Sherburne Birding Conservation Recap Water Snakes

Number 2Volume 29 Summer, 2001

Sherburne Birding

Conservation Recap

Water Snakes

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

DEPARTMENTS

3From The President and Executive Director Official Publication of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation 16For Your Information 22Conservation Line VOL. 29 Summer 2001NO.2 Editorial Creed:To create and 33Kids’ Page encourage an awareness among the people 40From the Managing Editor of Louisiana of the need for wise use and proper management of those resources of 45Tibby Sez the earth upon which the lives and welfare of all people depend: the soil, the air, the water, the forests, the minerals, the plant life, and the wildlife.

FEATURES Magazine Staff Randy P. Lanctot:Executive Director Elizabeth S. DeLouise:Managing Editor 4New Park Planned for Bogue Chitto Jon Barry:Contract Publisher 8Birding at Sherburne WMA LouisianaWildlife Federation magazine (ISSN 10Community Garden Initiative 0738-8098) is the official publication of the 12President Bush: 1ST 100 Days Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Inc. and is published bi-monthly. The Federation office is 13National Estuary Assessment located at 337 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. All editorial and 14BEARS subscription correspondence should be mailed to P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton 20Legislative Session Recap Rouge, LA 70896-5239 (Phone/Fax 225-344-

32Hunting and Deer Populations 6707;mailto:[email protected]). All manuscripts submitted for publication are 35The Anhinga subject to editing or rewriting. 36Water Snakes Postmaster:Send change of address to: Louisiana Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 65239 37Spoonbill Cats Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239.

37Poison Ivy Subscription:Rates for non-members of theLouisiana Wildlife Federation, Inc. are: 42New Water Law 1 year–$17.00, 2 years –$30.00, 3 years–$40.00. 46My Yard Membership:For information, write to: Louisiana Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 65239 On the Cover... Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896- The roseate spoonbill (ajia ajaja) seems to be 5239. Phone/Fax: (225) 344-6707.

proliferating throughout south Louisiana, possibly mailto:[email protected] due to the development of the crawfish farming industry in the latter half of the past century. These Contract Publishers:Wildlife Publishers “cajun flamingos” are sighted in ever increasing P.O. Box 64620, Baton Rouge, LA70896. numbers from the coast to the central part of the For Advertising, call (225) 927-5190 state. Until the early ‘90s sightings were rare even mailto:[email protected] along the coast. Roseate spoonbills get their coloring as they age because of the reddish pigments of the crawfish, crabs and shrimp that make up a large part of their diet. The “spoonbill” is one of many interesting avian species found during spring and summer on the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, featured on page 8 of this issue. - Photo, courtesy LDWF

Page 2 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 FROM THE PRESIDENT

ment has been a major contributor; the navi- I believe the sheer enormity of Keith gation channels and canals dredged for oil Louisiana’s coastal land loss actually makes and gas extraction and transport have dramat- the problem inconceivable or even unbeliev- Saucier ically altered the hydrology of our coast. Still able to most people. Maybe that explains today, we continue to loose 25 to 30 square why this crisis has been overlooked by nation- miles each year – a football field sized area of al conservation groups, and even by some of our own state officials for so many years. Compare this to the attention, and money, that Florida is getting to fix problems in the Everglades, which are indeed serious, but no Over half a century has passed since the more critical and worthy of attention than the first offshore oil rig was dropped into shallow tragic, continuing loss of thousands of acres of water just barely off the coast of Louisiana. I Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. wasn’t around at the time, so I don’t know if Certainly there is a compelling national people realized the significance of the event interest at stake here. Consider among other Louisiana is the base of operations for dozens of offshore but one thing is unmistakable, the environ- oil/gas production platforms like this one way out in the Gulf things that thirty percent of the nation’s total ment and the culture of south Louisiana of Mexico. CARA would allocate some of the royalties from commercial seafood harvest comes from would never be the same. Certainly the state offshore mineral development for conservation purposes Louisiana’s marshes and estuaries; eighteen of Louisiana and it’s citizens have benefitted including restoring Louisiana’s eroding coast. percent of U.S. domestic oil production, and from the prosperity brought about by the oil 24 percent of natural gas production come industry, but at what cost? Since 1930, land every 20 minutes. And even when the from coastal Louisiana and the adjacent Gulf Louisiana has lost over 1,500 square miles of currently planned restoration projects are in of Mexico, with an annual value of $17 bil- coastal marshes. While the causes for all of place, an additional 600 square miles of lion; and seventy percent of the waterfowl this land loss are numerous and complex, it is Louisiana marshes will convert to open water Continued on page 34 well recognized that oilfield-related develop- over the next few decades. FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

from the LDWF Enforcement Division but license to allow use of a limited number of Randy apparently the division’s problems have been hoopnets so that folks could use this gear to resolved as it did not object to HB 48 by Rep. harvest a few catfish for home consumption Lanctot Hammatt when it was discussed in commit- without having to get a commercial fishing tee. There was one glitch as the bill moved license. HB 85 by Rep. Salter allows the use through the process. Although originally of up to 3 hoopnets for an annual $20 recre- introduced to require that a deer tracking dog ational hoopnet gear fee in freshwater areas be leashed, that limitation was removed by above I-12 and I-10. amendment in the House Natural Resources It looks like we’re finally going to have a Committee with the concurrence of the long-needed recreational hunting season on The recent session of the state legislature LDWF enforcement representative. The nutria, thanks to the efforts of LWF and Rep. was a good one for conservation. Several amendment jeopardized the bill, since it Pitre and Sen. McPherson. A very simple Louisiana Wildlife Federation initiatives raised concern that persons could claim they concept, the legislation authorizing the received attention thanks to the interest of were tracking a wounded deer if caught with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Federation members and our friends in the dogs during the still hunting season, even (LWFC) to establish a nutria season had to be Legislature. A digest of the pertinent bills and though in reality they were attempting to run amended every step of the way to get the lan- resolutions that were finally adopted can be deer to the gun. This generated a lot of calls guage just right so that it didn’t threaten found starting on page 20. I will use this space and emails opposing the bill. Working with landowners with the prospect of hordes of to highlight some of those of that were, at Senators Barham and McPherson, and trespassing nutria hunters, take any opportu- least in part, the result of LWF efforts. Representative Hammatt, LWF was able to nities away from trappers, or denigrate the Since the mid-1990’s LWF has support- reinstate the leash requirement and the bill species to such a degree that future potential ed allowing the use of leashed tracking dogs finally passed. for marketing the fur or meat would be pre- on private land (where the hunter has permis- A few years ago, the opportunity for cluded. We were able to address the concerns sion) to recover wounded deer. This is recreational fishermen to use hoopnets to har- of both groups and now it’s up to the LWFC already being practiced by some hunters, but, vest nongame fish like catfish, gaspergou and to set the season and establish the rules. The up until now, it has been a violation of the law buffalo in freshwater areas of the state was Commission has proposed a Sept. 1 through to do it during the still hunting season for repealed. Since then, LWF has advocated Feb. 28 season with no bag limit. Some have deer. Our initial efforts met with resistance reinstating the recreational hoopnet gear Continued on page 5

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 3 NewNew StateState ParkPark OnOn thethe WayWay

by Elizabeth DeLouise ing money will be provided by state and are a clean industry, “They don’t deplete the local funding. In a press release posted on resources in the area, residents don’t have to Residents of Washington Parish have a the Department of Culture, Recreation and worry about pollution because there will be good thing coming their way. There is a Tourism web site, State Senator Jerry on-site sewage treatment, and it’s a plus for new state park to be developed about 5 Thomas says, “Good things can happen local businesses in that it attracts tourists.” If the Bogue Chitto State Park is like most other state parks, according to Boehringer, approximately 25% of the land will be developed with the rest remaining in its natural state. Though no hunting will be allowed on the property, park visitors can look forward to RV and tent camping sites, cabins, a visitor/nature center, hiking trails, and picnic areas for day use. Kenny Lang, Land Officer with the Office of State Parks in Baton Rouge, feels as though the most popular and alluring aspect of the park will be the 4 miles of river frontage the park will contain with several large beaches along the banks. State Parks is collaborating with a local canoeing and tubing company located along the Bogue Chitto River south of the proposed park. “We won’t have canoes at the park, but we are working with an established business (the Enon Canoeing and Tubing Company) to set up a partnership combining both of our resources,” Lang says. There are also several gravel pits remaining from the gravel mining industry that have long since filled in with natural vegetation and water offering a lake setting for park visitors. The area was a natural choice for creat- Canoeing and tubing will be one of the many attractions of the new Bogue Chitto State Park. The park will include 4 1/2 miles of shoreline along the Bogue Chitto River. Photo courtesy of LDCRT ing a new park because there is no such park in the northern part of the “boot” of miles south of Franklinton. State parks when all levels of government, community Louisiana, but the main attraction is the usually attract tourists with vacation dollars leaders and businesses work together.” varied topography. “The area is home to to spend at the local businesses, so the cash Bo Boehringer, Public Information many different land types; the river, gravel registers of Franklinton merchants will ben- Director with the Office of State Parks, says lakes, the swampy lowlands, hardwood bot- efit from this development, but so will most that if the legislature approves the funding toms, upland pine/hardwood mix, and anyone else who cares to visit the park and for the additional land purchase, and if the many natural springs. There are also steep marvel at the beauty of the Bogue Chitto Office of State Parks can formalize the ravines that contribute to the 80 foot rise in River. Initial acreage for the Bogue Chitto agreement with Weyerhauser in due time, elevation. It’s a very attractive place for a State Park has been purchased from the the park will open in 2 to 3 years. The state State Park,” says Lang. He also mentions Timber Management Group of park is in early development stages; because the opportunity to incorporate local his- Weyerhauser, and negotiations are under- only the first section of land has been toric legends that coincide with the topog- way for purchasing the remaining 700 acquired, there are many remaining steps to raphy – without telling you the end of the acres. Part of the funding for the second be taken before the park is open to the pub- story, let me just mention Frickey’s Cave land acquisition will come from the Land lic. “Right now, we’re studying the topogra- and the movie ‘Dead Man Walking.’ You’ll and Water Conservation Fund, which is a phy of the area and the natural resources. have to visit the park yourself to find out federal program allocating funds from oil After this step we’ll draw up a master plan the rest of the story. and gas exploration and production on the that will coordinate placement of cabins, For information on other state parks in Outer Continental Shelf for outdoor recre- visitors’ center, trails, etc.,” says Boehringer. Louisiana, log onto the State Parks web site:

ation and habitat acquisition. The remain- Overall, Boehringer says, state parks http://www.crt.state.la.us

Page 4 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Executive Director: Continued from page 3 management as a bowhunting-only area. Mike Smith and Rep. Francis Thompson and Another very important bill that was House Speaker Charlie DeWitt, as well as the suggested that deer hunters be allowed to supported by the Federation, SB 965 setting other coauthors, for working with us. shoot nutria with buckshot and high-powered up the foundation for a groundwater man- Although not LWF’s initiatives, there rifles during the gun deer season. That’s not agement and conservation program for the were a few other bills and resolutions LWF exactly what we had in mind. We are hoping state, is reviewed on page 42, so I won’t say had an impact on in an effort to serve our hunters will give nutria a try as table fare, not anymore about it here. members and our conservation goals. HCR just blow them away. There is also a safety A number of important resolutions were 42 sets up a task force to review state and local issue associated with firing rifle and shotgun initiated through the efforts of the Federation. trespass laws. LWF is represented on the task loads, that can easily kill or maim another Resolutions normally do not effect law or force thanks to an amendment offered by person should a mishap occur, at an animal direct specific action, but express the intent of Sen. McPherson and supported by resolution that doesn’t require that kind of firepower to the Legislature on a particular subject. On author Rep. Dan Flavin. We also were able to harvest cleanly. Go figure! the House side, LWF was directly responsible improve a resolution promoting a national An idea suggested by the LWF last year, for HCR 86 which expresses the Legislature’s energy policy so that it included considera- and that would have avoided most of the support to Congress for a diversion of fresh- tion of conservation and alternative sources. year-long acrimony with the state of water from the Mississippi river into the Fortunately, there were few bills worthy Mississippi over nonresident hunting and Maurepas Swamp which has been suffering of opposition. One would have altered defin- fishing fees, provides for the issuance of non- from altered hydrology and saltwater intru- itions of recreational fish and commercial fish resident fishing licenses on a per day basis. sion. This resolution is very similar to the one and was so confusing, even the bill’s sponsor HB 1420 sets a fee of $5 (basic) for freshwa- sponsored by the east Ascension Sportsman’s could not explain it. One of the effects of HB ter and $20 ($ 5 basic and $15 saltwater) for League and the Lake Maurepas Society at the 1428 would have been to prohibit the harvest saltwater fishing per each day specified on the LWF convention earlier this year. Rep. Ron of redfish and other saltwater fish with license. Fauchaux was happy to sponsor the resolution archery gear and scuba gear. But it had other Another bill LWF supported, of a “nuts supporting a good conservation project that is impacts. Although not claimed by the and bolts” nature, delegates responsibility to advocated by conservationists and govern- LDWF as an administration bill, it apparent- the State Land Office (SLO) within the ment officials in his district as well as the US ly had been drafted by the LDWF Division of Administration for determining Environmental Protection Agency. Enforcement Division. The bill’s sponsor ownership boundaries of state lands and water On the Senate side, several resolutions deferred it when the committee began to load bottoms. HB 1696 requires SLO to do an were introduced that tracked those adopted it up with amendments. Interestingly, an inventory of all such properties, among other by delegates to LWF’s recent conventions. attempt was made to salvage part of the bill things. In ownership disputes, the attorney Among the most timely and significant of with a last minute amendment by Senator general’s office will continue to represent the these are SCR 48 stating legislative support Hainkel to another enforcement bill, but the state. The issue of public access to public for the promotion of ecotourism in Louisiana exposure of the impropriety of an LDWF lands and waters is of growing concern as relating to bird watching. This vote of confi- staffer discovered in the Senate amendment landowners and lessees have sought to block dence comes at a time when the Atchafalaya room, which is normally a restricted area in free access to areas that have traditionally been Trace Commission and the Department of the Senate Chamber, caused a ruckus that available for use by the public or that are oth- Culture, Recreation and Tourism are develop- resulted in the bill failing to pass. erwise public property. ing proposals to enhance birding opportuni- Strange and amazing things often hap- Legislation establishing a Hunting and ties in the state with respect to tourism pro- pen in the waning days of a legislative session! Fishing Advisory Council to educate citizens motion. SCR 49 urges the inventory of state We did lose one bill – a proposed consti- about the benefits of hunting and fishing and lands with outdoor recreation potential that tutional amendment guaranteeing the free- the contributions that sportsmen make to are not already available to the public for such dom of Louisiana citizens to hunt, fish and conservation originated from a resolution purposes, and goes hand in hand with the trap in compliance with conservation laws sponsored by the Clio Sportsmen’s League at previously-noted legislation directing an and regulations set by the LWFC and the LWF convention this year. The bill was inventory of state lands and water bottoms by Legislature. It passed out of the Senate with sponsored by Sen. McPherson and passed the State Land Office. Also germane to this 27 coauthors, but the House Natural without opposition. It may be up to LWF to issue is SCR 52 that authorizes the State Land Resources Committee deferred the bill when get the council organized and functioning, Office and other pertinent state agencies to it generated some opposition from landowner however. require public notice prior to closure of a groups and got caught up in an ongoing dis- Consistent with LWF’s efforts to make as waterway or access to waters traditionally pute between the Departments of Wildlife much public land available for appropriate used by the public. SCR 134 was an LWF and Fisheries and Agriculture and Forestry outdoor recreation, SB 352 transfers Larto initiative to get the support of the Legislature over the regulation of deer pens in the state. Island from the State Land Office to LDWF for expanding the conservation programs of In all likelihood, we will see the legislation to manage as a wildlife area. Another bill, SB the Federal Farm Bill which have important again and LWF will be better prepared to 366 authorizes the transfer of the scenic ease- water quality and wildlife conservation bene- address the legitimate concerns and get the ment along I-49 in St. Landry, Avoyelles, fits here. The resolution was extremely popu- support needed to put the proposal on the Evangeline and Rapides Parishes, that is now lar. We were able to get the top advocates for ballot. I’ll be taking another look at this issue only available for use by the adjacent private wildlife and agriculture in the Louisiana in a future column, so stay tuned. hunting clubs, from DOTD to LDWF for Legislature to coauthor the resolution. Special thanks to Ag Committee chairs Sen. Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 5 District 2Clinton Mouser, 4428 Toby Louisiana Wildlife Federation Lane, Metairie, LA 70003; 504 (res) 887-8475;

Officers: 4313 (fax) 225 344-0014; mailto:[email protected](Jefferson,

PresidentKeith Saucier, P.O. Box1795 mailto:[email protected] Lafourche, St. Charles, St. Gonzales, LA 70707; Bobby Fulmer, M.D., P.O. James, St. John the Baptist 225 (res.) 647-6653 (wk.) Box 99, New Roads, LA Parishes) 383-7771, Ext. 1561 70760; 225 (res.) 638-8869 District 3Chuck Seiber, 6970 Cemetary (fax) 677-7416; Jay V. Huner, Ph.D, 130 Rd.,St. Martinville, LA

mailto:[email protected] Ashland Ct., Lafayette, LA 70582; 337 (res) 394-3393 1st-V. P.Joe L. Herring, 1021 Rodney 70508; 337 (res.) 234-0682 (Lafayette, Vermillion, St. Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808; (wk.) 482-5239; Martin, Terrebonne, Iberia, St.

225 (res.) 766-0519 mailto:[email protected] Mary, Iberville, Assumption 2nd-V. P.Elbridge A. “Smitty” Smith III Edgar F. Veillon, Rep. to Parishes) 415Azalea Dr., New Iberia, LA NWF, 4616 South Roman St., District 4Vacant(Caddo, Bossier, 70560; 337 (res) 364-9341; New Orleans, LA 70125; 504 Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln,

mailto:[email protected] (res.) 899-4049 (wk.) 454- Bienville, Jackson Parishes) SecretaryVirginia Burkett, Ph.D, P.O. 1212 (fax) 885-4887 District 5Martha Ann Messinger, 2022 Box 1557, Many, LA 71449; Gemini Dr., Bastrop, LA 318 (wk.) 256-5628; Executive Director 71220; 318 (res) 281-0113

mailto:[email protected] Randy P. Lanctot, P.O. Box (fax) 283-8111; TreasurerEugene J. Dauzat,Jr., 608 65239 Audubon Station, mailto:[email protected] Meursault, Kenner, LA 70065; Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 (Union, Morehouse, East 504 (res.) 468-8408 (wk.) Office: 337 South Acadian Carroll, West Carroll, 524-4444 Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA Ouachita, Richland, Madison, 70806; 225 (wk.) 344-6762 Caldwell, Franklin, Tensas Executive Committee: Parishes) Above 5 Officers and 4 Persons Listed Below: (fax) 344-6707 (res.) 346-0752

mailto:[email protected] District 6Francis Gautreaux, 12380 Kathy Wascom, 1255 Fernand Rd., Gonzales, LA Aberdeen Ave., Baton Rouge, District Vice-Presidents: 70737; 225 (res.) 673-4991 LA 70808; 225 (res.) 344- (Washington, Tangipahoa, St. District 1Don Duplantier, DVM, Helena, Livingston, Ascension, 3004 Moss, Violet 70092; 504 East Feliciana, West Feliciana, (res) 682-8056(St. Tammany, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Orleans, St. Bernard, Rouge, Point Coupee Parishes) Plaquemines Parishes) District 7Jerome C. Haas. Jr., mailto:[email protected] 52 Horseshoe Lane, Sulphur 70663; 337/625-4232 (Beauregard, Allen, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Acadia Parishes) District 8Ken Dancak, Ph.D., 224 Shady Crest Lane, Pineville 71360; 318/487-8879;

mailto:[email protected] (Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Rapides, Avoyelles, Evangeline, St. Landry Parishes) District 9Sharon Miller, 345 Point 3 Drive, Florien 71429; 318568-4990;

mailto:[email protected] (DeSoto, Red River, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Vernon Parishes)

Page 6 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Join the Louisiana YES! I WANT TO JOIN. Please enroll me as a member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Wildlife Federation Name: in “Conservating Our Mailing Address: City: State: Zip: National Resources Phone: Email: Check preferred member category below, attach your payment, and mail to: and Your Right to LWF, P.O. Box 65239 Audubon Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239. Sustaining – $35 (LWF lapel pin or logo license plate) Enjoy Them.” 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, Summer 2001, Page 7 Birding at Sherburne Wildlife Management Area - Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana within the lower and upper portions of Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, and Iberville parishes. Sherburne WMA is part of a 42,610 acre management unit including U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers properties, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) land that is managed by LDWF. The Sherburne area is a bottom-land hardwood forest with four dominant species groups including cottonwood/sycamore; oak/gum/hackberry/ash; willow/cypress/ash; and overcup oak/bitter pecan. Trees in the midstory are the seedlings of the dominant species, and box elder, red maple, red mul- berry and rough-leaf dogwood. Ground cover is sparse in the forest proper due to shading and natural, seasonal flooding. However, blow downs from periodic tropical Typical bottomland hardwood habitat found on Sherburne Wildlife management Area. storms and hurricanes, and forest management activities create open areas that vege- by Jay V. Huner, Ph.D (Crawfish from the Whiskey Bay exit off I-10 to US- tate quickly. Research Center, University of Louisiana at 190 at Krotz Springs. Two special treats Common understory plants include rat- Lafayette, 1031 W. J. Bernard Road, St. included hearing several wood thrushes tan, greenbriar, rubus, trumpet creeper, vir- Martinville, Louisiana 70582) singing and seeing a graceful swallow-tailed ginia creeper, poison ivy, and milkweed. kite fly over my truck just before we got back Dew berries and black berries are common Imagine literally hundreds of brightly- to I-10 as we left the area. I found the bird- in blow down and managed open areas. colored warblers and cryptic, but vocal vire- ing so fascinating that I made it a point to os. Add to this backdrop all sorts of other accompany fellow birders belonging to the Accessing the Sherburne Area songbirds, wading birds, and a good number Louisiana Birders Anonymous (LABA) orga- There is only one access road to the of kites. Sounds a bit like a “fall out” situa- nization on their annual trip to Sherburne Sherburne area - LA 975, the gravel road tion along the Gulf coast during spring the following Sunday. intersecting I-10 at the Whiskey Bay exit on migration, doesn’t it? In fact, this is a late Dr. Van Remsen, Professor of Biological the south and intersecting US 190 at Krotz spring/early summer snapshot of the Sciences, at Louisiana State University, has Springs on the north. Within the Sherburne Sherburne Wildlife Management Area stated that Sherburne hosts one of the high- area itself, there are a number of oil field (Sherburne) located in the central part of the est densities of nesting neotropical songbirds roads and ATV paths that permit visitors to Atchafalaya Basin many miles north of the in North America. Dr. Remsen bases this access the interior. In addition, there is a Gulf. observation on the annual Breeding Bird road that connects LA 975 to Big Alabama My birding experience has been limited Surveys that he has conducted there in mid- Bayou where there is a public boat launch. to a few recent years. South-central spring for a number of years. Any birder vis- This road is in bad condition and a new Louisiana is my home and I have passed by iting the area for the first time is sure to leave access road is currently being constructed. Sherburne hundreds of times without ever the WMA with this same opinion. I am told There are public boat launches on Big bothering to stop. I happened to spend by Dr. Remsen that the area supports large Alabama Bayou and North Little Alabama about an hour there in mid-May 2001 with numbers of migrant land birds in the Fall as Bayou. Maps and more information about my friend and professional ornithologist well. access can be obtained from the LDWF dis- Mike Musumeche. Even at 1:00 PM in the trict office in Opelousas (5652 Hwy 182, heat of the day, we were amazed to see and About Sherburne WMA Opelousas, LA 70570 - tel. 337 948-0255 or hear hundreds of songbirds in a short trip According to an article published in the 566-2251). with several hurried stops as we rode along May/June 2001 issue of the Louisiana the gravel road through the WMA. This Conservationist magazine, Sherburne is Cautions road follows the western side of the WMA physically situated in the Morganza LA 975 is not a very good road. The along the Atchafalaya Pilot Channel levee Floodway system of the Atchafalaya Basin roadway is a composite of gravel, shell, and

Page 8 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 old, broken asphalt. Oncoming traffic needs LDWF offices, firing range, camping area, Snowy Egret (20+) to slow down and pass with care. Dust can and boat launch. Shortly before one reaches Little Blue Heron (20+) be terrible in dry weather and travel with US 190 when approaching from the south, a Tricolored Heron (1) small cars during wet periods is to be avoid- railroad right of way crosses the road. The Cattle Egret (50+) ed. Heavy vehicles associated with the raised railway is a good place to stop to look Green Heron (2) petroleum industry and logging operations for swallow-tailed kites, black vultures, and Yellow-crowned Night Heron (25+) must be treated with “respect”. turkey vultures and scan the sky for wading White Ibis (30) Mosquitos and biting flies can be a chal- birds and the surrounding forest for all man- Roseate Spoonbill (1) lenge to any visitor to any location in the ner of wading birds and songbirds. Within Black Vulture (2) Atchafalaya Basin. Sherburne is no excep- a short distance of the railway, one encoun- Turkey Vulture (6) tion. The poison ivy in the forest understo- ters the twin highway bridges across the Wood Duck (1) ry is a wonderful plant for wildlife, especial- Atchafalaya Pilot Channel at Krotz Springs. Swallow-tailed Kite (1) ly birds, but must be dealt with by those who Cliff Swallows have established a major nest- Mississippi Kite (7) are allergic to the plant. ing presence at this site and are a pleasure to Red-shouldered Hawk (1) Sherburne is a wildlife management study at close range. Red-tailed Hawk (1) area meaning that, during hunting seasons - I have been “birding” for about three Wild Turkey (1) October to March, hunting occurs. Deer are years. I have never before encountered as Killdeer (1) hunted there with high power rifles and many white-eyed vireos and prothonotary Yellow-billed Cuckoo (8) shotguns. Birders can certainly bird during warblers as I encountered in the Sherburne Barred Owl (1) various hunting seasons but must take area. I rarely see summer tanagers but found Chimney Swift (4) appropriate cautions including wearing five different birds on my second trip. I was Ruby-throated Hummingbird (8) hunter orange clothing. It is also a good idea treated to several hooded warblers and Red-bellied Woodpecker (15) to stay to the roads and trails and avoid Kentucky warblers and heard/saw at least Downy Woodpecker (1) hunters, if possible. one Swainson’s warbler. Pileated Woodpecker (5) So, how many species of birds might be Acadian Flycatcher (1) Some Sites of Interest and encountered in the Sherburne area? Based Great Crested Flycatcher (4) Birds Encountered in May 2001 on the available checklists for the general Eastern Kingbird (1) A vehicle-based visit to the Sherburne region, the unit should host well over 200 Loggerhead Shrike (1) area should include the entire length of LA bird species. What have I personally White-eyed Vireo (20+) 975. Circles can be made from the east or encountered in the area? I have listed below Red-eyed Vireo (8) west using US 190 to the north and I-10 to the birds that I picked up on my two trips in Blue Jay (10) the south. Many birders may prefer, howev- May 2001. The list seems representative of American Crow (10) er, to drive the length of LA 975, about 18 the area for that time of year when compared Fish Crow (5+) miles, and return the way they came stop- to the lists of the other skilled birders that Purple Martin (3) ping at interesting sites seen but missed on accompanied me. There are some obvious, Cliff Swallow (100+) the first pass. common misses including: yellow-throated Barn Swallow (10) Remember, this birder’s experience with vireo, eastern bluebird, brown thrasher, and Carolina Chickadee (20+) the Sherburne area is based on two trips orchard oriole. Tufted Titmouse (15+) toward the end of May 2001. Thus, I’ve Carolina Wren (15+) only seen a modest amount of what the area Conclusions Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3) has to offer to birders of all skill levels. One The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest bot- Wood Thrush (2) can easily become totally engrossed in an tomland hardwood forest remaining in the Northern Mockingbird (3) area that encompasses 42,000+ acres of habi- Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. European Starling (5) tat. However, most birders will be limited Birders who are interested in visiting this Northern Parula (10) initially to sights along LA 975 and, for habitat can access it most successfully by vis- American Redstart (3) many, that experience will be one of great iting the Sherburne area. Don’t expect any Prothonotary warbler (40+) excitement. LA 975 follows the levee along creature comforts and do make sure that Swainson’s Warbler (1) the east bank of the Atchafalaya Pilot your vehicle is up to the visit before you go. Kentucky Warbler (6) Channel. During dry weather, look for cul- (Note: the author thanks Dr. Van Remsen Common Yellowthroat (1) verts beneath the road where water accumu- for his review and editorial input to this arti- Hooded Warbler (6) lates during wet weather. These areas con- cle.) Yellow-breasted Chat (20+) centrate birds looking for a drink and a Summer Tanager (6) meal, so it’s not unusual to encounter15-20 Birds Encountered in Sherburne Eastern Towee (1) species at a stop. There are plenty of “turn Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana Northern Cardinal (20) outs” for ATV trails and oilfield roads and a May 2001 Indigo Bunting (8) few logging trails. There is, of course, the Painted Bunting (14) Big Alabama access road that takes visitors to Pied-billed Grebe (1) Red-winged Blackbird (1) a public boat launch. Roughly 12 miles Anhinga (15) Common Grackle (15) north of I-10, 6 miles south of US 190, one Great Blue Heron (2) Brown-headed Cowbird (18) reaches the Sherburne recreation unit with Great Egret (20+) Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 9 The “Community Garden Initiative” by Elizabeth DeLouise the same way. waters as we walk through the rootbeer Up the road a little ways is another gar- plant, the Pizza Garden (rosemary, chives, “Ooh, what’s this?” den, called the King’s Outreach garden. carrots growing within a raised brick circle), “Can I eat that one?” This one is surrounded by homes instead of and the trailing cucumber leaves. But the “I love carrots! And pickles.” classrooms. Though the King’s Outreach garden isn’t just for looking. The students “That smells sooo delicious!” garden is not in the courtyard of a public are involved directly with the maintenance school, it is a place of learning. Both of these of the garden – each classroom has their own You would think we were walking gardens, Westdale and King’s Outreach, are raised bed, and for students in wheelchairs, through the produce section at the grocery places where teachers, friends and students there are easy access planters lining the store with those observations, but we’re actu- congregate to pass on gardening tips and courtyard. Margaret says, “I’m always asking ally outside walking through a special garden important life-lessons. the teachers, what are you teaching and how can we work it in? There really isn’t anything that can be taught in the classroom that can’t be taught out here: data tabulation, using descriptive words, writing skills, poetry, science, you name it. The students enjoy being out here, and they really learn just as much as when they’re in the classroom.” From her tone, I gather that she learns a lot out here too. At the King’s Childrens’ Outreach Center garden, Reverend Robert Joseph feels that working in a garden is a healing thera- py. “Gardening and fishing can help extend one’s life,” he says matter of factly. Many members of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation would agree with this statement; gardening and fishing are the two most pursued recreational activities as indicated by Raised-planters along the perimeter of the school garden at Westdale Elementary make gardening accessible for responses to the LWF’s membership surveys. everyone. The King’s Childrens’ Center is a garden right now, but is destined for much at an elementary school. The kids, an assort- Called the ‘Community Garden more than just gardening. “We want to turn ment of 3rd and 4th graders, go to Westdale Initiative’ and affiliated with BREADA, the this building into an outdoor amphitheater,” Elementary in Baton Rouge. Margaret Baton Rouge Economic and Agricultural Mercier is their teacher responsible for this Development Alliance, these school and schoolyard garden. Margaret’s enthusiasm neighborhood gardens find a niche in the for “garden learning” is unmistakable and various communities of our society. unshakable, and her students seem to feel Currently in the BREADA program, there are approximately 10 school gardens and 10 community or neighborhood gardens. Margaret started the school garden at Westdale Elementary in 1994. “It’s just a way of life for me,” she says of gardening. “Growing up, we always had 3 to 4 home- grown vegetables on the table for any meal.” She feels at home planting and weeding and she is an effective force inside the classroom, so a natural connection for her was to bring the classroom outside. “Why would I sit behind a desk all day when I could take my The Westdale garden is home to birds, squirrels, ladybugs, lizards, butterflies, water striders and beta wasps. speech students in the garden to deadhead a Taking turns with the bird scoop! Clockwise from left: bush and learn the sound ‘s’?” she says. “The Margaret Mercier; Dorri Huffty, 4th grade; Reonna Adams, 4th grade; Joseph Williams, 3rd grade; Kyra Williams, 3rd kids love it out here.” Rev. Joseph says pointing to the farthest grade; and Seth Hazelett, 3rd grade. The tour through the Westdale garden building back, “and this house we want to is enough to whet one’s appetite; my mouth turn into a boys’ home with an in-house

Page 10 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 kernels in a hot skillet with no attention span, but it is obvious how much they cher- ish time spent in their garden. There is only one scoop to transport feed to feeder, and I’m expecting a small crisis as there are 5 students attempting this chore. “Isn’t it wonderful how they share!” exclaims Margaret, oblivious to my moment of worry. “They really have a sense of how to let each other have a turn and the importance of sharing. Another good lesson we learn out here.” The garden at Westdale has been blooming for seven years with grants and support from organizations and individuals throughout Baton Rouge, as well as help from civic organizations and LSU. So far, Westdale has donated over one ton of goods to the Baton Rouge Food Bank in the form A very promising muscadine vine adorns the front yard of the future boys’ home at the King’s Children’s Outreach garden. of fresh vegetables from the garden and sta- ples brought to school by teachers and stu- chaperone,” he says motioning to the build- extremely well in attracting and increasing dents and collected in home rooms. The ing directly in front of us. The 20 or so rows wildlife around their gardens. On the after- King’s Outreach garden also donates to the in the garden provide for people in the com- noon that I go to visit at Westdale, Margaret Food Bank and gets funding from various munity who invest their time and energy in rounds up 5 of her students, the aforemen- foundations. BREADA supports both of maintaining an area. When I visited in tioned assortment of under-agers, to come these initiatives and supplies equipment and February, there was broccoli, lettuce and out in the garden to feed the birds. They guidance whenever needed. mustard greens growing, and the muscadine notice my camera and become tickled at the Rev. Joseph and Margaret Mercier both vine looked very promising. prospect of becoming famous; they feel cer- use the garden as a backdrop for their teach- One person that works in the King’s tain that to have one’s picture in a magazine ings. Both feel that being outside and work- Outreach garden is Malinda Joseph. “I don’t means instant celebrity status. (“It’s not that ing to grow flowers, fruits and vegetables is a care for the cold so I kind of slacked off this big of a magazine,” I tell them.) One would positive and beneficial mode of learning. winter, but otherwise I’m out here most think that with the excitement of the ensu- They might be on to something. everyday,” she says. Her motivation to get ing summer vacation the kids would be like outside and spend time working in the garden is the peace, fellowship and helpful hints she gets from other workers. “It’s nice to come out here and have conversation with the other people working and, of course, get some gardening tips,” Malinda says. She emphasizes that the fellowship with other gardeners is the main reason she chooses to work the land instead of work the remote control. Malinda feels, just as Rev. Joseph and Margaret Mercier do, that a garden is a good learning environment and a soothing place. “Often times in school, children get labeled as ‘the class clown’ or ‘the jerk’ and they get trapped into acting that way all the time,” Margaret explains. “Coming out here with the breeze, the birdsong, and flowing water really contribute to their emotional healing and gives them confidence to deal with their peers’ classifications. It’s such a healing place — I’m convinced of it.” Margaret and Rev. Joseph both advocate organic methods of gardening, such as mulching, weeding by hand and using good, Malinda Joseph prepares the soil for snap beans and mustard greens in February. The 2-story building to the right is to be rich soil. These approaches appear to work the open-air amphitheater.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 11 PresidentPresident Bush:Bush: FirstFirst 100100 DaysDays

The much-heralded “100 days” bench- the only administration statements on the tain. Meanwhile, the proposal to eliminate mark has come and gone, and to mark the subject, by Interior Secretary Norton, con- the Wetlands Reserve Program from the occasion, the National Wildlife Federation tinue to cast doubt on the administration’s Agriculture Department budget turns its issued its own evaluation of the Bush admin- commitment to its success. back on a highly successful tool for conserv- istration’s early days. The bottom line: after ing wetland habitat and ensuring water qual- 100 days in office, the administration has Wildlife Restoration ity. racked up an environmental scorecard that’s Reports that the administration is pre- generating more concern than encourage- pared to block or indefinitely delay U.S. Fish Greening the Corps ment. and Wildlife Service (FWS) implementation Newly introduced legislation affords the Having initially offered to work with of the Citizen Management Plan for restor- opportunity to change the U.S. Army Corps the administration toward a proactive agen- ing grizzlies to 15 million acres of wilderness of Engineers from a destroyer of the envi- da for conservation progress, NWF’s early in Idaho and Montana signal a possible mis- ronment to a leader in its restoration. step of tremendous significance. The plan, Administration support of this legislation is with its wide bipartisan support and its critical and will be viewed as a test. In its unprecedented level of local control, offers budget, the administration has proposed no the administration a chance to demonstrate funding for new Corps projects, and cuts its commitment to making federal environ- funding for many of the existing top envi- mental laws work for wildlife and people ronmentally damaging Corps projects (see too. Rejection would be a huge setback. #8). These actions are a welcome sign that reform remains on the president’s agenda. Public Lands Administration actions and comments Global Climate Change point to increased peril for America’s public The administration has failed to show lands. Vice President Cheney, head of the the leadership needed to effectively confront administration’s energy task force, recently the issue of global climate change, first announced that its energy policy will reversing the president’s pledge of crucial emphasize increased generation over conser- mandatory controls on carbon dioxide emis- President George W. Bush vation, and will seek to expand the nation’s sions, then cavalierly abandoning the inter- oil, coal and natural gas industries, reiterat- national treaty on climate change. Now take was that President Bush’s actions during ing his support for drilling in the Arctic President Bush has called for significant cuts his first weeks in office amounted to all-out National Wildlife Refuge. in funding for energy efficiency and renew- war on environmental progress. Since then, The administration’s decision — to let able energy programs. The administration the administration has made several stand the Clinton administration’s roadless seems determined to promote an energy pol- announcements apparently designed to mit- area policies on 60 million acres of wilder- icy that will only further the nation’s depen- igate the reaction to some of its earlier ini- ness — is welcome, but could essentially be dence on polluting fossil fuels such as coal tiatives. But many appear to be more “spin” undone by suggested “revisions” that would and oil. than substance. allow the policies to be challenged at the The Bush administration can still work local level. Additionally, the decision to Water Quality toward real progress on the major conserva- delay the issuance of the Northern Great Early administration action rolling back tion issues detailed below, though there is Plains National Grasslands management limits on arsenic in drinking water was a scant evidence to date of a genuine commit- plan raises concerns that industry input may serious step in the wrong direction on ment to such a positive course. Clearly the dramatically change the course of conserva- America’s water quality. While the adminis- administration has a long way to go before tion policies that have firm scientific backing tration has since promised new standards claiming a record of success in safeguarding and have already received thorough public after additional studies, it has suggested that and restoring the wildlife and wild places vetting. these may be as high as twice the World Americans treasure. Health Organization standard of 10 parts Wetlands per billion. Sound science supports the orig- Conservation Funding A legal loophole has led to the destruc- inal standards, and reopening the issue is a The administration continues to miss tion of thousands of acres of wetlands mistake. No additional administration an opportunity to deliver on its philosophy through ditching and draining. Having first actions have yet been taken on items includ- of putting needed resources into the hands delayed its decision, the administration ed in NWF’s agenda for healthy waters, so of the states. Its budget proposal fails to deserves credit for finally electing to close this remains an area ripe for development of deliver the funding needed for state manage- that loophole. But the ultimate effect will common-ground conservation solutions. ment of non-game wildlife and its habitat. depend on the degree to which agencies Despite reintroduction of the Conservation enforce the rule and defend industry chal- Continued on page 41 and Reinvestment Act (CARA) in Congress, lenges in court — which is, at best, uncer-

Page 12 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 National Estuary Assessment

Estuaries, the areas where freshwater needed for fish life. Also, some forms of estuaries, stay the same in 44, and improve drainage from land mixes with the waters of algae that do well in eutrophic waters are in only eight estuaries during the next 20 the sea, are the most fisheries productive of toxic. The toxins they produce can kill fish years. all marine and coastal waters. They are also in the water or contaminate oysters and Ten estuaries from Louisiana were fragile. Human population growth in the clams. Winds can blow these toxins from included in the assessment. Also included was the Mississippi River plume, the offshore waters where the dead (hypoxic) zone occurs. The estuaries were grouped by their level of eutrophication:

High Eutrophication Mississippi River Plume Lake Pontchartrain Calcasieu Lake

Habitat loss, which occurs from natural and human disturbances stresses the natural resources in the Barataria Bay. Moderate Eutrophication Barataria Bay U.S. is greatest near its estuaries. wave spray inland where they may cause Terrebonne/Timbalier Bays Water running off from these heavily breathing problems for humans. Atchafalaya/ Vermillion Bays settled drainages (watersheds) ends up, Eutrophication can affect commercial and Sabine Lake along with whatever it carries, in these pro- recreational fishing, boating, swimming ductive estuaries. Many of the pollutants and tourism. Low Eutrophication produced by man are actually not poiso- Recently, a report was printed from a Breton/ Chandeleur Sounds nous, but rather are chemicals that serve as National Assessment Workshop and the Mississippi River (Delta) fertilizers that can increase plant growth. National Estuarine Eutrophication Survey. Mermentau Estuary Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two most The work covered 138 estuaries in the important of such nutrients. While plants United States and was to produce an assess- Unknown Condition in estuaries need some nutrients to grow, a ment of how eutrophied U.S. estuaries cur- Lake Borgne supply that is too large can be very negative. This over-enrichment of water with Most of the estuaries in the Gulf states nutrients is called eutrophication. are predicted to get worse in the next 20 Excess nutrients come from four main years, six of them to a high degree. Two of sources besides the ones produced by these six are in Louisiana: Lake nature. Nitrogen and phosphorus can Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River come from agriculture due to rainwater plume. Nationally, only eight of the 138 runoff from fertilized crop lands or from estuaries assessed are expected to improve livestock operations. The same two nutri- in the next 20 years. Two of those, ents enter estuaries as discharges from Breton/Chandeleur Sounds and sewage treatment plants as well as runoff Mermentau Estuary are in Louisiana. from city streets, yards and lawns. Some of The report states that eutrophication- this comes from pet waste, some from lawn causing nutrients must be managed over and home garden fertilization, and some the entire watershed, not just in an estuary. from other human activities. Finally, sub- It also points out that there is not an over- stantial amounts of nitrogen are produced all national plan to deal with the problems by automobile and power plant emissions Since 1980 there have been 188 reported fish kills in the of marine eutrophication, and that one is into the air. These, of course, end up being estuary due to the presence of nutrients, toxins, and other very much needed. – courtesy, Jerald Horst, brought to earth by rainfall and other contaminants. In September of 1994, an algal bloom LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension Service resulted in a fish kill of almost 200,000 fish. weather. and SeaGrant program. Three things happen when a body of water becomes eutrophied. Dense growths rently are or likely to become. Of the 138 For comprehensive information on of algae may block sunlight and smother estuaries assessed, 44 showed high signs of eutrophication refer to:

native water plants which serve as fish habi- eutrophication and another 40 showed wwhttp:// w.btnep.org/pages/eutrophication1.html tat. These heavy algae growths (blooms) moderate levels. This is 65% of the total eventually die off and sink to the bottom. surface area in all U.S. estuaries. There, as they decay, they deplete oxygen Conditions are expected to worsen in 86

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 13 SojournSojourn InIn BearBear Country:Country: TheThe MakingMaking ofof NWF’sNWF’s “BEARS”“BEARS”

By Christopher N. Palmer, the black bear, the “grizzly” or brown bear, going back to 1951, when we were asked to Executive producer of NWF’s new and the polar bear. These and the world’s step in and help preserve the Kodiak bear, a giant-screen film BEARS and president and five other species face threats to their sur- type of grizzly that lives on Kodiak and CEO of National Wildlife Productions. vival in all or significant portions of their nearby islands in the Gulf of Alaska. remaining range. Most recently, we have been actively For millennia, humans looked up into Not all of us can go into the wilderness engaged in the ongoing effort to reintro- the night sky and saw a certain configura- to view bears, but a film like this can bring duce grizzly bears into the 5,785 square tion of stars in one familiar shape. This bears to us. miles of the Selway-Bitterroot and adjacent constellation we now call Ursa Major — the The National Wildlife Federation has Frank Church River of No Return Great Bear. Some societies ascribed special invested significant funds in large-format Wilderness Areas in central Idaho and west- powers to the celestial bear and believed film production and distribution because ern Montana. Grizzlies roamed the Selway- we believe that these films are one of the Bitterroot as late as the 1940s before being best ways to promote public education hunted to extinction in the region. These about conservation issues. We aim to powerful, magnificent animals once num- inform and inspire audiences to take action, bered in the tens of thousands and ranged on a personal and civic level, to ensure wise from the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean. stewardship of our natural heritage. Today, they occupy less than two percent of The theme of BEARS is survival. The their former range in the lower 48 states. black bear, the most common bruin of Film, which reaches out to an audience North America, has to survive an infancy of millions, can play an important part in that is rife with dangers. The survival rate moving people to action. At NWF we see of black bear cubs is about 50 percent. The films as a means to an end, not an end in grizzly, also known as the brown bear, has to itself. This doesn’t mean that we don’t go survive its fierce reputation. It has been after the most spectacular footage. On the persecuted by civilization, and its habitat contrary, we realize we can best inspire peo- has been greatly reduced. The polar bear, ple to protect the wild by giving them the the only bear that is almost exclusively car- opportunity to see what could be lost. nivorous (which makes filming it an inter- Alaska’s Katmai National Park and esting experience), is threatened by global Preserve is home to an estimated 2,000 griz- warming. I hope BEARS enables audiences zlies and has the highest recorded density in to have a deeper understanding of an ani- the world. So it was to the mountains and mal that humans have regarded with mixed rivers of Katmai that our crew went to film Black Bear emotions for most of history. these bears. The film culminates in a great NWF has been working to conserve feast — a gathering of grizzlies fishing for that it could move between Earth and sky. bears for decades. North American bears salmon in the McNeil River. Dave Lickley, And for millennia, bears moved freely have been one of our highest priorities, the director, said, “The most notorious throughout the globe. Like humans, bears can make a home in many different envi- ronments. Of the seven continents, all but Antarctica and Australia have been home to bears. But in the last 100 years, the balance of power between humans and bears has shifted dramatically against the bear. Yet bears continue to hold sway over our imaginations. They are the epitome of wilderness. They inspire feelings of awe, respect — and fear. NWF’s latest film, BEARS, brings Earth’s largest terrestrial predator to the giant screen. Shot against the backdrop of spectacular wilderness, BEARS lets viewers get closer to these majestic, and at times comical, animals than is possible in the wild. The film opens with a visual montage of the bears of the world, then explores in depth the three North American species — Grizzly Bear

Page 14 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 thing about filming in Alaska is the unpre- their range. To catch a dinner they need to some great footage of polar bears sparring dictability of the weather. Yet, the last week foray out over the frozen sea after seal meat. and wrestling. we went out to film the bears fishing in the But as temperatures rise, the seas are frozen Yet the aspect of their behavior that McNeil River we had the best weather for shorter periods and polar bears are hard- most struck me as I watched the film take imaginable. Sunny, clear days! Viewers will pressed to maintain their weight and repro- shape was their playfulness. Some of the film’s most memorable images are of bears playing. I think these scenes are very valuable in reminding people of the complexity of bears and their right to live unharassed in fully functioning ecosystems. When people think of bears, they often think of bear attacks. Most of the time, though, bears live a placid existence. Humans can learn to live with bears in our wilderness areas if we are respectful of their behaviors and needs for space. “Bears are intelligent, powerful, and gentle, but not to be taken lightly,” said NWF field biologist and scientific advisor for BEARS, Dr. Sterling Miller. “They need wild areas in order to thrive. Our fears about bears need to be replaced by a deeper grasp of the important role these top predators play in both the natural setting and in our human culture.” Native American peoples understood this, and many of their myths and legends told of the supernatural powers of bears. BEARS not only carries a conservation message, it also intricately folds into its narra- tive the images and stories of the role of bears in Native cultures. To the Inuit people of the Arctic, for example, the most powerful animal in their world was the polar bear. They believed that the spirit of the bear was interchange- able with the human spirit. Like humans, the bear stood upright to face its foes. Like humans, the bear was a great hunter. Their name for the bear was Nanook —the great white hunter. Their soapstone carvings of polar bears show an understanding of the animal based on close observation that Polar Bears blends science and artistry. With similar deftness, BEARS aims to be astounded by the quality of the footage ductive capability. blend education and entertainment. we were able to capture with this extraordi- Of all bear species, polar bears are the Although beautiful to watch, and with a nary light.” most dangerous because they are almost story line that is both informative and Nevertheless, the changeable weather completely carnivorous. We had a close call evocative, BEARS carries an important con- exacted a very heavy toll. Our film is dedi- with one technician in the Arctic when we servation message. We’ve designed educa- cated to the memory of two researchers who were filming polar bears. This technician tional materials to accompany the film that were to serve as scientific advisors to our caught the attention of a polar bear and will help drive home the lessons to be film. Dr. Malcolm Ramsey and Dr. Stuart barely made it back into the vehicle in time. learned from the bears’ struggle to survive. Innis had devoted their lives to the study of The odd thing about bears is that you BEARS captures the timeless appeal of polar bears and, in particular, to the effects watch them lope around and they put you cubs as viewers follow the antics of two of global warming on the bears. They were in mind of big, furry cows. These “cows” black bear cubs that emerge with their killed in a helicopter crash just before they have long claws and sharp teeth and can run mother into the springtime of the were due to begin helping us on the film. 30 miles-per-hour. Suddenly, one will get Bitterroot Valley. Over the next few Global warming is already a pressing frisky and take a swipe at another one. It all problem for polar bears in southern parts of happens so fast! We did manage to get Continued on page 19 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 15 FOR YOUR INFORMATION

da, “backuped” more often. Eighteen Ronnie Andries - Alexandria months of unretrievable files are now float- Wayne R. Argence - Kenner ing around in cyberspace. Lesson learned. Minos Armentor - New Iberia Bill Ford The computer “guy” told me that the usual Iva Augenstein - Lake Charles life of a hard drive is three years, after that Bank of Gueydan - Gueydan you can expect something to go wrong. He Joseph G. Beaud - New Roads also told me never to depend on just a surge Joey J. Begnaud - New Iberia protector. My advice, — backup, backup, Rev. Douglas Belgard - Deville backup! Sharon Bengtson - Independence Our Spring Appeal was mailed in May Paul H. Benoist - Baton Rouge by Bill Ford and we have once again had great response Carol L. Bergholz - Bossier City to this mid-year fundraiser. Donors to the Clay A. Bilbo - Pearl River I am hoping that most of you survived Spring Appeal are listed at the end of this Josephine V. Blackwell - Metairie the flood of 2001. In East Feliciana, we had column. Thank YOU! Your support is vital Clyde Bolton - Franklin plenty of rain, although the flooding prob- to the LWF’s conservation education and Gary C. Bordelon - Kingwood,TX lem wasn’t that much of an issue. I did advocacy work. Mike Bordelon, SRA - Alexandria empty my rain gauge, which measures 5 Our 5th Annual Adventure Sweepstakes Roger Boughton, D.V.M. - New Iberia is off and running. Look for your tickets in B. F. Bouser - Baton Rouge the mail. Colorado hunting trip, Rocky Dallas Bowers - Lafayette Mountain fishing adventure or a Carribean Ethel P. Bowman - Jennings cruise – the choice is yours if you are the Peter O. Braquet - Bridge City Grand Prize Winner. Of course the GPW George Brewer - Houma can also take $2000 cash if s/he desires. The Brad A. Broussard - Plaquemine 1st place winner will have to choose a new W. Ray Brown - New Orleans Remington rifle or $500 cash, and the 2nd Paul E. Brummett - Jennings place winner will make a choice between a Sister Janet A. Buescher - Montegut Lifetime Hunting/Fishing license or $300 George N. Byram, Jr., M.D. - New Orleans cash. Drawing date is December 5th, 2001. Bart Caple - Lake Charles If you are a new member and didn’t receive David W. Carnal - Dubach your sweepstakes tickets don’t worry, we will Michael Cart - Youngsville give everybody another chance to take part M. Hampton Carver - New Orleans later in the year. Marlon Chaddrick - Turkey Creek Speaking of new members, welcome to Joseph F. Cheleno - New Orleans all of you who have “signed on” since the last Diane Chisholm - Baton Rouge Tommy Christiana - Metairie LWF Secretary and Dist. 9 At-Large Director, Virginia issue of the magazine. In appreciation, we Burkett presents an LWF sponsor plaque to Cypress Bend are listing your names in this issue. You are Joseph A. Cicero, Jr. - Metairie (Toledo Bend) Resort General Manager, Marshall Tullos. definitely appreciated, but most importantly John F. Clark, III - Metairie LWF’s past President, and NWF Representative, Edgar you are now a part of the “Voice for Wayne A. Comberrel, Jr. - Covington Veillon, solicited Cypress Bend’s membership at LWF’s Glenn E. Compton - Lafayette annual convention which was held in March of this year at Conservation” that makes up the Louisiana the resort. Wildlife Federation. Your voice strengthens John R. Contois, Jr. - Baton Rouge our efforts! Sharon Core - Crowley inches, three times in four days so I know That’s it from me. With the summer Jeff Courtney - Boyce that we got at least 15 inches up in Clinton. months upon us and many people taking to Donald R. Cox - New Iberia I live in one of the few houses in Louisiana the water, please remember, Safety First, and D. Thomas Curtis, M.D. - Crowley that has a basement — yes, a basement in always wear that PFD (Personal Floatation Arthur W. Daniels, Jr. - Kenner Louisiana! Needless to say, I did spent quite Device — Lifejacket) when underway. All Bonnie J. Davis - Baton Rouge a few hours with the shop-vac cleaning up a children and non-swimmers should wear John A. Debetaz - Morganza few inches of water, but other than a few them all the time. Remember – a PFD Rene DeBoisblanc, M.D. - New Orleans downed limbs and the water in the base- floats, you don’t (until its too late). Benton Cason delaHoussaye, III - Crowley ment, the Ford family fared pretty well. I Glenn M. Delaney - Chalmette know that not everyone fared as well, and 2001 New Members (to $49) 3/16/01 Jerry Delano - Minden certainly our prayers and wishes for a quick through 6/01/01 James W. Dimmick - Lake Charles clean-up are with you. Bryant Domingue - Lake Charles For me, the biggest event during all the Robert H. Abney, Jr. - Slidell Gilbert H. Dozier - Lafayette storms and rain was that the hard drive on Ferdinand Allain, III - Brusly Allen P. Ducote, Jr. - Forest Hill my computer in the LWF office “crashed”. Willie B. Allen - Oil City Brian Duke - Alexandria All I can say is that I shoulda, wished I woul- Ronald L. Andrews - Vicksburg W.P. Duplessis - Gonzales

Page 16 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Joan Duplessis - Ponchatoula Amintas J. Major, Jr. - Covington Louis B. Viviano - Opelousas Edwin O. Edgerton, III, M.D. - Kenny Mangrum - Gonzales Jimmy A. Wilson - Yazoo City, MS West Monroe Mrs. Elva G. Marks - New Orleans Chris Womack - Ruston J. W. Evans - Bossier City Andrew P. Mayer, M.D. - New Orleans Albert C. Wurster, D.V.M. - Natchitoches Hon. Clarence Fields - Pineville Clarence Mayes - Newnan, GA Peggy S. Yelvington - Lake Charles Irvin J. Fontenelle - Arabi Jack P. McCain, III - Natchitoches Emily B. Young - Prairieville Joseph C. Fontenot - Ville Platte Bryan C. McCann, M.D. - Marksville Mrs. Benton D. Young - Jonesboro Barton W. Freeland, Jr. - Crowley L. Ray McCarty - Alexandria David A. Young - West Monroe Billie C. Fulkerson - Crowley Jason G. McConathy - Logansport Kevin J. Gachassin - Milton Scott McCoy - Lake Charles New Members ($50-$99) - 3/16 thru 6/01/01 David L. Garrison - Houston, TX Norman J. McCurley - Zachary Richard Anderson, Anderson and Anderson Fleta R. Garsaud - New Orleans Brent McDonald - New Iberia - Pineville Terry Gaudet - Sulphur B. Durwood McGahee - Fort Lauderdale Donald R. Anderson, Indian Lake Nursery Adrian L. Gauthier - Thibodaux Corbet McMullen, Jr. - West Monroe - Winnsboro Sidney J. Gautreaux - Baker A. Bradley McPherson - Shreveport Wesley H. Ardoin, D.D.S. - Lafayette Willis W. Gayle - Lake Charles Jeff D. Meekins - Houston, TX Jared C. Autin - Marrero Robert L. Gelnett - Shreveport Jerry L. Merrill - Anacoco August V. Bailey, Jr. - New Orleans Kendal Gibson - Crowley Jay Minmier - Mandeville Dudley J. Bertrand - West Monroe Kimberly A. Gielen - Crowley Norman A. Mitchell - Harvey Manning F. Billeaud - Lafayette Donald William Gohmert - Pineville Honorable Benjamin O. Morris - Slidell Mart J. Black - Houma Keven S. Gonsoulin - New Iberia James E. Morrison - Slidell Richard Boisture, Richard Grabert - Houma James Mulvey, M.D. - Jefferson Sentry Building Components Mike A. Gremillion - League City, TX Michael L. Murphy - Lafayette - Jennings Douglas W. Greve, M.D. - New Orleans Brian Naquin - Baton Rouge Mary F. Bourgeois - Jeanerette Bob J. Guchereau, Jr. - Lafayette Lynn C. Neff - Alexandria Greg A. Brian, M.D. - Alexandria Carlton L. Guedon - Baton Rouge Ragan Nelson - Alexandria Benton Broussard, Bill’s Wrecker Service Larry L. Guidry - Lafayette Leo J. Oros - Baton Rouge - Jennings David J. Guidry - Youngsville Dale A. Parker, Sr. - Deville Graylon Buch, Buch Printing - Jennings Guy S. Guillory - Ville Platte Marguerite Parnell - Bay Minette, AL James Bulliard, Jr., Bulliard Farms Joe E. Hamilton - Crowley Brad A. Patrick - Baton Rouge - St. Martinville Honorable Barrett Harrington - Crowley Joseph N. Perrone - Hammond Ricky Byrd - Patterson Michael Harson - Lafayette Jerry L. Philmon - Bossier City Ron Chapman. FACTS-5 - Jennings Jasper Hebert - Lake Charles Mary Rosa Prieto, M.D. - New Orleans Rusty Cloutier, Mis South National Bank Leonard J. Hensgens - Crowley Richard R. Reeves - Oberlin - Lafayette Ernest Herndon - Gloster, MS Maxwell M. Reid - Marksville Glen d’Amico, Southern Emblem Marjorie D. Hicks - Pineville J.V. Remsen, Ph.D. - Baton Rouge - Alexandria Jack E. Hitt - Luling Bill Robertson - Shreveport Gary Davis, Delgar Alarms - Jennings Brian Hollier - Abbeville Christopher C. Robin - Arnaudville Micky Deal - Ragley Cleveland Hudson - Pineville James H. Roche - Kenner Bob Dennie - Geismar Joseph L. Jaques - Baldwin James D. Rodgers - Denham Springs Brian DePaula - Hammond R. Jane Jester-Hebert - Maurice Randall F. Rodrigue - Schriever H. L. Donald, D.D.S. - West Monroe Patrick T. Johnson - Marksville Clavin Royer, Jr. - Lake Arthur J. Preston Duhe - New Iberia Winfred R. Johnston - Plain Dealing Robert R. Ryan - Alexandria Edward Duhe, Jr. - Gonzales Rodney F. Kalil, M.D. - Metairie Eric Sanders - Slidell Dr. S. Thomas Elder - New Orleans Hardy J. Kelley - Prairieville Edward Schap - Sulphur Kenneth B. Farris, M.D. - New Orleans Donald Kratzer - Jennings Roland N. Selig - Baton Rouge Philip Fruge, Stine Lumber - Crowley Patricia Lally - Harahan Johnnie L. Smith - Church Point J. U. Gajan, SLEMCO - Lafayette Duane P. Lambert - Gonzales Phil Smith - Jennings Thomas Gardiner, Acadia Laboratory Stephen L. Lambousy - Crowley George W. Spillers, Jr. - Homer - Crowley Keith Lamm - Estherwood David F. Spivey - Shreveport John Dan Gielen, Shop Rite - Crowley Harold J. Lamy - New Orleans C. P. Steinhoff - Pineville Beverly Gilchrist, Waste Management Michael C. Lanclos - Opelousas Charles P. Steinmuller - Baton Rouge - Lake Charles John W. Landry - Jennings Daryl Stepp - Walker Eugene C. Gilder - Crowley Bry Layrisson - Ponchatoula T. E. Strain, Jr., M.D. - Shreveport Darryl A. Gisclair - Golden Meadow Brent S. Lemoine - Baton Rouge David M. Taverna - Meraux Yvette D. Golda - Baton Rouge Steven J. Leon - Hammond Larry P. Theriot - Raceland Gretchen T. Gottfried - Baton Rouge Robert Lewis - Livingston Louis Theriot - Metairie James L. Grice - Lafayette John L. Luffey, Jr. - Monroe Geoff Thorn - Dequincy Raul B. Guevara, M.D. - Covington Jane M. Lyons - Sulphur William F. Tietje, Jr. - Jennings C. J. Guidry, Ruddock’s Bakery - Crowley Charles A. Mack, Jr. - Jennings John P. Troutman - Destrehan Michael Guillory - Prairieville Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 17 Bill Halliburton - Alexandria Nemoure Rayne - Baton Rouge Spring Appeal Donors (through June 20th ) Robert F. Hankenhof - New Iberia Frank Rice, Pride Flight Services Robert D. Haydel, M.D. - Houma - Alexandria Todd C. Ackal - Lafayette Mike Haynes, Hayne’s Real Estate Tom Robertson, Jim & Jane Adams - Pineville - Alexandria Louisiana Conference Center Joe M. Adomitis - Baton Rouge Ronald M. Hebert - Northport, AL - Woodworth J. M. Aguillard, Stephen Hellman, M.D. - Houma Don Robertson Agways Systems, Inc. - Baton Rouge Dewey J. Helverson, The Money Shack - Greenwell Springs David W. Aiken, Jr., M.D. - Metairie - Alexandria Sidney A. Rovira, Jr. E. H. Allen - Bank of Oak Ridge Constance W. Henderson - Pineville - Metairie - Oak Ridge Michael K. Hensgens, G & H Seed Co. Donald T. Sanchez Lorraine Aslakson - New Orleans - Crowley - Kenner Carla L. Babcock - Baton Rouge Craig Holston, Charles Holston, Inc. Wilbert J. Saucier, Jr., Myron B. Bailey, - Jennings Erris-Omega Plantation Orthopaedic Clinic - Monroe Robert C. Hughes, PE , - Pineville Frances B. Baker - Hiawassee, GA Meyer, Meyer, Hixson Victor H. Sevier, III, D.D.S. - Houma Mark Landry Barnes - Slidell - Alexandria Kay Heck Shipp - Monroe Kathryn S. Barrett - Boothville Mark T. Hunter - Baton Rouge Neal P. Simon - Destrehan John W. Barton, Jr. - Baton Rouge Richard Blake Ingraham - Houston, TX John E. Thibaut - Napoleonville Al Beacham - Lafayette Mulraj N. Katira, M.D., P.C. - Crowley Heinke E. Trapp, Jr. - Houma Dr. Alfred Bessell - Beaumont, TX Gail R. Kelley, St. Charles Consulting Wayland H. Vincent - Crowley Roger W. Beuerman - New Orleans - Luling Ronald V. Waller - Denham Springs William D. Blake, Lacassane Co. Juanita B. Kelley, Hilltop Nursing Center William W. Waring, M.D. - New Orleans - Lake Charles - Pineville Vivia White, Stan Blouin - Spillway Sportsman - Brusly John Arthur Kimball - Houma Associated Directories - Pineville Charles Blouin - New Orleans Stacey M. King - ST. Francisville Paul K. Whitehead, Ph.D. John H. Bolin - Rayne Steve Lacombe, SPETCO, Inc, - Forest Hill Usha Bourgeois, M.D. - New Orleans - Lecompte Michael F. Zambie, M.D. - Monroe St. Paul Bourgeois, III - Jeanerette Stephen Landry, John D. Brady - Baton Rouge Landry Development Corp. M.J. Bullock, Jr., M.D. - Baton Rouge - Lafayette New Member ($100 and up) - 3/16/01 thru Noel Bunol, III - Metairie Stephen G. Lecompte, 6/01/01 James G. Burke, Jr. - New Orleans Lecompte Drilling Consultant PQ Corporation (Milton Avret) - Pineville Joseph T. Butler - Thibodaux - Houma Alexander & Bolton (Roscoe Bolton) Christopher G. Campbell - Shreveport Richard L. Lucas - Alexandria - Alexandria Jack T. Cappel, Jr., M.D. - Alexandria Ted A. Martin - Baton Rouge White Lake Enterprises (C. P. Didier) Joseph E. Carlin - Erath Michael McBride, - Covington Mrs. Raymond A. Carlson - Vinton Evangeline Bank and Trust Entergy (Liz Duhon) - Lafayette Milton C. Chapman, M.D. - Shreveport - Crowley Elder & Elder Enterprises - New Orleans John H. Chidlow, M.D. - Shreveport James McCrimmon, Lazar J. Gielen - Crowley John B. Coast, Triangle Concentrator Service E. J. Hanhart - Franklinton Coast Machinery, Inc. - Baton Rouge - Baker Southern Eagle Sales and Service D.W. Coates - Baton Rouge Grover J. Miller, Jr. - Lafayette (James I. Hunter, III) - Metairie Sally Cooper - New Orleans John Monteilh, Bier’s Pharmacy Robert C. Lowe - New Orleans Nathan A. Cormie - Lake Charles - Crowley Harold A. Loyacano, Jr., Ph.D. - Slidell Jack S. Coussons, M.D. - Shreveport Don W. Moore - Baton Rouge Country Living Mobile Homes Daniel J. Cox - Chalmette Lewis V. Murray, III - Bogalusa (Raphael Luneau) - Lecompte Dennis E. Cronan - Metairie Jay Naquin - Baton Rouge Dr. & Mrs. Alfred A. Mansour - Alexandria Lewis C. Cummings, M.D. - Lafayette Henry J. Navarre, IV - Port Allen Gary H. Miller - New Orleans Edward O. Daigle - Covington Linda L. North - Fort Walton, FL Senator Willie L. Mount - Lake Charles Glen Daigre - Prairieville Russell L. Potter - Alexandria Howard P. Ragland, M.D. - Slidell Betty Moore Dailey - Baton Rouge Herman J. Prager, Jr. - Mandeville Joe D. Smith, Jr. - Alexandria Bennett P. DeBoisblanc, M.D. Elma Cantrelle Price, Grady Spears - Lafayette - New Orleans CantrelleRealty Syngenta (Renee’Smith Tadie) C. P. Didier, - Jennings - St. Gabriel White Lake Enterprises John F. Raggio, M.D. Frank H. Walk - New Orleans - Covington - Lake Charles Aubrey C. Walter - Vinton John C. “Juba” Diez - Gonzales Don Ramsey, Architecture Corporation (Clyde M. Webb) Stephen Dinino, Jr. - Donaldsonville A. Ramsey Enterprises - Monroe Kenneth P. Dixon - Lafayette - Gonzales Wayne F. Dugas - Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Page 18 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Maurice Durbin - Denham Springs Jorge A. Martinez, M.D. - Metairie - New Orleans Judge Edwards - Abbeville Richard T. Mayeux - Hammond J. B. Thompson - Nederland, TX Mrs. Bertha E. Ellender - Sulphur Jack May - Monroe J. Louis Tonore, Jr., M.D. - Baton Rouge Jerry Embree - Metairie Hildreth B. McCarthy, M.D. - New Orleans Dr. Mack A. Truluck - Ponchatoula Mrs. Gaston M. England - Baton Rouge Jesse McClendon, Jr., M.D., William C. Tucker - Lafitte T. J. Fontenot - Gayle Oil Co. - Gueydan Amite Clinic - Amite Frank Ulm - Metairie Peter J. Gabb - New Orleans David L. McComb - New Orleans Robbie Unis, II - Deridder Joyce Gamble - J&G Hardware - Minden O. G. McDowell - Shreveport Dominick A. Vaccaro, Jr. - Metairie Cyril P. Geary, Jr. - New Orleans Dorothy M. McFatter - Lake Charles David J. Vial, M.D. - Luling Renée C. Gholz - New Orleans Mrs. R. J. McGehee - Downsville Eloise Y. Wall - Baton Rouge Miles Gosnell - New Iberia Mona Menard - Menard Oil Co. - Abbeville Fred C. Webre, M.D. - Lafayette Butch Graham, Richard R. Michel, M.D. - Marksville H. D. Webster, M.D. - Pass Christian, MS Rebel Heating & AC Leroy John Molaison - Houma Barry Wilkinson, - Baton Rouge Robert H. Moles - Baton Rouge Monte Vista Plantation - Port Allen Charlene T. Gueho - New Orleans J. T. Monsour - Shreveport Newman L. Williams - Lake Charles Mary Lockett Nelson Guthrie Moody-Price, Incorporated - Baton Rouge Betty Wisdom - New Orleans - New Orleans Boyd Lynn Mothe, Sr., Robert A. Young - Metairie Edwin M. Hackenberg - Jackson Mothe Funeral Homes, Inc. Fran V. Hagaman, M.D. - Shreveport - New Orleans Harry Hanks - Plaquemine James Muslow, Jr., William R. Hay - Shreveport Muslow Oil & Gas, Inc.- Shreveport BEARS: Continued from page 15 Susan Moss Hayden - Baton Rouge Matthew F. Musso, Harry Hebert - Lafayette L&M Pharmacy - New Iberia Simonet Hebert, Jr. - Kaplan Geraldine S. Orlando - Covington months the cubs learn what foods to eat Cullen A. Hebert, M.D. - Baton Rouge Robert Parker - Baton Rouge and what to avoid, who is friend and who is Cheryl S. Hedlund, Daryl B. Patin, Patin Engineers & Surveyors foe, that water is wet and trees are made to H&M Veterinary Services - Bueche - Port Allen fall out of. There is one heart-stopping Harry R. Henderson, Jr. - Monroe Manuel J. Perez - New Orleans sequence when the two cubs follow their Leonard J. Hensgens - Crowley Sal Piscitello - Baton Rouge mother into a stream. The current is fast, Rev. Willis R. Henton - New Iberia Ruby J. Porter - Pineville and the cubs are swept downstream. Will Stephen J. Herbert, M.D. - River Ridge Jay A. Pucheu - Marksville they cross to safety? They do, but it’s touch William H. Herke, Ph.D - Baton Rouge Douglas P. Raymond - Warrenville, IL and go for awhile. As a member of the Mary A. Hindermann - New Orleans Blair E. Reed - Lake Charles audience, you find yourself rooting for I. J. Hingle - New Orleans Lisa Reed - Hackberry their survival. This is the best thing that George B. Holstead - Ruston Charles S. Reily - New Orleans NWF films can do — make viewers care Kenneth D. Hoppens - Slidell Lowry Riggins - Monroe about the fate of a species and from that Jay V. Huner, Ph.D., Louisiana Ecrevisse Samuel Riggs - Orange, TX empathetic spark, take the leap to caring - Lafayette Frank R. Rizzo, Jr., M.D. - Monroe about the fate of other species and the pro- Earl L. Ittmann, Jr. - New Orleans Marion D. Rosser - Lafayette tection of their habitats. Liz Jeansonne - Simmesport Sidney D. Roy - Baton Rouge BEARSgoes into the wilderness and Bendel Johnson, M.D. - Shreveport Monroe S. Samuels, M.D. - River Ridge lets the animals “speak” for themselves Lester E. Kabacoff - New Orleans Henry Savell - Many through natural behavior in natural set- Pam Kaster - Zachary Everett A. Schneider, M.D. - Lake Charles tings. To paraphrase Chief Dan George: Richard Kater, Richard’s Printing John F. Jeff Schneider - Ponchatoula what we can understand, we will not fear; - Baton Rouge Thelma O. Scogin - Slidell what we do not fear, we will protect. Richard N. Kinsey - Shreveport Jacie E. Seney - Minden BEARScelebrates the great spirit of the Charles J. Koehl, Sr. - River Ridge Duke Shackelford - Bonita great American bears. Mr. & Mrs. John P. Labouisse - Metairie Curtis C. Sorrells - Kenner Martha L. Lackey - New Orleans Larry J. Southerland - Marrero [Note: This article will be published in Elizabeth M. Landis - New Orleans Richard Stone - New York, NY the September edition of “The Big Frame,” Don L. Landry, Don’s Seafood Hut F. Wayne Stromeyer, M.D. - Baton Rouge which is read by everyone across the globe who - Lafayette Pat Stumpf - Gretna is involved in producing, distributing and E. J. Lapeyrouse - Many Anne K. Taylor - Baton Rouge exhibiting giant screen films.]

Richard Dale LaValley - Lafayette Robert W. Taylor, Jr. - Prairieville http://www.giantscreentheater.com/bigframe/ Arthur J. Lebreton - Lafayette The North American Land Co. Van E. Lee, Jr., - Lake Charles Lee’s City Drug Store - Bastrop James P. Thibodaux - Houma Virginia Swan Lefevre - New Orleans Ronald D. Thibodeaux - Baton Rouge C. M. Long - Lake Charles Paul C. Thionville, Adolph P. Mabile, Jr. - Pierre Part Thionville Labaratories, Inc. Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 19 Recap of the 2001 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature

The recently adjourned legislative ($7,315,000 P1), South Toledo Bend HB 85 (Act 30) RECREATIONAL session was a fairly quiet but productive ($3,840,000 P1; $3,690,000 P5), HOOPNETS Allows the use of up to 3 one for conservation. Legislators intro- Palmetto Island ($100,000 P1; hoopnets with a $20 recreational hoopnet duced over 3,000 bills and 500 resolu- $2,000,000 P2; $10,250,000 P5), Bogue gear license in waters north of I-12 tions, down about a thousand or so from Chitto ($1,500,000 P1; $2,800,000 P2), between Baton Rouge and the Mississippi previous sessions not restricted to fiscal Chicot ($2,500,000 P1; $1,380,000 P5), state line, north of I-10 between Baton matters only. The percentage of bills per- Cypremort Point ($2,050,000 P1; Rouge and Ragley, and north of LA 12 taining to conservation, environment and $365,000 P2), Tickfaw ($700,000 P1), from Ragley to the Texas line. related outdoor recreation was also down Lake Claiborne ($430,000 P1), Lake HB 158 (Act 344) WILDLIFE from previous years from the usual 10% Bruin ($890,000 P1; $160,000 P5), VIOLATIONS/LATE PENALTY to about 6%. Caney Creek Lake ($4,975,000 P1); Authorizes the LDWF secretary to impose The “big” conservation bill that Atchafalaya Basin Program: ($5,840,000 a 10% late penalty and assess adjudicato- passed the session establishes a foundation P1; $4,000,000 P2; $16,000,000 P5 and ry hearing and other associated costs for managing the state’s ground water $475,000 P1 for East Grand Lake); against Class 1 offenders for failure to resources. Although several bills on this LDWF – Rockefeller Refuge ($2,425,200 timely pay civil assessments for violations, subject were introduced, SB 965 spon- for habitat protection and restoration including interest on the civil assessment sored by Senators Hoyt, McPherson, work). and reasonable attorney fees. Theunissen and Representative Daniel, et HB 48 (Act ) DEER TRACK- HB 159 (Act 113) LDWF al. was the measure that ultimately passed. ING DOGS Allows the use of leashed UNDERSECRETARY Delegates addi- This legislation is described in more detail deer tracking dogs during the still hunt- tional authorities and responsibilities to elsewhere in this publication. A list and ing season to recover wounded or down the LDWF undersecretary in administer- brief description of those measures that (but not found) deer. ing the Office of Management and LWF was tracking and that were adopted HB 49 (Act 27) MUZZLELOAD- finance, including socioeconomic follows. Those bills without Act #s had ERS Allows the use of magnifying scopes research, customer service, fee and fine not been signed by the governor as of June on muzzleloaders during the muzzleloader collection, information dissemination and 18th. season regardless of the age of the hunter. media relations. HB 1 (Act ) APPROPRIATIONS HB 65 (Act 28) COMMERCIAL HB 254 (Act ) DEQ/SOLID Provides for the expenses of state govern- FISHING Designates all LDWF district WASTE Requires DEQ to collect data on ment, including: Department of Wildlife offices south of I-10 as locations where parish and municipal resource recovery and Fisheries – $61,089,999 and 797 commercial fishing licenses will be sold, and recycling programs and make an employees ($8,475,585 and 82 jobs for in addition to the offices located in annual report on its findings to the House the Office of Management and Finance; Bourg, New Iberia, New Orleans and and Senate Environment Committees. $16,908,824 and 287 jobs for the Office Baton Rouge; deletes the specific require- HB 259 (Act 223) HUNTER of the Secretary which includes ments and details for the Commercial EDUCATION EXEMPTION Exempts $15,527,932 and 274 jobs for the Fisherman’s Sales Card. active and retired military and POST-cer- Enforcement Division; $21,486,341 and HB 79 (Act 29) TOLEDO BEND tified law enforcement officers from the 203 jobs for the Office of Wildlife; CREEL LIMITS Sets daily take, posses- hunter education certification require- $14,206,249 and 225 jobs for the Office sion and size limits for fish taken by recre- ment provided those seeking the exemp- of Fisheries); Department of Natural ational fishermen on Toledo Bend tion apply for such in person at the Resources – $712,104 and 3 jobs for the Reservoir as follows: black bass - 8 fish, LDWF headquarters office in Baton Atchafalaya Basin Program and 14”minimum length; white bass - 25; Rouge. $39,130,030 and 115 jobs for the Office striped bass and hybrids - 5, no more than HB 281 (Act 226) NUTRIA SEA- of Coastal Restoration and Management; 2 over 30” in length; crappie - 50; blue SON Authorizes the LWFC to set a Department of Environmental Quality – catfish - 25, 12” minimum length; chan- recreational hunting season for nutria. $116,286,729 and 1,054 jobs; Office of nel catfish - 25, 11” minimum length; HB 312 (Act ) BAYOU State Parks – $18,243,875 and 320 jobs. flathead catfish - 25, 14” minimum LAFOURCHE/FRESHWATER HB 2 (Act ) CAPITAL OUTLAY length. Sets possession limit for these Authorizes the Bayou LaFourche Provides for construction and acquisition species at twice the daily limit; provides Freshwater District Board of projects including: State Parks- that a violation is a Class II offense; con- Commissioners to implement measures to Fontainebleau ($3,200,000 priority 1; ditions the effect of the statute on enact- prevent saltwater intrusion. $6,365,000 priority 5), Sam Houston ment of similar legislation by the Texas HB 329 (Act 51) SALT/FRESH- Jones ($415,000 P1), Lake D’Arbonne Legislature. WATER LINE – ORLEANS PARISH

Page 20 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Declares the waters of the Intracoastal MENTAL SETTLEMENTS/BENEFI- saltwater fishing license to $30. Waterway in Orleans Parish from the CIAL PROJECTS Sets forth a proce- HB 1422 (Act 185) LDWF power lines at the Inner Harbor dure for the Attorney General to approve ENFORCEMENT Provides that gradu- Navigation Canal east to the Rigolets to or reject beneficial environmental projects ates of the LDWF enforcement academy be both fresh and salt water with regard to that are proposed by DEQ as part of set- shall have general law enforcement pow- fishing regulations. tlement agreements within a 90-day peri- ers. HB 336 (Act ) WILDLIFE VIO- od and requires DEQ to respond to ques- HB 1427 (Act ) CHARTER LATIONS/CIVIL ASSESSMENTS tions from the Attorney General within FISHING CLIENT LICENSE Makes Holds a person summoned for a violation 30 days. charter passenger fishing trip licenses of a wildlife law liable for a “no contest” HB 1179 (Act ) OPEN BURN- available to resident as well as nonresident plea upon failure to appear in court and ING Allows municipalities of 5,000 or anglers. therefore subject to the payment of any less to burn brush and yard waste outside HB 1429 (Act ) CHARTER civil assessments due, as well as loss of all of 500 feet from an occupied building or FISHING GUIDE LICENSE Requires hunting and fishing privileges while the residence, provided the municipality pro- anyone representing themselves to be a assessment remains unpaid. hibits burning within the corporate limits saltwater charter boat fishing guide to be HB 337 (Act ) ELECTRONIC and provides a collection service for yard in possession of a valid state charter boat PAYMENT/WILDLIFE FINES Allows waste and brush. fishing guide license. a person to pay fines for Class I violation HB 1297 (Act 16) HB 1430 (Act 186) WMA PER- of wildlife/fishery laws through the ATCHAFALAYA LAND SWAP MIT/LIFETIME LICENSE Includes LDWF electronic license issuing system. Authorizes an exchange of Atchafalaya the WMA hunting permit in the privi- HB 445 (Act 57) CRAB TASK Basin land between the state and the St. leges covered by the lifetime hunting FORCE Establishes a Crab task Force to Martin Land Co. that will enable the license. advise the LWFC and LDWF on matters development of various features of the HB 1481 (Act ) SALT/FRESH- pertaining to the management and devel- state’s conservation and recreation plan WATER LINE Adjusts the salt/freshwa- opment of the crab industry. for the Atchafalaya Basin. ter line in Calcasieu and Cameron HB 446 (Act ) WHITETAIL HB 1407 (Act 147) MULLET Parishes north to the Intracoastal LICENSE PLATE Directs the creation VIOLATIONS Revises the penalties for Waterway from the state line to Highway of a white-tailed deer license plate avail- violation of the state commercial fishery 27 at Gibbstown. able for a fee of $10 in addition to the 2- laws/regulations pertaining to mullet. HB 1483 (Act ) UNDER- year vehicle tag fee plus $3.50 for han- HB 1415 (Act 271) SPECKLED GROUND STORAGE TANKS dling; revenue generated from the sale of TROUT Revises the penalties for viola- Substantially revises the provisions of the the plate is dedicated to LDWF programs tion of the state commercial fishery Underground Storage Tank Law adminis- pertaining to the white-tailed deer. laws/regulations pertaining to speckled tered by DEQ. HB 480 (Act 116) MULLET TASK trout. HB 1606 (Act 438) OYSTER FORCE Creates a Mullet Task Force to HB 1416 (Act 148) BRETON- LEASES Beginning in 2003, oyster lease advise the LWFC on the opening of the CHANDELEUR SOUND SHRIMP- holders are required to annually report mullet season. ING Revises the boundaries of Breton details of bed development and produc- HB 569 (Act ) NONRESIDENT and Chandeleur Sounds for shrimping. tion to LDWF for the state to use in plan- MEDIA HUNTING/FISHING HB 1417 (Act 149) FISHING ning coastal restoration projects. LICENSE Directs the LWFC to estab- GEAR PROHIBITIONS Defines ban- HB 1640 (Act ) ENERGY lish a special nonresident outdoor press dit gear and longline gear and prohibits USE/STATE FACILITIES Authorizes license, good for up to 7 consecutive days, the use of such gear in state territorial and directs the Division of for a fee of $20. waters. Administration to implement the state’s HB 598 (Act ) INFECTIOUS HB 1419 (Act 150) energy management policy for state build- WASTE CLEANUP Requires the regu- TUNA/SHARK POSSESSION ings to minimize energy cost and con- lation of the cleanup and remediation of REQUIREMENTS Revises the require- sumption spills or discharges of infectious waste by ments of maintaining body parts intact, HB 1692 (Act 165) SPOTTED DEQ and the recovery of costs to DEQ etc. for tuna and shark until landed and SEA TROUT/STATE SALTWATER associated with the cleanup if the waste establishes permit suspension penalties for FISH Designates the speckled trout as was transported by a hauler not permitted violation of commercial shark permit the official state saltwater fish and autho- by DHH; prohibits the generator of infec- requirements. rizes its use on official state documents. tious waste from using an unpermitted HB 1420 (Act ) NONRESI- HB 1696 (Act ) OWNERSHIP hauler to transport such waste. DENT FISHING LICENSE Provides AND MANAGEMENT OF WATER- HB 602 (Act ) INDIVIDUAL for daily (per day) nonresident saltwater BOTTOMS Delineates the responsibili- SEWAGE SYSTEMS Requires all new and freshwater fishing licenses for $15 ties for administering and managing state and reconditioned sewage treatment sys- and $5, respectively; creates a 4-consecu- lands and water bottoms and charges the tems of 1,500 GPD or greater capacity tive day nonresident trip freshwater fish- State Land Office in the Division of and that produce effluent to have a means ing license for $15 and a 4-consecutive Administration with the tasks of develop- or device for disinfecting the effluent. day nonresident saltwater fishing license HB 1029 (Act 252) ENVIRON- for $45; reduces the season nonresident Continued on page 40 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 21 CONSERVATION LINE

Commission Proposes will be allowed to take nutria during day- Advocate; P.O. Box 588; Baton Rouge, LA Nutria Hunting Season light hours only and with weapons that can 70821 by the July 1st deadline. At its June 7th meeting, the Louisiana be legally used to take small game. Bowman Wildlife and Fisheries Commission amend- said that the proposed nutria season will Winnsboro, New Orleans ed its “Notice of Intent” for the 2001/02 have no effect on the LDWF’s nuisance ani- Educators To Attend hunting seasons to include nutria among mal permit program that allows landowners National Wildlife Conservation Summit those species recreational hunters will be able to kill nutria that are damaging their proper- Two of Louisiana’s outstanding educa- to harvest this fall. The action was taken at ty. tors have been selected by the Louisiana the request of the Louisiana Wildlife Wildlife Federation to attend the National Federation (LWF), pursuant to Act 226 of Deadline Nears For Youth Wildlife Federation’s 2001 Family the 2001 Legislature. Rep. Loulan Pitre of Outdoor Journalism Contest Conservation Summit. Cut Off and Sen. Joe McPherson of The deadline is drawing near for entries Mary Nichols of Winnsboro and Ann in the state Youth Outdoor Journalism Yoachim of New Orleans were chosen by Contest sponsored by the Louisiana LWF’s Conservation Education Committee Outdoor Writer’s Association and The to receive the scholarships from among Advocate Educational Services. Entries numerous applicants. Educators were rated must be postmarked by July 1, 2001. The on their level of activity concerning conser- essay/photo contest is designed to stimulate vation/ environmental education instruction an interest in outdoor journalism and pho- during the past year and committed to con- tography among the young people of tinuing that work in the future. Louisiana. In addition to cash prizes, win- “We are pleased to once again support ning entries will be published in The two top Louisiana educators with this schol- Advocate (Baton Rouge) and other publica- arship,” said Kathy Wascom, LWF’s Nutira tions. Conservation Education Committee chair. There are two age divisions in the essay “It is always difficult to choose just two of Woodworth sponsored the “nutria season” category (Senior - 14 thru 18 and Junior - 9 the applicants.” bill, which was initiated by a resolution thru13). The photography category is open This year’s Summit is being held June adopted by the delegates to the Louisiana to all students ages 9 thru 18. Each essay 30–July 6 at the Canaan Valley Resort in the Wildlife Federation’s 62nd Annual Meeting entry must be an original, unpublished story Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. held this past March at Toledo Bend. about personal experience pertaining to Canaan Valley is the highest valley east of the Among the top reasons cited in the LWF res- hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, Rocky Mountains with an average elevation olution for having a recreational hunting or other related outdoor experience. It must of 3,200’ and contains the largest wetlands season for nutria were: the overpopulation of be 300 to 1,000 words in length and typed, complex in West Virginia. nutria is causing severe damage to wetlands double-spaced on one side of the paper. The The Summit experience includes 7 days and levees; commercial trapping is no longer stories will be judged on interest, subject of exploring nature through educational pro- sufficient to keep nutria numbers in balance matter, readability, spelling and grammar. grams, interpretive activities, creative with the habitat; and, properly handled and The entrant’s name, age, school, home indoor/outdoor adventures and scenic field prepared, nutria meat is good table fare. address, and telephone number must be trips. Classes are specifically designed to Philip Bowman, Department of included at the top of each page submitted. help educators develop creative lessons that Wildlife and Fisheries assistant secretary, rec- Each photo submitted must be an orig- will enrich their students’ understanding of ommended to the Commission that the inal, unpublished color or black/white print environmental issues and ecological con- nutria season run from September 1 through center-mounted on 8 x 10 inch poster board cepts. Program goals are: to increase aware- February 28 and that there be no bag limit. with the same entry identification required ness and understanding of ecological issues; Although there is no biological reason for a for essay submissions attached to the back of to increase confidence in teaching about the bag limit due to the current nutria overpop- the poster board. environment; and to demonstrate ways to ulation situation, LWF would have preferred Cash prizes are $300, $200 and $100 easily incorporate environmental education setting a bag of 8 and a possession of 16, as for first, second and third places respectively, throughout the curriculum. is the case for rabbit and squirrel. LWF pres- in each division of each category. There may Nichols teaches 6th and 7th graders at ident Keith Saucier said that the reason for a be other merchandise prizes depending on Mangham Junior High and has been bag limit would be to encourage harvest, but program sponsorships. Winners will be involved in environmental education for the not waste. He also noted that having a limit notified within 45 days of the submission past eleven years. She has contributed to would serve as an incentive for hunters to deadline. First place winners in each catego- Mangham’s Beautification Projects and uses harvest nutria. ry will be honored at the LOWA’s Fall many recycled products in science and art Recreational hunters will not be allowed Conference in October in Venice, Louisiana. projects. Yoachim, an interpretative natu- to sell nutria skins or meat unless they pos- Lodging for the winners and chaperone(s) ralist at the Audubon Louisiana Nature sess a valid trapping license and do so only will be compliments of the LOWA. Center, coordinates a diverse public program during the open trapping season. Hunters Mail entries to: LOWA – YJC; The at the Nature Center that reaches Pre-K to

Page 22 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 CONSERVATION LINE

12th grade students, as well as adults. She The newly-expanded areas include Boeuf, ners in efforts to work with the new admin- currently organizes the Louisiana Youth Buckhorn and Tunica Hills WMAs. istration toward tangible conservation Environmental Summit (LA YES!). Boeuf WMA in Caldwell Parish had progress. The organization has identified a The scholarships, $1,200 each, are 311 acres added; 861 acres were added to number of issues, from conservation funding applied to the costs of tuition, lodging, Buckhorn WMA in Tensas Parish and 424 to wetlands protection and imperiled species meals and transportation. Recipients are acres were added to Tunica Hills WMA in restoration, on which it sees opportunity for expected to submit an article on their West Feliciana Parish. The Tunica Hills common ground with the nation’s new lead- Summit experience for publication in addition was purchased from The Nature ers, while working closely with state and LouisianaWILDLIFEFederationmagazine Conservancy of Louisiana. The Buckhorn regional authorities. and to conduct a 1-2 hour workshop for WMA addition is enrolled in the Wetlands “I’m anxious to keep building on the other educators to convey some of the ideas Reserve Program (WRP), a voluntary pro- progress we’ve made in improving the health learned at the Summit. gram for restoring and protecting wetlands. of our environment, our wildlife and our For further information on National LDWF managed lands include over 6,500 wild places,” Clark said. “But it’s going to Wildlife educational programs, including acres of WRP lands, and over 130,000 acres take hard work and a commitment to build- the Family Summit, go to: in Louisiana are enrolled in the national pro- ing new alliances. I’m excited to be working

http://www.nwf.org gram with a group that believes as I do that conservation is not a partisan issue and that Youth Hunter Challenge What You Need to crafting win-win solutions is the key to suc- Nicholas (Bud) Rains and Colt Bothel Know About Pesticides cess.” Clark credits bipartisan support for were declared Junior and Senior winners of In an effort to educate residents of making possible some of the major conser- the 2001 Louisiana Youth Hunter Education Louisiana about health effects related to pes- vation successes achieved during her lengthy Challenge. One hundred twenty-four ticide exposure, a multi-agency pamphlet tenure with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife youngsters tested their skill in eight cate- was recently developed and printed. The Service in a variety of roles. She includes gories at the competition held May 18-20 at glossy, colored pamphlet, entitled ‘What You among these highlights the spectacular Camp Grant Walker near Pollack. The event Need to Know About Pesticides and Your recovery of the gray wolf, bald eagle and was sponsored by the Louisiana Hunter Health in Louisiana,’ discusses health effects peregrine falcon, and the passage of the Education Instructors Association and sup- related to commonly used pesticides, how National Wildlife Refuge System ported by the LDWF. pesticide exposure occurs, what to do if you Improvement Act, which ensures that activi- Taking top honors, Rains and Bothel are exposed to a pesticide, and laws regulat- ties on refuges are consistent with sound were awarded lifetime hunting licenses and ing the use and application of pesticides. wildlife conservation principles. will compete in the national competition to The pamphlet also explains how to file a In keeping with NWF’s long tradition be held later in the summer. The top 15 health-related pesticide incident complaint of crafting conservation solutions on a foun- scorers in each age division are eligible to with the LA Department of Agriculture and dation of sound science, Clark brings an attend. Forestry. To obtain a copy of the pamphlet, extensive scientific background to her new Participants were tested in riflery, shot- contact the Dept. of Agriculture and position. Prior to serving as director of the gun shooting, muzzleloader, archery, wildlife Forestry (225) 925-3763; the LA Dept. of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 1997 to identification hunter safety trail and orien- Health and Hospitals (toll-free 1-888-293- 2001, she held posts as the agency’s assistant teering. A written hunter responsibility 7020), or the Louisiana Environmental director of ecological services, and as chief exam was given as well. Rains also belongs Action Network (toll-free 1-225-928-1315). and senior staff biologist of the endangered to the Desoto Youth Shooting Team, which species division. Previous wildlife research took first place in the Junior (14 years and Former USFWS Director Joins NWF and management positions with the younger) team competition. Bothel belongs The former director of the U.S. Fish Department of the Army and other defense to the Caddo-Bossier Youth Hunter and Wildlife Service is moving into the top agencies also capitalized on Clark’s extensive Education Club which took first place in the conservation post at the National Wildlife scientific background. Senior (15 years and older) competition. Federation (NWF). Jamie Rappaport Clark Holder of an M.S. in wildlife ecology LDWF Hunter Education Coordinator will join the nation’s largest conservation from the University of Maryland, and a B.S. Bud Carpenter stated, “What I like about education and advocacy group later this in wildlife biology from Towson State the Challenge is that it not only teaches the month as senior vice president for conserva- University, Clark has broadened her skills fundamentals of safety and marksmanship, it tion programs. with postgraduate training in environmental also encourages personal ethics. It develops “Jamie will be a tremendous asset to our planning. At NWF, she will lead conserva- self-esteem and offers a challenge to excel.” organization and our cause,” said NWF tion advocacy programs emanating from the President Mark Van Putten. “She knows organization’s Virginia headquarters and 11 LDWF Adds Acreage to WMAs conservation, she knows the obstacles, and field offices, and executed in partnership The Louisiana Department of Wildlife she knows how to surmount them; that’s a with state affiliate organizations and grass and Fisheries (LDWF) recently acquired recipe for real success.” roots volunteers nationwide. three tracts of land to enhance three differ- Among Clark’s immediate challenges “I’m excited to be taking another posi- ent Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). will be leading NWF and its grass roots part- tion that can make a real difference in the

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 23 CONSERVATION LINE health of our world,” said Clark. dangers of traffic and other human interfer- valuable waterfowl resource. These studies ence along the way. A mother bear, howev- will help us focus our resources on the most Ville Platte Man Pleads Guilty important habitats that are used by the to Waterfowl Violations birds.” Robert Guss Miller, 57, of Ville Platte, pled guilty to several waterfowl charges Trophy Bucks Measured before U.S. Magistrate Mildred Methvin on The scoring of potential trophy class April 11 in Lafayette. The charges stemmed deer harvested in Louisiana during the from an investigation by LDWF and federal 2000-2001 deer season is currently under- wildlife officers. way across the state. The past deer season Agents acting on complaints of water- also marks the end of the third recognition fowl poaching at Miller’s Lake in Evangeline program for Louisiana Big Game Records. Parish saw Miller and his juvenile son kill David Moreland, LDWF deer study several ducks and put them in a hidden leader and coordinator of the Louisiana white sack and decoy bag. Agents checked er, will stay with her young cubs until they Records Program says that several trophy the sack to find 17 mallards, four gadwalls, are old enough to leave the den. By that deer have been officially scored already and one teal and one widgeon. time the mother should be acclimated to her there are many more to score. Most hunters Miller was fined $1,450 for taking and new surroundings and likely to remain wait until their buck gets back from the taxi- possessing over the limit of ducks, $1,350 there.According to Davidson, there is a pos- dermist before it is officially scored but once for failure to maintain custody of migratory sibility of bear movement outside the WMA. a rack has air dried for 60 days it can be offi- game birds ducks, $500 for aiding and abet- As these bears develop home ranges, sight- cially measured, according to Moreland. ting a juvenile and an assessment fee of $30. ings by the public are possible. Any sight- The cold weather made for increased deer Additionally, he was put on two years of ings will be extremely beneficial to scientists activity, particular during the rut when larg- supervised probation with acondition of no working in the program. Black bear sight- er, mature bucks are most active. hunting during that time, plus 40 hours of ings are possible in the following parishes: Shannon Deville of Broussard harvested community service work. The waterfowl Avoyelles, Concordia, Evangeline, Pointe the best buck to date in St. Landry Parish. were seized and donated to charity. Coupee and Rapides. Anyone who sees a Deville’s buck was a 14-pointer that scored LDWF Sgt. Chris Cormier, Sr. Agent black bear, a federally-protected species, is 179 2/8 points in the typical gun category. Scott Fontenot and U.S. Fish and Wildlife strongly urged to contact Davidson at Kenneth Harrison of Springhill killed a ten- Special Agent Philip Siragusa participated in 225/765-2385 or the LDWF 24-hour toll pointer in Claiborne Parish that scored 160 the case. U.S. Asst. District Attorney free hotline at 1-800-442-2511. 3/8 typical points. Female hunters in the Camille Domingue prosecuted the case. bayou state are represented by Betty Deslatte DU Web Site Tracks who killed a 14-point buck in West Feliciana Public Asked to Report Waterfowl Via Satellite Parish that scored 140 4/8 typical points and Black Bear Sightings Satellites in space are helping waterfowl qualifies for the Louisiana Recognition In March, four female Louisiana black biologists keep a watchful eye on ducks and Program. The bucks killed by Deville and bears and their cubs were relocated through geese as they make their epic journeys to the Harrison will qualify for the Louisiana a joint venture between the LDWF, the U.S. northern breeding grounds. And nesting Record Book and Boone and Crockett Fish and Wildlife Service, LSU and the hens are being monitored to see how many recognition. Black Bear Conservation Committee ducklings are successfully hatched and Bryan Meche of Duson leads the (BBCC). The bears were relocated to the fledged. Web surfers can follow these birds archery typical category with an 11-pointer LDWF Red River Wildlife Management by visiting Ducks Unlimited. DU is using that scored 144 6/8 points. Other archery Area (WMA). LDWF black bear biologist the most high tech methods available to gain harvested bucks that have been officially Maria Davidson joined USFWS staff in knowledge about the habitat needs of mal- measured includes a 144 class eight-point transporting the bears to their new homes. lards, pintails and North Atlantic Canada that James Baxley of Winnfield killed in The area is comprised of 36,210 acres of bot- geese. Three ongoing studies can be moni- Winn Parish, a 138 3/8 class 11-point killed tomland hardwood and managed by LDWF tored online at: by Hank Kizer of Lafayette in Concordia

for the public in Concordia Parish. The http://www.ducks.org Parish and an 11-pointer that Guy Bergeron WMA was chosen for its excellent black bear “We’re posting the studies on the web to of Baton Rouge killed in East Feliciana habitat and strategic location between two share information expeditiously with col- Parish. All of these deer not only qualify for existing bear populations. leagues in the biological field and with all the Louisiana Record Book but will also Females and cubs are targeted for relo- others who have an abiding fascination with qualify for the Pope and Young Record cation specifically because of the mothers’ the interesting life history patterns of water- Book. instinct to stay with the young cubs. Bears fowl,” said Dr. Bruce Batt, chief DU biolo- Official measurers are located in all the have a powerful homing instinct and may gist. “These studies will enable DU and oth- regional wildlife offices across the state. travel hundreds of miles to reach familiar ers to design habitat conservation programs Persons who believe they have harvested a territory, almost surely encountering the that will help assure a brighter future for our buck that would qualify for recognition

Page 24 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 CONSERVATION LINE should call and make an appointment to During the past several years, the effectiveness of marine reserves in pro- have the deer officially scored. The Louisiana’s frog populations, along with tecting both fish and fisheries. The study Louisiana Program recognizes deer harvested crawfish and farmers, have had to face the found that after just one to two years of pro- with gun, muzzleloader, and bow and arrow. drought. The drought means less area to tection marine reserves produced results There are categories for both typical and reproduce, but also limits accessibility by that, according to one researcher, were “star- non-typical whitetails. The Louisiana frog hunters into some areas of swamps and tling and consistent.” Among the findings: Program also recognizes trophy wild turkeys marshes. One frog buyer reported that he population densities were on the average harvested during the spring turkey season. has not seen a decrease in the availability of 91% higher, biomass was 192% higher, Measurements are taken of the spur length frogs during the past five years, but believes average organism size was 31% higher and and width which are used to rank trophy that the results of the drought may be species diversity was 23% higher. gobblers. delayed. LDWF relies on feedback from The study found that size and abun- The upcoming 2001-2002 deer season frog hunters, since there is no reporting dance of exploited species also increase in will mark the beginning of the fourth requirement for catch. -courtesy, LDWF areas adjacent to reserves because “reserves Recognition Program which will include the serve as natural hatcheries, replenishing pop- years 2001-2003. Copies of the 1979-91 Louisiana Officials Recognized by Corps ulations regionally by larval spillover beyond Louisiana Record Book, Louisiana Big Louisiana Department of Natural reserve boundaries.” They also found that Game Recognition Program 1992-1994, Resources secretary Jack Caldwell was networks of fully protected marine reserves 1995-1997, and the current state listing of recently honored for his commitment and linked ecologically (through larval dispersal) the Louisiana Big Game Records are avail- dedication to protecting Louisiana’s coastal and physically (through currents) are “much able from the Deer Program Section or the ecosystem. He was presented with the more likely to achieve the full army of bene- LDWF library, both located at 2000 Quail “Commander’s Award For Public Service” by fits that marine resource managers are being Drive in Baton Rouge. – courtesy, LDWF Col. Thomas Julich, New Orleans District called upon to deliver, rather than the cur- Commander of the Army Corps of rent tendency to establish single isolated Froggin’ Time Engineers. Caldwell was cited for his work reserves. From a frog’s point of view, June 1 is a with the Coastal Wetlands, Planning Concludes Dr. Lubchenco: grim day in Louisiana. On this first day of Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), “Conservationists can be reassured that frog season, dozens of commercial froggers also known as the “Breaux Act”. Atchafalaya marine reserves are protecting biodiversity, and hundreds of recreational fisherman Basin Program Director Sandra Thompson and while fishermen may lose access to some move into the swamps at dusk, armed with Decoteau and past Morgan City Mayor Tim areas, they will reap the benefits outside the headlamps and gigs. Their quarry are bull- Matte were also recognized by the Corps for reserves. The overall lesson is that all stake- frogs and pig frogs (also known as lagoon efforts related to developing the state’s holders can be served by well designed net- frogs or grunters), Louisiana’s only species Master (conservation and recreation) Plan works of marine reserves.” whose hind legs are large enough to eat. for the Atchafalaya Basin. Bull and pig frogs may be taken in Undercover Agents Nab Louisiana every month except April and Marine Reserves Beneficial, Unlicensed Fishing Guides May. The brief closed season allows the Scientists Say The week of May 1 yielded three arrests frogs time to reproduce. There are no bag Over 160 marine scientists have signed for unlicensed saltwater fishing guides in a statement declaring that there is “com- south Louisiana. The arrests were a result of pelling scientific evidence that marine a covert investigation performed by LDWF reserves conserve both biodiversity and fish- undercover enforcement agents last summer. eries, and could help to replenish the seas,” James L. Mitchell Jr., 37, of Jesuit Bend, according to Dr. Jane Lubchenco of the James L. Mitchell Sr., 64, of Gretna and Dept. of Zoology at Oregon State Alan Yedor II, 29, of Marerro, were each University. “Marine reserves work, and they arrested on one count of acting as a saltwater work fast. It is no longer a question of bowfishing charter boat guide without a whether to set aside fully protected areas in license. The Mitchells were booked into Bud-Wi-Ser. the ocean, but where to establish them.” Plaquemines Parish Jail and Yedor was The scientists note that fully protected booked into Jefferson Parish Jail. limits, but bullfrogs must be five inches and marine reserves “are viewed by many as a key The penalties for acting as a saltwater pig frogs must be at least three inches in tool to help reverse widespread overfishing guide without a license are $400 to $750, up body length. Frogs can be taken by hand, and habitat disturbance. Yet because there to 120 days in jail, or both, plus court costs. with long-poled “grabbers”and with gigs and are gaps of knowledge about how reserves The arresting agents for the cases were spears. Recreational froggers need a fishing work and because they are perceived to be LDWF Region VIII Lt. Alan Adam, Sgt. license and commercial froggers are required taking something else away from dwindling Glen Jackson, Sgt. Stephen Clark, Sr. Agent to possess a reptile/amphibian collector fisheries, they are often vigorously resisted.” Kris Bourgeois, Agent Rachel Zechenelly license, which is available from the LDWF However, a 3-year study has produced and Agent Eddie Skena. for $25. findings which, say researchers, underscore

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 25 CONSERVATION LINE

NWF Names Dombeck “I’m pleased that the National Wildlife This once very common fish ranged Senior Fellow Federation is giving me an opportunity to throughout all the Gulf and U.S. Atlantic The National Wildlife Federation has reach out to its extensive grass roots to con- states up to New York. At one time, recre- named former U.S. Forest Service Chief tinue my advocacy for sensible conservation ational fishermen frequently caught the fish Mike Dombeck to the post of senior fellow. policies that recognize the limits of the land which grew up to 18 feet long. In the new role, Dombeck will advise NWF and stem from a true respect for nature,” Entanglement in fishing gear as bycatch is on development and implementation of a said Dombeck. blamed as the main reason for the decline of wide range of policies, including the need A Ph.D. in fisheries biology, with grad- the species, although coastal development for international conservation and coopera- uate degrees in biology, education and zool- and pollution are listed as longterm threats. tion. He will also play an important role in ogy, Dombeck is the second former agency Like the closely related sharks, sawfish promoting NWF’s common-sense, solution- head to join the NWF. Former U.S. Fish grow slowly, mature late and produce few oriented approach to environmental issues and Wildlife Service Director Jamie young. Some scientists estimate that the to new audiences. Rappaport Clark assumed the role of NWF U.S. population of the fish has declined by “We cannot meet the needs of people senior vice president for conservation pro- as much as 99%. Harvest in Louisiana without first securing the health of the grams in May. waters is already prohibited by state law. – land,” said Dombeck. “The Federation’s “I’m hopeful that Mike and Jamie can courtesy, Jerald Horst, LSU AgCenter commitment to finding solutions that work help the National Wildlife Federation work Cooperative Extension and SeaGrant Program for people and nature is one I’ve shared all with the Bush administration to build on the my life, and it’s one I’ll continue to work conservation progress achieved under its LDWF Boating Access Program toward,” he added. predecessor,” said Van Putten. The primary responsibility of the “Mike is a living, breathing conserva- “Conservation is not a partisan issue. The LDWF is managing Louisiana’s fish and tion hero,” said NWF President Mark Van shift to a new administration needn’t mean a wildlife resources, but the department is Putten. “He will help us to keep America on shift away from safeguarding the real trea- active in a multitude of other related areas, a path toward real conservation progress.” sures of our nation and the world.” including the development and maintenance Dombeck won broad acclaim — of boating and fishing facilities that provide including a NWF National Conservation State NWTF Chapter Makes access to Louisiana waters. Achievement Award — for his nearly four- Donation for Turkey Management The LDWF Fishing and Boating and-a-half-year record of leadership at the The Louisiana Chapter of the National Facility Program is funded by the federal Forest Service helm. He ushered in a new Wild Turkey Federation has donated over Sport Fish Restoration Fund on a 75% fed- era of environmental stewardship at the $8,000 to LDWF to purchase seed and nets eral/25% state-local basis. This was made agency, changing its primary measure of suc- for wild turkey management and research available through the 1984 Wallop/Breaux cess from commodity outputs to ecosystem programs. Approximately 2,100 pounds of amendment to the Dingell-Johnson Act, health. chufa, an important winter food for wild passed by Congress in 1950. Dingell- Dombeck presided over development of turkeys, were acquired for planting food Johnson is a “user fee” generated from a 10 the Roadless Area Conservation Policy craft- plots on six WMAs. In addition, four rock- percent excise tax on certain fishing gear. ed under the Clinton administration, but et nets for trapping, relocation and research The act provided for apportionment of now potentially threatened by a Bush were obtained with the funds. funds to the states based on a formula administration plan to reassess roadless rules The National Wild Turkey Federation is dependent upon the total amount of land forest by forest. Dombeck also led reform of a non-profit conservation organization. Its and water area in the state and the total the Forest Service’s 386,000-mile road sys- mission is the conservation of the wild number of fishing license purchasers. tem, protection of national treasures such as turkey and preservation of our hunting her- By the latter part of the 1970s, revenues the Rocky Mountain Front, and develop- itage. generated by Dingell-Johnson were not suf- ment of a national fire plan based on pro- ficient to meet the growing demands for tecting communities and restoring the Sawfish Proposed as Endangered Species increased access to fishing areas, enhanced health of fire dependent lands. In April, the National Marine Fisheries sport fishing opportunity and public educa- Earlier roles as acting director of the Service (NMFS) formally proposed listing tion in aquatic resource conservation and Bureau of Land Management and in the the smalltooth sawfish as “endangered” on management. In 1984, legislation intro- Interior Department’s Land and Minerals the U.S. Endangered Species list. NMFS duced by then-Congressman John Breaux Management office gave Dombeck unique was requested by the Center For Marine and Senator Malcolm Wallop successfully insights into the challenges America will face Conservation to list both this fish and its amended the Dingell-Johnson Act, extend- from the new push for energy development once less common relative, the largetooth ing the tax to include essentially all fishing on public lands. sawfish, as endangered. If the smalltooth tackle, import duties on imported tackle and “No one knows better than Mike sawfish is listed, it will be the first U. S. boats and motorboat fuel taxes in the pro- Dombeck how to balance the health of land, marine fish declared to be endangered. gram. The Sport Fish Restoration Fund is water and wildlife with the demand to Critical habitat for the fish will likely be des- the result of that federal legislation. extract resources. We’ll put that knowledge ignated. A recovery plan will also be pre- By current law, a minimum of 15 per- to good use,” added Van Putten. pared. cent of the Sport Fish Restoration Fund

Page 26 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 CONSERVATION LINE allotted to Louisiana each year must be spent Butterfly Festivals for the North American hooked fish. on boating access to fresh and salt waters. Butterfly Association. Featured speaker and Circle hooks offer other advantages. Local governmental entities provide match- Grand Marshall for the butterfly parade is When properly used, catch rates are much ing funds for projects in their areas. author Barbara Damrosch of Harborside, higher than with J-shaped hooks. They are Consequently, very little money is required Maine. Other speakers will present pro- also safer, with no exposed point to hook a from the LDWF Conservation Fund. grams on butterfly gardening, water garden- fellow fisherman. Circle hooks are also Facilities include boat ramps, fishing ing herbs, water conservation, greenhouses, much less likely to snag on bottom or debris. piers and water control structures that man- After the fish is landed, the hook can be age the hydrology of aquatic habitat. Since removed with a simple twist using needle 1984, LDWF’s Inland Fisheries Division has nose pliers or with a dehooking device. enrolled 73 projects under the program, While commercial fishermen have been with a total completion of 65 structures. In using circle hooks for some time, first-time addition, 60 boat ramps in Louisiana are recreational users will need reeducation not routinely inspected and maintained. to set the hook. Jerking the rod in response Recently completed public access facili- to a bite will pull the hook from the mouth ties projects for boating and fishing include of the fish nearly every time. The fish must the Calcasieu Ship Channel Jetty Pier in be allowed to hook itself when it swims Cameron Parish and the Caddo Parish away. Another minor problem is that deter- Larto/Saline Lake stump removal projects. Monarch butterfly mining the right hook size can be difficult Projects currently in the planning and/or because hook sizes currently are not standard construction stage include the Fort Pike boat launch and the South Shore Harbor forestry and composting. improvements in Orleans Parish, the A highlight of the festival is a 25’ X 40’ Madisonville conservatory complete with butterflies, lar- boat harbor and the LaCombe Main vae and chrysalides, as well as their hosts and Street boat launch in St. Tammany Parish, nectar plants. Additional attractions are the Franklin boat launch, phase two of the field trips, wild flowers and birds; a beauty Berwick boat launch and the North Bend pageant; nature craft booths; food; music; a boat launch in St. Mary Parish and the 5-K run; nature photography contest and Grand Chenier boat launch in Cameron display; and activities for children. Parish. For more information contact festival Circle hook. “Approximately $6.6 million of the director Loice Kendrick; 318/624-1929;

Sport Fish Restoration Fund has been allot- mailto:[email protected] ted to the program since its inception in among manufacturers. This lack of stan- 1984,” noted acting LDWF Inland Fisheries Circle Hooks dardization makes ordering circle hooks Assistant Administrator Gary Tilyou. “The The Gulf of Mexico Fisheries from a catalog a little difficult. – courtesy, LDWF Public and Boating Facility Program Management Council is encouraging all Jerald Horst, LSU AgCenter Cooperative has resulted in significant progress in the commercial and recreational fishermen to Extension Service and SeaGrant Program management of Louisiana fisheries resources use circle hooks when fishing for red snapper and marked improvement to the accessibili- in order to reduce the mortality (death) rate Jonesville Men Arrested In ty of our waterways for those in Louisiana of fish that are caught and then released Gamefish Case who continue to enjoy boating and fishing.” because of minimum size limitations. The Merthyr R. Mount, 26, and Joshua D. For more information about public council has considered, but for the time Boughton, 21, both of Jonesville, were access to boating facilities in Louisiana, visit being, stopped short of making circle hook arrested April 14 by LDWF enforcement the LDWF library at 2000 Quail Drive in use mandatory for snapper fishing. At first agents. The pre-dawn arrests took place at Baton Rouge or consult the LDWF web site glance, it’s hard to imagine how this awk- Black River Lake in Catahoula Parish after

http://www.wlf.state.la.us ward-looking hook can catch anything. the two men docked their boat at a pier and The big advantage that circle hooks began unloading numerous game fish Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies offer is that fish are almost never deep- allegedly taken with hoop nets. The third annual Haynesville hooked. When the fish takes the bait and LDWF Sr. Agent Charles Ward and Sr. Celebration of Butterflies will be held attempts to swim off, the hook pulls out of Agent Robbie Roberts turned flashlights on September 15-16, 2001 at the Claiborne the throat and to a corner of the mouth, Mount and Boughton as they carried a half- Parish Fairgrounds in Haynesville, Butterfly where the hook rotates and pierces the jaw. barrel of game fish from the pier. Mount Capitol of Louisiana. The festival is a class- Usually the corner. Once the fish is hooked, fled into nearby brush but surrendered a few room for learning about nature. it finds that it is almost impossible to shake minutes later. Two additional half-barrels Special consultant for the festival is Dr. the hook out. Jaw-hooked fish have a much were found in the boat. A total of 388 crap- Gary Noel Ross of Baton Rouge, Director of higher survival rate after release than deep- pie, 27 blue gill, seven white bass and one

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 27 CONSERVATION LINE warmouth were found in the containers. In species of catfish. Mississippi River delta. They spawn repeat- addition, the agents discovered 600 yards of • It participates in a joint state and fed- edly during the season, laying 85 thousand two-inch gill netting tied to the pier, run- eral restoration project of the protected pad- to 11/2 million eggs per spawn, with larger ning parallel to the shore line. dlefish. fish producing more eggs. Mount was cited for taking game fish In addition, the aquatic education activ- Dolphin are eating machines. In the illegally, possession of crappie over the limit, ity booklet was designed to correspond to Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, they eat using illegal gill nets and resisting an officer the Louisiana Department of Education sci- more triggerfish than anything else, followed by flight. Boughton was cited for taking ence framework for teachers, with bench- by decapods (shrimp relatives), squid, jacks game fish illegally. The fish, boat and out- marks listed on the last page. Parents, teach- and flying fish. board motor, half-barrels and gill net were ers and others working with elementary-age Dolphins are pursued by both recre- seized. children are encouraged to pick up a copy ational and commercial fishermen, with Taking game fish illegally and using ille- and enjoy learning more about Louisiana’s recreational landings being six times higher gal gill nets are both punishable by fines of largest state-of-the-art fish hatchery. Tours than commercial landings in the Gulf of $400 to $750 or up to 120 days in jail, or of the hatchery are available by contacting Mexico. More females than males are caught both, plus court costs and forfeiture of seized Capello at 318/748-6999 or by e-mail in the fishery. It seems that small fish of

items. Over the limit of game fish carries a mailto:[email protected] both sexes, and females of all sizes, spend penalty of $100 to $350 or up to 60 days in more time around large floating objects and jail, or both, plus court costs. Resisting by Live Fast – Die Young seaweed rips, and are therefore easier to flight carries a fine of up to $500 or up to six If ever a motto could be used to locate. Large males spend more time in months in jail, or both, plus court costs. In describe a fish, this one describes the dol- open water traveling between female domi- addition to criminal penalties, a civil restitu- phin (Coryphaena hippurus), not to be con- nated schools near floating cover. – courtesy, tion for the value of the illegally taken fish in fused with the marine mammal also called Jerald Horst, LSU AgCenter Co-operative the amount of $2,476.71 must be paid to dolphin. This brilliantly-colored open- Extension Service and SeaGrant Program LDWF if the two men are convicted of tak- ocean fish is found worldwide wherever ing the fish illegally. LDWF Sr. Agent John waters are above 68 degrees. In the Gulf of Bowman Named Chairman of Barker and Lt. Emmett Bonner assisted in Mexico, dolphin support a substantial fish- Mississippi Flyway Council the case. ery, primarily in the summer months. LDWF Asst. Secretary Phil Bowman Dolphin have an explosively fast growth was named chairman of the Mississippi LDWF Coloring Books Fun, Educational rate. It may be the only fish that scientists Flyway Council for 2001-2002 at a The Louisiana Department of Wildlife can measure their growth rate per day. In Washington D.C. conference March 17. In and Fisheries has coloring books available for the Gulf of Mexico dolphin grow at the rate addition, LDWF Waterfowl Study Leader the public at no cost. Booker Fowler Fish of 5 inches per month, topping out at a max- Robert Helm serves on technical committees Hatchery and the Story of Finnie the imum size of 41/2 to 5 feet in length in two for the Council and will be the secretary for Fingerling can be found at LDWF head- years. Then they die! Scientists estimate the coming year. The Mississippi Flyway quarters at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton that 100% of Gulf of Mexico dolphin die Council is comprised of 14 states and three Rouge or at the Booker Fowler Fish before they are 2 years old. Live fast – Die Canadian provinces geographically located Hatchery, located between Woodworth and young! on the flyway. Forest Hill in Rapides Parish. “It’s an honor to represent LDWF as The book, created and written by chairman of the council,” noted Bowman. LDWF educator Angela Capello, was illus- “Duck hunting generates approximately trated by Gene Dupuis and Paul Wallace and $125 million dollars in economic activity in designed by Louisiana Conservationist Louisiana each year - more than any other Associate Editor Thomas Gresham. It gives state.” an overview of what goes on at Booker The Mississippi Flyway Council was Fowler from the laying of eggs to the releas- organized in 1952 to exchange information ing of young fish into lakes and rivers and on waterfowl research and management. includes facts about the hatchery. The findings of the council aid in setting Some key points in the book about the season dates and limits. innovative aquarium and hatchery complex Dolphin include: Gun-Related Deaths and *The $13 million dollar facility opened Dolphin begin spawning when they are Injuries Drop Dramatically in June 1997. almost 21 inches long during their first year The latest report from the Centers for • 60 acres of water make it the largest of life. In the Gulf, spawning occurs in the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in hatchery in Louisiana. summer in high-salinity offshore waters at Atlanta, Georgia reveals that the gun-related • The Florida largemouth bass is its pri- water temperatures of 75 degrees or higher. death rate in the U.S. declined 25 percent mary fish. Particularly high numbers of larval (baby) between 1993 and 1998 to its lowest level • The hatchery also produces several dolphins have been found near the since 1966. The gun-related injury rate

Page 28 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 CONSERVATION LINE dropped 40 percent during the same period. Dares Recognized Divers should be diligent in displaying In 1993 there were 39,595 gun-related fatal- LDWF’s Capt. Sandy Dares recently the proper flags and should use caution and ities or 15.4 deaths per 100,000 people. In received the U. S. Coast Guard Certificate of good judgement while underwater. Divers 1998, there were 30,708 fatalities or 11.4 Merit Award. Dares is Enforcement Region should try to stay within reasonable distance deaths per 100,000. Injuries declined from VIII supervisor in the New Orleans area. of their boats and warning flags. Boat oper- 104,241 (40.4 per 100,000) to 64,484 (23.9 According to U.S. Coast Guard Rear ators should always remain vigilant for oth- per 100,000). The greatest decline in fatali- Admiral Paul Pluta, the award was given to ers who share the waters. Alert and safety- ties was from unintentional causes where the Dares in recognition of his untiring work smart divers and boat operators can help rate dropped 47 percent, followed by a 42 and numerous contributions to the Coast ensure a safe and enjoyable aquatic experi- percent drop in the homicide rate, and a 15 Guard. As captain of the LDWF Region ence. – courtesy, LDWF percent drop in the suicide rate. Overall, VIII office, he has provided valuable support unintentional fatalities represent less than 4 to search and rescue and law enforcement New Grasslands Postage Stamp percent of all firearm-related deaths. missions, significantly enhancing Coast Every time you write a friend or pay a According to the CDC report, the decline is Guard presence throughout southeastern bill, you can help publicize the importance consistent with a 27 percent decrease in vio- Louisiana. of America’s grasslands by using the U.S. lent crime during the mid-1990s. The CDC Postal Service’s new 34-cent Great Plains statistics were collected from emergency Boaters Urged To Prairie stamp. rooms and death certificates in all 50 states Heed Warning Flags and the District of Columbia. The full In Louisiana there are more recreational report can be viewed on the CDC web site: and commercial divers than ever before.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwr_ss.html Commercial divers are in demand in the offshore energy industry and for biological Free Posters In LDWF Library research, and recreational divers are attracted LDWF has free posters available in the to the marine life associated with offshore oil library at its Baton Rouge headquarters. The platforms. Diving can be a dangerous activ- colorful, attractive poster, entitled “Unique ity if precautions are not taken. and Irreplaceable - Gulf Coast Marine For safety’s sake, divers are required to Habitat” shows important fish and wildlife display warning flags in the area where they and describes some gulf habitat problems. It operate. There are two common flags used was produced by the Gulf States Marine by divers. Most recreational or SCUBA Fisheries Commission (GSMFC) in coordi- Part of a series featuring important nation with LDWF Marine Fisheries biolo- ecosystems, the new issue consists of ten gists. GSMFC is an organization of the five stamps that create a mosaic of wildlife living states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, aboveground and belowground on the Alabama and Florida), whose coastal waters prairie—from buffalo to dung beetles. are the Gulf of Mexico. GSMFC has as its As part of its grasslands campaign, the principal objective the conservation, devel- National Wildlife Federation is working opment and full utilization of the fishery with the Postal Service to promote the stamp resources of the Gulf of Mexico to provide as a tool to educate people about the beauty food, employment, income and recreation to of the grasslands and the urgent need to con- the people of the United States. One of the Diver down flag serve them for people and wildlife. most important functions of GSMFC is to NWF President Mark Van Putten was a serve as a forum for the discussion of various divers generally display a red flag with a featured speaker at the stamp dedication cer- problems and programs of marine manage- white diagonal stripe, known as the Divers emony at the University of Nebraska in ment, industry and research, and to develop Down flag. Federal law requires commercial April. NWF also participated in a sympo- a coordinated policy to address those issues diving operations to display the Alpha flag. sium held in conjunction with the stamp’s for the betterment of the resource and all This flag is pennant-shaped, with the mast release and contributed materials for a who are concerned. LDWF personnel serve side half white and the outside half-blue. stamp-related outreach kit sent to postmas- in a number of roles on the commission. Some divers also mark the boundaries of ters in 12 Plains states. It also sent portions To pick up your free poster come by their dive sites with buoys. Boaters should of its grasslands curriculum to a Postal LDWF headquarters at 2000 Quail Drive in maintain a constant vigil for vessels flying Service list of more than 300,000 class- Baton Rouge or 2415 Darnall Road in New these flags and exercise extreme caution rooms. Iberia. To learn more about GSMFC, con- nearby. Commercial dive operations can tact them at P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, have up to 200 feet of hose connected to the Buras Men Arrested For Gill Netting MS 39566-0726, 228/875-5912 or visit the divers. SCUBA divers could be even farther Kat Van Tran, 31, and Hung Quoc Ho, commission’s web site: from their boats as they carry their own 35, both of Buras, were arrested by LDWF

http://www.gsmfc.org tanks. enforcement agents on March 24 for illegal

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 29 CONSERVATION LINE gill netting activity. Both men were arrested spotted seatrout illegally on a vessel with a If you are interested in becoming a and booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail net is punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus Habitat Steward host, contact Jean Tufts at

and were charged with using saltwater gill court costs, and offenders shall serve 30 days 703-438-6240 or mailto:[email protected] nets illegally, taking game fish illegally with in jail and have licenses revoked. Taking gill nets, taking saltwater commercial fish spotted seatrout without a permit is punish- Louisiana Has Safest with gill nets outside the legal season, taking able by forfeiture of any permit and those Hunting Season Ever In 2000 or possessing 50 or more spotted seatrout on convicted shall be forever barred from LDWF reports that 2000 was the safest water, possessing red drum and spotted receiving permits or license to take such hunting season on record in Louisiana. For seatrout illegally on vessel with a gill net and species. Length and weight of certain species the first time since LDWF has collected data taking spotted seatrout without a required determine civil penalties. Improper running on hunting-related firearm accidents, there permit. Kat Tran was also cited civilly for lights carries a civil fine of $50. Agents par- were no firearm related fatalities. improper running lights. ticipating in the investigation were LDWF “Hunter safety works,” noted LDWF LDWF enforcement agents conducted Lt. Brian Clark, Sgt. Robert Martin, Agent Hunter Education Coordinator Bud surveillance of the Riverside Boat Launch Mike Downie and Agent Mike Garrity. Carpenter. “Since 1970, Louisiana has after receiving information that the subjects trained 450,000 students in the basic hunter were working gill nets on the east bank of New LWFC Member Appointed education course with 20,000 students the Mississippi River and then returning Lee Felterman, 47, a native and resident trained annually since mandated state laws before dawn to off load spotted seatrout that of Patterson, has been appointed to the took effect in 1984. We have seen a steady were illegally taken with the gill nets. Agents Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries decline in firearm accidents from a high in observed the subjects approach a pick-up Commission by Governor M. J. “Mike” 1983 with 46 accidents and 18 fatalities truck parked in a wooded area along the Foster, Jr. The appointment was announced compared to the 2000 hunting season where river batture and off load four lugs and one at the April 5 commission meeting. only seven firearm related accidents were sack of fish from a vessel to the truck. One Felterman’s term will run concurrently with reported with no fatalities. For the ten year subject then departed the area in the vehicle the Governor’s. period from 1981 to 1990, there were 291 registered to Tran, was stopped and found to Felterman is manager of crew and utili- hunting accidents compared to 1991-2000 be in possession of 285 spotted seatrout. ty vessels for Seacor Marine in Patterson. In when accidents declined to 146, a 50 percent The vessel occupied by the other subject 1997, he negotiated the sale of his family reduction.” proceeded to the launch, where he was business, Galaxie Marine Service to Seacor Responsible and safe firearm ownership stopped and found to be in possession of Marine. Felterman replaces outgoing com- is alive and well in Louisiana. When one 2,000 feet of gill net in which there were missioner Warren Delacroix and will repre- considers that 300,000 hunters take to the fresh fish. Both subjects were placed under sent commercial seafood interests. woods, lakes and fields each year spending arrest and transported by Plaquemines millions of man-hours with loaded firearms, Parish deputies to Port Sulphur. Agents Volunteers Wanted For NWF’s an injury rate of 2.3 per 100,000 participants seized the pick-up truck, boat, outboard Habitat Stewards Program is unequaled in any otheroutdoor activity, engine and trailer, several gill nets and Do you love gardening and wildlife and according to Carpenter. numerous fish involved in the violations. A have an interest or experience in teaching? If “We believe there are three major rea- total of 285 spotted seatrout, 400 pounds of so, the National Wildlife Federation’s sons for the reduction of accidents in black drum, 200 pounds of sheepshead, one Habitat Stewards(tm) program wants to hear Louisiana and nationally: mandatory hunter red drum, one stripped bass and one black from you. education, hunter orange clothing, and pros- bass were donated to local charities. Civil The program, sponsored primarily by ecution of those who cause negligent injuries restitution citations were also issued to both Wild Birds Unlimited, trains volunteers to in hunting accidents. Forty-nine states now subjects for the illegally taken fish. help schools, businesses, homeowners and require hunter education course completion Using a saltwater gill net illegally is pun- neighborhoods develop or protect wildlife for hunting license eligibility. ishable by a fine of $950, up to 120 days in habitat sites. Hunting accidents are always very news- jail, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture NWF is seeking individuals and organi- worthy and often make for front-page cover- of seized items. Taking game fish by illegal zations to volunteer as “hosts” who will age. Accidents are also tragic stories due to methods is punishable by a fine of up to recruit and train the stewards, monitor their the involvement of family members or close $750, up to 120 days in jail and forfeiture of work in the community and report on their friends being injured. Despite bad press, seized items. Taking saltwater commercial progress to NWF. Being a host does not hunting is a safe sport when practiced fish outside the legal season is punishable by require any special expertise, says Jean Tufts, responsibly and statisticsshow that it is forfeiture of any permit or license used and program coordinator. “Whatever your base becoming safer. Much of the credit goes to permanent loss of privileges to take such of knowledge, we will train you.” the 1,000 men and women who volunteer species. Possessing more than 50 spotted In addition to providing funding and their time to teach over 500 hunter educa- seatrout on the water is punishable with a promotional support, individual Wild Birds tion courses held each year in Louisiana. fine of up to $750, up to 120 days in jail, or Unlimited stores help hosts recruit stewards, One of the greatest expressions of parental both, plus court costs and $25 per fish over send staff to speak at training sessions and guidance is to enroll their young hunter in a the legal limit. Possession of red drum and sometimes serve as hosts themselves. hunter education class as early as possible.

Page30Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 CONSERVATION LINE

The classes, sponsored statewide, are free of ing 1-888-USA-TUNA or by visiting the Nguyen purchased shrimp from an unli- charge and posted regularly on the LDWF National Marine Fisheries Services permitting censed fisherman with purchases in excess of

website: http://www.wlf.state.la.us . website at: http://www.nmfspermits.com/. $60,781. Nguyen also failed to maintain Information is also available by contacting Also NMFS changed the fishing year for proper records on six separate occasions and LDWF hunter education at 225/763-3521. Atlantic tunas to June through May of the fol- failed to report purchases for November, 2000 lowing year. Therefore, the 2000 Atlantic through March, 2001 to the LDWF. NWF Offers Nature Education tunas permit will be valid from the date of Commercial fisheries data is used by LDWF For Challenged Youth issuance through May 31, 2001. in conservation of Louisiana’s natural Young people with hearing, visual, motor Minimum size limits for gag and black resources. Second offense purchase of com- and learning impairments can now enjoy tra- grouper changed from 20 inches total length mercial fish from unlicensed fishermen is ditional nature-education activities alongside to 22 inches for recreational and to 24 inches punishable by fines from $500 to $1,000, up youngsters without disabilities, thanks to for commercial. Also, commercial harvest to 60 days in jail, or both, plus court costs. Access Nature, an innovative curriculum for and sale or purchase of gag, black, and red Fourth offense failure to maintain records is educators available from the National Wildlife grouper is prohibited from February 15th to punishable by fines from $750 to $1,000, up Federation. March 15th of each year. The recreational to 120 days in jail, or both. Second offense Designed for classroom, after-school and possession limit for Spanish mackerel has failure to report commercial fisheries data is other non-formal programs, Access Nature increased from 10 to 15 fish per person per punishable by fines of $500 to $800, up to 90 includes teaching tips and suggestions for day. days in jail, or both, plus court costs. Agents alternative equipment and materials to make participating in the case were LDWF Sr. nature study, scientific investigations and Dove Hunters Fined Agent Jay Diez and Sr. Agent Jason Dreher. hands-on projects enjoyable for all partici- U.S. Magistrate Louis Moore of the U.S. pants, including those with disabilities. Next District Court Eastern District of Louisiana in New Minimum Standard fall, NWF will begin training teachers in use New Orleans handed down stiff fines for dove For Trophy Deer of the curriculum. hunting offenses after accepting guilty pleas Beginning with the fourth Louisiana Big The Federation developed Access Nature from five men. David Graham, 50, of Amite, Game Recognition Program for 2001-2003, in cooperation with Easter Seals Virginia. The was sentenced to pay a fine of $3,650. Gerald the new minimum standard for a gun killed curriculum was pilot tested with more than Graham, 32, also of Amite and Lucien deer will be 130 for the typical category and 400 participants in Washington, D.C., and Dufreche, 42, of Ponchatoula, were each sen- 165 for the non- typical category. According Virginia during the past year and a half. tenced to pay $1,000 in fines. David Graham to LDWF deer study leader David Moreland, To order Access Nature, call 716-461- was charged with hunting doves over bait and the new standard of 130 fits the definition of 3092. For more information about the cur- killing 97 doves over the limit. Gerald what hunters believe a trophy deer looks like. riculum or the teacher training program, Graham and Dufreche were also charged with A good eight point with a 16 inch inside please call 800-822-9919. hunting doves over bait and for killing over spread, 20 inch main beams and four inch the limit of doves. bases can score 130. Minimum standards for Tuna, Grouper and Spanish In a separate case, Ray Voisin, 53, of the bow and muzzleloader categories will Mackerel Regulations Change Theriot and Michael Daigle, 54, of Houma remain the same. State rules that were implemented on were each sentenced to pay $750 in fines. All “I have often heard it said that a trophy Dec. 20, 2000, were not available at the time the men were also sentenced to two years of deer is all in the eyes of the hunter,” noted of publication of the 2001 recreational or probation and migratory bird hunting privi- Moreland. “There are, however, standards commercial fishing pamphlets. The mini- leges for two years. Agents participating in which have been established that define a tro- mum size limit for yellowfin tuna and bigeye the cases were LDWF Lt. Len Yokum, Sgt. phy deer. A major part of this definition con- tuna taken by recreational or commercial fish- Alton Smith, Sgt. Grady Brecheen, Sgt. cerns the weapon used by the hunter to bag ers is 27 inches curved fork length and the Cullen Sellers, Agent Guy Adams, Agent the deer. Since it is somewhat easy to reach possession limit for yellowfin tuna taken by Jarrod Watson and Agent Britt Forbes. out and touch with a modern firearm, the recreational anglers is three fish per person per minimum standard established which defines day in Louisiana territorial waters. Curved Seafood Dealer Arrested For a gun killed trophy is much greater than that fork length is measured from the tip of upper Illegal Transactions of a deer taken with bow and arrow.” In jaw to fork of tail measured along the contour Dung Gary Nguyen, 33, manager of Louisiana, the minimum standard for a gun of the middle of the body. All owners/opera- Fourchon Seafood, was arrested and booked killed deer for qualification in the Louisiana tors of vessels (commercial, charter/headboat, into Lafourche Parish Jail on May 24 on four Big Game Recognition Program was previ- or recreational) fishing for and/or retaining counts of second offense purchase of com- ously 150. The minimum standard for a bow regulated Atlantic tunas (Atlantic bluefin, yel- mercial fish from unlicensed fishermen, six killed trophy was 90. All habitat types in lowfin, skipjack, albacore, bigeye tunas and counts of fourth offense failure to maintain Louisiana are capable of producing a buck Atlantic bonito) in the Gulf of Mexico, records and five counts of second offense fail- that will score 100 points,consequently, all of including Louisiana territorial waters are ure to report commercial fisheries data. the state is capable of producing trophy deer. required to possess a federally issued Atlantic Nguyen also had an outstandingwarrant for A deer that scores 150 points is truly one with tunas permit. Permits can be obtained by call- contempt of court in Lafourche Parish. a large set of antlers.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 31 CONSERVATION LINE Hunting and Deer PopulationsPopulations Because many quality deer are harvested The normal life span of a white-tailed do not shoot the young bucks but allow each year in the state that do not score that deer is dependent upon several factors. them to grow older and therefore they gen- high, it has been requested that the minimum Captive white-tails live up to 20 years or erally have heavier body weights and larger score for a gun killed deer be reduced so that more, but wild, free-ranging deer rarely antlers. Only two percent of the bucks har- more of these fine bucks can be recognized. approach that age. All researchers agree that vested on WMAs and 16 percent of the does According to the 1999 Game Harvest Survey, most Louisiana deer huntersbelieve an eight point buck with a 16” inside spread is a trophy deer. This new minimum standard will increase the number of trophy deer killed in the state each year. Since much of the habitat in Louisiana is capable of producing deer that will score 130, the concept of trophy management is a more obtainable objective for deer managers.– courtesy, LDWF

Licenses Can Now Be Purchased Via the Internet Effective immediately, you can buy recreational hunting and fishing licenses from the comfort of home. Licenses may now be purchased via the Internet with a credit card. Visa and Mastercard are accepted through a link at the LDWF web site:

wwhttp:// w.wlf.state.la.us. The additional payment option was designed to make sports license sales more convenient for consumers. in the wild, does live longer than bucks. harvested are four years or older. On DMAP There is a $3 surcharge for the option. Factors which influence longevity include lands, five percent of bucks harvested and 20 age, disease, predators, human influence percent of the does killed are in that age New Wetlands Guide Published — (hunting, development, vehicles), and group. The fact that the bulk of Louisiana’s Workshops Planned weather. harvested deer are in the younger age classes The Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) In Louisiana the most effective deer is an indication that hunting is helping to is pleased to announce the release of its new population control method is hunting. control deer herds. When deer populations citizen wetlands manual: A Guide to Winters in the bayou state are relatively mild are kept under control, both the deer and its Protecting Wetlands in the Gulf of Mexico. and large predators that prey heavily on habitat are kept in a healthy, productive This is a comprehensive guide detailing the white-tails no longer live in the state. state. laws that protect wetlands, the types of wet- Human development is beginning to move Orleans is the only parish in Louisiana lands found in the five Gulf states, wetland into the rural woodlands, but deer seem to that is not included in a deer hunting area. groups in each state, federal and state agency be adapting and road kill mortality is not a Consequently, the deer herd in Orleans east contact information, as well as the opportuni- serious problem yet. is expanding and conflicts with humans are ties for citizen participation in decisions that Regulated hunting is the management increasing. Ruston was experiencing similar affect wetlands in the Gulf region (eg, how to tool which helps to keep the deer population problems, especially with vehicles/deer colli- get on mailing lists to receive public notices of in balance with available deer habitat, and sions during the rutting season. The city ini- projects that affect wetlands and the steps you must include the harvest of both bucks and tiated a controlled archery hunting program can take to oppose projects that destroy wet- does. On private land enrolled in the Deer and conflicts have been reduced. It is well- lands). Management Assistance Program (DMAP), documented that regulated hunting is the The GRN is offering free workshops to the average age of a harvested buck is 2.2 least expensive means of reducing deer num- citizens concerned with wetland destruction years and the average age for a doe is 2.7 bers. Officials in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in their communities. Participants in these years. On the LDWF Wildlife Management recently hired sharpshooters to kill 429 deer workshops will receive A Guide to Protecting Areas (WMAs), the average age for a har- in an effort to reduce the deer population in Wetlands in the Gulf of Mexico free of vested buck is 1.6 years and the average age a 4,180 acre wooded park. With properly charge. for a doe is 2.4 years. The older age for regulated sport hunting, this expensive alter- To request a wetlands workshop in your bucks harvested on private land is a direct native for controlling deer numbers can be community contact the GRN at 504/525- result of selective harvest programs being avoided. – courtesy, LDWF 1528 or email them at: practiced by DMAP cooperators. Hunters mailto:[email protected]

Page32Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 KIDS’ PAGE

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 33 President’s Column: Continued from page 3 the endangered whooping crane. The think- ing behind the plan is that having more than migrating through the Mississippi and one flock of “whoopers” wintering along the Central Flyways spend their winters in coastal Gulf coast would better insure the survival of MEMORIALS Louisiana. the species if the current wintering area along The Louisiana Department of Natural the upper coast of Texas is damaged by storm, Resources estimates that we will have to oil spill or some other disaster. At one time, spend approximately $14 billion over the the coastal prairies and marshes of Louisiana next 50 years to stand any chance of turning hosted both a migratory and a resident flock AND GIFTS this problem around. Ironically, if we don’t of whooping cranes. But by 1950, the birds were all but gone and the last Louisiana spend the money needed to abate the prob- The Louisiana Wildlife Federation “whooper” was caught and added to the small lem, we’ll probably spend a similar amount occasionally receives memorial and hon- remaining flock wintering at the Aransas relocating several million Louisiana citizens orary gifts from its members, friends, National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas coast. (and businesses) rendered homeless by our organizations and business concerns. All Although the prevailing USFWS pro- retreating coast. One way or another, we’re memorial contributions and honorary posal is to establish a flock of whooping going to pay. gifts so designated, unless otherwise cranes along the Florida Gulf coast, LWF rec- Year in and year out Louisiana has directed by the donor, are credited to the ommended future consideration of reestab- underwritten the negative impacts from outer Federation’s Conservation Education lishing “whoopers” in our state. The hun- continental shelf production, but we get no Scholarship Fund. The interest from the dreds of thousands of acres of state, federal share of the mineral royalties. Every bit of Fund is used to award scholarships to and private wildlife refuges along Louisiana’s those royalties are returned to the U.S. Louisiana educators to attend one of the coast should provide ample habitat and secu- Treasury to the tune of about $6 billion per National Wildlife Federation’s rity for the birds, and innovative programs year. Last year, Louisiana Senator Mary Conservation Summits where they learn now available for encouraging private Landrieu, crafted a plan to do something about the wonders of the natural world landowners to collaborate in restoring endan- about this inequity. She introduced a bill in and principles of resource stewardship. gered species would alleviate much of the anx- Congress that would take half of the royalties This knowledge is then shared with other iety associated with the impact endangered from offshore oil leases (about $3 billion a Louisiana educators and used in the species recovery would have on private prop- year) away from the feds and divide it among classroom. Perpetuated through the erty. Hopefully, the Service will seriously the states. Since the formula used to allocate learning process, your gift is a lasting consider our recommendations and take a this money is based primarily upon each contribution to the conservation, wise look at Louisiana for a future whooping crane states’ population and total offshore produc- use and enjoyment of our environment recovery project. tion, Louisiana’s share was much bigger than and its dependent fish and wildlife any other state – in the neighborhood of resources. $300 million annually. I know you’ve all It’s an honor to welcome two newly affil- heard of this bill. It was called the iated organizations to the Federation. The An appropriate letter is sent on the “Conservation and Reinvestment Act” Southwest Louisiana Wildlife Association was donor’s behalf to the family of the (CARA for short), and the Louisiana Wildlife organized about a year ago and has several deceased or to the person honored. The Federation worked hard on it last year. hundred members from Calcasieu, amount of the gift is not disclosed unless CARA easily passed through the House of Beauregard, Jeff Davis, Allen and Vernon requested. Send your gift to: Parishes. Wade Hanks serves as SWLWA Representatives last summer, and would have Louisiana Wildlife Federation become law if not for some very ugly, election president. Also newly reaffiliated is the year partisanship in the Senate. It was defi- Louisiana Trappers and Alligator Hunters P.O. Box 65239 nitely Washington politics at their worst. Association. LTAHAs president is Sam Baton Rouge, LA 70896-5239 Well, CARA is back for another try this Smith. These affiliates have already been working with LWF and I look forward to year and we will do everything we can to help Be sure to supply us with your name their continuing collaboration and participa- get it passed. Louisiana needs this law very and address, and the name and address tion. A number of other groups are consider- badly. There is probably no way we can ever where the acknowledgement is to be sent. ing affiliation with LWF and I hope to welcome up with the $14 billion it takes to save Indicate if it is a memorial on behalf of come them in the next issue. Until then I our coast all by ourselves – nor should we. All someone deceased or in honor of some remain, Americans have used and benefitted from the active person. oil and natural gas produced off our shore. Yours in conservation, It’s our turn to get something back and we Keith R. Saucier need a little help from the rest of the nation. It’s high time Louisiana gets its fair share. It President may be the only hope for saving our coast.

Earlier this year, LWF was asked to com- ment on plans by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service to establish a new migratory flock of

Page 34 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 SpeciesSpecies Profile:Profile: TheThe ANHINGAANHINGA

bill is pointed rather than hooked like the buoyancy in water, facilitating a slow, The American anhinga (Anhinga cormorant’s. stalking hunting habit while submerged anhinga), is a large black water bird fre- The male anhinga is black with white in shallow aquatic vegetation where they quently seen perched spread-eagled on spots on the head, neck, back and wings spear fish with their pointed bill. The pilings or branches overhanging the water. and the female is brown on the head, neck neck bones are arranged to allow a strong The bird is often confused with the cor- and breast. There is a white band on the and fast stab. On the wing, the bird is an morant because the two birds are similar wings and tail and a green circle around awesome sight in Louisiana swamps. It in many respects. Like the cormorant, the the eyes. The long slender beak is orange. flies with the long tail spread fanlike and male anhinga is black with a slender bill The anhinga is also known as a water- an outstretched neck. The habitat of the unusual bird is freshwater ponds and swamps with thick vegetation, especially cypress. One habitat requirement is the presence of logs and branches near the water where the bird can sun and dry its feathers. Because the plumage is wettable, there is a considerable loss of body heat underwater. The anhinga is rarely seen in winter in Louisiana, but is common in summer, especially as a nesting bird around the swamp lakes in north Louisiana. Most of the birds disappear by the end of October and reappear in spring. Anhinga nests are made of sticks and built over the water, usually on low- hanging limbs of cypress trees. These strong fliers, which resemble a cross in flight, are a very social species and tend to nest colonially, often with long-legged wading birds. Clutch size is usually three to five eggs which are bluish white in color. The female usually lays the eggs from April through June. Hatchlings are born without plumage and appear reptil- ian. The fledglings, which do not attain definitive plumage until the third year, often escape from the nests into the water since they can swim before learning to fly. Anhingas are short distance partial migratory birds. They move regularly between summer nesting habitat in Florida, Louisiana and Mexico; current studies indicate anhingas to be residents in Florida. No anhingas have been observed or recorded outside the Americas. – courtesy, LDWF

Anhinga, photo by Leonard Lee Rue III. and long neck. Often called a snakebird turkey because of its long, turkey-like tail, because of its resemblance to a swimming which usually equals the length of its serpent, the anhinga has a slimmer neck body. The plumage is fully wettable, than the cormorant with a much longer unlike most aquatic birds. The unusual tail. It swims with only the long, black, plumage and dense bones are adaptations snaky head and neck above water and its that allow the birds to achieve neutral

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 35 MostMost WaterWater SnakesSnakes Sponsor Members Non-VenomousNon-Venomous

Boaters in Louisiana’s numerous water- above the eyes in moccasins, giving them a First-time $100 or greater LWF ways are familiar with the sight – snakes somewhat menacing appearance. Contributing members are entitled to receive a perched in over-hanging tree limbs, seem- Skin patterns vary in moccasins sponsor plaque for their home or office. We ingly waiting for the unwary to drift under depending on age and locality, but most extend our grateful appreciation to the show a dark band bordered by cream-col- following Sponsor Members of the Louisiana ored bands running from behind the eye to Wildlife Federation. Their support and that of the angle of the jaw. all our loyal members is directly responsible for A snake’s eyes also provide identifying the Federation’s growth and success. features. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, while poisonous species have ellipti- cal pupils similar to those of cats. PQ Corporation (Milton Avret) Behavior can be equally revealing. - Pineville Non-venomous species usually beat a hasty Alexander and Bolton (Roscoe Bolton) retreat when discovered, while moccasins hold their ground or crawl away slowly. - Alexandria When excited, moccasins will rapidly vibrate Ken & Cindy Dancak - Pineville their tails while non-poisonous snakes will Elder & Elder Enterprises not. The most identifiable behavior is exhib- - New Orleans ited when a moccasin is provoked. The Calvin Fayard - Denham Springs snake will hold its mouth wide open. Displaying the cottony-white interior as a Lazar J. Gielen - Crowley warning to stay away. Non-poisonous E.J. Hanhart - Franklinton snakes do not do this. Marshall D. Harrison, Jr. - Baton Rouge Regardless of whether a snake is sun- Kelly Falcon holds a diamond back water snake -photo ning in a tree or swimming in the water, the Southeren Eagle Sales and Service courtesy LDWF reptile poses little threat to humans. They (James I. Hunter, III) - Metairie will normally avoid contact with humans. If Robert C. Lowe - New Orleans the tree. The first thought that races left alone all snake species will usually move through many boater’s minds is “water moc- away without confrontation. Harold A. Loyacano, Jr., Ph.D. - Slidell casin.” “Snakes of Louisiana”, written by Raphael Luneau - Lecompte These sunning snakes are, however, LDWF herpetologist Jeff Boundy, is avail- probably quite harmless. The fact is, the able for $4 at the LDWF Library, located at Dr. & Mrs. Alfred A. Monsour majority of snakes seen in Louisiana’s water- 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. The 32- - Alexandria ways are non-poisonous and are easily dis- page book, replete with full-color pho- Gary H. Miller - New Orleans tinguished from their poisonous cousins. tographs, is a good reference for those inter- Moccasins are the only venomous semi- ested in snake identification and informa- Senator Willie L. Mount - Lake Charles aquatic species in Louisiana, whereas there tion. LDWF also has a Louisiana snake Charles P. Quirk - Lake Charles are several different species of non-poiso- poster. The full-color poster is available for Howard P. Ragland, M.D. - Slidell nous water snakes. $4, along with six other posters depicting One of the non-venomous species most waterfowl, amphibians, turtles and fish of Joe D. Smith, Jr. - Alexandria often misidentified as a moccasin is the dia- the state. “Snakes of Louisiana” and the Grady Spears - Lafayette mond-backed water snake. The two snakes posters can also be obtained by mailing a can be similar in color – grayish with a faint check or money order to Louisiana Hill City Oil (Herb Stathes) - Houma pattern on the back and sides. Close obser- Conservationist, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Syngenta (Renee’ Smith Tadie) vation, however, can reveal several distin- Rouge, LA 70898. Those wishing to use - St. Gabriel guishing features. The first identifying fea- MasterCard or VISA can call 225/765-2918. ture is a snake’s head. Moccasins, like other Each order must include a four percent state Frank H. Walk - New Orleans pit vipers including rattlesnakes and the sales tax (East Baton Rouge Parish residents Aubrey C. Walter - Vinton copperhead, have broad, flat heads. There is add an additional five percent parish tax) Architecture Corporation a marked difference in the width between and a shipping and handling fee based on the head and the neck. There also is a ridge the amount of the order. -courtesy, LDWF (Clyde M. Webb) - Monroe

Page 36 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Groups Fight Reverse of EPA Stance SpoonbillSpoonbill CatsCats on Mercury National Wildlife Federation has taken Paddlefish, or spoonbill catfish as they are Mermentau River. Because of public concern legal action demanding that the often called, are a primitive fish species found and the fact that so little was known about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in almost all of Louisiana’s natural waterways. health of the fish population, the fishery was stand tough against the electric utility indus- They are often seen by commercial fishermen, closed by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries try’s attempt to derail the EPA’s decision to but few anglers notice them because they do Commission in 1986. regulate mercury and other toxic pollutants not bite on hooks. They feed by straining It has remained closed, but since 1986 from the nation’s power plants. The action microscopic animals (zooplankton) from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biolo- was prompted by the Bush administration’s water with their huge mouths. gists have conducted substantial research on reversal on campaign promises to limit car- These fish were once very common in the fish, sampling their population, and tag- bon dioxide emissions from power plants much of the United states. By the early 1900s ging and releasing both wild and hatchery- and NWF’s concern about the utility indus- raised fish. Biologists used gill nets, otter try’s influence over future regulations. trawls, and hook-and-line snagging to sample NWF acted on two fronts: the Calcasieu, Mermentau, Atchafalaya and • Joined by nine other organizations, Pearl Rivers; two backwater lakes, Henderson the Federation intervened on the side of Lake and Saline-Larto; and three lakes, EPA to oppose an electric industry lawsuit Yucatan, Grand (southwest Louisiana) and in the U.S. Court of Appeals. That lawsuit Pontchartrain. During the 3-year period, 334 seeks to overturn the agency’s determination paddlefish were collected. All fish were mea- to regulate mercury. sured, weighed, sexed, and aged by counting • Along with 43 other organizations, the rings in a cross-section of their jawbones. NWF filed an official objection to a Highest catch rates were in Lake Henderson, “groundless” administrative petition in followed by Lake Pontchartrain. No which the industry asked EPA to back off Paddlefish were caught in the Calcasieu River from its mercury decision. “For more than or Yucatan lake. ten years, the electric utility industry has The smallest fish caught was 24 inches been trying to derail efforts to regulate its long and the longest, a male fish, was 63 inch- mercury emissions, despite mounting evi- es. The heaviest was a 46-pound female. dence of the public health and ecological Although other studies indicate that paddle- risk of mercury exposure, and the increasing Picture of a 50lb paddlefish caught in Oklahoma. Paddlefish fish can live to 30 years, no fish older than 14 public and political support for national are protected in Louisiana and illegal to harvest. years old were captured in Louisiana. controls,” says Felice Stadler, national policy Male paddlefish began maturing by 4 director of NWF’s Clean the Rain cam- their numbers were much reduced, probably years old and by age 9 were mature. Females paign. due to habitat destruction, pollution and/or began maturing at 7 and all were mature by 10 Joining NWF in its “petition of opposi- over-fishing. During the first 20 years of this years old. Spawning takes place in the spring, tion” were six of its state affiliates: Michigan century, some paddlefish were harvested for when the fish begin to migrate up rivers and United Conservation Clubs, the Minnesota their roe (eggs) which were used to make water temperatures are between 50 and 66 Conservation Federation, the League of caviar. Prices were $1.50-$2.00 per pound for degrees F. Males seem to spawn every year and Ohio Sportsmen, the Indiana Wildlife the eggs. Louisiana was the first state in the U. females once every 2 to 5 years. The largest Federation, the Wisconsin Wildlife S. to protect paddlefish when the state legisla- number of mature fish were found in Lake Federation and the Natural Resources ture approved a closed season in 1914. This Pontchartrain. Females captured had egg Council of Maine. was later changed, and protection was provid- count estimates of 65,716 to 136,843 eggs per NWF has campaigned hard for controls ed with a 15-pound minimum size limit. female. on power plant emissions of mercury, a Later commercial paddlefish harvests Paddlefish can make long migrations. In powerful neurotoxin that builds up in the were low, averaging under 27,000 per year Louisiana, paddlefish have been observed to food chain, threatening the health of people between 1966 and 1986. All the harvest dur- travel 40 miles from Toledo Bend Reservoir and wildlife. According to a recent study by ing this period was for their flesh (rather than into Texas through the Intracoastal Waterway. the Centers for Disease Control, at least ten for their roe) at 11 to 37 cents per pound. Movements of 500-800 miles have been percent of women of childbearing age ingest Then in the late 1970s, the U. S. banned all observed in the Missouri River. mercury at rates above EPA’s safe level, and imports from Iraq and Iran, two of the world’s LDWF biologists plan to continue their an estimated 390,000 children are born each largest caviar exporters. U. S. markets turned work in cooperation with 21 other states in year at risk for neurological effects due to again to paddlefish roe as the next best substi- the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative mercury exposure. tute and the prices for the roe rose to $12-15 Resource Association. This will include more The NWF’s web site has additional per pound. sampling, tagging of fish, and hatchery pro- information on mercury poisoning as well as Nonresident commercial fishermen duction and stocking. – courtesy, Jerald Horst, other problems and can be found at: began fishing for paddlefish in Louisiana by LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension Service http://www.nwf.org/ 1984, concentrating their effort in the and SeaGrant Program.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 37 DON’TDON’T LETLET AA SUMMERSUMMER OUTINGOUTING AFFILIATE GETGET UNDERUNDER YOURYOUR SKINSKIN CLUBS species bear drooping clusters of white DISTRICT 1 Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison berries. Of the three plants, poison ivy is the St. Bernard Sportsmen’s League oak make life miserable for approximately most prolific, plaguing every parish in the DISTRICT 2 50 million Americans each year. In fact, it’s state. This vine grows up trees, fences, and Clio Sportsman’s League hard to find an outdoors enthusiast who has walls of old houses. If you go into areas Jefferson Rod & Gun Bass Club not suffered at least one bout of blistering, where these plants may grow, take precau- Jefferson Rod and Gun Club itching skin from these cousins of the tions. Wear long pants and long-sleeved Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation cashew family. Nonetheless, confusion and shirts, and avoid touching your face. Wash all clothes upon returning home. Any DISTRICT 3 infected areas should be cleaned with rub- Acadiana Bay Association bing alcohol then washed with water. Soap Iberia Rod and Gun Club merely lifts urushiol from the skin and spreads it to other parts of the body. DISTRICT 4 Although rashes are not contagious, Claiborne Parish Hunting and Fishing Club inflammation can occur on other parts of the body days after an initial outbreak. DISTRICT 5 Urushiol is more slowly absorbed where skin Waterways Access Association is thicker, and if it’s trapped under finger- nails it can be spread by scratching. Affected DISTRICT 6 areas remain sensitive for years and can erupt Baton Rouge Sportsmen’s League again when other parts of the body are Poison ivy with berries. Citizens For A Clean Environment exposed to the toxin. Citizens For A Clean Tangipahoa misconceptions abound. Symptoms usually subside within two East Ascension Sportsmen’s League Among the most common is the belief to three weeks. In the interim, you may find Lake Maurepas Society that many people are immune to the skin relief with over-the-counter steroid creams. Point Clair Hunting Club irritations caused by this species. Sensitivity Antihistamines and calamine lotion will also Central LA Chapter, Safari Club International to urushiol, the chemical responsible for the reduce itching. Another remedy includes Triangle “T” Sportsmen’s League skin rash, varies from person to person. But running hot water over the infected area for no more than one in ten is truly immune. DISTRICT 7 This misunderstanding arises partly Acadiana Sportsmen’s League because contact does not always result in Southwest Louisiana Wildlife Association allergic reactions. Plants must be damaged for urushiol to be released. Cases of plant DISTRICT 8 induced dermatitis occur most frequently in Avoyelles Wildlife Federation the spring when leaves are fragile and exude Bayou Bassmasters of Alexandria more urushiol. Rapides Wildlife Association People seldom react to their first exposure. It usually takes a second or third time DISTRICT 9 for the skin to erupt. Up to a third of the Louisiana Toledo Bend Lake Association population can be exposed several times South Toledo Bend Civic Association before their bodies respond. Unfortunately, Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance many of the worst cases are found in middle- STATEWIDE aged people who have waded through ivy for Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs years before experiencing any discomfort. Bayou State Bowhunters Association All three plants are found in Louisiana. Louisiana Chapter, National Wild Turkey Poison sumac occurs in wet areas such as Federation pitcher-plant bogs, wet longleaf pine savan- Louisiana Safari Club International nas and seepy areas. This woody perennial Poison sumac with berries. Louisiana Trappers and Alligator Hunters shrub grows up to 15 feet high, and its leaves Association contain 7 to 15 smooth edged leaflets with a approximately 30 seconds, which often United Commercial Fishermen’s Association reddish petiole. Poison oak occurs in dry reduces soreness for up to eight hours. woodlands, growing up to 18 inches. It has For more information:

a tri-foliate leaf system, as does poison ivy, http://poisonivy.aesir.com but it is not a climbing vine. All three -courtesy LDWF

Page38Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Leg Session Recap: Continued from page 21 ter district between Alexandria in Rapides cooperative enforcement program with Parish and Washington in St. Landry LDWF that will help fund the LDWF’s ing a master list identifying all public Parish. MBTA enforcement work. lands and water bottoms and protecting, HCR 69 NO JAKES RULE Urges HCR 187 WATER MANAGE- administering and conserving public the LWFC to prohibit the taking of juve- MENT Requests the proposed state lands and water bottoms to best ensure nile turkeys. water management commission and advi- full public navigation, fishery, and recre- HCR 76 WILDLIFE AND FISH- sory task force to develop a cooperative ation consistent with the constitution. ERIES FOUNDATION Urges the aquifer and groundwater stewardship pol- HB 1716 (Act ) CHARTER LDWF secretary to establish and nurture icy with the neighboring states of BOAT LICENSES Establishes a charter a relationship with the Louisiana Wildlife Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas. boat license for “mother ship/multi-skiff” and Fisheries Foundation and avail itself HCR 198 BAYOU LAFOURCHE operations at an annual fee of $1,000 for of the Foundation’s potential assistance. Memorializes Congress to support and an operation of 6 or fewer skiffs and HCR 86 MAUREPAS SWAMP fund a project to divert 1000 CFS of $2,000 for operations with more than 6 DIVERSION Memorializes Congress to freshwater from the Mississippi River skiffs; requires each skiff to have a “char- support the proposed Maurepas Swamp down Bayou LaFourche to improve water ter skiff” license at an annual fee of $50 Diversion. quality in the Bayou. that indicates that it is fishing under the HCR 90 ATCHAFALAYA BASIN HCR 203 LITTER STUDY Urges mother ship’s charter boat license; PROGRAM Authorizes the study of the House and Senate Environment requires nonresidents fishing from a skiff proposals to include projects in Committees to jointly study the status, with a charter skiff license to have a 3-day Assumption, St. Landry, and St. Martin effectiveness and enforcement of the fishing license at a fee of $30 and copies Parishes within the spending cap of the state’s litter laws and penalties. of the charter boat and charter skiff Atchafalaya Basin Program. HCR 233 CAST NET LICENSE licenses in possession. HCR 92 SEAFOOD ADVISORY Urges LDWF to study the feasibility of a HB 1795 (Act 439) COASTAL BOARD Creates the Louisiana Seafood recreational cast netting license to gener- RESTORATION/OYSTER LEASES industry Advisory Board, composed of 15 ate funds to construct and maintain Sets forth a procedure for delineating voting and 8 nonvoting members, to work restroom facilities near waterways where coastal restoration impact areas within with agencies that regulate the industry recreational cast netting is a popular activ- which special provisions apply that limit and the development and implementation ity. or restrict oyster leases. of regulatory policy and other enhance- HR 137 EPA/PLAQUEMINE HB 1895 (Act ) OIL ments. VINYL CHLORIDE Requests the U.S. SPILL/REGIONAL RESTORATION HCR 129 GULF HYPOXIA EPA to assist in the investigation of vinyl PLANNING Establishes a Regional ACTION PLAN Urges Congress and chloride contamination of the drinking Restoration Planning Program in the the President to implement the Gulf water in Plaquemine. office of the Oil Spill coordinator to assess Hypoxia Action Plan to reduce the nutri- SB 269 (Act 83) SHRIMPING natural resource damages associated with ent loading to the Mississippi River, Requires that the 2002 and 2003 brown oil spills; further establishes a Natural which causes algal blooms and oxygen shrimp seasons in Area 2 be opened no Resource Restoration Trust Fund into depletion in the waters of the Gulf of later than the third Monday in May and which all monies collected to restore Mexico that causes the “Dead Zone”. that the LWFC provide a review of the resources damaged by spills are deposited HCR 157 REGIONAL POLLU- seasons at the close of the 2003 season. and increases the funding available to TION Urges DEQ to establish a consor- SB 338 (Act 320) DISABLED administer the oil spill program. tium of southern states with common HUNTING LICENSE Provides for a HCR 36 DISABLED environmental issues to develop solutions basic, big game and archery hunting ANGLERS/DOUBLE LIMITS Urges to regional pollution. license at $5 each for residents receiving the LWFC to double the daily creel limit HCR 167 ESTUARY RESTORA- disability benefits from the Social Security for anglers with disabilities TION Urges Congress to fully fund the System. HCR 42 TRESPASS STUDY implementation of the Estuary SB 352 (Act 86) LARTO LAND Creates a task force to review the state and Restoration Act of 2000. TRANSFER Directs the State land local trespass laws and make a report to HCR 168 ATCHAFALAYA FLOW office to transfer land at Larto Lake in the Legislature. Urges the Corps of Engineers to increase Catahoula Parish to LDWF, and prohibits HCR 43 ENERGY POLICY the water flow from the Mississippi River timber cutting on the land. Memorializes Congress and the President into the Atchafalaya River at Old River to SB 359 (Act 322) to adopt a comprehensive national energy improve the water quality and crawfish HUNTING/FISHING ADVISORY policy. production in the Atchafalaya Basin. COUNCIL Establishes a hunting and HCR 66 BAYOU BOEUF ADVI- HCR 177 WILDLIFE ENFORCE- fishing advisory council within LDWF to SORY COMMITTEE Creates the MENT Urges Congress to have the U.S. promote the benefits of hunting and fish- Bayou Boeuf Advisory Committee to Fish and Wildlife Service, in considera- ing among Louisiana citizens and to edu- study the future uses of water from Bayou tion of the resources LDWF puts into cate those citizens about the contributions Boeuf and to develop plans for sustaining enforcing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, hunters and anglers make to the economy. the resource including creating a freshwa- which represents 32,000 man-hours and nearly $2 million annually, establish a Continued on page 40

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 39 of a lake on Turkey Creek and creates the Turkey Creek Reservoir District. FFrromom thethe MManaginganaging EEditorditor SB 474 (Act 324) NONRESI- DENT STUDENT/TOURNAMENT with free posters and brochures, but the stars BASS FISHING LICENSE FEES First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day has of our display were the hermit crab boxes Allows full-time nonresident students at been an annual event to increase public filled with live critters – anole lizards, geck- an accredited Louisiana college or univer- awareness of environmental issues. The first os, caterpillars, worms, spiders, a roach or sity to hunt and fish in Louisiana for the Earth Day alerted people to the dangers of two. We were very grateful to our volun- same license fees as a resident provided pollution, and it stimulated a new environ- teers that helped field questions and keep their home state provides reciprocity to the critters on their best behavior: Pat and students who are Louisiana residents; fur- Lelah Weber, Darby and Jay Landaiche, W. ther creates a nonresident black bass tour- G. “Robby” Robinson and Stan Carpenter. nament license for $30 valid from July 1- It was hot, though we did have the welcome June 30 for anglers competing in bonafide shade of an old oak tree and were conve- bass fishing tournaments registered with niently situated near the snowball stand. LDWF. Thank you, volunteers, for supporting the SB 569 (Act ) UNDERWATER LWF, by volunteering your time and OBSTRUCTION FUNDExtends the patience; all of you were a huge help in funding for the Underwater Obstruction many ways. We hope to provide more removal Fund through July 2004. opportunities for members to become SB 650 (Act 329) ALIEN FISH- actively involved with the LWF. Until that ING LICENSE FEESRepeals the time, submitting photos to the magazine is requirement that certain fishing license always an option. Pictures of habitat scenes, fees for aliens be twice the nonresident wild flowers and butterflies, wildlife, hunt- fees for the same licenses and applies the ing/fishing and other outdoor activities, etc. normal resident and nonresident com- are always needed to add visual diversity to mercial fishing license fees to resident and the publication, and if you have a story to nonresident aliens. accompany your photography, send that SB 762 (Act ) DROUGHT along too. On our membership survey, PROTECTION TRUST FUNDSets many of you indicated that “outdoor pho- up a trust fund to make incentive pay- Greg Grandy shows a king snake to the nursery school children participating in this year’s “Wildlife Day” held the tography” is one of your pursuits, so share ments to farmers who switch from Friday before Earth Day. Coordinated by LWF’s the wealth and mail us some pictures! groundwater to surface water for irriga- Conservation Education Committee Chair, Kathy Wascom, Thanks again to the LWF volunteers tion during drought situations and to LWF has sponsored this educational noon-time Earth Week and the Baton Rouge Earth Day support the development of surface water event in downtown Baton Rouge since 1990. Committee. Have a fun and safe summer. sources for agriculture. -Elizabeth SB 928 (Act 333) HOOPNETS

mental movement. It was initially estab- mailto:[email protected] Specifies that hoopnets without leads may lished as a time to gather and clean up litter, be left unattended in saltwater areas to to protest threats to the environment and to take catfish commercially. celebrate progress in reducing pollution. Leg. Session Recap: Continued from page 39 SB 950 (Act 19) NONRESIDENT While the 2001 Earth Day celebration was a FISHING FEEReduces the nonresident lot of fun, it was a little more tame and less SB 366 (Act ) I-49 SCENIC saltwater fishing license fee to $30. ‘en-masse’ than the original gathering 31 EASEMENT/PUBLIC BOWHUNT- SB 965 ( Act 446) GROUND years ago; the World Book Online notes that INGAuthorizes the transfer of the WATER MANAGEMENTEstablishes a the original festival saw 20 million people scenic easement along I-49 in St. Landry, 15- member Ground Water Management nationwide gather to support the establish- Avoyelles, Evangeline, and Rapides Commission in the office of the governor; ment of the Environmental Protection Parishes from DOTD to LDWF and requires 60 days prior notice for proposed Agency and the Clean Air Act. authorizes the use of the area for new water wells (domestic use wells On April 22, Baton Rouge celebrated bowhunting only for big game; prohibits exempted); requires the commission to Earth Day. Various and numerous exhibi- access to the property from I-49 and the determine critical ground water areas in tions lined North Boulevard for an all day use of ATVs and construction of any kind the state where aquifer’s are being deplet- fete— Honda brought a few models of envi- (such as tree stands). ed under current use and conditions and ronmentally friendly cars, an all species SB 379 (Act ) CASTOR CREEK authorizes the commission to promulgate parade (the Girl Scouts bedecked as an RESERVOIR Proposes construction of a rules to regulate water withdrawals from assortment of flora and fauna), a fashion lake on Castor Creek and creates the aquifers in critical groundwater areas and show displaying clothes and accessories Castor Creek Reservoir District. provide for a contingency plan in emer- made from recycled plastics, live music, and SB 412 (Act ) TURKEY CREEK gency situations; establishes a 49-member plenty of booths with jewelry, soap, and RESERVOIRProposes the construction Ground Water Management Advisory food for sale. The LWF had a table set up

Page40Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 Task Force to assist in developing a com- SCR 66 FIREARMS/CHILD HR 137. prehensive water management system for ACCESS Creates a joint legislative com- SR 50 CHARTER BOAT MORA- the state for presentation to legislative mittee to study and make recommenda- TORIUM Urges the Congress to ask the oversight committees prior to January tions with respect to child access to National Marine Fisheries Service not to 2003. firearms. implement the proposed charter boat SCR 32 ENERGY POLICY SCR 74 BUNDICK SWAMP moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico or Memorializes Congress to establish a Requests the office of state parks to study restrict it to the Eastern Gulf. national energy policy and provide incen- and make recommendations on the suit- SR 51 FALSE RIVER POLLU- tives for the production of natural gas. ability of including portions of Bundick TION Urges DEQ to initiate testing of SCR 34 LDWF BILL DIGEST Swamp in Beauregard Parish in the state the water quality in False River on a Requests LDWF to publish a digest of park system. monthly basis for the next 6 to 12 introduced legislation pertinent to its SCR 107 ATCHAFALAYA BASIN months. responsibilities on its web site. WATER Requests the Corps of SR 70 COASTAL RESTORATION SCR 40 FOREST BOUNDARY Engineers to increase the flow of water Directs the Wetlands Conservation and MARKER Requests the Forestry into the Atchafalaya Basin to maintain a Restoration Authority to annually present Commission to change the selection of minimum stage of 12 feet NGVD at the for approval to the Senate and House paint color for making forest boundaries Butte LaRose gage throughout the spring. Committees on Natural Resources, at from gray to purple. SCR 130 SCENIC RIVERS least 30 days prior to the beginning of the SCR 45 SENIOR HOOP NETS Nominates portions of the following legislative session, all projects being con- Urges the LWFC to allow senior citizens waters for inclusion in the Natural and sidered for inclusion in the coastal wet- with a basic fishing license to use up to 2 Scenic Rivers System: Whiskey Chitto lands conservation and restoration plan hoop nets in freshwater areas to take Creek in Beauregard Parish; Barnes Creek for the year. nongame fish for home consumption, in from LA Hwy 27 to the Calcasieu River; SR 72 BAYOU compliance with length and bag limits. Bearhead Creek from its headwaters to MANCHAC/FOUNTAIN FLOODING SCR 46 BOBCAT HUNTING the Houston River; Bundick’s Creek from Same as SCR 167. SEASON Urges the LWFC to establish a its headwaters to Bundick’s Lake and from SR 76 OCS MITIGATION Urges recreational hunting season for bobcats Bundick’s Lake to Whiskey Chitto Creek; Congress to direct the Minerals subsequent to a review of the bobcat pop- Beckwith Creek from its headwaters to Management Service to develop a plan for ulation throughout the state. the West Fork of the Calcasieu river; mitigating the impacts associated with SCR 47 NUTRIA HUNTING Hickory Creek from its headwaters to the Outer Continental Shelf oil/gas leasing SEASON Urges the LDWF to establish West fork of the Calcasieu River. and development in the Gulf of Mexico. a recreational hunting season for nutria. SCR 134 AG CONSERVATION SCR 48 BIRDING ECO- PROGRAMS Urges the President and TOURISM Expresses the Legislatures Congress to expand and fund federal agri- support for the promotion of ecotourism cultural conservation programs including in Louisiana associated with birdwatching the Conservation Reserve, Wetlands and urges state agencies and universities Reserve, Environmental Quality to develop materials and resources to Incentives, Wildlife Habitat Improvement First 100 Days: Continued from page 12 encourage this activity. and Forest Incentives Programs. SCR 49 STATE LANDS/OUT- SCR 143 RESIDENTIAL ENER- “Green” Trade DOOR RECREATION Urges the GY CODE Urges the Department of The administration continues to send inventory and identification of all state Natural resources and the Louisiana mixed signals about incorporating environ- lands that could be utilized for public Homebuilders Association to study the mental protection in trade liberalization ini- outdoor recreational uses. feasibility of adopting a statewide residen- tiatives. At the recently concluded Summit SCR 50 WOOD DUCK BAG tial energy code and establishes an adviso- of the Americas in Quebec, President Bush LIMIT Urges the LDWF to study the ry task force to assist DNR in formulating declared, “Our commitment to open trade status of the wood duck population with such a code. must be matched by a strong commitment the intent of increasing the daily bag limit SCR 158 WASHINGTON to protecting our environment.” And the from 2 to 4 birds if the population will PARISH RESERVOIR COMMISSION administration has also announced it support such an additional harvest. Creates the Washington Parish Reservoir intends to conduct environmental reviews SCR 52 WATERWAYS/BARRI- Commission to study the feasibility of of all significant international trade agree- CADES Urges the Attorney General, the developing a reservoir in Washington ments. But these positive indications are Coastal Zone Management Program, and Parish and to search for a potential site. muddied by presidential statements such as, the State Land Office to give public SCR 167 BAYOU“We should not allow [environmental] cod- notice prior to any navigable waterway MANCHAC/FOUNTAIN FLOODING icils to destroy the spirit of free trade.” As a being gated or barricaded; further autho- Creates a task force to study the feasibili- result, there is considerable uncertainty rizes these agencies/programs to require ty of alleviating flooding in the Bayou about how far the administration intends to that public notice be given prior to the Manchac/Fountain area. go toward ensuring that trade and environ- closure of a waterway or access to waters SR 44 VINYL ment proceed hand-in-hand. traditionally used by the public. CHLORIDE/PLAQUEMINE Same as Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 41 Water Legislation More Than “Just Another Study”

by Randy Lanctot The Senate passed SB 965 without making procedures of the Administrative objection after rejecting and adopting numer- Procedures Act, to permit and regulate Much of the “buzz” at the start of the ous amendments during floor debate. The ground water withdrawals for all wells draw- 2001 Regular Session of the Louisiana measure then moved through the rest of the ing from an aquifer if current or proposed Legislature last March was about water supply process quite uneventfully. Governor Foster withdrawals make the overall withdrawal rate and the several bills filed to establish a state signed SB 965 on June 19th making it Act unsustainable. water policy and management program. 446 of the 2001 Regular Session. It will take a while for the Ground Water Provoked by a continuing drought, depletion Some legislators suggested that the bill Management Commission to get organized, of some of the state’s major aquifers, and pro- had no “teeth”, that it was just another study, establish its procedures for operation, deter- posals to pump even more water for power and that it would not address the immediate mine the status of aquifers and where the generation, the issue had the public’s and leg- concerns with current and proposed unsus- “critical groundwater areas” are, and promul- islators’ attention. Governor Foster appoint- tainable uses of ground water. True, the legis- gate rules for permitting withdrawals in such ed a water policy study task force on the heels lation does not specifically halt withdrawals or areas. But it’s the intent of all involved to of a public information and outreach cam- prohibit any proposed uses. It does, however, expedite the process.

Details of Act 446 A 15-member Ground Water Management Commission (GWMC) is established in the governor’s office with the following persons (or their designees) represented — the governor serving as chair; the director of the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry; the secretaries of the following departments: Economic Development, Environmental Quality, Health and Hospitals, Natural Resources, Transportation and Development, Wildlife and Fisheries; one member appointed by the governor from three nominees submitted by the Police Jury Association; one member appointed by the Irrigation is a major use of ground water in Louisiana. governor from 3 nominees submitted by the Louisiana Municipal Association; one farmer from the Chicot aquifer region appointed by paign by the Senate and House Environment establish a foundation upon which to build the governor from 3 nominees submitted by Committees that was spurred by Senators an effective water conservation and manage- the Louisiana Farm Bureau; one member Cain and Hoyt and Representative Damico. ment program for the state. It is by no means appointed by the governor from 3 nominees The task force issued its findings and recom- “just another study”, and here’s why. submitted by the Sparta Groundwater mendations a few weeks before the Legislature Prior to Act 446, the state had no Conservation District Board of convened, and several bills were filed propos- authority to regulate and permit ground Commissioners; one member appointed by ing various water policy and management water withdrawals. Anyone with legal owner- the governor from 3 nominees submitted by strategies. ship of or access to the surface of land or the board of commissioners of the Capital There were some initial fireworks as water bottom could drill a water well and Area Groundwater District; and one member three Senate bills vied to be the primary leg- pump as much water as they wanted for most appointed by the governor who is a geologist islative vehicle. The bill that emerged from any purpose. Wells were required to be regis- or an engineer with expertise in ground water the Senate Environment Committee was the tered with the Office of Public Works in resource management. one that most closely tracked the recommen- DOTD, but that was the extent of the state’s Beginning July 1, 2001, the prospective dations of the water policy task force, Senate function in the management of ground water owners of all new water wells, that are not Bill (SB) 965 by Senator Hoyt. A similar bill use. With Act 446 in place, new water wells replacement wells or domestic wells, are was filed in the House by water policy task (exclusive of domestic supply wells) are required to submit information about the force member, Rep. William Daniel. Is was required to file for registration 60 days prior proposed well to the commissioner of conser- passed by the House Environment to development of the well and provide essen- vation 60 days prior to drilling the well. Committee, and when it came up on the tial information concerning well location and Information must include the ownership of House floor, Rep. Daniel returned his bill to capacity. It also creates a Ground Water the well, name of the driller, latitude and lon- the calendar to await the outcome of the Management Commission with the authority gitude of the well location, the well’s depth Senate legislation. to establish regulations, following the rule- and capacity, and any other information Page 42 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 required by the commissioner. The GWMC is required to determine HAVE YOUR OWN CAMP IN “critical ground water areas” in the state, HAVE YOUR OWN CAMP IN defined as an area where the sustainability of an aquifer is not being maintained under cur- VENICE, LA !!! rent or projected uses. “Sustainability” is defined as the use of ground water in a man- http://www.rodnreel.com/buraspointe/ ner that can be maintained for the present and future time without causing unaccept- mailto:[email protected] able environmental, economic, social or health consequences. The GWMC is required to promulgate rules to preserve and manage the ground water in critical areas Buras including permitting of wells, limitations on withdrawals, and restrictions on well depth and spacing. The highest priority is given to human consumption and public health and APARTMENTS AND BOAT SHEDS safety if limitations on use are necessary in 1-800-531-3687 critical ground water areas, and in emergency www.rodnreel.com/buraspointe situations. For other uses, the law gives the GWMC guidance on allocation. The law APARTMENT-BOAT SHED COMBINATIONS also gives the GWMC guidance on regula- The Buras Pointe provides the best of all worlds for the fishermen and hunters tions for permitting, including consideration of the Venice/Buras area. It's like having a home away from home, or a camp of well capacity, geographical location, well without the hastle. Share fishing and hunting secrets with your neighbors. depth, water use and potential impact to sustainability of the aquifer or aquifer system. • OVERSIZED BOAT SHEDS (14’ X 35’ X 12’ high) Act 446 further establishes a 49-member • APARTMENTS & ROOMS (Various Sizes) Ground Water Management Advisory Task (12 month leases) Force to assist the GWMC and to recom- • YEAR ROUND LEASING mend a comprehensive water management • UTILITIES INCLUDED (Gas, water, electric, 65 channel cable, sewer & garbage) system for the state prior to January 2003. It • SECURED, WELL LIGHTED, ENCLOSED FACILITY specifies an array of issues, including conser- • EASY ACCESS TO FISHING & HUNTING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. vation, education, mitigation, alternatives, • LESS THAN 15 MILES FROM 10 OR MORE BOAT LAUNCHES. recycling, surface water management, etc. for the task force to consider in developing its • COMMON AREA FOR COOKING, FISH FRYS, WASHING CLOTHES, AND PICNICING. recommendation. The GWMC sunsets on July 1, 2003 with the expectation that the For your convenience we have a fish Legislature may adopt another structure, cleaning and disposal facility on based on the recommendations of the task location. You can pull your boat right force, for managing the state’s water supply. next to the cleaning shed. So, what does all of this have to do with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and your interest in the outdoors and our fish and wildlife resources? Admittedly a response to growing public concern about the quality of our water supply and its sustainable use, Act 446 is still a proactive initiative that will prevent crisis-driven water use restrictions and help to avoid depletion of surface water resources so that the water levels and river discharges necessary for fish and wildlife to thrive can be maintained. And, every now and then, don’t we all enjoy a long, cool drink 34442 Highway 11 of water (and a hot shower), too? Buras, Louisiana 70041 1-800-531-3687 •

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 43 GrowingFUTURE a FORESTFOREST For a growing future

At Boise Cascade we understand

the business of growing trees. We

manage about 700,000 acres of

timberland in Louisiana. We think

of it as our farm where we harvest

the renewable resource of trees

–trees that are used to produce

the lumber and paper products

that build our homes and offices,

feed our printers and presses and

grow our economy.

Through modern forest

management practices, the

timberland at Boise Cascade

thrives, along with the local

community. We understand the future is growth, much like the Boise Cascade // trees we manage. (337) 462-4300 • http: www.bc.com

PRODUCTS YOU USE... FROM THE ENVIRONMENT WE PROTECT

Page44Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 TIBBY SEZ a member of the Baton Rouge Sportsmen’s repair it myself, but the arthritis wouldn’t let Ole Tibby League and a former fishing buddy. He was me pull the connections apart in order to retired from the Department of check them. So, I took the truck and boat to Environmental Quality. Central Car Care nearby. Lynn Doss there We are fortunate to have a granddaugh- repaired them and the gas gauge that also ter in school in Madison, Wisconsin, who is was not working. When I picked it up, I interested in wild animal protection and asked Lynn what the cost was. Can you whatever habitat is necessary for their sur- imagine, he said, “Nothing, Mr. vival. Needless to say, I am tres intre (very Thibodeaux.” I could not believe my ears. interested) in helping her out. This Ole So, Tuesday morning we left for the Ecriteur already sent her an envelope full of fishing trip. Lo and behold, the trolling articles from LWF and the LA Department motor nut was loose. As I took it off to clean of Wildlife & Fisheries that will help her. out the moss and part of a trot line, I She called and was thankfully amazed. dropped the nut that holds the propeller on. It was bad enough that Erna and me Don’t you know, Tibby busted some buttons So we had to run the outboard to a group of missed the LWF convention at Toledo Bend in his front shirt! My grandson Trent is very stumps, drop anchor and fish, which was this year, but when I read the last issue of the interested in deer hunting and doing what- very inconvenient. Another boat with 2 nice magazine regarding the convention, all the ever it takes to increase the environment for gentlemen had an extra nut to give us to fix resolutions, the wonderful people whom are the deer. His dad, Ronnie, said to me, “Dad, the trolling motor. We were again very dedicated to conservation, the award win- he is a carbon copy of you; he has to go in thankful. They would not accept payment ners, Mark Van Putten and all other NWF the out of doors.” for the nut. Merci beaucoup to them. We representatives being there, Ole Ecriteur Some time when we venture into the failed to ask them their names. All we found almost had a stroke, being regretful for not out of doors, things will happen to ruin the out was that they were from Brusly, near being there. CONGRATULATIONS TO trip. home. ALL THE RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS May 21st I serviced my boat for a fish- On our way home after we had caught FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WELL ing trip to Bayou Pidgeon, taking Vernon 36 fish (one was a catfish, some were sac-a- DESERVED. Dennis with me, a friend and past co-work- laits, the other were bluegills – nice ones) My condolences to the family of Robert ing buddy. The left signal light did not work the truck began to fail to go forward from J. Stelly who died on June 9th. Robert was on the boat trailer and the truck. I was to stop in drive. I had to start in first then shift into drive. Finally it failed to go in any gears. I walked to the nearest house to ask them to use their phone. My cell phone failed to work. This was Mr. Michilli’s home and he allowed me to use his phone to call my wife, Erna. He interrupted me saying, “I have some transmission fluid. Let’s try adding fluid.” The transmission was empty. After trying that failure, he took Vernon to my home to get his vehicle to tow the boat, then the truck to my home. To top it off, we offered Mr. Michilli to pay him for the 8 quarts of fluid he had given us to put in the transmission and for driving Vernon to my home. You guessed it, he refused to take payment for anything. We thanked him a million times. While I stayed with the truck as Vernon went home with the boat, 2 different ladies who lived across the Greenwell Springs Road where we were stranded came by, so, after all the mal chance we had, we were finally having some luck.

Bon Peche,

Tibby’s big bass! On a visit to the Booker Fowler state fish hatchery, where LWF held its spring board meeting, Tibby poses with the state record bass (15.97 lbs) taken by Greg Wiggins in Caney Lake in February 1994. Hard Luck Tibby

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 45 My Yard my neighbors’ carefully manicured lots. I Editor’s Note: This is the third eagerly stepped behind the mower and article in an extended series describing what with a loud roar took off amidst the smells people do to make their yards attractive to of gasoline and burned hydrocarbons; just wildlife and interesting, educational places to imagine what it meant to the ozone layer enjoy the outdoors. This installment of the and the wildlife! Two exhausting hours series takes a little “twist” in that it’s told by later and drenched in sweat, I collapsed on the gardener himself and describes a garden- the porch and swore I’d never do that ing adventure in the extreme northern part of again. That’s the moment, five years ago, the South. I’m not talking about Shreveport that my own backyard habitat got started. – Virginia is the venue for Doug Inkley’s I never again mowed half the yard, backyard habitat. We invite you to send us instead letting in grow wild into old field your own “backyard” stories along with pho- habitat. I gave nature a helping hand by tos of your successes to share with readers of planting pines for cover and oaks for mast, Louisiana WILDLIFE Federation magazine. but they are still very small. Nevertheless, the change is readily evident. Last week Home Is Where The Habitat Is my neighbor told me that in the mornings Photographs and story by Doug Inkley my yard “sounds like a menagerie; it’s wonderful.” It always seemed so far away. This week the rufous-sided towhees Despite my training as a wildlife biol- In the fall, milkweed takes advantage of the wind to are in, the white-throated sparrows are still spread its seeds. ogist and my often repeated day dreams of singing their spring song, and the northern creating wildlife habitat in my own back- reason. Obstacles a-plenty. orioles and indigo buntings have returned. yard, it was a long time coming. It wasn’t Finally, the excuses ran out and the Both Carolina wrens and house wrens are opportunity presented itself. Laziness making a loud racket and nesting. helped. It started when I at long last was The success I was having inspired me able to purchase a home. My “dream to take the next plunge and install a couple house” was truly exciting ... a decent small backyard pools. Although it was house, nice big lawn and good neighbors. strenuous work, the process of designing I thought I had it all. and creating these pools was great fun. Several weeks after helping my bank Rock edges now hide the pond liner and assume ownership the lawn was looking frogs sit on the floating log. I listen to the decidedly shaggy, especially compared to frogs calling as I fall to sleep at night. In

Common milkweed is a prairie plant that attracts monarchs and other butterflies. just laziness; the complexities and challenges of life always kept me busy. Working long hours was a perennial excuse. Facing the undesirable mid-life crisis of a divorce was an unwanted excuse, but nevertheless had to be dealt with. And The pond takes shape. After the hole is dug, the liner is given a test fit. not owning my own home was a darn good

Page 46 Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001 the early morning they make flying leaps at the flies buzzing by. The flag iris are about to bloom and I love picking a spearmint leaf and chewing on it. A couple buckets of water scooped from a nearby pond brought wondrous little creatures to my pools. The water striders chase each other, occasionally jumping instead of gliding across the surface. The water boatmen paddle quickly beneath the surface and I’ve even seen adult dragonflies go whizzing by. The tadpoles are getting larger but I still can’t see any legs growing. My backyard habitat hasn’t been without a little challenge or two along the way. Occasionally a recently purchased plant won’t survive. I also once made the mistake of leaving the grill outside after a bar- becue. Then, I couldn’t use it for three to four weeks when a house wren quickly built its nest in the ashes and proceeded to raise its young. Now I put it away after each use! I also learned never to tell the neigh- A frog finds Doug’s pond “A - OK”. bors when I see a snake. Last year they killed a 12-inch baby black rat snake that The day dreams of creating my own life crises just doesn’t seem very important wasn’t even a quarter inch in diameter, backyard habitat have finally come true. any more. fearing that it was a copperhead. It must Not just enjoying it, but also making it, It is indeed a backyard wildlife habi- have been awfully ferocious looking! They has been an adventure. Sitting on the tat. It is also so much more. think all snakes are either copperheads or wooden bench, instead of mowing is a rattlesnakes! much better option. I can hear the blue- The greatest fun has been in attracting birds sing and watch as the frogs wait bluebirds. This week I discovered that I silently for their unsuspecting prey. have not one, but two bluebird pairs using Somehow, as I take all this in, the long the nest boxes I put up. And they spend a hours of work are forgotten and the mid- lot of time in the old field habitat.

A blanket of snow graces Doug Inkley’s habitat – an element Louisiana gardeners rarely see.

Doug Inkley, Ph. D is Senior Scientist and Assistant to the National Wildlife Federation President. Last year Doug had his backyard habitat certified as a part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. Certification information is available at:

http://www.nwf.org or by writing to: Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program, National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362. - ed.

Voila! All that hard work paid off – a pond full of lively “critters” adds diversity to the backyard habitat.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Summer 2001, Page 47 mailto:[email protected]