reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1850. Rules and regulations

RS 56:1850 - Rules and regulations
A. The administrator shall have the authority to regulate those activities that may directly and significantly degrade the ecological integrity of a natural and scenic river. The administrator shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the purposes and requirements of this Part and to regulate uses of a natural and scenic river which may detrimentally affect such natural and scenic river. Specifically, and not in limitation of the foregoing, such rules may regulate the following:
(1) Crossings by roads, railroads, pipelines, or utilities across any natural and scenic river.
(2) Sharing of land and air space by such roads, railroads, and utilities.
(3) Pollution of waters, with the concurrence of the Department of Environmental Quality.
(4) Prospecting, drilling, and mining for natural resources.
(5) Structures and buildings.
(6) Signs or other forms of outdoor advertising that are visible from waters within a natural and scenic river.
(7) Piers, boat slips, bulkheads, houseboats, and landings.
(8) Uses, activities, and access.
(9) Littering.
B. Permits granted for crossings by pipelines or utilities or the sharing of land or air space by such facilities shall be for the useful life of the facility.
Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 1997, No. 492, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1269, §1, eff. July 12, 1999.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1851. Penalties and enforcement

RS 56:1851 - Penalties and enforcement
A.(1) The administrator may impose a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars for each violation of this Part or the rules and regulations adopted under this Part and the administrator may suspend, annul, withdraw, or revoke any permit issued pursuant to this Part for any such violation. Each day on which a violation occurs shall be a separate offense.
(2) Civil penalties may be assessed and the suspension, annulment, withdrawal, or revocation of a permit may be imposed only by a ruling of the administrator based on an adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.
(3) The administrator may institute civil proceedings to enforce his rulings in the district court for the parish in which the violation occurs.
B. The administrator may issue cease and desist orders, compliance orders, and obtain injunctions or other appropriate relief upon determining that a violation of this Part or rules and regulations adopted under this Part or agreements made pursuant to the provisions of this Part has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur.
C. Unless otherwise provided by this Part, intentional violation of the provisions of this Part constitutes a class 2-B violation; however, there shall be no forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Acts 1987, No. 646, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 2003, No. 98, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1852. Privately owned streams; copies of rules

RS 56:1852 - Privately owned streams; copies of rules
A. Recognizing that some few of the streams recommended for inclusion as natural and scenic rivers may not be state owned but owned by adjacent landowners, the state legislature encourages riparian owners to grant to the system administrator scenic servitudes and surface servitudes.
B. Except as provided in R.S. 56:1853 and R.S. 56:1854, no provision of this Part shall restrict the normal activities of landowners within the boundaries of their own property unless a mutual agreement has been entered into with the system administrator.
C. Any interested party, upon written request to the administrator, shall be provided copies of rules then in effect or thereafter adopted by the administrator pursuant to the provisions 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 › §56:1853. Prohibited uses

RS 56:1853 - Prohibited uses
Channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment and reservoir construction of those rivers and streams included within this system are hereby prohibited. Violations of the provisions of this Section constitute a class six violation, R.S. 56:36.
Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 1999, No. 1269, §1, eff. July 12, 1999; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 54, §2; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 80, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1854. Commercial cutting of trees

RS 56:1854 - Commercial cutting of trees
A. The cutting or harvesting of timber within one hundred feet of the ordinary low water mark of a natural and scenic or historic and scenic river provided for in this Part is prohibited except as follows:
(1) The selective harvesting of trees for commercial purposes is permitted.
(2) The cutting of trees for the control of disease or insects is permitted.
(3) The harvesting of timber for personal use by the person who owns or leases the property is permitted.
B. When trees are cut or harvested, for any purpose, within one hundred feet of the ordinary low water mark of a natural and scenic or historic and scenic river provided for in this Part, the person who owns or leases the property shall be responsible for removing the tree tops from the river.
C. A violation of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class two violation, R.S. 56:32.
Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1856. Historic and scenic rivers

RS 56:1856 - Historic and scenic rivers
A. The provisions of this Part shall be applicable to those historic and scenic rivers designated below and full consideration shall be given to the detrimental effect of any proposed action upon the historic and scenic character thereof, as well as the benefits of the proposed use.
B. The following are designated as historic and scenic rivers:
(1) Bayou St. John within the boundaries of Orleans Parish.
(2) Bayou Manchac - From the Amite River to the Mississippi River.
Acts 1982, No. 267, §1; Acts 1988, No. 947, §1, eff. July 27, 1988; Acts 2009, No. 370, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1862. Legislative findings and purpose

RS 56:1862 - Legislative findings and purpose
A. The legislature finds and declares that there is a need for additional organized, accessible information to identify and make known the types and locations of plant and animal life, geological areas, and other natural areas in this state, and that a system of protection and management of these areas should be implemented and maintained through a procedure of voluntary action by the owners of the property on which these areas may be located.
B. The legislature states that the purpose of this Part is to establish a registration procedure by which owners of natural areas may voluntarily agree to manage and protect the areas according to rules set forth by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and to establish a procedure by which the owners of natural areas may voluntarily agree to convey any or all of their right, title, and interest in such property to the state to be managed and protected by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the people of Louisiana.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1863. Definitions

RS 56:1863 - Definitions
For the purposes of this Part, the following words shall have the meaning ascribed herein unless the context shall otherwise require:
(1) "Dedicate" shall mean the transfer to the department of any real right or interest in any natural area to be held for the people of Louisiana in a manner consistent with the provisions, intent, and purposes of this Part.
(2) "Department" shall mean the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(3) "Natural area" shall mean an area of land, water, or air, or combination thereof, which contains an element of the state's natural diversity, including, but not limited to, individual plant or animal life, natural geological areas, unique natural communities, habitats of endangered or threatened species, ecosystems, or any other area of unique ecological, scientific or educational interest.
(4) "Natural area preserve" shall mean a natural area which is voluntarily dedicated.
(5) "Register" shall mean the written or oral agreement between the owner of a natural area and the department for designation of the natural area and for its placement on the register of natural areas by voluntary agreement between the owner of the natural area and the department. The registration of a natural area does not constitute a dedication of the property.
(6) "Register of natural areas" shall mean a listing of natural areas which are being managed by the owner of the natural area according to the rules and regulations of the department.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1864. Powers and duties of department

RS 56:1864 - Powers and duties of department
The department shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To utilize inventory data compiled by the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries concerning the natural areas of the state.
(2) To accept on behalf of the people of Louisiana any right, title, or interest to any natural area.
(3) To establish and maintain a register of natural areas.
(4) To enter into agreements to register natural areas.
(5) To enter into agreements to provide for the department to have a first option to purchase any natural area.
(6) To select natural areas for placement on the register of natural areas or for dedication as a natural area preserve, or both.
(7) To provide for the management and preservation of natural area preserves in accordance with the provisions set forth in the dedication which establish the natural area as a natural area preserve.
(8) To cooperate with any agency of the United States, the state of Louisiana and any other state, any political subdivision of this state and with private persons or organizations to implement the provisions of this Part.
(9) To discharge any other duty or action necessary to implement the provisions of this Part.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1866. Registration of natural areas

RS 56:1866 - Registration of natural areas
A.(1) The owner of any natural area may, if the department so agrees, register the natural area by entering into a voluntary oral or written agreement with the department for the owner to manage and protect the natural area according to the rules and regulations promulgated by the department. If the owner agrees to register the area, he shall be given a certificate of registration and shall be committed to manage the area according to the terms of the agreement with the department.
(2) The agreement may be terminated by either party after thirty days written notice. The owner, upon termination, shall surrender the certificate. Any first option to purchase the department may have entered into shall remain with the department unless the department shall relinquish the option in writing.
B. Any property acquired by the department or any other agency of the state or political subdivision thereof pursuant to any other authority in law may be registered according to the provisions of this Part.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1867. Dedication of natural areas

RS 56:1867 - Dedication of natural areas
A. The owner of any natural area may dedicate that area as a natural area preserve by executing with the department an act transferring such portion of the owner's interest in the property as agreed upon by the owner and the department to the department for the people of Louisiana.
B. The department may acquire any natural area by donation, purchase, exchange, devise, or bequest.
C. The department may dedicate any property owned by the department as a natural area preserve by filing and recording an act subjecting the property to the provisions of this Part in the office of the clerk of court in the parish which any or all of the area is located.
D. The property dedicated pursuant to this Part shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the department which:
(1) Require the protection, preservation, management, custody, and use of the natural area preserve in a manner consistent with the intent and purposes of this Part.
(2) Define the rights and privileges of the owner and the department.
(3) Provide for such other provisions as the owner or department shall deem necessary to discharge the provisions of this Part or to complete the transfer.
E. The department shall agree to no such acts which do not provide for the protection, preservation, and management of the natural area in a manner consistent with the intent and purposes of this Part.
F. The department shall be the agency of the state of Louisiana primarily responsible for acquisition of natural area preserves, but no provision of this Part shall be construed to limit the department's authority to acquire other property. Any property acquired by the department or any other agency of the state or political subdivision thereof pursuant to any other authority in law may be dedicated according to the provision of this Part.
G. No provision of this Part shall be construed to limit the authority of any other agency to acquire and dedicate natural areas according to the provisions of this Part.
H. No property dedicated pursuant to this Part may be transferred or assigned by the department or any successor in title unless it is subject to the provisions of this Part and any act which requires the management and preservation of the property in accordance with the intent and purpose of this Part.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1868. Management, protection and inspection of natural area preserves

RS 56:1868 - Management, protection and inspection of natural area preserves
A. A natural area preserve is held in trust by the state of Louisiana for present and future generations and shall be managed and protected according to the rules and regulations set forth by the department. A natural area preserve is hereby declared to be at the highest, best, and most important use for the public.
B. The department shall inspect or provide for the inspection at least annually of each natural area preserve to ensure that the provisions of this Part and the terms of the transfer or dedication are being followed.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1869. Rules and regulations

RS 56:1869 - Rules and regulations
The department shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Part in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.
Acts 1987, No. 324, §1, eff. July 6, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1901. Legislative findings and declarations

RS 56:1901 - Legislative findings and declarations
The Louisiana Legislature finds:
A. That it is the policy of this state to conserve species of wildlife and native plants for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of this state's economic and ecological systems.
B. That species of wildlife and native plants normally occurring within this state which may be found to be threatened or endangered within the state should be accorded such protection as is necessary to maintain and to enhance their numbers.
C. That the state should assist in the protection of species of wildlife that are determined to be "threatened" or "endangered" elsewhere pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., as concurred in by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation from the state, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment within this state of such endangered species, or by carefully regulating such activities with regard to such species. Exceptions to such prohibitions, for the purpose of enhancing the conservation of such species, may be permitted as set forth elsewhere in this Part.
D. That funding for the conservation of threatened or endangered species and native plants may be made available to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries annually by appropriations from the general fund of the state. Additionally, sources other than those normally used by the department to support its present wildlife programs may be utilized, including but not limited to federal funding through Section 6 of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and to that extent the department may enter into cooperative agreements with the proper authorities of the government of the United States, issue and promote the sale of "Endangered Species" stamps or utilize such other methods as are deemed appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this Part.
Acts 1974, No.473, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1902. Definitions

RS 56:1902 - Definitions
For the purpose of this Part:
(1) "Native plant" shall mean any nonvascular or vascular plant occurring outside of cultivation, excluding species that are known to have escaped cultivation or to have been intentionally or unintentionally introduced from outside of Louisiana since European colonization.
(2) "Threatened or endangered species" shall mean any species of wildlife or native plant determined by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or by the secretary of the Interior of the United States with concurrence by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to be of a class that requires protective regulation to prevent its extinction or the destruction or deterioration of its economic usefulness within this state, presently or in the foreseeable future.
(3) "Wildlife" shall mean all species of wild vertebrates, and invertebrates.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 595, §1; Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1903. Conservation, study, regulation; authority

RS 56:1903 - Conservation, study, regulation; authority
A. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to conserve resident species of wildlife or native plants, and those species determined to be threatened or endangered by the secretary and the secretary of the Interior of the United States, and to formulate conservation programs and plans, to be submitted to the secretary of Interior for review.
B. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to conduct investigations on resident wildlife or native plants in order to develop information relating to populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological, economic, and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the commission may issue regulations designed to assist the continued ability of wildlife or native plants deemed in need of conservation to perpetuate themselves successfully. The department may conduct ongoing investigations of wildlife or native plants and the commission may from time to time amend such regulations.
C. The commission may establish such programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests therein, as are deemed necessary for the conservation of threatened or endangered species of wildlife or native plants. The commission may utilize all vested authority except the power of expropriation to carry out the purposes of this Part.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1; Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1905. Retroactivity; importation

RS 56:1905 - Retroactivity; importation
None of the provisions of this Part shall be construed to apply retroactively or to prohibit importation into the state of wildlife which may be lawfully imported into the United States or lawfully taken and removed from another state or to prohibit entry into this state or the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment of any wildlife which has been determined to be an endangered or threatened species in this state but not in the state where originally taken if the person engaging in such activity demonstrates by substantial evidence that such wildlife was lawfully taken and lawfully removed from such state. Provided, however, that this section shall not be construed to permit the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale or shipment within this state of species of wildlife determined, pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act to be an endangered or threatened species, except as permitted by Subsection G of Section 1904 of this Part.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1906. Endangered species stamps

RS 56:1906 - Endangered species stamps
A. In addition to other methods of funding available for implementation of this Part the commission is authorized to issue and promote the sale to the general public of "endangered species" stamps, which shall be commemorative stamps, and which shall be limited to a maximum price of ten dollars for each stamp purchased.
B. Proceeds from the sale of these stamps shall be transmitted to the state treasurer who shall deposit the funds in a special account to be designated as the "endangered species fund", and which funds shall be used in addition to any other monies available for implementation of this Part.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1907. Penalties and enforcement

RS 56:1907 - Penalties and enforcement
Any violation of the provisions of this Part or any regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this Part shall constitute a class six violation punishable under the provisions of R.S. 56:36.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1921. Findings, policy, and purposes

RS 56:1921 - Findings, policy, and purposes
The Legislature of Louisiana finds that Louisiana is endowed with a diversity of natural areas having unique ecological systems, plant and animal life, geological formations, wildlife habitats, and scenic beauty that are not found in other parts of the United States. It is hereby declared and established as the policy of Louisiana and the purpose of this Part that these natural areas be conserved, protected and enhanced for the benefit of our citizens and future generations. In furtherance of this policy and to implement the provisions of Article IX, Section 1 of the Louisiana Constitution, there is hereby established the Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust for the purpose of acquiring and properly managing such natural areas in Louisiana.
Acts 1988, No. 492, §1, eff. July 9, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1922. Acquisition of land

RS 56:1922 - Acquisition of land
A. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may acquire land by purchase, exchange, gift or otherwise for additions to the state's portfolio of natural lands, state parks, state forests and wildlife and fishery management areas or because such areas exhibit other important features of the natural landscape that are of interest to the state. In determining whether sites shall be acquired, the secretary shall consider whether the site is:
(1) Identified as having high priority recreation, forestry, fishery, wildlife or conservation value.
(2) A prime natural feature of the Louisiana landscape, such as a major river, stream, or bayou, its tributaries and watershed, an island or coastal wetland, a significant littoral, estuarine, or aquatic site or any other important geologic feature.
(3) A habitat for native plant or animal species which may be threatened or endangered.
(4) An example of a native ecological community.
(5) Environmentally significant and is threatened with conversion to incompatible or ecologically irreversible uses.
(6) Adjacent to a natural and scenic river, stream, or bayou.
B. Prior to its acquisition each site shall be evaluated by the department to determine if threatened or endangered species inhabit or use the site or to determine if the site is of special ecological quality or has other outstanding natural values as a community of living things.
Acts 1988, No. 492, §1, eff. July 9, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1923. Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust

RS 56:1923 - Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust
A. There is hereby established within the treasury a special fund to be known as the "Wildlife Habitat and Natural Heritage Trust", hereinafter referred to as the "trust", the funds of which may be used solely for the purposes of this Part. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may use the funds deposited to the trust for the purpose of acquiring and managing lands pursuant to this Part. The secretary may accept funds from any source including public and private donations and grants which are to be deposited into the trust.
B. Monies in the trust shall be invested as provided by law. All interest earned on investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited in and credited to the trust. The monies in the trust shall be used solely in accordance with the terms and conditions of the trust and only in the amounts appropriated each year by the legislature. At the end of each fiscal year, all unexpended and unencumbered monies in the trust shall remain in the trust.
Acts 1989, No. 290, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1925. Management

RS 56:1925 - Management
A. The secretary shall develop a management plan for each site acquired pursuant to this Part. The plan shall identify the significant resources to be conserved consistent with the purposes of this Part and identify the areas with potential for primitive recreation and educational uses. The plan shall specify what types of management activities will be permitted, consistent with the conservation purposes of this Part. The secretary shall make such plans available for review and comment by the public and other state, tribal, and local agencies. The department may hold a public hearing in the vicinity of the site in order to receive the comments.
B. The secretary is authorized to administer lands acquired pursuant to this Part and may enter into management agreements for these areas with other state agencies and local governments, and national, nonprofit membership land conservation organization, pursuant to R.S. 56:1831, when such agreements are consistent with the purposes of this Part and the site management plan. Any moneys derived from the management of these lands or the exploitation of their resources shall be deposited in the Stewardship Account.
Acts 1988, No. 492, §1, eff. July 9, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1931. Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program; fund

RS 56:1931 - Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program; fund
There is hereby established within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program for the purpose of providing funding for outdoor conservation projects in the state. The administration of the program and the conservation projects selected for funding under the program shall be funded by the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Fund as provided for in R.S. 56:10(B)(17).
Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022.
NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1932. Project selection board

RS 56:1932 - Project selection board
A. The program shall be governed by a project selection board composed of the following members:
(1) The governor or his designee.
(2) The executive assistant to the governor for coastal activities or his designee.
(3) The lieutenant governor or his designee from the office of state parks.
(4) The commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee.
(5) The secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality or his designee.
(6) The secretary of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources or his designee.
(7) The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or his designee.
(8) The speaker of the House of Representatives or his designee.
(9) The president of the Senate or his designee.
B. The members of the board representing the Louisiana Legislature shall be nonvoting members.
C. The project selection board shall elect a chairman at its first meeting each year. The chairman shall serve a one-year term and may be reelected by the board.
D. The project selection board shall make all final determinations regarding the selection of projects for funding under the program.
Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1933. Technical advisory board

RS 56:1933 - Technical advisory board
A. The project selection board shall be advised by a technical advisory board composed of the following members:
(1) Subject matter representatives from the following:
(a) The office of the governor.
(b) The division of administration.
(c) The office of coastal activities.
(d) The office of state parks.
(e) The Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
(f) The Department of Environmental Quality.
(g) The Department of Energy and Natural Resources.
(h) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(2) Up to three representatives of nonprofit conservation organizations having offices in Louisiana and engaged in conservation efforts in the state may be appointed by the governor, provided that no such representative may participate in the evaluation of applications from their own organization.
B. The technical advisory board shall review and evaluate applications in accordance with the program criteria and scoring and forward assessments to the project selection board.
Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1934. Program eligibility; application process

RS 56:1934 - Program eligibility; application process
A.(1) State agencies, political subdivisions of the state, including local governing authorities, and nongovernmental organizations working in coordination with public agencies may apply to the program for funding.
(2) The program shall be strictly voluntary and in no way invokes eminent domain.
B. The following types of projects may be eligible for funding:
(1) Land conservation of important natural areas, including fish and wildlife habitat.
(2) Water quality projects related to land conservation or land management, including those lands that protect drinking water supplies.
(3) Working land, farms, and forested land.
(4) Recreational properties related to important natural areas and public use.
(5) Historic properties adjacent to or integral to habitat restoration or enhancement.
C. Application forms as well as information about application requirements shall be made available online.
D. Submitted applications shall be evaluated by the technical advisory board and selected by the project selection board using defined criteria and scoring based on a clear, defensible, science-based process.
E. The department shall, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this program. Such rules shall include procedures for applying to the program and detailed criteria and scoring to be used by the boards in their evaluation and selection of projects for funding.
Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022.
NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1935. Transparency

RS 56:1935 - Transparency
The Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program, fund, project selection board, and technical advisory board shall be subject to all applicable laws concerning public meetings and public records, including the Open Meetings Law, the Public Records Law, and the Ethics Code. In addition, the meetings of each board shall be open to the public, broadcast via the internet when possible, and allow time for public comment. Meeting minutes shall be made available to the public. Information about the members of each board shall also be readily available to the public.
Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022.
NOTE: Pursuant to R.S. 56:1936, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program terminates July 1, 2033.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1936. Program termination

RS 56:1936 - Program termination
The Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program shall terminate on July 1, 2033.
Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022.
NOTE: Pursuant to this Section, the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program shall terminate on July 1, 2033.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1941. Purpose

RS 56:1941 - Purpose
The purpose of this Part is to designate the official route of the Cote Joyeuse, and to designate the Cote Joyeuse as an historic road. It is the intention of the legislature to commemorate this area, through which runs the Cote Joyeuse, as the main route used by nineteenth century planters, their families, and travelers to and from Natchitoches and surrounding points whether by land or water, and also used by steamboats at landings at each plantation.
Acts 1989, No. 467, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1942. Definitions

RS 56:1942 - Definitions
As used in this Part, "Cote Joyeuse (Joyous Coast)" means the corridor or road extending from south of the present site of Fort St. Jean Baptiste on either side of the Cane River to the vicinity of Cloutierville, Louisiana.
Acts 1989, No. 467, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1943. Route of Cote Joyeuse

RS 56:1943 - Route of Cote Joyeuse
The route composing the Cote Joyeuse, which is to be used as a route for the enjoyment of tourists of the Cote Joyeuse area, shall consist of the following:
(1) Enter the corridor at the bend of Cane River Lake at Highway 1223 (also known as Rapides Drive or Mill Street) at the site of Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, heading south.
(2) Cross the railroad track to Woodyard Drive (also known as Fish Hatchery Road), which intersects Highway 1 south and head east.
(3) At the intersection of Highway 494 and Woodyard Drive, turn right (at home of Mary Cloutier Fulton) and continue.
(4)(a) Turn left at Bermuda Bridge from Highway 494, then right on Highway 119 and continue to the intersection of Highway 119 and Highway 493. At the intersection, turn left to Melrose Plantation and continue on Highway 119 to Derry, ending at Highway 1, or turn right to Cane River Bridge and St. Augustine Church, ending at Highway 1.
(b) At the Bermuda Bridge, instead of crossing, stay on Highway 494 until it intersects with Highway 484, and continue until it intersects with Highway 493 at St. Augustine Church and continue to Highway 1.
(5) Follow Highway 1 south to Cloutierville, and turn left on Highway 495 across the Cane River Bridge, past Bayou Folk Museum and continue in a circle back to Highway 1.
(6)(a) Enter from the intersection of Highway 1 south and Keyser Avenue and continue east on Highway 494 until crossing Pratt's Bridge, near Pointe Place. Turn left and continue to the intersection of Woodyard Drive and Highway 494 (described in Subsections 3 and 4 of this Section).
(b) At Pratt's Bridge, instead of crossing, turn left and follow Bermuda Road (Parish Road), where it circles and reaches the foot of Bermuda Bridge.
Acts 1989, No. 467, §1; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1946. Highland Road; designation

RS 56:1946 - Highland Road; designation
The purpose of this Part is to designate the Highland Road in East Baton Rouge Parish as an historic road and scenic parkway. It is the intention of the legislature to commemorate the area, once known as the Dutch Highlands, through which runs the Highland Road, as an area settled under Spanish rule, in what was then West Florida, by settlers of predominantly German ancestry, beginning in 1785; being an area bounded on its southerly side by Bayou Fountain; being the first high land along the Mississippi River north of the Gulf of Mexico, which was developed as farm land and plantations; through which the winding, scenic Highland Road began over two hundred years ago to connect the homes of the early settlers with each other, and to provide access to the village of Baton Rouge; and along Highland Road there have endured to the present time homes built late in the eighteenth century and early in the nineteenth century in the distinctive Louisiana manner of cypress half-timbers and bousillage; and which has retained much of its pastoral beauty and residential character.
Acts 1989, No. 467, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1947. Definitions

RS 56:1947 - Definitions
As used in this Part, the "Highland Road" means the road extending, on its northerly terminus, from South Boulevard in Baton Rouge to the road's point of junction with Jefferson Highway at the southerly terminus of the road, all of which is designated an historic road. The portion of the Highland Road extending from the north gate of Louisiana State University to the point of junction with Jefferson Highway is designated a scenic parkway.
Acts 1989, No. 467, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.1. Purpose

RS 56:1948.1 - Purpose
The promotion of the tourism industry and the creation of business development opportunities in the state of Louisiana are significant factors in the overall economic development of the state. The Louisiana Byways Program is established to designate and develop educational, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and scenic routes along Louisiana's highways. The Louisiana Byways Program is not intended to, and specifically does not, restrict the powers of local governments to regulate land uses along highways designated as Louisiana Byways nor the rights of private persons to develop, construct, and use real property and structures adjacent to such highways.
Acts 1991, No. 588, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.2. Definitions

RS 56:1948.2 - Definitions
A "Louisiana Byway" is defined as a state or local road designated by the state of Louisiana which represents the best the state has to offer as a recreational and educational experience to visitors desiring to view natural and man-made scenic resources, to experience the culture of the state, or to understand the history of the state.
Acts 1991, No. 588, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.3. Criteria

RS 56:1948.3 - Criteria
The Department of Transportation and Development shall approve a byway route. To be designated as a Louisiana Byway, a road shall be evaluated as to its compliance with all of the following criteria:
(1) Potential to draw a large number of people off the principal arterial.
(2) Effectiveness of route to appeal to a varied audience.
(3) Close proximity of recreation opportunities to designated byway.
(4) An established corridor management plan.
(5) Extent of local commitment to make byway successful.
(6) At least two significant intrinsic qualities with educational, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, or archeological value.
(7) Frequency of special events and festivals along the byway route.
(8) Opportunities to further develop tourist attractions along the designated byway route.
(9) Adequate accommodations along the byway route.
Acts 1991, No. 588, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.4. Regional development; legislative committee approval

RS 56:1948.4 - Regional development; legislative committee approval
A. Any byway suggested to be included in the Louisiana Byways Program shall:
(1) Meet the criteria provided for in R.S. 56:1948.3. However, any district may develop additional criteria specific to its area to determine potential byway routes.
(2) Have approval of Louisiana Byways Commission within the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
(3) Have approval of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
(4) Have approval of the Department of Transportation and Development based upon the adequacy and safety of the proposed routes to meet the needs of the increased volume and variety of traffic on the byway.
B. After approval by the Louisiana Byways Commission, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Department of Transportation and Development, a proposed byway shall be presented to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works by the recommending agent and shall be approved by a majority of the members of each committee prior to its inclusion in the Louisiana Byway Program.
C. The Department of Transportation and Development shall maintain and update, on a regular basis, a listing of the Louisiana Byways approved by the House and Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Acts 1991, No. 588, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.6. Signage; official state map designation; official logo

RS 56:1948.6 - Signage; official state map designation; official logo
A. The Department of Transportation and Development may erect appropriate signs along the route of those highways or sections of highways designated herein, indicating that these highways or sections of highways have been designated as Louisiana Byways.
B. The Department of Transportation and Development may identify all highways designated herein as Louisiana Byways on any official state highway maps prepared and distributed by the department.
C. The official logo of the Louisiana Byways Program shall be used as the logo to identify the more than five hundred miles designated as the original Louisiana Byways routes. Such logo shall be used on appropriate signage and official state highways maps to indicate those routes designated as Louisiana Byways.
Acts 1991, No. 588, §1; Acts 1992, No. 143, §1, eff. June 5, 1992; Acts 2008, No. 129, §1, eff. June 6, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.7. Exclusions from Louisiana Byway designation

RS 56:1948.7 - Exclusions from Louisiana Byway designation
A. Any section of the roads designated in this Part as a Louisiana Byway, which is adjacent to land zoned commercial or industrial or upon which is located one or more permanent structures at which commercial or industrial activity is conducted, shall be excluded from the scenic byway designation, except for official signage, mapping, and other purposes solely to preserve system continuity, unless the recommending body requests specific inclusion of such section and the House and Senate Committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, with the concurrence of the secretaries of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and of the Department of Transportation and Development, finds that such section meets the criteria of R.S. 56:1948.3.
B. If, however, the Federal Highway Administration formally expresses its objection to this process of automatic exclusion, and if such objection is directed to the state of Louisiana in writing, and if such objection also initiates official sanctions which would result in the loss of National Highway System apportionment or any past or pending grants to the state for the purpose of scenic byways, then the exclusion in Subsection A is null and void. The Department of Transportation and Development shall notify the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the Senate and House committees on transportation, highways and public works of such action and the following process shall be substituted in lieu of Subsection A of this Section: Any section of those roads, designated in this Part as a Louisiana Byway, which is adjacent to land zoned commercial or industrial or upon which is located one or more permanent structures at which commercial or industrial activity is conducted, may be excluded from the scenic byway designation if a recommendation for exclusion is presented to the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Such rules and regulations, subject to the oversight of the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways and public works, shall set forth the procedure which must be followed and the criteria which must be met in order for such segments to be excluded from the Louisiana Byways system.
C. Any section of a road designated as a Louisiana scenic highway, which is located in the parishes of LaSalle, Natchitoches, Sabine, or Winn, shall be excluded from the scenic byway designation.
Acts 1995, No. 244, §1; Acts 1995, No. 741, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1353, §1; Acts 2003, No. 999, §2; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 33, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1948.11. Creation of the Louisiana Byways Commission; jurisdiction; purpose

RS 56:1948.11 - Creation of the Louisiana Byways Commission; jurisdiction; purpose
A. The Louisiana Byways Commission is hereby created. The jurisdiction of the commission shall be comprised of all territory within the state of Louisiana.
B. The purpose of the commission is to preserve, enhance, and promote special roads within the Louisiana Byways Program that offer historical, cultural, scenic, natural, archeological, recreation, and economic resources for the state.
Acts 2003, No. 999, §2.