PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH STATE WILDLIFE GRANTS

Last updated:   [February 22, 2008]

As of March, 2008, the LDWF has used its State Wildlife Grants to fund 65 projects covering a variety of species and habitats. Of these, 32 projects have been completed while 33 projects are ongoing. Below are summaries of closed and active projects.

CLOSED PROJECTS

The link below leads to a document that can be sorted by grant number, target taxa, etc.:

Click here to access detailed project information on closed projects.

ACTIVE PROJECTS

The Wildlife Action Plan has four overarching goals. Below are summaries of typical, active projects for each of the four goals in the Wildlife Action Plan.

Goal 1 - Species Conservation. Identify, manage for, and conserve species identified as priority species of concern so as to preclude listing those species under the Endangered Species Act.

• T-41. "Breeding Waterbird Survey in Central and North Louisiana" seeks to determine the abundance of king rails and other secretive birds using rice fields, restored wetlands and moist soil units in central and north Louisiana. These habitats are vital to king rails during migration and winter. The long-term goal is to improve conservation of king rails and other birds of concern. Grant period: August, 2006 - December, 2008.

• T-61. "Predictive Model for Mussel Diversity" seeks to create a computer model that will assist the LDWF in conserving freshwater mussels. The model will combine a variety of variables ranging from water quality to land usage surrounding the stream. The resulting model will allow LDWF to identify the most important streams to protect and aid permit review of development projects that may impact mussel streams. Grant period: September, 2007 - June, 2009.

Goal 2 - Habitat Conservation. Conserve, manage, and restore habitats that are essential to the continued survival of species of concern.

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  T-51. "Habitat Measures Associated with Fishery Species of Concern" seeks to identify and describe any differences between natural and man-made marsh habitats. This project also seeks to determine if fishes of concern use natural and man-made marsh differently. Results of this study may be used to improve the effectiveness of coastal restoration. Grant period: October, 2006 - September, 2008.
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  T-58. "Insect Assemblages on Rare Saline Prairies" builds on previous work by the LDWF describing one of the rarest habitats in the state. These prairies are mostly treeless with high-salt-content soils. The LDWF has identified 19 rare plants in these prairies along with 1 insect never before reported in Louisiana. This baseline data on insects using the prairies is important because insects are sensitive ecological indicators and can be used to monitor habitat restoration and management. Grant period: August, 2007 - July, 2009.

Goal 3 - Public Outreach and Education. Support efforts to improve understanding and support among the general public and conservation stakeholders regarding species of concern.

• T-16. The "Louisiana Natural Areas Registry Program" has been one of the most successful efforts to engage the public in conservation. It aims to preserve the best remaining examples of our state's natural heritage. The program relies on citizen-based conservation and the willingness of landowners to safeguard critical habitats for the continued conservation of our biological diversity. Funded annually beginning July, 2003.

• T-56. "Bottomland Hardwood Forest Corridor" seeks to engage private landowners in conserving the Louisiana Black Bear by restoring hardwood forests. Landowners, the Black Bear Conservation Committee, and the LDWF are working together to restore bear habitat through cost-share agreements and technical assistance to the landowners. Grant period: August, 2007 - July, 2009.

Goal 4 - Partnership Building. Improve partnerships among the LDWF and various stakeholders to improve conservation of species of concern.

• T-35. "Native Grass Drills" was a partnership between the LDWF, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Quail Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. This project seeks to promote the restoration of native grasses for the conservation of the Northern Bobwhite Quail and other grassland birds of concern. Although the grant has closed, project partners continue to loan grass drills designed to handle native grass seeds to landowners interested in restoring native grassland habitats. Grant period: March, 2006 - August, 2007.

• T-44.  "Computer Information System" seeks to improve data sharing and analysis by conservation stakeholders. Tulane University is developing a prototype database using fisheries records that will assist in assessing population trends and identifying priority fishery habitats.  Grant period: September, 2006 - August, 2008.