reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1697. Sale or donation of lands belonging to school or levee board

RS 56:1697 - Sale or donation of lands belonging to school or levee board
Any lands belonging to any school or levee board and any other public lands or water bottoms of the state suitable for the establishment and maintenance of office of state parks holdings may be sold or donated to the state of Louisiana, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, office of state parks, for the purposes herein set out in this Part, with the approval of the governor and the attorney general.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1698. Title to state parks

RS 56:1698 - Title to state parks
The title to all lands acquired heretofore for the purpose for which the Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission was created shall be vested in the state of Louisiana including Chicot State Park, in the parish of Evangeline; Fontainebleau State Park, in the parish of St. Tammany; Chemin-A-Haut State Park, in the parish of Morehouse; Longfellow-Evangeline State Park, in the parish of St. Martin; Fort Macomb, in the parish of Orleans; Fort Pike, in the parish of Orleans; and Bogue Falaya State Park, in the parish of St. Tammany.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1699. Chicot State Park, special facilities camp for persons with disabilities; creation; advisory committee; programs; use

RS 56:1699 - Chicot State Park, special facilities camp for persons with disabilities; creation; advisory committee; programs; use
A. The office of state parks in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to select, designate, and set aside a site at Chicot State Park or to acquire a site in close proximity thereto for the purpose of establishing a facility to serve the special needs of citizens with physical disabilities and mental impairments. This site and all facilities now or hereafter developed thereon shall be under the operation and supervision of the office of state parks.
B. The office of state parks shall be responsible for the planning and development of such park facilities to meet the needs of citizens with physical disabilities and mental impairments.
C. The office for citizens with developmental disabilities of the Louisiana Department of Health, in coordination with the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, shall be responsible for all programmatic functions of such park facility, including but not limited to the following:
(1) The preparation and administration of programs for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
(2) Scheduling and coordination of the use of this facility by persons with disabilities.
(3) The provision of available program staff personnel or camp counselors for group use and program activities, as may be required.
(4) The receipt and allocation of federal and state funds, donations, and any other funds as may be available for camp programs and activities.
D. The office of state parks and the office for citizens with developmental disabilities shall establish rules and regulations for the implementation of this Section. Such rules and regulations shall be structured so as to give priority of facility use to groups of persons with disabilities but shall not necessarily preclude use by persons who do not have disabilities.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 188, §1. Acts 1989, No. 662, §7, eff. July 7, 1989; Acts 1993, No. 712, §5, eff. June 21, 1993; Acts 2012, No. 811, §16, eff. July 1, 2012; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1700. Clinton Confederate Cemetery, operation and maintenance; transfer to cemetery association

RS 56:1700 - Clinton Confederate Cemetery, operation and maintenance; transfer to cemetery association
A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism may enter into a cooperative agreement with the Clinton Confederate Cemetery Association, a nonprofit charitable association formed in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, for the operation and maintenance of the Clinton Confederate State Historic Site, also known as the Clinton Confederate Cemetery.
B. Subject to an appropriation annually to be provided in appropriations for the operations of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and specifically designated for such purpose, the department is authorized to transfer funds of not more than fifteen hundred dollars annually to the cemetery association for the performance of such operation and maintenance. The department shall include in its annual request for operating funds an amount sufficient to accomplish the obligations so transferred to the association.
C. The association shall establish rules and regulations consistent with the general laws of the state, the parish, and the town of Clinton for the operation of the cemetery, and all such rules and regulations shall be subject to approval by the office of state parks of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
D. The association may not transfer its responsibilities for operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the historic site to any public body or to any other state chartered nonprofit corporation whose purpose shall be the proper care, operation, and management of the Clinton Confederate Cemetery, without prior approval by the office of state parks of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 50, §1, eff. July 1, 1983. Acts 1992, No. 828, §1, eff. July 8, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1701. Kent Plantation House, agreements for operation and maintenance

RS 56:1701 - Kent Plantation House, agreements for operation and maintenance
A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with any appropriate public or private entity for the operation and maintenance of the Kent House State Historic Site, also known as the Kent Plantation House. Such agreement shall be made and implemented in the same manner and subject to the same provisions as agreements between parishes, municipalities, and political subdivisions as provided in Subpart A of Part VII of Chapter 2 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
B. Subject to annual appropriations, to be provided in appropriations for the operations of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and specifically designated for such purpose, the department is authorized to transfer funds of not less than fifty-six thousand dollars annually, as appropriated, to the operating entity for the performance of such operation and maintenance. The department shall include in its annual request for operating funds an amount sufficient to accomplish the obligations so transferred.
C. The operating entity shall establish rules, regulations, and policies consistent with state and local law for the operation of said site, and all such rules, regulations, and policies shall be subject to approval by the office of state parks of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 613, §1; eff. July 1, 1983; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1702. Palmetto Island State Park; agreements for operation and maintenance

RS 56:1702 - Palmetto Island State Park; agreements for operation and maintenance
A. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with any appropriate public or private entity for the operation and maintenance of the Palmetto Island State Park for a public purpose. Such agreement shall require that the state shall be responsible for any and all costs for road construction and maintenance, and for any and all costs for heating, cooling, and sewerage, except electricity costs.
B. The office of state parks, in consultation with the operating entity, shall develop any rules, regulations, and policies necessary for the operation of the park. Rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Acts 2010, No. 770, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1704. Bayou Segnette State Park; operation of the wave pool

RS 56:1704 - Bayou Segnette State Park; operation of the wave pool
All fees and other revenues generated through operation of the wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park shall be appropriated as self-generated revenues to the Bayou Segnette State Park to be used solely for the purpose of funding the operation and maintenance of the wave pool.
Acts 1992, No. 121, §1, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1705. Poverty Point Reservoir Development Dedicated Fund Account

RS 56:1705 - Poverty Point Reservoir Development Dedicated Fund Account
A. The Poverty Point Reservoir Development Dedicated Fund Account, hereinafter referred to as the "account", is hereby established as a special dedicated fund account within the state treasury. Monies deposited into the account shall be categorized as fees and self-generated revenue for the sole purpose of reporting related to the executive budget, supporting documents, and general appropriation bills and shall be available for annual appropriation by the legislature.
B. After satisfaction of the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana with respect to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, the state treasurer shall each year deposit in and credit to the account an amount equal to the total fees and self-generated revenues collected in that year from activities of the Poverty Point Retirement Development Community and the Black Bear Golf Course. Monies in the account may be appropriated for support of the operation, maintenance, improvement, and expansion of the Poverty Point Retirement Development Community and the Black Bear Golf Course. Any unexpended or unencumbered monies on deposit in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the account. Monies in the account shall beinvested in the same manner as those in the state general fund and interest earned on such investment shall be deposited in and credited to the state general fund.
C. The Poverty Point Reservoir Development District Board membership shall be representative of the population of the state based on race and gender as near as practicable.
Acts 2006, No. 357, §1, eff. June 13, 2006; Acts 2021, No. 114, §16, eff. July 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1741. Authority

RS 56:1741 - Authority
The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the governing authority of each political subdivision of the state of Louisiana are hereby authorized to cooperate and jointly participate in projects with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and any other federal agency for the purpose of the development of outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement as authorized by the Federal Water Project Recreation Act, Public Law 89-72, 1965;1 provided, that the authority granted herein also shall extend to the development and maintenance of projects for the development of outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement, or any part thereof, which may be executed by the participating state agency or political subdivision through a third-party concessionaire agreement. The authority herein granted shall be exercised in any individual project only after the approval of the project by the governor.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
116 U.S.C.A. §460l et seq.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1751. Grand Isle beach area; cleaning; maintenance

RS 56:1751 - Grand Isle beach area; cleaning; maintenance
A. Subject to an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars annually to be provided in the general appropriation for the operations of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and specifically designated for such purpose, the town of Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish, shall be responsible for the cleaning and continuous maintenance of that portion of Grand Isle beach within Jefferson Parish, more particularly described as all that portion of the southern shore of Grand Isle bounded on the west by Grand Isle State Park West, on the east by Grand Isle State Park East, specifically excluding any portion of said shore included within Grand Isle State Park East and Grand Isle State Park West, on the north by the existing and future portions of the hurricane protection levee, and on the south by the waterline of the Gulf of Mexico.
B. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is authorized to assist the town of Grand Isle in cleaning and maintaining the Grand Isle beach.
Amended by Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1762. Powers and duties

RS 56:1762 - Powers and duties
A. That park in the city of New Orleans known as Audubon Park is placed under the control and management of the Audubon Park Commission created in R.S. 56:1761. The commission shall take charge of and shall supervise the park as a natural resource and preserve and improve it for public recreation and use as a place of public resort, recreation, and pleasure. The commission shall have full charge of the control and management, repair, maintenance, development, and improvement of the park.
B. For the purposes of this Part, Audubon Park shall be defined as that park located within the Sixth District of the city of New Orleans which consists of that property formerly administered by the Audubon Park Commission created by Act No. 191 of 1914. Without limiting this property, it shall include the former Foucher Plantation as conveyed by act before M.L. Ainsworth, Notary Public, on August 15, 1871 and registered in the Orleans Parish Conveyance Office in COB 100, folio 187 and 181 on August 16, 19711; it shall include that property known as Avenger Field. It shall not include that certain piece of ground situated in the Sixth District of the city in square designated by the number "60" bounded by Felicia Street, St. Charles Avenue, Walnut Street and Foucher Estate, now Audubon Park, which said piece or portion of ground measures 28 feet front on Felicia Street, by 831 feet in depth and 14 feet in the rear.
C. In order to carry out its duties and functions the commission may:
(1) Adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its functions and implement the procedures of this Part.
(2) Establish, maintain, operate, and control park recreational and entertainment facilities and activities in the park, including but not limited to a zoo.
(3) Enter into contracts with private individuals, firms, or corporations for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of park recreational and entertainment facilities and activities in the park.
(4) Charge and collect from contracting parties rentals for the use of park property.
(5) Charge and collect for the enjoyment and/or use of such park recreational and entertainment facilities and activities such admissions, charges, or fares as in the judgment of the commission are fair and proper.
(6) Ensure that in the use and enjoyment of every portion of Audubon Park and Zoo and all of the facilities therein there will not be any discrimination against any person because of disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
(7) Affirmative action shall be taken to ensure that all employees of the commission and of any entity with whom the commission contracts for services shall be treated during employment without regard to their race, age, disability, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014.
1SO IN ENROLLED BILL.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1763. Contract for operation of park and zoo

RS 56:1763 - Contract for operation of park and zoo
A. The commission is hereby vested with authority to and may contract with any nonprofit or not for profit firm, corporation, or entity for the operation, care, control, and management of the park and its zoo.
B. Any contract that the commission may enter into in accordance with Subsection A of this Section may be either a contract, lease, or combination contract and lease.
C. The commission shall in its sole discretion determine the terms, conditions, and duration of any contract or lease entered into under the provisions of this Section. Any contract or lease entered into by the commission under the provisions of this Section shall contain a provision in such contract or lease that the contract or lease may be terminated by the commission, with or without just cause, upon written notification to all parties in the contract or lease, which notification shall be given not more than ninety days prior to the termination.
D. Only a firm, corporation, or entity that is organized under the laws of the state of Louisiana shall be eligible to contract with the commission under the provisions of this Section, and only a firm, corporation, or entity that is organized as a nonprofit or not for profit firm, corporation, or entity shall be eligible to contract with the commission under the provisions of this Section.
E. The provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 41 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 shall not be applicable to any lease or contract entered into under the provisions of this Section.
F. The provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 shall not be applicable to any lease or contract entered into under the provisions of this Section.
G. This Section shall be construed to grant the commission the authority to contract in a cooperative endeavor for the care, control, and management of the park and its zoo, including all facilities located in the park on the effective date of this Section and any future facilities located in the park.
H. The commission shall have the right to assign any contracts that the former Audubon Park Commission created by Act No. 191 of 1914 may have on the effective date of this Part to any contracting party under the provisions of this Section.
I. The commission shall have full authority to delegate to the nonprofit entity its ability to collect any rents, charges, admissions, or fares it may be empowered to collect.
J. The contractor shall have the full authority to hire its own employees to provide services formerly provided by the employees of the Audubon Park Commission created by Act No. 191 of 1914.
K. Any contract entered into under the provisions of this Section shall be deemed to be a cooperative endeavor under the provisions of Article VII, Section 14(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1764. Secretary; staff

RS 56:1764 - Secretary; staff
The commissioners shall have the power to select a secretary and to fix his salary at a reasonable sum. The commission may employ such other agents and employees as may be required for the discharge of its functions and to prescribe and define their respective duties, authority, and compensation.
Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1765. Rules to preserve order and protect property; penalties

RS 56:1765 - Rules to preserve order and protect property; penalties
A. The commission shall have authority to make and establish such rules and regulations for the preservation of order and the protection of property in the park as it deems necessary.
B. In addition to any penalties otherwise provided by law, violation of any of the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission pursuant to this Section shall be punishable by fine of not less than fifteen dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars.
Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1766. Funds for park

RS 56:1766 - Funds for park
A. For the preservation, improvement, and beautification of Audubon Park and its facilities, including the zoo, and for providing for expenses incidental thereto and other park expenses, the Audubon Park Commission, in addition to receiving funds from other sources, shall have the authority to receive funds from any local governing authority within the state of Louisiana.
B. In addition to funds appropriated to or otherwise made available to the park by the state, the city of New Orleans, local governing authorities, or other sources, self-generated revenues of the park or of its nonprofit contractor shall be used for park development, maintenance, operation, and other park expenses.
Acts 1983, No. 485, §1, eff. July 27, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1781. Preservation of abandoned railroad transportation property

RS 56:1781 - Preservation of abandoned railroad transportation property
A. Any railroad company or corporation filing an abandonment plan with the Interstate Commerce Commission proposing to abandon railroad rights of way in this state shall notify the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development by providing the secretary with a copy of the filing within ten days of the filing with the Interstate Commerce Commission so that the state or a political subdivision thereof may take advantage of and implement the "Rails to Trails" program.
B.(1) Upon receipt of notice of a filing proposing to abandon a railroad right of way the secretary shall, within one hundred eighty days, make a determination of whether it is in the best interest of the state to preserve the proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a corridor for future transportation uses within the state.
(2) In making this determination, the secretary shall receive written commitments from the office of culture, recreation and tourism in the lieutenant governor's office that they have the means and ability to implement and administer the "Rails to Trails" program in the event a determination is made to preserve the abandoned railroad right of way as a corridor for future transportation uses in this state.
(3) Upon receipt of notice of a filing proposing to abandon a railroad right of way, the secretary shall notify those local governmental entities in which the railroad right of way is located of such notice, advising each such local governmental entity of the provisions of this Part and that their comments must be received in writing within one hundred twenty days of the date of the notice from the secretary.
C. The secretary shall notify the railroad company or corporation and the Interstate Commerce Commission of its determination whether to preserve the proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a corridor for future transportation uses in this state. The failure of the secretary to file an application with the Interstate Commerce Commission within two hundred ten days of receipt of the notice of the abandonment application shall be an affirmative declaration not to preserve the railroad right of way as a transportation corridor.
D. Any affected local governmental entity shall have the right to file an application with the Interstate Commerce Commission seeking to preserve the proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses within the territorial jurisdiction of the local governmental entity.
Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1; Acts 1992, No. 881, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1782. Exercise of preservation rights

RS 56:1782 - Exercise of preservation rights
A. The exercise of the right to preserve an abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses shall not be undertaken by the state or any state agency unless the commissioner of administration has issued to the Interstate Commerce Commission a certificate of availability of funds for the program.
B. The exercise of the right to preserve an abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses shall not be undertaken by any political subdivision or local governing authority of this state unless the entity has issued to the Interstate Commerce Commission a certificate of availability of funds for the program.
C. Any affected local governmental entity may request the secretary to make a determination to preserve a proposed abandoned railroad right of way as a transportation corridor for future transportation uses upon a showing for the need for such future use and after having filed a preliminary application with the Interstate Commerce Commission requesting the proposed abandoned railroad right of way be considered for preservation under the "Rails to Trails" program.
D. Nothing in this Part shall affect the property owner's right to compensation under any federal or state law. The provisions of Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution of Louisiana shall be applicable in determining the amount of compensation due the property owners under this Part.
E. Upon approval of a "Rails to Trails" program by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the governmental entity filing the application for the program shall, within one hundred eighty days, complete all acquisition transactions including the payment of compensation due the property owners.
F. The failure of the governmental entity to complete all acquisition transactions within the time allowed shall by operation of law release all preservation rights authorized by this Part and shall not be an encumbrance or cloud upon the title of the property or right of way subject to said preservation rights, reserving unto the property owners any claim for damages or compensation to which they may be entitled under state law.
Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1; Acts 1992, No. 881, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1783. Cooperative endeavors

RS 56:1783 - Cooperative endeavors
As provided in Article VII, Section 14(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and for the purpose of implementing a "Rails to Trails" program, the state and its political subdivisions or political corporations may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other, with the United States or its agencies, or with any public or private association, corporation, or individual.
Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1784. Intergovernmental cooperation; financing

RS 56:1784 - Intergovernmental cooperation; financing
As provided in Article VI, Section 20 of the Louisiana Constitution and for the purpose of implementing a "Rails to Trails" program, a political subdivision may exercise and perform any authorized power and function, including financing, jointly or in cooperation with one or more political subdivisions, either within or without the state, or with the United States or its agencies.
Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1785. Ownership and usage

RS 56:1785 - Ownership and usage
A. Upon approval by the Interstate Commerce Commission of the preservation of abandoned railroad rights of way as a transportation corridor the entity approved to administer and implement the "Rails to Trails" program shall, for any and all legal purposes, be considered the legal title holder of the property or rights sought to be preserved and, unless agreed to by means of contractual obligations to the contrary, the railroad company or corporation shall be relieved of all responsibility and legal rights and obligations as respects the property or rights included within the transportation corridor preserved by the governmental entity.
B. The usage of the railroad right of way approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission for preservation and included within the "Rails to Trails" program shall be the sole and exclusive prerogative of the governmental entity whose application was approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Acts 1990, No. 1016, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1801. Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; powers and functions

RS 56:1801 - Secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; powers and functions
A. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism hereinafter called "secretary", shall consult with and provide guidance to the heads of all state agencies on matters affecting recreation and shall be responsible for developing methods and procedures for improving inter-agency coordination in the development and implementation of state recreational policies and programs.
B. The secretary is authorized, directed, and shall supervise the preparation, maintenance, and upgrading of a comprehensive long-range, statewide plan for the development of outdoor recreation resources of the state which is hereinafter called the "plan", which will be prepared by its staff.
C. The secretary shall consult with and help establish policies and procedures to be utilized by the assistant secretary, office of state parks, hereinafter called "state liaison officer", in carrying out programs for all state agencies, parishes, municipalities, planning commissions, and subdivisions of the state of Louisiana who desire to take advantage of and participate under the benefits of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act described in R.S. 56:1802.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §2. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1802. Authorized representative

RS 56:1802 - Authorized representative
The assistant secretary of the office of state parks is designated as the authorized representative of the state of Louisiana under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (16 U.S.C.A §§4601-4 to 4601-11), which position is referred to as "state liaison officer" and which federal act is hereinafter called "act", is hereby directed to utilize the plan in carrying out the authority vested in said office, it being the intention that any action taken by the state liaison officer be pursuant to and in compliance with the plan.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §2. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1803. Agreements with United States; coordination

RS 56:1803 - Agreements with United States; coordination
The assistant secretary of the office of state parks, hereinafter called "state liaison officer", may enter into contracts and agreements with United States or any appropriate agency thereof, keep financial records and other records relating thereto, and furnish to appropriate officials and agencies of the United States such reports and information as may be reasonable and necessary to enable such officials and agencies to perform their duties under such federal programs. In connection with obtaining for the state of Louisiana the benefits of any such program, the state liaison officer shall coordinate its activities with and represent the interest of all agencies and departments of the state and of the parish, municipal, and other governmental units and subdivisions of the state of Louisiana having interest in the planning, development, and maintenance of outdoor recreation resources and facilities within the state.
Amended by Acts 1980, No. 827, §2; Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1805. Agreements on behalf of political subdivisions

RS 56:1805 - Agreements on behalf of political subdivisions
The state liaison officer may enter into and administer agreements with the United States or any appropriate agency thereof for the planning, acquisition, or development of projects involving participating federal aid funds on behalf of any parish, municipality, or other governmental unit which gives necessary assurances to the said state liaison officer that it has available sufficient funds to meet its share of the cost of the project and that the acquired or developed areas will be operated and maintained at its expense for public outdoor recreation use.
Amended by Acts 1980, No. 827, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1807. Cooperation of state agencies and subdivisions with secretary

RS 56:1807 - Cooperation of state agencies and subdivisions with secretary
All state agencies are hereby empowered, authorized and directed to make available to the state liaison officer such reasonable help and assistance as the state liaison officer may request, and such agencies and subdivisions shall cooperate with the state liaison officer in carrying out the intentions and purposes of this Chapter.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1808. Functions and duties of state agencies

RS 56:1808 - Functions and duties of state agencies
A. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the office of tourism and promotion, the Department of Transportation and Development, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service or their successor agencies shall furnish assistance to the state liaison officer for the implementation of this Chapter in compliance with the provisions of R.S. 49:661 and 663.
B. In respect to duties of the secretary and the state liaison officer, under this Chapter and insofar as practical, all state agencies shall comply with reasonable requests to furnish information, data, and reports to the commission, and shall otherwise cooperate with the said secretary and state liaison officer.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §2; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1830. Louisiana Natural Heritage Program

RS 56:1830 - Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
There is hereby created within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program to administer the provisions of law and rules and regulations regarding the Louisiana Natural Areas Registry, the Threatened and Endangered Species Conservation program, and those programs, duties, and functions designated by the secretary in accordance with law.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1831. Agreements; land conservation organizations

RS 56:1831 - Agreements; land conservation organizations
The department is authorized to enter into agreements with national, nonprofit membership land conservation organizations to conduct programs; manage, preserve, and conserve land; and to purchase lands.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1833. Wild Louisiana Guide License

RS 56:1833 - Wild Louisiana Guide License
A. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to create and govern a licensing program for persons who conduct outings on department-owned lands for purposes other than hunting or fishing.
B. The commission may establish a Wild Louisiana Guide License and impose a fee for such license that may not exceed five hundred dollars annually.
C. The commission may require a licensed Wild Louisiana guide to pay to the department a client fee not to exceed five dollars per trip for each person accompanying the guide on such lands. The guide shall not be required to pay the client fee for those persons who possess a valid Louisiana WMA Access Permit. The commission may require the guide to submit, along with the payment of the client fees, the names and addresses of persons for which the client fee has been paid.
D. Persons accompanying a licensed Wild Louisiana guide for whom the guide is required to pay a client fee pursuant to Subsection C of this Section shall not be required to possess a WMA Access Permit.
Acts 1997, No. 129, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §3, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1841. Policies; purposes

RS 56:1841 - Policies; purposes
A. The Legislature of Louisiana hereby finds that there exist in Louisiana many unique and diverse free-flowing rivers, streams, and bayous which should be preserved, protected, and enhanced for the present and future benefit of Louisiana citizens. In order to assist in fulfilling its duties to protect, conserve, and replenish the natural resources of this state in accordance with Louisiana Constitution Article IX, Section 1, the legislature does hereby establish the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System.
B.(1) This system shall be administered for the purposes of preserving, protecting, developing, reclaiming, and enhancing the wilderness qualities, scenic beauties, and ecological regime of certain free-flowing streams or segments thereof.
(2) This system shall further be administered for the purpose of preserving aesthetic, scenic, recreational, fish, wildlife, ecological, archaeological, geological, botanical, and other natural and physical features and resources found along these streams or segments thereof.
Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1982, No. 267, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1842. Definitions

RS 56:1842 - Definitions
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms used in this Part shall mean the following:
(1) "System" means the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System.
(2) "Administrator" means the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(3) "Natural and scenic river" means a river, stream, or bayou or segment thereof that has been designated as part of the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System in accordance with the provisions of this Part and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(4) "Scenic servitude" means a contract between the adjacent riparian landowner and the system administrator which shall be in the nature of a development agreement for the purpose of preserving the natural state of the landscape through mutual agreement on the activities which might affect the natural landscape.
(5) "Surface servitude" means a contract between the stream owner and the system administrator which shall relieve the landowner of liabilities and assure the public of access and use of the stream surface.
(6) "Channelization" means the practice of changing a natural stream, or segment thereof, into a man-made ditch or canal with channels of a relatively uniform width and depth usually necessitating the removal of trees and other woody vegetation adjacent to the stream and constructed for the purpose of accelerating runoff.
(7) "Clearing and snagging" means the practice of removing most obstructions, trees, snags, and other impediments that retard the natural stream flow.
(8) "Channel realignment" means the practice by which dredging, ditching, or other means are used to shorten or reroute the natural stream course.
(9) "Historic and scenic river" means a river, stream, or bayou or segment thereof which because of its unique historical status and scenic character requires protection and preservation of its aesthetic, scenic, recreation, fish, wildlife, ecological, archaeological, geological, botanical, and other natural and physical features.
(10) "Reservoir construction" means any permanent dam or impoundment which alters the shoreline of a natural and scenic river.
(11) "River" includes rivers, streams, bayous, and segments thereof and their waters and generally those bodies of water having the characteristics of rivers, streams, and bayous.
(12) "Normal activities" means those activities on lands that do not directly and significantly degrade the ecological integrity of a natural and scenic river.
Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1843. Administrator; duties and powers

RS 56:1843 - Administrator; duties and powers
A. The administrator of this system shall be the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Neither the administrator nor any state official shall take action to have any stream or river within this system included in the national Wild and Scenic River System without prior approval of the legislature.
B. The administrator shall administer the system in accordance with the policies, purposes, and requirements of this Part and shall have the authority to:
(1) Adopt such rules, regulations, standards, and criteria as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Part, in accordance with R.S. 49:950 et seq.
(2) Accept donations and grants for the purposes of this Part from public and private sources.
(3) Grant or deny permits and the renewal thereof. Prior to taking such action the administrator shall consider the history of violations and compliances of the applicant. The duration of any permit or renewal thereof shall be determined by the administrator and be stipulated within the permit.
(4) Revoke, suspend, annul, and withdraw any permit for the violation of any provision of this Part, any rule adopted pursuant thereto, any legal order of the administrator, or any order of a court acting pursuant to this Part. Prior to taking such action the administrator shall consider the history of violations and compliances of the permittee and the economic benefits realized through the violation.
(5) Recommend to the legislature rivers for designation as a natural and scenic river and inclusion within the Louisiana natural and scenic rivers system.
(6) Delegate powers and duties provided by this Part to appropriate personnel within the department.
(7) Enter into scenic and surface servitude agreements with landowners for the purposes of this Part.
Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1846. Management plan

RS 56:1846 - Management plan
A. Within one year from the date a river is finally designated as a natural and scenic river, the administrator shall adopt and commence implementation of a management plan for that river which shall conform to the purposes and requirements of this Part. The plan shall be developed by the administrator in consultation with the division of administration, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and with the advice of other agencies that the administrator determines may have an interest in the plan. The plan shall be in the form of a written document. The administrator shall provide copies of the plan to the division of administration, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the governing authorities of those parishes through which the river flows.
B. Prior to the adoption of a plan and as part of the process, the administrator shall hold not less than one public hearing to receive comments and recommendations from all interested parties and the public. There shall be at least one public hearing in the vicinity of the natural and scenic river. The administrator shall, not less than thirty days prior to any hearing, publish a notice of the hearing in the official journal of the state and of each parish through which the river flows and notify each parish governing authority by letter to its chief executive officer. The administrator shall give notice to all interested parties, including adjacent landowners.
C. Each management plan shall be reviewed at least every five years from adoption and may be modified in the same manner and procedure as provided for adopting the original plan.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the development of the management plan for those natural and scenic rivers designated prior to January 1, 1989, shall be commenced no later than January 1, 1990.
Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Amended by Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 2004, No. 33, §4.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1848. Planning considerations

RS 56:1848 - Planning considerations
A. In all planning for the use and development of water and water-related land resources, full and equal consideration shall be given by all local, state, and federal agencies to the potential natural and scenic river areas; and all river basin reports and project plans should discuss any such potential and all economic evaluations should consider aesthetic values as well as monetary values.
B. No agency of the state government shall authorize or concur in plans of local or federal agencies that would detrimentally affect whether, directly or indirectly, a natural or scenic river or upon which the full and equal consideration of the stream's potential as a natural or scenic area with aesthetic values has not been discussed and evaluated.
Added by Acts 1970, No. 398, §1; Acts 1987, No. 606, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1849. Evaluation and permitting

RS 56:1849 - Evaluation and permitting
A. No person shall commence or engage in any activity governed by this Part or any rule pursuant thereto unless a permit is first obtained from the administrator.
B.(1) Prior to any final decision on an application for a permit for those activities that have the potential for significant ecological degradation, a written evaluation of the application may be prepared by the administrator in consultation with the division of administration, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and with the advice of other agencies that the administrator determines may have an interest in the permit.
(2) The final decision on an application shall be in the form of a written report, shall include any required evaluation, and shall be part of the record of the decision. The report shall include an evaluation of the criteria provided for in this Section. The administrator shall give any required evaluation substantial weight in making the final decision. The administrator shall provide copies of the report with the division of administration, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
C. The criteria for an evaluation of an application for a permit shall consider the impact the activity may have on the characteristics and qualities of the natural and scenic river, including but not limited to the following:
(1) Wilderness qualities
(2) Scenic values
(3) Ecological regimes
(4) Recreation
(5) Fish and other aquatic life
(6) Wildlife
(7) Historical and archaeological
(8) Geological
(9) Botanical
(10) Water quality as determined by the Department of Environmental Quality
(11) Cultural
(12) Economics
D. A person who is denied a permit by the department may institute legal proceedings against the department in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court.
Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 2004, No. 33, §4; Acts 2009, No. 365, §1.