WHEREAS, the issue of a need for a Water Management Plan became pressing as a result of the recent controversy of selling “excess” water from Toledo Bend Reservoir to private investors, and
WHEREAS, there is really no such thing as “excess water” from the ecological perspective as ecosystems adapt to the amount of available surface water, and have through the millennia, and
WHEREAS, demand for freshwater by burgeoning human populations are impacting the amount of surface waters flowing into the State of Louisiana, and
WHEREAS, demand for freshwater from subsurface sources and surface sources within the State of Louisiana is continuing to increase, and
WHEREAS, freshwater runoff is critical to coastal conservation and coastal restoration efforts, and
WHEREAS, inland surface waters are critical to support of the State of Louisiana’s wildlife, fisheries, and forestry resources, and
WHEREAS, demands for subsurface waters for drinking water, industrial processes, and irrigation continue to increase leading to problems associated with saltwater contamination of freshwater aquifers, and
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has no Water Management Plan.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports efforts of the State of Louisiana and Governor Jindal to develop a comprehensive Water Management Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission organized to develop the plan incorporate all areas of expertise and resources needed to properly develop the Plan.
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.