more...

>

Parishes

>

West Feliciana

>

Agriculture

>

Wildlife Management Assistance Available for Landowners The Felicianas have more than 340,000 acres of timberland and another 100,000 acres of open land -- meaning a total of around 440,000 acres of wildlife habitat. This habitat ranges from bottomland hardwoods to mixed pines and hardwoods. These habitats are home to several hundred species of animals, and the majority is in private ownership. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is the state agency responsible for managing and protecting these wildlife and fisheries resources and supporting habitats. This is done through protection, enhancement, research, replenishment, development and education. The goals and objectives of LDWF cannot be accomplished without the cooperation and assistance of the private landowners.   In fact, private lands are essential to most wildlife populations, and the fate of the wildlife can be determined by what occurs on these lands. Private landowners can affect changes that will benefit wildlife if they are provided with sufficient technical and financial assistance.   Last year LDWF began the Landowners For Wildlife Program (LFW). This program was created as a way to help private landowners improve wildlife habitat and associated recreation on their land. To participate the landowner must first contact a local LDWF regional office. The local wildlife biologist will meet with the landowner to discuss the objectives and conduct a site visit. The biologist will then work with the landowner to provide the assistance needed to achieve the landowner’s objectives. The level of assistance provided will depend upon the landowner’s desire and may include a comprehensive wildlife management plan. Assistance from LDWF biologists and the written plan are provided free of charge. The costs to implement the individual practices identified in the plan are the landowner’s responsibility. However, the landowner may be eligible to enroll in cost-sharing programs available through the local USDA office or the Louisiana Office of Forestry, both of which are located in Clinton.   Other programs, which don't involve cost-sharing, that are available through LDWF include the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), Forest Stewardship (FSP) and the Landowner Antlerless Deer Tag Program (LADT).   For more information about the Landowner For Wildlife Program, contact the LDWF regional office in Baton Rouge at 225-765-2360 or e-mail Mike Perot or Jimmy Ernst.

Last Updated: 8/2/2009 5:19:04 PM