * educators from Louisiana, Alabama, NWF’s partner. This option provides you Mississippi and Florida and is the southern with the opportunity to work with a faculty Boat U.S. Foundation chapter of the National Marine Educators member and mentor while you earn Offers Clean Water Grants Association. Capello works out of the Continuing Education Credit, Experiential Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery and was also Learning Credit or Service Learning Credit The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating named the 2003 Louisiana Science Teachers for participating in and successfully com- Safety and Clean Water is seeking nonprofit Association Informal Educator of the Year. pleting the “Creating Places for Wildlife” groups to help educate mariners about good series. For more information, contact the environmental habits with grants of up to * * * * * College of the Humanities and Sciences toll- $4,000 for clean boating projects. Clean free at 1-877-248-6724 or log on to the Water grants are designed to educate boaters Native Planting Guide on eNature Wildlife University website: on issues such as petroleum pollution pre- http://www.nwf.org/wildlifeuniversity, click vention, pumpout education, and littering Now is a great time to plant trees, on “Earn Credit.” prevention. Although all clean boating edu- shrubs and many perennials. But have you cation proposals will be considered, the ever visited the garden center and wondered * * * * * 2005 “focus topic” is reducing the spread of which plants were native and good for aquatic nuisance species - with extra consid- wildlife, and which ones were problematic Marine and Anadromous Fish Habitat eration given to proposals that address the invasive exotics? Check out: Restoration Grants Available issue. Last year’s grant program received 62 http://enature.com/native_invasive/natives.asp proposals; of these, 19 projects in 15 states to view the new field guide to native and The FishAmerica Foundation and the were selected for funding. To view previous invasive plants. Unlike other native/invasive NOAA Restoration Center announce the grant projects, learn more about aquatic nui- guides, this guide focuses on plants that are availability of up to $600,000 for hands-on, sance species, or download a 2005 applica- commonly found at garden centers or in grassroots projects across the coastal United tion, please visit the Web at plant catalogs so it’s relevant to the home States to restore marine, estuarine and ripar- http://www.BoatUS.com/Cleanwater/grants

Page 24 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 CONSERVATION LINE

Applications must be e-mailed or post- Red Snapper Seasons, Governor Kathleen Blanco named Miller to marked by midnight February 1, 2005. The Commercial King Mackerel Season the board on December 23. He replaces Bill BoatU.S Foundation for Boating Safety and Busbice, who completed his term at the end Clean Water is a national 501(c)(3) non- The recreational fishing season for red of 2004. Miller is a lifelong resident of profit education and research organization snapper in Louisiana state waters will open Louisiana and is currently working as an primarily funded by the voluntary contribu- at 12:01 a.m. on April 21, 2005. The season attorney in Shreveport. He has a long back- tions of 575,000 members of BoatU.S., the will remain open until midnight October 31 ground with several conservation groups in nation’s largest recreational boat owners to coincide with season dates in federal the state. He served as chairman and com- association. The Foundation has more than waters. The size limit for red snapper taken missioner on the Gulf States Marine a dozen programs including the only accred- by recreational fishermen will be 16 inches Fisheries Commission, as state chairman for ited, free, online general boating safety minimum total length, with a daily bag limit Ducks Unlimited and state president of the course, a low-cost EPIRB rental program, Coastal Conservation Association. He is the “Help Stop the Drops” clean fueling also a member of Delta Waterfowl and the campaign, a free kid’s Life Jacket Loaner Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries program, and grants for nonprofit groups for Foundation. Miller’s goals for his service on boating safety and environmental projects. the commission are long-term. “I want to For additional information contact: Joni conserve and protect Louisiana’s natural Turken at 410-897-0514 or resources and sporting heritage for my mailto:[email protected] grandchildren and generations as yet and possession limit of four fish per person. unborn,” said the new commissioner. He is * * * * * The first commercial fishing season for red also aiming to put in place a source of stable snapper will open at 12 noon on and recurring funding for the Louisiana A Guide to the Wetlands of the Lake February 1, 2005, and remain open Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Pontchartrain Basin until 12 noon on February 10. This pattern Miller is an at-large appointment to the will continue each month until two-thirds of commission and his term runs through The Pontchartrain Institute for the 2005 commercial quota for red snapper 2010. Environmental Sciences at UNO, in part- is harvested. The second commercial red nership with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin snapper season will open at 12 noon on * * * * * Foundation and NOAA, announces the October 1, 2005, and remain open until 12 LWFC Elects New Chair, Vice-Chair publication of the second edition of A Guide noon on October 10. The pattern will also to the Wetlands of the Lake Pontchartrain continue each month until the entire 2005 The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Basin. This 46-page booklet is richly illus- quota is harvested. The minimum size limit Commission voted unanimously to name trated with color photographs and color for commercially harvested red snapper is 15 Wayne Sagrera the chairman of the commis- maps, providing the reader with information inches total length. The commercial fishing sion for 2005. Terry Denmon was also elect- for exploring the many wonderful wetland season for king mackerel in Louisiana state ed unanimously as vice-chairman. Sagrera areas found around Lake Pontchartrain. The waters will open at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, has been a member of the commission since book gives an overview of the wetland habi- 2005, and will remain open until the 2005 January of 2002. He was appointed by tats found in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin as commercial quota for the western Gulf of then-Governor Mike Foster as a Commercial well as some of the issues and challenges Mexico is harvested or projected to be har- Fishing and Fur Representative. During related to changes taking place in these habi- vested. The Commission also authorized the 2004, he served as vice-chairman of the tats. The majority of the text is divided into Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and commission. As a self-employed alligator four geographic regions: Western North Fisheries to change or modify opening and dealer, Sagrera said he finds himself wearing Shore, South Shore, Eastern Marshes, and closing dates for both the commercial and two hats. “I wear both hats. I’m a commer- the Pearl River Basin. These regions are also recreational red snapper season and com- cial appointment, but I also go out and hunt graphically illustrated through the use of a mercial king mackerel season in Louisiana and fish. As chairman, I will serve both series of Geographic Information Systems waters to comply with changes or modifica- commercial and recreational interests. And maps. A reference and resource section pro- tions in season dates in federal waters. over the last three years that I’ve been on the vides avenues of further research and can aid commission, I have seen both sides coming in the planning of field trips to sites it the * * * * * together, being open minded.” When asked book. For additional information contact how he will base his decisions as chairman, Dinah Maygarden at 504-280-6718 or New LWFC Member Appointed Sagrera said he try to achieve a balance mailto:[email protected] between the public’s desires and the recom- Frederic Miller attended his first meet- mendations provided by biologists. “We will * * * * * ing as a newly appointed member of the take input from the public, work with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries biologists, and then make the best deci- LWFC Sets Recreational/Commercial Commission on Tuesday, January 4. sions.”

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 25 James A. Baird, Lafayette Executive Director: Continued from page 12 New Members ($50 to $99) Tammy Baker, Ball what our Congressional Delegation is for? John C. Ball, Lake Charles Let them, and Governor Blanco, too, know Charles V. Abate, III, Harahan Neil P. Barbier, Ville Platte what you think. David A. Abels, Jr., Springfield Ruth Barfield, Dubach Thinking about coastal fisheries, I am Garrett A. Ahrens, Lafayette Douglas E. Barnett, Carencro reminded of the second annual volunteer Lonnie H. Albert, Thibodaux Jimmy Barr, Shreveport derelict crab trap cleanup scheduled for 4 Edward Arbo, Harahan Fred Baxter, Dubach areas along the coast in the coming months. Jeremy F. Ballard, Ponchatoula Larry E. Beasley, Baker This is a great opportunity to pitch in and R. T. Blackwell, Covington Douglas Bellard, Eunice do some real hands-on work to help clean Woody Booth, Monroe Richard Benton, Monroe up the environment and make it safer for - Booth’s Desiard U-Pak-It, Inc. Frank Bergeron, Sr., Church Point boating and fishing. The dates and places of Shawn J. Boudreaux, Plaquemine Dennis & Dana Bickford, Tickfaw the clean-ups are posted in a short article in Jerry D. Bresee, Pierre Part Patricia W. Bledsoe, Pearl River "CONSERVATIONLINE" on page 13. Ernest W. Bryant, III, Leesville J. B. Blitch, Jr., New Orleans For more details go to www.derelictcrab- Dana L. Burnsed, Deridder Neal Bordelon, Marksville trap.net. Before signing off, thanks to all of you Paul A. Carroll, Baker Fred J. Borel, Jr., Lake Charles who recently made a special end of year con- Errol Cook, Broussard Danny J. Bourgeois, Gray tribution to the Louisiana Wildlife - Kelly Valve Sales & Service, Inc. Tommy Bourgeois, Lake Charles Federation. We are inspired by your sup- Philip A. Cox, Benton Thomas & Florence Bourque, Gueydan port. Year-end Appeal donors are listed fol- Susanna Irias Donaghey, MD, Metairie William D. Bradford, Prairieville lowing new members. Contributions Dan L. Donald, Jennings Glen A. Bradley, Lafayette received after publication will be acknowl- Richard D. Dowdall, Bossier City R. N. Briant, West Monroe edged in the next issue of Louisiana Norval Elliott, New Orleans Charles C. Broussard, Sulphur WILDLIFE Federation magazine. Thank Blake Fouquier, New Iberia Wayne A. Broussard, Plaquemine you one and all. James M. Girod, Jonesville Charles Brown, New Orleans Al Henderson, DC, Bastrop Garland Brown, Campti New Members ($100 and up) - Henderson Chiropractic, Inc. Joseph M. Brown, Alexandria John T. Jarvis, Homer Thompson J. Brown, Jr., Gonzales Ryan Barnes, Mandeville Karen H. Knox, Choudrant Mickey Bryan, Covington Eddie E. Baxley, Dry Prong Charles Lang, Covington Wayne Buchan, Hodge Billly Byrd, Columbia S. Cody Lenert, Houma Michael Bynog, Haughton Dan Chase, Baton Rouge Harold A. Manuel, Baton Rouge Robert Byrd, Metairie Steve Daigle, Harvey Mack V. Martin, Winnfield Wayne Callihan, Zachary - Punctual Abstract Co., Inc. Gerry L. Meyers, II, Robert Michael J. Cambre, Reserve Donald E. Delesdernier, Boothville Kendal Portie, Kinder Malcolm Campbell, Choudrant Paul Durfield, Shreveport Kenneth Savoie, Opelousas Bobby Carroll, Pleasant Hill - International Paper - Ken’s Thrifty Way Pharmacy John Earl Carroll, Gilbert David B. Fontenot, Anacoco Harold Schmidt, Opelousas - John Earl Carroll Farms Richard E. Gerard, Lake Charles Oscar J. Smith, Belcher Chad Champlin, Jonesville Jud Hale, Minden Betty F. Thurmon, Ruston - Champlin’s Pharmacy Gerald D. Kimble, Jr., Belle Chasse Bobby Joe Chandler, Dodson Boo Langhoff, Metairie New Members (to $49) John L. Chase, Metairie - Northside Electric, Inc. Darryl J. Chedville, Napoleonville Todd Linser, Lafayette A. J. Achary, Metairie John S. Claiborne, Metairie Charles R.G. Payne, Abbeville Linzey P. Albert, III, Plaquemine Davis W. Clark, New Orleans Benny J. Pennington, Calhoun Richard S. Allain, Sr., New Iberia Aaron L. Cluse, Branch Roch Reid, Lacombe E. Trent Allen, Zachary Ralston P. Cole, New Orleans - Roclan Service & Supply, Inc. Ben Allgood, Gonzales Clifford C. Comeaux, Jr., DDS,Baton Rouge Bill Roundtree, Ruston Arthur Howell Andrews, Baton Rouge Terry J. Cooper, Folsom - Bill Roundtree & Associates, LLC - Funderburk & Andrews Gene N. Cope, Lafayette Morteza “Marty” Shamsnia, MD, Metairie Jerry Andrus, Port Barre David Crenwelge, Natchitoches - Advanced Neurodiagnostic Center A. J. Angelloz, III, Grosse Tete Paul Eric Crousillac, Maringouin Michael Touchet, New Iberia Milton J. Ardoin, Westlake Anita N. Cryer, Leesville Leon T. Watkins, DPM, Metairie George Ashy, Oakdale Davy Daniels, Mer Rouge N. Thomas Willie, Baton Rouge Jennifer J. Babcock, Gonzales Ronnie F. Dark, Jr., Livingston

Page 26 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 Randy Dauzat, Marksville Bobby D. Henricks, Chatham Sylvia Mayo, Slidell James B. David, Bossier City Marshall Hilgendorf, Pineville - Slidell Pawn Shop, Inc. Dan Dennett, Monroe John Hill, Natchitoches Harold McCartney, Rayville John M. Dickens, Vidalia James D. Hillebrandt, Ragley George McDonald, Dequincy John H. Doll, Jr., Kenner Ben J. Hillman, Deridder Harry J. McGaw, MD, Houma Jason Doughty, Greensburg Ted Hines, Deridder George D. McGee, Basile - Timberwolf Thinning, LLC Thomas P. Hinson, Many Alan G. McGowen, Shreveport Mike Durio, Lake Charles Hurby Hitt, Winnsboro Larry N. McGuffee, West Monroe Kenneth R. Dykes, Berwick Jimmy T. Holloway, Pineville James McKeivier, Sulphur James Eason, Shongaloo John A. Horn, Jeanerette Jack H. McLemore, Jr., Vidalia - Eason Switching Service, Inc. Christopher Howell, Shreveport - Attorney at Law Gene Edmondson, Lake Providence Richard M. Howell , Simsboro Johnny P. McMahan, Alexandria Lloyd Elletson, Leesville Jack Huckaby, Ringgold Kris M. Melancon, Breaux Bridge Gregory D. Elliott, Broussard Keith Huntsman, Jr., Bastrop Billy B. Miller, III, Bossier City Randall J. Elliott, Ruston Gary C. Hymel, La Place Douglas J. Miller, II, Jennings Marvin W. Evans, Keithville Robert Jackson, Leesville Dr. Albert C. Mills, III, Zachary Steve A. Falcon, Scott Steven E. Jackson, Downsville John W. Monceaux, Estherwood Daloss Falghou, Marrero Milton J. Jacobs, Slidell Ryan Montz, Gramercy Andrew Firmin, Bunkie Floyd D. Jasper, Greenwood Michael Seal Moody, Bogalusa - T&H Auto Transport Donald Jeansonne, Cottonport Felix Moore, Rayville Walter Fornea, Dry Prong E. E. Jeansonne, Jr., Luling Luther C. Morantine, Boutte L. Dennis Foster, Bossier City Jeremy Johnson, Breaux Bridge Eddie D. Morgan, Jr., Shreveport John D. Francois, Oberlin Kevin P. Johnson, Lake Charles Richard D. Moses, Glenmora David R. French, Hackberry Weldon Johnson, Sterlington Michael H. Murphy, Pineville Justin G. Frey, New Orleans Lynn Jones, Ferriday Lenin Murray, Florien Rudolph Fruge’, Chataignier Wade Jopling, Merryville George T. Nassif, Jr., Lake Charles Jesse Fultz, Haynesville Francis Jordan, Jr., Pitkin Bryan Norman, Maurice Mike Fussell, Belle Rose Lloyd J. Juneau, Metairie Patrick R. Odowd, Metairie Fred W. Futch, Farmerville Clint Junot, Plaquemine Philip N. Oliver, Port Allen James Gallaspy, Mansfield Robert E. Keith, Eunice Keith Orr, Columbia - R-P Outdoors Richard T. Kelly, Jonesboro Gaetano J. Ortalano, Marrero Charles W. Gary, Bell City Matthew J. Keppinger, III, Baton Rouge Armand L. Ortego, Jennings Brendon Gaspard, Hessmer Vernon J. Krouse, Homer Carl Rodney Ourso, Clinton E. W. Gentry, Minden Louis D. Labat, Jr., Bush Paul S. Parrish, Oak Ridge Jimmy D. Gill, Sulphur Walter C. Laborde, Alexandria - Parrish Plantation, Inc. Joseph F. Godchaux, Port Barre M. M. Lalande, Lafayette Marvin M. Patrick, Vinton James R. Goin, Covington Michael B. Lamb, Lafayette David G. Patterson, Columbia Jerry L. Goza, Denham Springs A. Ronald Landry, Bossier City J. W. Paxton, Shreveport Jimmy C. Green, Haynesville Dennis Landry, Lockport Sarah Pere, Monterey Mark Gremillion, Plaucheville - Crabs, LLC Henry F. Phillips, Alexandria Joe Grishom, Saline Anthony C. Lang, Covington John V. Picciola, Cut Off Chris Guillot, Pineville Randel Laughlin, Sulphur John M. Pickett, Jr., Deridder Larry A. Guillotte, New Iberia Robert Laurent, Natchitoches Ellis Pitre, Ville Platte Hughie L. Haley, Shreveport Rolland J. LeBlanc, Lake Charles Stephen S. Plummer, Spearsville Thomas G. Hall, Heflin Charles Lecompte, Houma Donald E. Plunk, West Monroe William M. Hamiter, Shreveport Julian W. Ledet, Amite Guy M. Poche, Jr., Gray Bryant Hammett, Ferriday Lanny Ledet, Gheens Gene Pool, Lafayette - Bryant Hammett & Associates, LLC - Golden Ranch Plantation Lonnie B. Pope, Amite Jackie D. Hanson, Doyline Ronald Lee, Lake Charles Mikiel Porter, Delhi Ronald J. Harvey, Greenwell Springs Lindy Lingo, Oak Grove Harris L. Pousson, Iowa Jerry P. Hathorn, Alexandria Dee Lloid, Rhinehart Bruce E. Procell, Logansport Scotty Hebert, Rayne Terry L. Lowery, Dubach Edward J. Procell, Bossier City - Fitness Express Robert G. Maddox, Boyce Kevin F. Rabalais, Plaucheville Bert Heckel, Homer Steve Manceaux, Lake Charles Juanita M. Raburn, Coushatta - Heckel Logging, Inc. Edward A. Martin, Thibodaux R. Scott Ramsey, Morgan City Darrel Heil, Prairieville Delmer Maxwell, Sr., Jonesboro Bobby Ravey, Jennings

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 27 Larry Raymond, Shreveport Lawrence Vaughn, Slidell Gretchen Gottfried, Baton Rouge David Reason, Metairie Wilson Viator, Youngsville Kim Hagie, Baton Rouge Henry G. Reed, Denham Springs - Sugarland Acres, Inc. Theodore M. Haik, III, New Iberia Timothy M. Reed, Iota Lucien A. Vontoure, Jr., New Orleans Gary Hightower, Sulphur Richard R. Reeves, Kinder Robert W. Wade, Jr., Metairie - Cameron Communications Scott Reily, Baton Rouge Steven Walker, Coushatta Raymond H. House, Shreveport Cynthia Reynaud, Baton Rouge David W. Watts, Morgan City John Hoychick, Jr., Rayville Cecil R. Rice, Haughton Tony Webb, Keithville Jay V. Huner, PhD, Lafayette Harlan Richard, Crowley - TRW Construction Enterprises, Inc. Butch Jordan, Shreveport Richard J. Robichaux, Raceland Ben H. West, Florien - City of Shreveport Swim Team Dewey J. Rodrigue, Broussard Sidney E. Wheat, Bogalusa Clarence H. Jordon, Natchitoches Gardner J. Rose, Iota James F. White, Jr., Benton Harold B. Judell, New Orleans Durelle A. Roth, Leesville James A. Whitlock, Calhoun Richard Kater, Baton Rouge James Rucker, Columbia Freddie G. Whitten, Oak Ridge - Richard’s Printing Glen M. Samuels, Jr., Slidell Floyd H. Wiggins, Haughton Mulraj N. Katira, MD, PC, Crowley George W. Sanders, Jr., Saint Landry Ronald K. Willett, Pollock W. Douglas King, MD, Frierson David J. Saucier, Raceland Roger Williams, West Monroe R. D. Lowe, Lafayette Malcolm Savage, Empire Chance Willis, Jena Ted Lowery, Bossier City Emile Savoy, Sr., Thibodaux Kenneth W. Wilson, Marksville William G. Madary, II, New Orleans Harold J. Scallon, III, Saint Bernard Michael Wright, Clayton - International Coffee Corp. Mike Scanlan, Jr., Marksville Roy A. Yarborough, Hammond Kenny Mangrum, Gonzales Donald M. Scarborough, Rayville Richard B. Young, Thibodaux Thomas Mathews, Alexandria George Michael Schaffer, Baton Rouge Fred L. Mattei, Slidell Todd Schexnayder, Crowley Year End Appeal Donors Edgar E. McCanless, MD, Lake Charles John H. Schexnaydre, Convent Edward McCarty, Houma Bennie G. Schilling, Franklinton Eddie Ahrens, Natchitoches Everett Miller, Thibodaux Tim Scully, Ponchatoula Kent Anderson, Monroe Gordon W. Peek, MD, Baton Rouge Gary B. Senn, West Monroe Dennis Aucoin, Clinton Patrick J. Pitre, Cut Off Frank P. Shelton, Bossier City - Slaughter Logging Company John W. Pritchett, Baton Rouge Paul F. Shorts, MD, Lake Charles Ron & Jackie Bartels, Schriever Brian W. Racca, Westlake Shreveport Society for Nature Study, John W. Barton, Sr., Baton Rouge Mary L. Regus, New Orleans Bird Study Group - Barton Farms Lowry Riggins, Monroe Clyde L. Sloans, Mansfield William P. Benjamin, Greensboro, NC Samuel Riggs, Orange, TX A. D. Smith, Texarkana, AR Dr. Alfred Bessell, Beaumont Gerald M. Robertson, Monroe Glen Smith, Saint Joseph Gary L. Booth, Monroe Michael T. Robichaux, DDS, Slidell - Smith Heating Air & Electrical Russell H. Bulloch, MD, West Monroe W.G. “Robbie” Robinson, Baton Rouge Randy Snow, Choudrant Joseph Tom Butler, Jr., Thibodaux Arnold Saucier, Baton Rouge S. Scott Soileau, Crowley Capt. Victor G. Calvaruso, New Orleans - Southern Fastener & Tool Co., Inc. W. Fred Southerland, Jr., Mandeville Ken P. Carstens, Woodworth Warren H. Smith, Jr., Covington Samuel L. Spearman, Winnsboro Stephen N. Carville, Baton Rouge John E. Sorrells, Jr., MD, Lake Charles Dwayne A. Stephens, Haughton Roberta A. Conrad, Mandeville Paul Stewart, Alexandria John T. Stiles, Greensburg Sally Cooper, New Orleans Fred Stokes, Jennings Sidney Stokes, Sterlington Nathan A. Cormie, Lake Charles - LEEVAC Industries, LLC Theo Switzer, Jr., Pearl River F. Ralph Dauterive, DDS, Arabi Marvin E. Stuckey, MD, Baton Rouge Clifton Tacke, Hammond Bob Dennie, Geismar Rose M. Thibodaux, Lafayette Wayne Templet, Marrero Raymond J. Deshautelle, Marksville Ronald Thibodeaux, Baton Rouge Brian W. Terrebonne, Amite Bet Diez, Baton Rouge Hugh F. Wagley, Maringouin Jacob G. Thorn, Defuniak Springs, FL - Bolick Distributors Wal-mart Supercenter, Jennings Harold T. Tinsley, Arcadia H. L. Donald, DDS, West Monroe Elizabeth R. Wallis, Shreveport Herman F. Torres, Jr., Donaldsonville W. P. Duplessis, Gonzales Thomas T. West, Slidell Sue Nell Travis, Clinton Dr. Edmund C. Dyas, Mobile Lawrence J. Yoakum, Baton Rouge Raymond Tucker, Glenmora Richard W. Eckman, DDS, Baton Rouge Donald G. Vallee, Jr., Chalmette Charles W. Frank, New Orleans Larry R. Vanderberg, Monroe - Louisiana Duck Decoys Spencer Douglas Varnado, Peter J. Gabb, New Orleans Denham Springs Byron B. Gibbs, Shreveport

Page 28 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 Support Sought For John Burroughs Association

City, the association’s aims are fostering a ners is a virtual catalog of the great nature John Burroughs (1837-1921) occupies love of nature as exemplified by writers of the twentieth century. Among a permanent place in American literature. Burroughs’s life and work, and preserving them are William Beebe, Paul Brooks, Though he was a leading literary critic in the places associated with his life. To this Archie Carr, Rachel Carson, Loren Eiseley, his day, he was also a pioneer in the new end, the association owns and maintains Joseph Wood Krutch, Aldo Leopold, Peter school of nature writing and the most pop- SLABSIDES as a National Historic Matthiessen, Roger Tory Peterson, Robert ular writer of his period in the field he Landmark and the adjoining John M. Pyle, Ernest Thompson Seton, John made his own. Burroughs’s influence on Burroughs Sanctuary near West Park, New Terres, and Ann Zwinger. In fact, Gary our appreciation of nature is so great that York. Additionally, since 1926 JBA has Noel Ross, a life member of LWF, recipient he is often regarded as the “Father of been publicly recognizing exceptional nat- of the “2001 Conservation Communicator Recreational Nature Study.” ural history publications by bestowing lit- of the Year” award, and longtime associate Unlike many who are not appreciated erary awards at a special luncheon held in of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, during their lifetime, John Burroughs was the AMNH after the association’s annual received the Burroughs “1995 Outstanding honored during the latter decades of his meeting on the first Monday of April. A Published Nature Essay Award” for life. Included among the famous natural- permanent exhibit about John Burroughs “Butterfly Wrangling in Louisiana” ist/writer’s friends were President Theodore is in the AMNH. The association keeps (Natural History magazine, May 1995), a Roosevelt, John Muir, Henry David members informed through Wake-Robin, a story about the Falcate Orangetip butter- Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Andrew distinguished newsletter published three fly, a rare and extraordinary resident of the Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, times each year and named after cheniers in Cameron Parish. Currently, and Harvey Firestone. On the day of his Burroughs’s first volume of nature essays Ross is a nominee for the Board of death in 1921, the New York Senate (1871). Directors of JBA as well as a judge on the adjourned in Burroughs’s honor. Over the years many outstanding Essay Awards’ Committee. He is a regular After his death, The John Burroughs nature writers have been honored with contributor to Wake-Robin. Association (JBA) quickly formed. either the Gold Burroughs Medal (for a In today’s “dot com” society, it is Headquartered in the American Museum book) or Certificate for Outstanding refreshing to know that there is an organi- of Natural History (AMNH), New York Published Nature Essay. The list of win- zation that still supports this almost extinct genre of writing entertainments and educa- tion. But JBA needs to increase its finan- cial base to continue its programs; hence, the organization is actively soliciting new members. If interested, contact informa- tion is below. (It is worth noting that all personnel of the organization are non- salaried. Therefore, 100 percent of your contribution goes to the association’s pro- grams.)

Membership Categories Student/Senior: $ 15.00 Regular: 25.00 Family: 35.00 Patron: 50.00 Benefactor: 100.00 Life: 500.00

Tax-deductible check or money order can be made payable to JBA. Send to: Secretary The John Burroughs Association, Inc. 15 West 77th Street New York, NY 10024 mailto: [email protected]

Internet:http://research.amnh.org/burroughs

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 29 TIBBY SEZ AFFILIATE Ole Tibby These days I have to depend on others to CLUBS get around so I really appreciate it when they stop by and say, “Tibby, let’s go”. Taxidermist DISTRICT 1 Dan Chase picked me up one day and took me Little Tchefuncte River Association to his business and home. I was really Pontchartrain Hunting Retriever Club impressed with the size of his business and his home with many examples of his handiwork DISTRICT 2 mounted on the walls. Thanks, Dan. You Clio Sportsman’s League made my day. Also thanks to Carl Gremillion Jefferson Rod and Gun Club who brought me over to the celebration of Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation National Hunting and Fishing Day at the LDWF Waddill Game Reserve and Outdoor DISTRICT 3 Bon Jour, Mes Amis. Education Center off Flannery Road in Baton Acadiana Bay Association Iberia Rod and Gun Club Rouge. It was nice to see all the Scouts and The reports I got from duck hunters other children enjoying the exhibits and DISTRICT 4 before the holidays were not very exciting, demonstrations. Seeing there smiling faces and Claiborne Parish Hunting and Fishing Club however, the recent cold fronts may have hearing them scream, giggle and laugh lifts my Twin Creek Hunting Club pushed the ducks down making the hunting spirits. better. I really miss being able to hunt now Seems like the older you get, you can’t DISTRICT 5 that I am not able, so I say, enjoy it while you escape the health issues. I sure wish that was- Friends of Black Bayou can. n’t so, but at least it gives you something to talk Congratulation to the winners of the State about. In my case, I am recovering from a rup- DISTRICT 6 Duck and Goose Calling Contest held at the tured colon that the doc said would have killed American Sportsmen Against Poachers Gueydan Duck festival this past year. I was me if I had not been so strong. I am still a lit- Baton Rouge Sportsmen’s League able to attend that event, thanks to Darby tle weak, but improving daily watching the Citizens For A Clean Environment Landaiche who drove me out that Sunday in hunting and fishing shows on the television. I CFACT late August. Being in the crowd and hearing was able to get out to enjoy a campfire with East Ascension Sportsmen’s League Lake Maurepas Society the callers was medicine for my soul. I was great grandson Jesse and his pals Caleb and Triangle “T” Sportsmen’s League

DISTRICT 7 Acadiana Sportsmen’s League Southwest Louisiana Wildlife Association Westlake Hunting Club

DISTRICT 8 Avoyelles Wildlife Federation Hunters for Hardwoods Bayou Bassmasters of Alexandria Rapides Wildlife Association

DISTRICT 9 Louisiana Toledo Bend Lake Association South Toledo Bend Civic Association Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance

STATEWIDE State Duck & Goose Calling Contest announcer Randy Lanctot and “Tibby” ham it up during a break in the competition. Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs Bayou State Bowhunters Association Louisiana Association of Professional chairman of the contest for over 30 years, but Devin before Christmas. It’s simple things like Biologists now it is being handled by Phil McDaniel who that that make me happy and I think it helps La. Chapter, National Wild Turkey did a wonderful job staging the state competi- to keep the generations connected with each Federation tion for the first time at the Duck Festival. All other and the outdoors. I wish I could do La. Chapter Safari Club International the contestants were asked for ideas to improve more. If you can, please do. Louisiana Charter Boat Association the contest in a survey sent to them afterwards. Nu cassi pas le lois et bonne chance. Louisiana Trappers and Alligator Hunters Many responded with excellent suggestions Association which will help in the planning which is Louisiana Wildlife Rehabilitators Association already underway for the 2005 contest. Tibby

Page 30 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005 LOUISIANA WILDLIFE FEDERATION Your investment in “Conserving our natural resources and the right to enjoy them.”

Please enroll me as a member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Visit our web site at www.lawildlifefed.org where you can join online.

Name:______Email Addres______Address:______(City)______(State)______(Zip)______Phone: Home______Work______Check preferred member category below, attach your payment, and mail to: LWF, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239. Sustaining – $35 (LWF lapel pin or logo license plate) Sponsor – $100 (sponsor plaque) Business – $50 (LWF logo T-shirt; M - L - XL) Corporate – $1,000 (framed, limited edition s/n wildlife print) Basic/Student – $15 Payment enclosed but don’t send me anything but Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine. Please send information about your individual or corporate life membership. All levels of membership include a subscription to Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005, Page 31 Page 32 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, January 2005