LOUISIANA

NEWS FROM THE LA. DEPT. OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
The Public Information Section of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for the distribution of LDWF news releases and the department's biweekly newsletter.

2008-186 (June 25, 2008)

SHRIMP SEASON TO CLOSE IN REMAINDER OF ZONE 2

The 2008 spring inshore shrimp season in the remainder of Shrimp Management Zone 2 extending from the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island as delineated by the Channel red buoy line westward to the western shore of Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island and from the western shore of Bayou Lafourche eastward to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River will close on Monday, June 30, at 6 a.m.

Effective with this closure, all of Zone 2 will be closed to shrimping. Zones 1 and 3 will remain open until further notice. State territorial waters south of the Inside/Outside shrimp line, as described in Louisiana R.S.56:495, will also remain open to shrimping.

Zone 1 includes state waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River. Zone 3 includes state waters from the western shore of Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island to the Louisiana/Texas state line.

The closure was announced today by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham and was based on recommendations made by LDWF Marine Fisheries Division biologists.

The number, distribution and percentage of small juvenile white shrimp within the area to be closed have progressively increased in recent weeks. Analysis of current LDWF shrimp trawl sampling data indicates substantial white shrimp population increases this week and these additional waters are being closed to protect these developing shrimp.

Paul Cook, Biologist Manager who supervises LDWF Marine Fisheries Division operations in the Vermilion/Atchafalaya Bay complex, noted that high Mississippi and Atchafalaya River discharge rates have influenced both water temperature and salinity levels leading up to the spring shrimp season which caused quite a bit of anxiety among the shrimping industry. Despite cooler water temperatures and extremely fresh water conditions seen at the season's opening, shrimp fishermen have harvested approximately 8.6 million of pounds of shrimp in May (all species combined/heads-off weight) according to preliminary data developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

2008-181 (June 24, 2008)

GRASS CARP PROTECTION IN A RESTRICTED AREA NOW IN EFFECT

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding the public that the take and possession of grass carp and the use of gill and trammel nets in a restricted area of Avoyelles Parish where the department has stocked grass carp for aquatic weed control is prohibited.  This new rule went into effect on May 20 

The grass carp restricted area in Avoyelles Parish includes the Spring Bayou Complex that includes the Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Old River and Little River

The purpose of this new rule is to help protect the 11,000 grass carp purchased by the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury and recently stocked into the Spring Bayou Complex to help control hydrilla, which covers about 80 percent of the complex’s waterways. 

Grass carp have shown to be an effective nuisance aquatic weed control method on certain types of water bodies.

2008-185 (June 24, 2008)

GOVERNOR SIGNS TWO HUNTING-RELATED ACTS INTO LAW

The Louisiana legislature passed and Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed two hunting-related acts into law during the 2008 session that authorize the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to change several guidelines in the upcoming seasonal hunting regulations.

Act 22 changes the age requirements for all youth hunts to reflect 17 years of age and younger, which is a two-year increase from the previous 15 years of age and younger rule.  Act 51 allows the use of crossbows during archery season for all licensed hunters and changes the wording from muzzleloader season to primitive firearms season in the hunting regulations.  Both of these acts were already pre-approved by the commission and their provisions will be added to the 2008-09 hunting regulations.

“The department and commission are always looking for ways to make hunting more accessible for the state’s youth and adults to keep the Louisiana hunting heritage alive,” said Jimmy Anthony, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) assistant secretary.  “Act 22 allows two more years for the youth of this state to hunt during our many special youth hunt weekends.  Act 51 gives the hunter more options on how they would like to hunt.  We would like to say thank you to the legislature and the governor for getting these two acts signed into law.”

The new 17 or younger age requirement will go into effect this upcoming hunting season and will include all special youth deer, duck, squirrel and dove hunts and other approved youth hunts.  This does not apply, however, to the special early season youth waterfowl hunt allowed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the regular season opening in each zone. 

Each youth must be accompanied by one adult, 18 years of age or older, for all youth hunts.  Youths 16 years of age and older must possess a hunter safety certification or proof of completion of a hunter safety course, and a valid hunting license.  For hunters 15 years of age and younger, the accompanying adult must have hunter safety certification, a valid hunting license or proof of completion of a hunter safety course.  Adults may not possess a firearm, and youths may possess only one firearm while hunting.  The supervising adult shall maintain visual and voice contact with the youth at all times and may supervise only one youth during the youth hunt. 

The regulations for bow and arrow regulations will now read: Longbow, compound bow and crossbow or any bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means will be a legal means of take for all properly licensed hunters.

Legal primitive firearms for primitive firearm season include rifles or pistols with a .44 caliber minimum, or 10-gauge or smaller shotguns, all of which must load exclusively from the muzzle or cap and ball cylinder, use black powder or approved substitute only, take ball or bullet projectiles only, including saboted bullets, and muzzleloaders known as “inline” muzzleloaders.  Single shot breech loading rifles that are .38 caliber or larger manufactured prior to 1900 and replicas, reproductions or reintroductions having an exposed hammer that uses metallic cartridges loaded either with black powder or modern smokeless powder are also classified as primitive firearms.  All approved primitive firearms may be fitted with magnified scopes.

In addition to the required Basic and Big Game hunting licenses, a Bow license is required for the taking of deer during the archery season with a longbow, compound bow or crossbow.  A Primitive Firearm license, formerly sold as a Muzzleloader license, is required for the taking of deer during the primitive firearm season in addition to the required Basic and Big Game hunting licenses. During the still hunt and with-or-without dogs segments of the (conventional firearms) deer season, the Primitive Firearm license is not required.

2008-178 (June 20, 2008)

FISHING ON IATT LAKE WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL JULY 7

Iatt Lake in Grant Parish, which is currently undergoing a drawdown to reduce the infestation of aquatic plants, will remain open to fishing until July 7.To diminish the possibility of over fishing the lake during the drawdown, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), at its June 5 meeting, decided to temporarily close Iatt Lake to all fishing effective June 9.Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) Inland Fisheries Division had anticipated that the water levels would have reached the drawdown stage by June 9.  However, due to rain events and a problem with one of the lake’s drawdown gates, water levels still have not reached the drawdown stage.  Therefore, LDWF has decided to delay enforcement of the Iatt Lake closure until July 7, at which time the closure enacted by the LWFC shall be in full effect.

2008-176 (June 19, 2008)

SHRIMP SEASON TO CLOSE IN PORTION OF ZONE 2

The 2008 spring inshore shrimp season in a portion of Shrimp Management Zone 2 extending from the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island as delineated by the Channel red buoy line to the western shore of Bayou Lafourche will close on Tuesday, June 24, at 6 a.m.  The remaining portions of Zone 2 west of the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel at Eugene Island and east of Bayou Lafourche and all of Zones 1 and 3 will remain open until further notice.  State territorial waters south of the Inside/Outside shrimp line, as described in Louisiana R.S.56:495, will also remain open to shrimping.  Zone 1 includes state waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River and Zone 3 includes state waters from the western shore of Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island to the Louisiana/Texas state line.The closure was announced today by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham and was based on recommendations made by LDWF Marine Fisheries Division biologists.The number, distribution and percentage of small juvenile white shrimp within the area to be closed have progressively increased in recent weeks.  Analysis of current LDWF shrimp trawl sampling data indicates substantial white shrimp population increases this week and these waters are being closed to protect these developing shrimp.

2008-177 (June 19, 2008)

COMMERCIAL FISHING FOR LARGE COASTAL SHARKS TO REMAIN CLOSED
IN LOUISIANA WATERS

Commercial fishing for large coastal sharks, as defined by Louisiana rule (L.A.C. 76:VII.357), will remain closed in Louisiana waters until 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009.  The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will consider the potential for modifying rules for commercial harvest of these species in Louisiana state waters after the promulgation of rules in adjacent federal waters.  The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has closed the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico until Amendment 2 of the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan is adopted by NMFS.  Louisiana has a continuing closed season for harvest of all sharks in state waters for the months of April through June.  This closure would extend that closure, to allow time for the promulgation of rules in federal waters adjacent to Louisiana state waters, and for the commission to consider modification of existing rules in Louisiana state waters.During the closed season, all commercial harvest, possession, purchase, exchange, barter, trade, sale or attempt to purchase, exchange, barter, trade or sell large coastal sharks or their fins is prohibited.The large coastal shark group is composed of the great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, nurse shark, blacktip shark, bull shark, lemon shark, sandbar shark, silky shark, spinner shark and tiger shark.The small coastal shark and the pelagic shark seasons will open on July 1.  The small coastal shark group is composed of the Bonnethead shark, Atlantic sharpnose shark, blacknose shark and finetooth shark.  The pelagic shark group is composed of the porbeagle shark, shortfin mako, blue shark, oceanic whitetip shark and thresher shark.There is no allowable harvest at any time for all prohibited species, which include Basking shark, white shark, bigeye sand tiger, sand tiger, whale shark, smalltooth sawfish, largetooth sawfish, Atlantic angel shark, Caribbean sharpnose shark, smalltail shark, bignose shark, Caribbean reef shark, dusky shark, Galapagos shark, narrowtooth shark, night shark, bigeye sixgill shark, bigeye thresher shark, longfin mako, sevengill shark and sixgill shark.The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham under the authority given to the Secretary of the Department by the commission in its rule LAC 76:VII.357.M.2 which allows the secretary to declare a closed season.  Secretary Barham acted upon a request from the NMFS to enact compatible regulations in Louisiana state waters until the NMFS finalizes new rules for harvest of large coastal sharks in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.  It is not certain when the rules for harvest of large coastal sharks will be finalized, so additional seasonal closures may be required to maintain compatible regulations with federal waters until the rules are established for Amendment 2.

2008-175 (June 17, 2008)

L.D.W.F. COMPLETES OYSTER REEF REHABILITATION PROJECT IN HACKBERRY BAY

Approximately 50 acres of the Hackberry Bay Public Oyster Seed Reservation in Lafourche and Jefferson Parishes were recently rehabilitated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Marine Fisheries Division as part of a federally-funded oyster ground rehabilitation effort.  The process involved placing cultch material (limestone, crushed concrete, oyster shell) on the water bottoms to provide a suitable substrate for larval oyster attachment.  This effort is the latest in a long line of oyster reef building/rehabilitation projects (also known as cultch planting) performed by LDWF in various years dating back to the early 1900s.  Including this project, LDWF has placed over 1.5 million cubic yards of cultch material on nearly 30,000 acres of water bottoms within Louisiana’s public oyster areas since 1917.The Hackberry Bay oyster rehabilitation project took place from May 20 to May 25, 2008.  A total of 10,000 cubic yards of cultch material were placed with approximately 75 percent consisting of size #57 limestone rock (approximately 1.5 inches across widest diameter), approximately 15 percent consisting of crushed concrete, and approximately 10 percent clean oyster shells.  The contractor utilized high-pressure water spray and a clam bucket to spread a thin layer of cultch material on water bottoms.  This project is expected to result in harvestable quantities of marketable size oysters (3 inches) within 24 months post-project.  Similar projects in past years have yielded benefit-cost ratios from 2:1 to as much as 20:1.The project was funded through a congressional appropriation of federal hurricane-related fisheries disaster monies for oyster ground rehabilitation and was part of $53 million in fisheries resource recovery funds passed to LDWF by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC).

2008-173 (June 17, 2008)

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2008 BAYOU PIERRE W.M.A. LOTTERY DOVE HUNT

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is now accepting applications for the 2008 Bayou Pierre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lottery dove hunts scheduled for the first Saturday of the September 2008 dove season. The deadline for returning the applications to the address listed on the application is July 8, 2008.  The opening day hunt will be limited to 75 hunters who will be selected by random drawing.  Dove hunters wanting to apply for the drawing can obtain an application from any regional office of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or the department Web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/regulations/wma/lotteryhunts.A $5 nonrefundable administrative fee will be charged for each applicant, regardless of age. Applications must be accompanied by a check or money order made payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  Hunters may apply individually or as a group with no more than five applications per group.  Group applications should be stapled together and will be drawn as a group.  All successful applicants will be notified by mail.  Bayou Pierre WMA is located in Red River and Desoto Parishes approximately 20 miles south of Shreveport.  The WMA encompasses 2,212 acres with approximately 100 acres managed for doves.  For additional information, contact Steve Hebert at 318-371-3050 or shebert@wlf.louisiana.gov.

2008-171 (June 10, 2008)

GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL DISCUSSES COASTAL RESTORATION AND HURRICANE PROTECTION INITIATIVES

Today, Governor Bobby Jindal, Department of Transportation and Development Secretary William Ankner, Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham, and Coastal Activities Director Garret Graves discussed the use of the twin spans for coastal restoration and hurricane protection efforts during a press conference at the University of New Orleans Alumni Center in New Orleans.Governor Bobby Jindal said, “Using material from the twin span bridges to build reefs like these is a first in Louisiana.  In the past, limestone has been shipped in from out of state, but this historic project uses material already on hand and reduces the cost of building this valuable habitat.  The remaining material from building this reef will be used for a variety of coastal protection and restoration projects, which will also provide additional protection to our levees.  This is an incredible joint effort and it proves what we can do when we apply all of our collective resources to our common priority of supporting our wildlife and fisheries and further aiding our vitally important coastal restoration efforts.”LDWF Secretary Robert Barham said, “This project illustrates what governmental and non-governmental entities can accomplish in a cooperative effort to benefit the public.” The Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana, in partnership with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and NOAA Office of Coast Survey proposes construction of two inshore artificial reefs in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana.  The reefs are to be constructed of bridge rubble, will provide hard-bottom habitat and will be between one and two acres in size.  The reefs will be located in Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain at selected sites between the Interstate 10 and Highway 11 bridges.Construction of the new reefs are scheduled for spring 2009 in Lake Pontchartrain.  In the inshore coastal areas, this program had traditionally used crushed limestone to construct low-relief “shell-pad” type structures to enhance habitats and fisheries resources.  This project proposes to utilize bridge rubble to demonstrate the use of alternate materials for habitat and fishery benefits. The reefs will be constructed of rubble from the demolition of two 500 foot spans of the Interstate 10 Lake Pontchartrain Bridge.  The concrete will be removed by Boh Brothers Construction onto barges and broken into smaller dimensions.  The concrete material will be transported to the permitted and marked sites and placed on the lake bottom.Reef materials will be placed in two sites, each one-acre in size but bounded by a permitted area (each) of two acres.  The locations of the two reefs will be in the 3,200 acre section between the I-10 twin spans and the Highway 11 bridge near the St. Tammany and Orleans parish line.  The locations will be in the no trawl zone that prohibits any commercial trawling in the area.  The locations are absent of any other commercial fishing.  The locations will be marked as required by U.S. Coast Guard regulations.DOTD Secretary Bill Ankner has established a selection team to review proposals for the use of the remaining twinspans.  The selection team will coordinate their recommendations with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to maximize protection for south Louisiana.  DOTD has already committed to using outdated concrete road barriers from across the state as breakwaters to protect shorelines along Lake Pontchartrain from high wave action and storm surges. DOTD is currently examining eight project proposals from: Coastal Conservation Association-Louisiana, Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission, Lake Catherine Civic Association, Inc., Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, District 02, St. Tammany Parish Office of Parish President, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.This project provides site accessibility to a large component of Louisiana’s population from numerous boat launches and marinas.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will manage the Lake Pontchartrain Reefs as part of its Artificial Reef Program.  The location of the reefs will be disseminated on the LDWF Web site at www.wlf.state.la.us and CCA’s Web site at www.CCALouisiana.com.The Lake Pontchartrain Estuarine Basin has long sustained a critical habitat supporting extensive recreational and commercial fisheries.  Due to shell dredging and urban runoff along with accompanying increases in salinity, the benthic ecosystems have become severely degraded through the lake.  At one time numerous shell reefs composed of living and relic reef shell were prevalent throughout the lake and provided hard substrates for benthic colonization.  It is well known that these reefs have provided critical habitat for a number of estuarine species, including such important sport fish species as spotted seatrout, red drum and southern flounder.

2008-167 (June 10, 2008)

L.D.W.F TO FEATURE CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER FOR 2009 DUCK STAMP COMPETITION

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that the Chesapeake Bay retriever will be featured in the “Retrievers Save Game” series for the 2009 Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp, or Louisiana Duck Stamp competition.The Chesapeake Bay retriever must be prominent in the design, and each entry must also include live waterfowl selected by the artist.  Artists may also choose to include harvested waterfowl, duck decoys, hunting scenes and other backgrounds along with wetland habitats.After 16 years of featuring waterfowl, the program switched to the retriever's series four years ago, because all of the popular waterfowl species had already been used.  “Instead of repeating one of the previously used ducks or geese, we decided on this new approach,” said Robert Helm, LDWF waterfowl program manager.  “We were encouraged by last year’s participation in the retriever series and look forward to additional entries this year.” Chesapeake Bay retrievers were developed to hunt waterfowl under the most adverse weather and water conditions, often having to break ice during the course of retrieves.  They are powerfully built animals with moderate size.  The Chesapeake’s skull is broad and round with jaws of sufficient length and strength to carry large game birds.  They wear a double-coat consisting of a short wavy outer coat containing an abundance of natural oils ideally suited to meet the harsh conditions of the Chesapeake Bay marshes.In the winter of 1807 an English ship with two Newfoundland dogs on board wrecked off the coast of Maryland.  Everyone was saved and the two dogs were given to a family of dog lovers.  They were later bred with local retrievers and became the new breed that was first used for hunting in the Chesapeake Bay.  “Careful breeding over the years has created an outstanding retriever with incredible enthusiasm and endurance,” said Helm.  “Retrievers are very popular among Louisiana sportsmen and we think that some people who might not be attracted to the more traditional duck stamp art might consider purchasing a print featuring this dog.”  The Louisiana Legislature authorized the Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp program in 1988.  The program was created to generate revenues for conservation and enhancement of waterfowl populations and habitats in Louisiana.  During the last 19 years, more than $9 million has been generated for wetland conservation with approximately $5 million spent on land acquisition.  In addition, revenues have supported the Louisiana Waterfowl Project, a cooperative endeavor between LDWF, Ducks Unlimited and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds on private lands.Entries for the competition will be accepted from Oct. 13 to Oct. 20.  To enter, an artist must submit an original, unpublished work of art, along with a signed and notarized artist’s agreement and a $50 entry fee.  Entries should be addressed to Robert Helm, Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Program, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, or P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.Judging for the art competition will be based on the following criteria: 1. Accuracy of form, size, proportion, color and posture.
2. Level and accuracy of detail in all aspects of the anatomy of both the retriever
    and waterfowl.
3. Appropriateness, accuracy and detail in depiction of the habitat.
4. Attractiveness and creativity in composition, subject, background and lighting.
5. Suitability for reproduction as stamps and prints. A panel of judges with experience in waterfowl biology and/or artistic method will select the winning design. Judging will take place on Oct. 22, at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge.The competition is open to all artists 18 years of age and older. Employees of LDWF and members of their immediate families are ineligible.

2008-168 (June 10, 2008)

GAS SAVING TIPS FOR BOATERS

Summer boating season is in full force in Louisiana and many recreational boaters are starting to feel the pinch of high fuel prices.  The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) has a few tips that could help boaters stretch their fuel dollars and keep the fun on the water going all summer long. Leave the extra 'junk' home: Don't load the boat up with weight you don't need. Do a little spring cleaning - unused equipment that has been collecting mildew in the bottom of lockers for years should be left at home. Fuel weight: Why keep the fuel in the tank topped off if you're only going out for the afternoon?  If you know for certain that you will not be using a full tank of gas, then don’t top off your gas tank.  This will also help keep the fuel fresher for those who don’t get on the water much.Tune her up: An engine tune-up is an excellent investment and should easily pay for itself over the summer. Tune your prop: If your boat goes 30 mph with a like-new prop and only 27 mph with a prop that's dinged and out of pitch, that's a 10 percent loss in fuel economy, or, you're wasting one out of every 10 gallons you put in your tank.Paint the boat's bottom: When boating in salt or brackish waters a fouled bottom is like a dull knife.  It takes a lot more fuel to push your boat through the water. Keep the boat in trim: Using trim tabs or distributing weight evenly will help move your boat through the water with less effort - and less fuel. Go with the flow: Consult tide tables and try to travel with the tide whenever possible. Install a fuel flow meter: A fuel flow meter is like a heart monitor; when consumption starts to rise, it's an early warning that something is amiss. A fuel flow meter also allows you to select a comfortable cruising speed that optimizes the amount of fuel being consumed. Do the math: If you don't want to spring for a fuel flow meter (about $300), you can calculate your fuel mileage by dividing distance traveled by gallons at fill-up. Using your logbook, you can then approximate fuel flow using average speeds and time underway.For information on boating safety or for information on a boating education course visit our Web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov.  For more information on BoatU.S. visit www.boatus.com. 

2008-166 (June 10, 2008)

L.W.F.C. ISSUES FUNDING TO DELTA WATERFOWL AND DUCKS UNLIMITED FOR MIGRATORY WATERFOWL CONSERVATION

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission decided to fund both Delta Waterfowl and Ducks Unlimited (DU) in their efforts to help supply Louisiana with more migratory birds from the north at their June 5 meeting.The commission voted to evenly split the statutorily dedicated funds among the two organizations.  The funds being awarded to Delta Waterfowl and DU are generated from Louisiana hunting license sales.  Based on last year’s funding levels, each group is projected to receive approximately $150,000 per year for two years.Ducks Unlimited will utilize their money on southern Saskatchewan breeding areas for wetland and grassland easements, wetland restoration, land purchase, conversion of grain agriculture to pasture forage, expansion of winter wheat acreage, and management of acreage already under conservation agreements. 

Delta Waterfowl proposed using their money for predator management in North Dakota, wetland/grassland easements via their Adopt-a-Pothole program in southwest Manitoba, and support for their Alternative Land Use Services program, which pays landowners to maintain or develop habitat of value to breeding ducks in Canada.  However, the commission stipulated that funds provided to Delta couldn’t be used for predator management.

2008-165 (June 12, 2008)

FISHING ON IATT LAKE WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL JUNE 23

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), at its June 5 meeting,
decided to temporarily close Iatt Lake to all fishing, effective June 9, in anticipation of lower water levels in the lake due to a recent drawdown.Water levels have not fallen as far as anticipated, in part due to recent rains, however.  Therefore, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has decided to delay enforcement of the closure until June 23, at which time the closure enacted by the LWFC shall be in full force and effect.

2008-160 (June 5, 2008)

L.D.W.F. ACQUIRES 7,200 ACRES WITHIN JOYCE WMA

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), with funding assistance from several conservation partners, today announced the purchase of more than 7,200 acres within the boundaries of the Joyce Wildlife Management Area (WMA) from The Conservation Fund (TCF). “The conservation and restoration of our state’s coastal wetlands, like those found around Lake Pontchartrain, are of utmost importance and these vital resources must be protected for generations to come,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “Our partners are to be commended for making this happen.”The nearly $2.2 million purchase was finalized during a ceremony at the June 5 Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) meeting.  The land, formerly known as the Octavia tract in Tangipahoa Parish, had previously been leased from TCF.“Coastal wetlands not only protect fragile ecosystems, but also provide important public recreation opportunities,” said Ray Herndon, TCF’s director of the lower Mississippi region.  “This effort is a testament to the power of partnerships. It proves that all sectors – governmental, corporate and non-profit – can work together to achieve great outcomes.  We commend all the parties involved, especially the members of Octavia Partners, for their commitment to this effort and their willingness to enable this important project.”The funding sources making the purchase possible include a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant ($1.67 million), a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant ($392,000) and $100,000 from LDWF’s Wildlife Habitat Natural Heritage Trust Fund.  TCF was able to reduce the state’s purchase price with $450,000 provided by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant through its partnership with Shell Oil ($250,000) and private funds donated through TCF by Ameriprise Financial ($200,000).“We have to take the necessary steps to ensure the preservation of Louisiana’s natural environments,” said Senator David Vitter in correspondence delivered to ceremony participants.  “Our state’s wetlands support a vibrant ecosystem, provide recreational and educational opportunities to Louisianans of all ages and are a critical component of hurricane protection.  The conservation of these unique areas will ensure their enjoyment by future generations of Louisianans.”Senator Mary Landrieu, when informed of the property acquisition, said, “This unique collaboration between public, private and nonprofit entities demonstrates our shared commitment to preserving and restoring Louisiana’s vital wetlands.  I have long championed the protection and restoration of the vital ecosystem along our coast, which provides a natural barrier of protection from storms.  I was also proud to secure an independent funding stream for this purpose in 2006 when Congress passed the Domenici-Landrieu Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. Protecting Louisiana’s ecosystems is not only critical for our communities -- it also greatly benefits the rest of the nation that so relies on our Gulf seafood industry and the domestic energy we produce off our coast.”To date, funding support from NOAA's Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) has helped to preserve more than 32,000 coastal acres throughout the U.S.  In addition, $15 million is included for the CELCP in the fiscal year 2009 budget request for NOAA. “NOAA has been pleased to support the implementation of the CELCP since its creation by Congress in 2002," said David Kennedy, director of the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.  "The CELCP's objective -- to help permanently conserve lands in coastal and estuarine areas with significant ecological, conservation, historic, aesthetic, or recreation values -- will clearly be met by the protection of the Octavia tract addition to Joyce WMA.““We are fortunate to have both private and governmental funding sources able to support the department’s land acquisitions goals and help secure more public land for conservation management and outdoor recreational use,” said LWFC Chairman Patrick Morrow.Joyce WMA is located five miles south of Hammond.  The area consists of 12,809 acres donated to LDWF by the Joyce Foundation in 1982 and 2,250 acres donated by Guste Heirs in 1994.  An additional 850 acres and 484 acres are leased from the Joyce Foundation and the Tangipahoa Parish School Board, respectively.  With the addition of the 7,274-acre Octavia tract and the 1,040-acre Salmen tract also acquired from TCF this month, Joyce WMA acreage now totals 24,707.“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Council works closely with regional bird habitat conservation groups such as the Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV) to stimulate partnerships that conserve wetlands for birds,” said GCJV Coordinator Barry Wilson.  “The acquisition of this tract exemplifies both a committed group of partners and a tract of important migratory bird habitat.”The entire area is a wetland within the Pontchartrain Basin and consists primarily of cypress-tupelo swamp.  A large portion of the area is a dense shrub-marsh community with red maple, wax-myrtle, red bay, and younger cypress-tupelo.  A 500-acre fresh marsh of primarily maiden-cane is located on the northern portion of the property. Game species found within the WMA include deer, rabbits, squirrel and waterfowl.  The primary importance of the tract to hunters is its waterfowl resource.  Mallard and woodduck are the major species using the area along with gadwall, widgeon and pintail occurring less frequently.  Trapping is permitted for raccoon, nutria, muskrat, otter, mink and opossum.  Alligators are also common on the area. An elevated boardwalk constructed in 1990 at the northwest corner of the WMA provides visitors easy access to view wildlife and vegetation within the ecosystem.  For more information and directions to Joyce WMA, visit the LDWF Web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

2008-164 (June 5, 2008 ) FISHING ON IATT LAKE WILL BE TEMPORARILY PROHIBITED STARTING JUNE 9

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission voted at their June 5 meeting to temporarily close Iatt Lake to all fishing beginning on June 9.  The action was taken based on low water levels created by a recent drawdown that targets nuisance aquatic vegetation.The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began lowering Iatt Lake toward a goal of 8 feet below pool stage on May 12, 2008.  Due to numerous factors including an 80 percent reduction in surface acreage and recent increases in the game fish populations, fishing will be closed on Iatt Lake for the duration of the drawdown.  Once the water level returns to normal, which LDWF expects to happen in October, fishing will once again re-open on the lake.Recent surveys of Iatt Lake, located in Grant Parish, have shown that aquatic plant problems have increased to record levels.  Infestations of submerged aquatics, primarily hydrilla, are now at moderate to severe levels throughout the entire waterbody.  Hydrilla has become the dominant species of submerged vegetation in the southern half of the lake and is found in waters up to 8 feet deep.The Iatt Lake management plan includes this summer drawdown followed by a stocking of triploid grass carp after the water level returns to normal.  Iatt Lake has a large watershed draining a surrounding area of 238 square miles.  This large watershed has made it difficult to dry the water bottom during the usual fall/winter drawdowns due to frequent rainfall and fluctuating water levels.  After similar drawdowns on Iatt Lake prior to 2002, LDWF documented heavy fishing pressure due to the fish concentrating in the only available water left resulting in reduced catch rates following the drawdowns.  LDWF closed fishing on Iatt Lake during the 2002 and 2004 drawdowns and documented increasing catch rates after each drawdown.

2008-163 (June 5, 2008 ) L.W.F.C. APPROVES OYSTER CARGO VESSEL REGULATION

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission ratified a declaration of emergency allowing permitted vessels to transfer oysters on board from harvest vessels for mechanical refrigeration within five hours of the beginning of daily harvest at their June 5 meeting.  This rule will become effective June 24, 2008 and will only be in effect from May through October for oysters for raw consumption.  The mechanical refrigeration must deliver an air temperature of 45 degrees or cooler.  Because of this new rule, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be issuing Oyster Cargo Vessel Permits.  The permits provide for larger oyster vessels equipped with on board mechanical refrigeration to accept containerized and tagged oyster harvests from smaller boats that do not have the room to install a refrigerator and cannot make it back to the dock within the five-hour refrigeration window.  These permitted oyster cargo vessels will then transport the oyster harvests for these smaller vessels to the dock. The action was necessary in order to provide oyster harvesters with a means of complying with mandated U. S. Food and Drug Administration refrigeration requirements for oysters harvested during the summer months for raw consumption. This rule will be in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements and is in accordance with the Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program.

2008-MA04 (June 3, 2008)

L.D.W.F. ACQUIRING 7,200 ACRES WITHIN JOYCE W.M.A. THROUGH FUNDING PARTNERSHIP

EVENT: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) will host a signing ceremony within the June 5 LWFC meeting to officially transfer property within the Joyce Wildlife Management Area (WMA) from The Conservation Fund (TCF) to LDWF.The $2.2 million acquisition will ensure that the acreage, formerly leased from TCF, will be permanently held for outdoor recreation and coastal wetlands preservation.The funding sources making the purchase possible include a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant, a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant, and Wildlife Habitat Natural Heritage Trust funds.  TCF was able to reduce the state’s purchase price with $450,000 provided by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant through its partnership with Shell Oil and private funds donated through TCF by Ameriprise Financial.Officials representing NOAA’s Eastern Gulf Regional Office, NAWCA, Ameriprise and TCF will be in attendance.
WHEN: Thursday, June 5 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Louisiana Room, LDWF Administrative Office, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA.

2008-155 (June 3, 2008)

L.D.W.F. OFFERING HERPETOLOGY TEACHER WORKSHOP IN JULY

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is offering an opportunity for professional development for educators July 22-24, 2008 at the Woodworth Education Center in Woodworth.The workshop will focus on native reptiles and amphibians of Louisiana and will include presentations from herpetologists from around the state.  Participants will learn about the biology, natural history and habitats of many reptiles and amphibian species native to Louisiana using a combination of classroom instruction, field observation and hands on activities.  Attendees will be given resource materials for classroom use and will earn a certificate for 16 hours towards Professional Science Development.The workshop will start at 6 p.m. on July 22 and end at noon on July 24.  Cost is $35 per person and all meals and overnight accommodations are provided.  Pre-registration is required, and there are only 20 spaces available, so early registration is recommended.If you are interested in attending or for more information, please contact Cheryl Fischer at 504-284-5265 or e-mail cfischer@wlf.louisiana.gov, or Theresa Cross at 337-491-2585 or e-mail tcross@wlf.louisiana.gov.

2008-157 (June 3, 2008)

CLEAR-SMITHPORT LAKE TO UNDERGO SECOND DRAWDOWN

The second in a series of drawdowns of Clear-Smithport Lake, recommended by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Inland Fisheries Division, will begin on June 16, 2008.  Inland Fisheries biologists reported positive results after last summer’s drawdown and a second drawdown should further improve the lake’s ecosystem. Clear-Smithport Lake, which encompasses 2950 acres in DeSoto Parish, has historically had problems with heavy infestations of water hyacinth, alligator weed and submerged aquatic vegetation.  Over the years these plants, along with leaf litter from the cypress canopy, have built up a large amount of organic matter on the lakebed.  This organic matter has led to the loss of spawning habitat for desirable sport fish such as largemouth bass, crappie and bream.  Following studies into the habitat problems and the possible solutions, LDWF Inland Fisheries biologists have developed a plan to improve the quality of Clear-Smithport Lake through a series of up to three consecutive drawdowns.  The plan is to improve the bottom substrate by allowing the built-up organic matter to dry and decompose.  The drawdowns should also reduce the submerged vegetation.  The invasive aquatic plant, giant salvinia, has become a major problem in the lake and the drawdown will also help control the salvinia that is stranded and dries and desiccates during the drawdown.  LDWF will continue its efforts to control noxious floating and emergent aquatic vegetation through herbicide applications in conjunction with the drawdown. The drawdown will run through Jan. 30, 2009, at which time the gates will close and the lake will be allowed to refill with water.  It is expected that the lake will drain at a rate of 4-to-6 inches per day.  The lake will be drained as completely as possible to allow for maximum benefits from the drawdown. 

The effects of the drawdown on the fisheries habitat, fish population and aquatic vegetation coverage will be evaluated to determine if an additional drawdown is needed.

2008-156 (June 3, 2008)

LAKE BISTINEAU DRAWDOWN TO BEGIN JULY 15

Lake Bistineau will undergo a drawdown to assist with the control of giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant, beginning July 15, 2008.  This action follows two large-scale herbicide applications utilizing spray crews from around the state where over 4,900 acres of aquatic vegetation was treated, expending a total of 3,656 gallons of herbicide.  The large mats of vegetation should have been thinned significantly enough from these spray efforts to allow a lot of the giant salvinia to dry and desiccate during the drawdown.The lake will be drained 7 feet at a rate of 2-to-3 inches per day to minimize the potential of salvinia being transferred downstream and to maximize the amount of salvinia stranded on the bank to desiccate.  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Division biologists will assess the effects of the drying action on the giant salvinia throughout the drawdown period.  The water level will be cycled as needed in order to allow the remaining live plants to drift into areas where they could be stranded on land as the lake level is lowered again.

The gates will be closed and the lake allowed to be refilled with water on Jan. 30, 2009.

2008-146 (June 3, 2008)

CHEF BRIAN LANDRY OF GALATOIRE’S IS KING OF LOUISIANA SEAFOOD

Saturday’s premiere of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans, presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board (LSPMB), was a seafood lover’s dream.  Twelve of the state’s most talented chefs designed culinary delights featuring the main ingredient, Louisiana seafood.  After the judges’ scores were tallied, Chef Brian Landry assisted by Chef Heather Young of Galatoire’s in New Orleans and Baton Rouge were the winning team with their Sautéed Cobia with Louisiana Crab Butter.  Second place was Chef Phil O’Donnell of O’ Donnell’s Restaurant in Ponchatoula with his Mojo Gulf Shrimp and Panko Crusted Louisiana Crab Cake.  Third place was Chef Brian Smith assisted by Chef Eric Mark of Randol’s Restaurant in Lafayette with their Kocho Crusted Louisiana Gulf Grouper. “I took a very simple approach,” said Landry.  “When you get access to great seafood like we do, you don’t have to do much to make it delicious.”Other participating chefs were Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery in New Orleans, Paul Gibson of Bonnie Bell’s Bistro in Lafayette, Ernest Prejean of Prejean’s in Lafayette, Jorg Limper of L’Auberge du Lac in Lake Charles, Duke LoCicero of Café Giovanni in New Orleans, Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Fred Nonato of Tsunami Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Scott Varnedoe of Varnedoe’s at the Myrtles in St. Francisville and William Wells of Culinary Productions in Baton Rouge.  “Saturday’s competition showcased Louisiana seafood and Louisiana’s talented chefs,” said Ewell Smith, executive director of LSPMB.  “A competition with the quality of product and level of talent that we had is only available in Louisiana.” When the doors to the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience’s Grand Tasting opened at 1 p.m., Mistress of Ceremonies Lorin Gaudin, food goddess and food radio host on 99.5FM WRNO, gave spectators the play by play of the cooking competition.The first chef started cooking at noon and each chef had up to one hour to prepare, plate and present their dishes to the judges.  This year’s judges’ were Chef Frank Brigtsen of Brigtsen’s in New Orleans, Chef Tenney Flynn of GW Fins in New Orleans and Charlotte, N.C., Elizabeth Blanc, freelance writer specializing in food and wine, Mark A. Newman, editor in chief of Southern Breeze magazine and Hope S. Philbrick freelance writer specializing in travel, food, wine and spirits.  Landry will represent Louisiana at the LSMPB’s fifth annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO), which will be held on Aug. 2-3 at the Louisiana Foodservice EXPO in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.  GASCO is the nation’s most prestigious seafood completion showcasing domestic, sustainable seafood and features premiere chefs from across the nation.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is a primary sponsor for the two-day event.Sponsors for the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off included the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Louisiana Restaurant Association, NOAA and FishWatch, Shell, Culinary Concierge and New Orleans Magazine. For more information about the chefs who participated in the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and their recipes, visit www.LouisianaSeafood.com/CookOff.  For more information about the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board and the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, visit www.LouisianaSeafood.com.The LSPMB was created in 1984 by the state of Louisiana to support their vast historical commercial fisheries industry.  The board is composed of 15 members and each member represents a sector of the industry: harvesters, processors, wholesalers, restaurateurs/retailers, fisheries resource managers, public health officers and marketing specialists.

The board’s operating budget is derived from license sales to Louisiana commercial fishermen and seafood wholesalers/retailers as well as state and federal grants. The Board represents over 12,000 fishermen while promoting and marketing $2.6 billion of retail seafood sales annually to the consumer.

2008-158 (June 3, 2008)

“SOUTH FARM” AREA OF SHERBURNE W.M.A. RE-OPENED JUNE 3

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) re-opened the South Farm on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on June 3. The South Farm area had been closed since April 15 due to flood conditions.

Floodwaters from the Atchafalaya River have receded and the area is now open to recreational activities. Crawfishing will be allowed in the South Farm area until July 31, 2008.