WHEREAS, L. R. S. 56:328 prohibits the importation of certain aquatic plants into the jurisdiction of the State of Louisiana, and
WHEREAS, water hyacinth, hydrilla and salvinia, three invasive exotic aquatic plant species, are already present in many public waterways of the state, and
WHEREAS, the rapid and continuous spread of these noxious aquatic plant species has significantly restricted boating and fishing access, contributed to the decline of native aquatic plant diversity, reduced valuable fish, furbearer and waterfowl habitat, negatively impacted drainage and flood control capabilities, and interfered with commercial navigation, and
WHEREAS, if left uncontrolled, the continuing proliferation of these noxious exotic aquatic species will ultimately result in widespread loss of access to waterbodies for multiple and diverse user groups, and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is charged with the responsibility for aquatic plant control in public waterbodies statewide, and
WHEREAS, LDWF is not funded sufficiently to implement control activities that are adequately effective against water hyacinth, hydrilla, salvinia and other problem aquatic plant species.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation urges and requests the
Governor and Legislature of the State of Louisiana to fund the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ expanded program budget request necessary to adequately address the problems presented by invasive and noxious exotic aquatic plant species in the state.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in convention assembled, March 12, 2000 in Alexandria, Louisiana.