WHEREAS, Kisatchie National Forest (KNF) supports significant recreational fishing and contains at least 30 fishable ponds, and
WHEREAS, recreational fishing pressure exerts a greater toll on fish populations in smaller ponds than in larger ponds, creeks, rivers, or lakes, and
WHEREAS, recreational fishing creel limits in Louisiana are liberal, and
WHEREAS, KNF ponds frequently have depleted fisheries detracting from recreational fishing, and fish restocking of these ponds is uncommon, and
WHEREAS, LDWF has not expressed an interest in restricting creel limits on KNF or in restocking the fish, and
WHEREAS, KNF has not taken the initiative to be more responsible for fisheries management on its own ponds and establish fisheries regulations for said ponds, and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana public deserves proper management of its natural resources, in this case, KNF ponds.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation respectfully requests the Kisatchie National Forest to work closely with the LDWF to ensure proper fisheries management on KNF and, if necessary, to take the initiative to be responsible for and promulgate regulations to ensure an adequate fisheries in KNF ponds.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in Convention Assembled, March 11, 2012 in Covington, Louisiana.
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation education and advocacy organization with more than 10,000 members and 26 affiliate groups. Established in 1940, it is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation and represents a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, fishers, campers, birders, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.