Louisiana Conservation Programs

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Federal data is complete from 1998-2017. State and local data is complete from 1998-2013. In the tables and charts below, acres are allocated to each program proportionate to the size of the contributions to each acquisition. For example, if an acquisition had two contributions, and each program contributed equal dollar amounts, each program receives 50% of the acres. If you have questions or want to provide updated information, please contact Jessica Welch at jessica.welch@tpl.org.

Profile of State Program(s)

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is responsible for the management and protection of Louisiana’s natural resources. A large portion of the Department’s land acquisition is conducted through private donations. In addition to state general obligation bond funds, the Department uses funding from the following programs for land acquisitions.

Louisiana Duck Stamp Fund: The Duck Stamp Fund provides revenue through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses to acquire land for migratory waterfowl habitat.

Louisiana Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust Fund: Established in 1988, funds are derived from a severance tax on offshore oil drilling in the Gulf. Funds may be used to acquire land in order to conserve critical habitat for wildlife and unique natural areas. The tax also funds the Wetland Conservation and Restoration Trust Fund for the development and implementation of a program to help conserve and restore state coastal vegetated wetlands.

Louisiana Wild Turkey Fund: Funds received by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries from the sale of wild turkey licenses are directed to acquire lands that are suitable for wild turkeys and that have the primary and direct purpose of conserving, restoring, and enhancing wild turkey habitat. In addition, funds may be used to carry out wild turkey habitat restoration and enhancement projects on lands.

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism – Office of State Parks: The Louisiana Office of State Parks was created in 1934. Prior to 1975, funding for land acquisition was derived from general appropriations through the state legislature. After 1975, funding has been provided through state general obligation bonds. The office of state parks currently uses user fees for major repairs and improvements to parks.

Local Financing Enabled

There are several funding options that local governments can use to raise funds for land acquisition. These include general obligation bonds, an annual mill rate allocation (1 mill dedicated to open space), a sales tax district, or a parish-wide recreation district.

To raise funds for capital improvements, such as land acquisition or building construction, parishes may issues bonds. Recreation Districts have the additional authority to issue general obligation bonds for parks and recreational purposes.

The parish-wide property tax can be levied for the acquisition, construction, and improvement of public works projects. The creation and maintenance of public parks are considered as public improvement projects; therefore, a parish-wide property tax could be used to finance parks and recreation. Of the few local governments that have authorized funding for land conservation the use of property taxes is most popular.

Local Programs Included

Data for the Conservation Almanac has not yet been collected for local measures approved by voters in Louisiana. Visit www.landvote.org for more information.

Federal Partnerships

Federal agencies and programs that have conserved land in Louisiana include:

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Coastal Impact Assistance Program
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
  • U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP)
  • U.S. National Park Service
Report Table
Dollar Chart by Year
Acre Chart by Year