WHEREAS, There are tens of thousands of road crossings and dams in Louisiana that have not been assessed as to whether they are blocking aquatic movement, and
WHEREAS, Impediments to aquatic connectivity can result in fisheries isolation, degraded habitat, barriers to migration, which have an impact on fish, mussels, crawfish, bats, herps, and more; and
WHEREAS, Undersized and clogged culverts can cause upstream flooding, wash out roads, and cause other environmental damage, and
WHEREAS, There is a lack of funding to fix identified aquatic connectivity issues, and
WHEREAS, There are a number of funding sources available that require a single entity that can represent multiple stakeholders, and
WHEREAS, Aquatic Connectivity Teams (ACT) around the country have proved to be an effective way to bring together knowledge, leverage resources, and provide a foundation to pursue funding, and
WHEREAS, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries formed the Louisiana Aquatic Connectivity Team in 2023 to provide a single source for research, collaboration, and funding for culvert and dam assessment and potential remediation, and
WHEREAS, Louisiana Wildlife Federation has an interest in improving and increasing aquatic connectivity for the benefit of wildlife and fisheries.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports the Louisiana Aquatic Connectivity Team in the group’s work to improve aquatic connectivity across the state.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Board of Directors on October 8, 2025.