reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:782. Notice of intention to dedicate lands; publication

RS 56:782 - Notice of intention to dedicate lands; publication
When a tract of land owned by the state has been selected for wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries by the commission, notice containing a description by section, township, and range of the lands selected shall be given by the commission to the state land office, or other proper departments, of the selection of the lands for that purpose. The commission shall publish for a period of not less than thirty days notice of intention to dedicate the described lands for a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, a public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries in a newspaper published or having a circulation within the parish or parishes in which the area is situated. Thereupon, the lands become perpetually dedicated to the purpose of maintaining a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, a public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries. Thereafter no use shall be made of the lands inconsistent with or harmful to the purpose of providing a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, a public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:783. Lease of lands; publication of notice

RS 56:783 - Lease of lands; publication of notice
The commission may, under such terms and conditions as it deems advisable, lease from private persons or corporations lands within the state for the establishment of wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries. A notice describing the land by section, township, and range and stating that same has been leased and set aside as a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, a public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries shall be published for not less than thirty days in a newspaper published or having a circulation in the parish or parishes in which the lands are situated.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:784. Reforestation projects; contracts with owners of land; notice

RS 56:784 - Reforestation projects; contracts with owners of land; notice
The commission may contract with the owners of all tracts of land acquired or accepted under reforestation projects within the state for the establishment and maintenance of wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries on such lands, providing that after such land has been selected and the contract entered into, notice describing the land by section, township, and range and advising that the land has been set aside as a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, a public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries shall be published as provided in R.S. 56:783.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:785. Posting of land; stocking; rules and regulations

RS 56:785 - Posting of land; stocking; rules and regulations
The department shall post such wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries with suitable signs located not less than every lineal quarter mile along the boundary lines of the wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries, and shall properly stock the areas. The commission may make rules and regulations for the protection of the wild game and wild animal life within the areas and may properly fence, equip, or maintain the areas for the protection of the wild animal life and game.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:786. Dedication of land; trespass; destruction or defacing signs; arrest

RS 56:786 - Dedication of land; trespass; destruction or defacing signs; arrest
After such lands have been selected for use as wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, and notice of such selection and dedication published as herein provided, and after the lands have been fenced or posted as hereinabove provided, the areas thereupon become dedicated as a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, public hunting ground, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries.
No person shall trespass upon such land or hunt, trap, snare, or take the wild animal life or game within the wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, public hunting grounds, upland game preserves, or wildlife sanctuaries contrary to commission regulation, or destroy or deface fencing or signs placed on or around the areas. A person found so doing may be arrested on sight by any wildlife agent or other authorized officer.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:791. Protection of wild birds or animals; penalty for violation of Subpart

RS 56:791 - Protection of wild birds or animals; penalty for violation of Subpart
A. Except as provided in R.S. 56:792, no person shall, except in accordance with commission rules and regulations, kill, snare, or pursue with intent to take or kill by any means, or have in possession any wild animal or bird from or upon any school land or school section located within, contiguous to, or adjoining the boundaries of any wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, or public hunting ground, public or private, established or designated as such by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries by and with the consent of the parish school board or under its authority.
B. The killing, snaring, taking, or having in possession, or pursuing with intent to do so, of each wild animal or bird on any such land or section constitutes a separate offense.
C. Whoever violates any provision of this Subpart shall be fined not less than five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, with costs of suit, for each offense.
D. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to Vermilion Parish except that it shall be unlawful in Vermilion Parish for any person to use firearms in the trapping and taking of fur bearing animals. The rental or leasing of any public lands owned by the Vermilion Parish School Board for any purpose described herein shall be in accordance with advertisement and bidding laws.
E. Violation of any provision of this Subpart shall constitute a class two violation.
Amended by Acts 1977, No. 449, §1; Acts 1981, No. 837, §3; Acts 1981, No. 838, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:792. Secretary excepted

RS 56:792 - Secretary excepted
The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may kill or have killed obnoxious animals on any such land or section or ensnare or have ensnared thereon any wild animal or bird for propagation, restocking, educational purposes, or scientific investigation.
Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:795. Purchase of portions of Atchafalaya River Basin; nature, recreation and wildlife management area

RS 56:795 - Purchase of portions of Atchafalaya River Basin; nature, recreation and wildlife management area
A.(1) The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby authorized to purchase land from willing sellers in the Atchafalaya River Basin south of U.S. Highway 190, between the East and West Atchafalaya Protection Levees, and north of Morgan City, for the comprehensive development of a nature and recreation area out of funds appropriated for that purpose, subject to approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.
(2) The department is further authorized to purchase land from willing sellers in Madison, Tensas, and Franklin Parishes containing fifty thousand acres, more or less, being a portion of a tract of land known as the Chicago Mill and Lumber Company tract, subject to approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.
(3) The department is further authorized to purchase land from willing sellers in Concordia, Catahoula, Franklin and Tensas Parishes containing fifty-seven thousand acres, more or less, being a tract of land known as the Fisher Lumber Company tract; and if the land is conveyed to the state, the seller may retain mineral rights in all or part of said land as agreed upon between purchaser and seller.
(4) The department is further authorized to sell any or all portions of the lands purchased under the authorization of this Subsection, provided that the sale price is not less than the price paid by the department.
B. It is hereby recommended and requested that the United States Army Corps of Engineers shall, as partial mitigation for recreation losses and damages to fish and wildlife habitat and resources within the Atchafalaya River Basin due to their flood control projects, provide a tract of land within the Atchafalaya River Basin consisting of not less than 50,000 acres or two tracts of not less than 25,000 acres each, for wildlife management areas to be managed and administered by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission shall enter into negotiation and take steps to achieve the purposes of this Subsection.
C. One-half of all revenues derived from the sale of timber from wildlife management areas located within the Atchafalaya River Basin shall be placed in a special fund and shall be used for no other purposes than the maintenance and development of such areas. The remaining one-half of all revenues derived from the sale of timber from such areas shall be placed to the credit of the General Fund.
Acts 1968, No. 612, §§1-3. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 743, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:799.1. Purpose

RS 56:799.1 - Purpose
The purpose of this Subpart is to provide for the administration, control, management, and funding for the White Lake Property located in Vermilion Parish. The legislature acknowledges that the White Lake Property provides an opportunity for, and an obligation on, the state to preserve a scarce fresh water ecosystem and to conserve and protect in perpetuity a relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife or plants or similar ecosystem.
Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:799.2. Definitions

RS 56:799.2 - Definitions
As used in this Subpart, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) "Act of donation" means the "Act of Donation by BP America Production Company to the State of Louisiana," dated July 8, 2002, and recorded July 11, 2002, in the conveyance records of Vermilion Parish, bearing entry number 20208337 in which the property in and around White Lake, located in Vermilion Parish, was donated to the state.
(2) "Commission" means the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
(3) "Department" means the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(4) "Fund" means the White Lake Property Fund.
(5) "White Lake Property" means the properties owned by the state in and around White Lake, located in Vermilion Parish which were donated to the state in "Act of Donation by BP America Production Company to the State of Louisiana," dated July 8, 2002, and recorded July 11, 2002, in the conveyance records of Vermilion Parish, bearing entry number 20208337.
Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2016, No. 203, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:799.3. White Lake Property Fund

RS 56:799.3 - White Lake Property Fund
A. Effective January 1, 2005, there shall be established in the state treasury, as a special fund within the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Fund, the White Lake Property Fund, hereinafter referred to as the "fund". After allocation of money to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund as provided in Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, the treasurer shall deposit in and credit to the fund all of the following:
(1) All revenues received by the state derived from agricultural leases and from mineral revenues from royalty payments, bonus payments, and rentals from the properties owned by the state in and around White Lake, located in Vermilion Parish which were donated to the state in "Act of Donation by BP America Production Company to the State of Louisiana", dated July 8, 2002, and recorded July 11, 2002, in the conveyance records of Vermilion Parish, bearing entry number 20208337, hereinafter referred to as the "White Lake Property".
(2) All fees charged by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission or the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for use of the White Lake Property.
(3) All monies received by the state and derived from any sale of assets produced by the White Lake Property.
(4) All donations of private funds or public contributions made to the state, commission, or department for the conservation, administration, control, management, development, or operation of the White Lake Property or the activities conducted thereon.
B. The monies in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as the state general fund and the interest earned on the investment of these monies shall be credited to the fund, after compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the constitution, relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund.
C. The monies in the fund shall be available only for the operation, maintenance, administration, control, management, or enhancement of the White Lake Property and to enhancement of the White Lake Property and to promote its wildlife and ecosystem conservation and for education and research purposes associated directly with the White Lake Property.
D. The monies in the fund shall be appropriated only for the purposes set forth in Subsection C of this Section.
Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2016, No. 203, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:799.5. Commission duties and responsibilities

RS 56:799.5 - Commission duties and responsibilities
In addition to duties, responsibilities, and powers provided by the constitution and statutory law, the commission:
(1) Shall establish a conservation management plan for the White Lake Property.
(2) May authorize the conduct of lottery hunts on the White Lake Property by the department or through a cooperative endeavor agreement.
Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2016, No. 203, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:799.6. Department duties and responsibilities; powers

RS 56:799.6 - Department duties and responsibilities; powers
A. In addition to duties, responsibilities, and powers otherwise provided by law, the department shall administer, control, and manage the White Lake Property.
B. The department may enter into cooperative endeavor agreements to fulfill its duties and responsibilities under this Subpart. Each such agreement shall be subject to review by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.
Acts 2004, No. 613, §2, eff. Jan. 1, ; Acts 2016, No. 203, §1
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:799.7. Exemption from restrictions of area and number; fair market value

RS 56:799.7 - Exemption from restrictions of area and number; fair market value
A. At the end of the term of a lease which was issued on property governed by the provisions of this Subpart which lease was transferred to the state through the act of donation, the property subject to such lease may be offered by the department for lease. Such lease shall be deemed a new lease and shall be offered for public bid under the provisions of Part 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 41 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. The provisions of R.S. 41:1217.1 and R.S. 56:30.3 which allow the secretary to offer the most recent lessee of record, his heirs, or assignees, the option to match the highest bid in order to continue to lease the state land shall apply to any bid process under the provisions of this Subsection. However, such leases, renewals, or extensions shall be exempt from the provisions of R.S. 41:1216(A) which limit the total acreage which may be leased and the number of leases which may held by any one lessee.
B. All leases or extensions of leases issued on property governed by the provisions of this Subpart shall be in exchange of consideration proportionate to the fair market lease value of the property to be leased.
Acts 2011, No. 335, §2, eff. June 23, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:800. Timber management, lease, or sale

RS 56:800 - Timber management, lease, or sale
The secretary shall have the authority, power, and duty to manage the timber on land owned by the state that is under the jurisdiction of the department, including but not limited to the timber on any wildlife refuge, game preserve, wildlife management area, and public hunting ground. The secretary shall have the authority and power to negotiate and enter into agreements for the management, lease, or sale of such timber with public or private persons, firms, corporations, or organizations, including the authority and power to establish the price, terms of contract, and other conditions necessary for the management, lease, or sale of such timber.
Acts 1984, No. 764, §1, eff. July 13, 1984.
{{NOTE: SEE SECTION 4 OF ACTS 1984, NO. 408 FOR A LIMITED REPEAL OF R.S. 56:800.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:802. Responsibilities and duties

RS 56:802 - Responsibilities and duties
The department shall have the duty and responsibility for the management of resources, including water level control, aquatic weed control, and maintenance and repair of dams, control structures, and spillways within the territorial jurisdiction of each commission established in R.S. 56:801, provided that no local commission or authority is providing these services. The individual game and fish preserves and commissions or local governing authorities shall have the duty and responsibility for maintaining all support services within their territorial jurisdiction, including parks, picnic areas, and concessions.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 728, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:803. Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary

RS 56:803 - Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary
A. In the following described area of Lake Pontchartrain, the waters and the air column above such waters are hereby designated and declared the Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary:
(1) From the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, one mile south along the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and one-half mile east and west of the causeway in such area.
(2) From the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, one mile north along the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and one-half mile east and west of the causeway in such area.
B. All species of birds shall be protected within the Lake Pontchartrain State Bird Sanctuary. No person shall catch, kill, injure, pursue, possess, sell, or purchase any species of bird or the eggs or nest of any species of bird within the sanctuary.
C.(1) The department shall administer the sanctuary and shall cause markers to be erected at appropriate intervals around the periphery of the sanctuary to warn all persons against trespassing upon the sanctuary.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section to the contrary the department is authorized to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the governing authority of Jefferson Parish. The intergovernmental agreement shall provide for the transfer of the responsibility for the administration, development, and enhancement of the bird sanctuary affecting the area around the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, as described in this Section, to the parish. The department is authorized to terminate the agreement at such time as the governing authority of Jefferson Parish is either unable or unwilling to continue in its responsibility for the administration of the south Lake Pontchartrain bird sanctuary.
D. Violation of the provisions of this Section constitutes a class two violation.
Acts 1990, No. 393, §1; Act 1991, No. 599, §1, eff. July 16, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:804. Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary

RS 56:804 - Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary
A. There is hereby created the Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary for fish, shrimp, and other seafood and marine life, to be comprised of the waters of Lake Catherine, and its passes, the Rigolets, Unknown Pass, and Chef Menteur, and that portion of Lake Pontchartrain as follows: the whole area from where the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Passes enter Lake Pontchartrain extending in a westerly direction to a point one and one-quarter miles west of the Southern Railway Bridge, being all of Lake Pontchartrain and its tributaries lying east of the Southern Railway Bridge, and all that portion of Lake Pontchartrain extending out one and one-quarter miles from shore along the Orleans Parish shoreline to the Jefferson-Orleans Parish line, and that area of Lake Pontchartrain along the north shore extending out one and one-quarter miles from shore and running from the Southern Railway Bridge to a line drawn between a point one and one-quarter miles southwest of Goose Point and Goose Point.
B. The taking of fish, shrimp, and other seafood from the waters of the Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary by use of trawls, skimmer nets, butterfly nets, seines, or traps or other netting, with the exception of cast nets, drop nets, or scoop nets, is hereby prohibited. However, nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit the spearing of fish by any skin diver, operating for sport, while submerged in the water, and using standard underwater spearing equipment.
C. The taking of legal catfish by means of legal hoop nets or legal slat traps in the sanctuary is authorized. The use of crab traps in the sanctuary is authorized. The use of legal trawls, skimmer nets, and butterfly nets is authorized in open seasons in the area of the sanctuary located south and east of the Interstate 10 bridge.
D. The sanctuary created herein shall be administered by the Fish and Game Section of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission or its successors.
E. Fish, shrimp, and other seafood and marine life may be caught or taken from the waters of the sanctuary by any method other than those prohibited above, including by skin divers operating for sport, while submerged in the water, and using standard underwater spearing equipment, during the seasons and in accordance with regulations now or hereafter prescribed by the legislature or by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of the state of Louisiana appertaining to these waters or to the other waters of the state generally.
F. Any violation of any provision of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than sixty days, or both. In addition, any gear or catch seized in connection with the violation shall be forfeited.
Acts 1999, No. 892, §1; Acts 2007, No. 296, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:805. Establishment of recreational reef sites; designation and regulation

RS 56:805 - Establishment of recreational reef sites; designation and regulation
A. In an effort to enhance inshore fisheries habitat, the commission may designate and set aside areas of the state's water bottoms as recreational reef. The commission shall consider the recommendations of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force when designating such areas. The commission shall promulgate through the Administration Procedure Act the location of a reef, the types of materials to be used to construct and replenish the reef, and regulations governing fishing on and above the site, including but not limited to harvest seasons, times, and creel limits. There shall be no harvest of oysters from the sites so set aside.
B. A violation of the provisions of this Section shall be a class four violation punishable under the provisions of R.S. 56:34.
Acts 2012, No. 84, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1431. Bayou Liberty; clearing; expropriation prohibited

RS 56:1431 - Bayou Liberty; clearing; expropriation prohibited
A. Bayou Liberty, from its intersection with U.S. Highway 190 south to its intersection with Louisiana Highway 433 in St. Tammany Parish, may need periodic clearing of debris to ensure the free flow of water through the waterway in order to maintain its scenic and historic beauty and to assist in flood control efforts. Such clearing efforts shall take place only in that portion of the bayou from the center of the waterway to the low watermark on the banks without channelization, and without affecting any marsh or any live cypress or other trees below the low watermark. In addition, all clearing that may be necessary to maintain an open channel shall be performed only through the use of water-based equipment except in that portion of the bayou lying directly under or within one hundred feet of a point directly under the Tammany Trace foot bridge over Bayou Liberty, which portion of the channel may be cleared by other means.
B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no property abutting that portion of Bayou Liberty from U.S. Highway 190 south to Louisiana Highway 433 shall be expropriated by the state, a political subdivision or a public or private entity for any purpose.
C. Should any or all provisions of Subsection B herein be declared unenforceable by final judgment, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no public funds of the state, political subdivision or other public entity shall be used to expropriate property abutting that portion of Bayou Liberty from U.S. Highway 190 south to Louisiana Highway 433.
D. Should any or all provisions of Subsection B herein be declared unenforceable by final judgment, no property abutting that portion of Bayou Liberty from U.S. Highway 190 south to Louisiana Highway 433 shall be expropriated by the state, a political subdivision or a public or private entity unless the court finds that great public loss or inconvenience will result if the expropriation does not occur.
E. Subject to conditions stated herein, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources is hereby authorized to purchase property along that portion of Bayou Liberty from its headwaters to U.S. Hwy. 190 to be used as conservation easements. The purchase of property for conservation easements shall only be authorized if and when funding for the purchase is appropriated for that purpose by the legislature.
F. The provisions of this Section shall supersede and control to the extent of any conflict with any other provision of law. It is the intent of the Legislature of Louisiana that the property referenced in this Section be maintained and protected without expropriation for the present and future benefit of Louisiana citizens.
Acts 1999, No. 499, §1; Acts 2023, No. 150, §22, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1471. §§1471 to 1584 Redesignated as R.S. 3:4271-4384 pursuant to R.S. 24:253.

RS 56:1471 - §§1471 to 1584 Redesignated as R.S. 3:4271-4384 pursuant to R.S. 24:253.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1621. Exploitation of natural resources by director or employees prohibited; removal or dismissal for violation; application

RS 56:1621 - Exploitation of natural resources by director or employees prohibited; removal or dismissal for violation; application
A. Neither the director of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, the state forester, nor any salaried officer or employee of the wildlife and fisheries commission or of the forestry commission shall be:
(1) Actively interested in the exploiting, for personal gain, of any natural resources of the state;
(2) Employed by any person engaged in exploiting any natural resources of the state; or
(3) An officer of or a member of the board of directors of any corporation engaging in the exploitation of natural resources of the state.
B. Violation of this section shall be a ground for removal from office or dismissal from employment.
C. Classified employees of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission or the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may engage in an activity described in Subsection A, provided that the activity is not prohibited by other law and is approved by the director of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
Amended by Acts 1974, No. 717, §1; Acts 2004, No. 836, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1622. Forfeitures of all rights, property, money, or things of value acquired

RS 56:1622 - Forfeitures of all rights, property, money, or things of value acquired
Any violation of the provisions of R.S. 56:1621 shall ipso facto operate as an immediate forfeiture to the state of all rights, property, money, or things of value acquired, in violation thereof, from, upon, under, or out of property privately owned or leased or property owned or leased from the state or any property owned by or leased from any municipality or public board, body, commission, or agency of the state. The rights of the state respecting such forfeitures is imprescriptible.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1623. Transfer of rights or property acquired in violation of R.S. 56:1621

RS 56:1623 - Transfer of rights or property acquired in violation of R.S. 56:1621
Any sale, lease, exchange, transfer, or assignment by any of the persons mentioned in R.S. 56:1621 of any rights, property, or things of value acquired in violation of that Section shall be null and void ab-initio.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1682. Office of state parks; purpose

RS 56:1682 - Office of state parks; purpose
The office of state parks is hereby authorized and directed to have as its purpose service to the people of Louisiana and their visitors by:
(1) Preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic value.
(2) Establishing and operating parks that provide recreational use of natural resources and facilities for outdoor recreation in natural surroundings.
(3) Portraying and interpreting plant and animal life, geology, and all other natural features and processes included in the various state parks.
(4) Preserving, protecting, and portraying historic and scientific sites of statewide importance.
(5) Performing functions of the state relating to outdoor recreation development and trails, as provided in part by Chapter 7 of this Title.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 329, §2, eff. July 18, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1683. Office of state parks; authority to classify

RS 56:1683 - Office of state parks; authority to classify
The office of state parks is hereby authorized to maintain a system for classifying all holdings within its jurisdiction. Such classification system will provide objectives which will encompass preservation, commemoration, and recreation as identified in the statement of purpose in R.S. 56:1682.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1684.1. Cypremort Point State Park; design standards; applicability

RS 56:1684.1 - Cypremort Point State Park; design standards; applicability
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no rule or regulation of the office of state parks regulating design and aesthetic quality standards, construction, or usage of facilities at state parks shall be applicable to the development, planning, and construction of facilities in Cypremort Point State Park without the review of the oversight committee as provided for in Subsection B of this Section. However any such plans shall be approved by the lieutenant governor prior to commencing any development or construction.
B. An oversight committee comprised of the state representatives and state senators representing the parishes of St. Mary and Iberia, or their designees, and the parish presidents of the parishes of St. Mary and Iberia, or their designees, shall review the proposed plans before any construction begins as provided in Subsection A of this Section.
Acts 1999, No. 1028, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1685.1. Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse

RS 56:1685.1 - Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse
The lockhouse which is located within the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, heretofore known as the Plaquemine Lockhouse, is hereby designated and shall hereafter be known as the Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse.
Acts 1995, No. 27, §1; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1685.2. J. D. "Prof" Lafleur Visitor Center at the Louisiana State Arboretum

RS 56:1685.2 - J. D. "Prof" Lafleur Visitor Center at the Louisiana State Arboretum
The visitor center located at the Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area is hereby designated and shall hereafter be known as the J. D. "Prof" Lafleur Visitor Center.
Acts 2008, No. 238, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1686. Use of terms prohibited

RS 56:1686 - Use of terms prohibited
The office of state parks classification terms, with the exceptions of state experimental site and special holdings, represent specific types and qualities of office of state parks holdings and therefore all use of such terms in any official name of public or private lands or holdings is prohibited except when approved by the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and when such areas meet the classification criteria as identified in R.S. 56:1684.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1687.1. Posting of state parks' boundaries; rules and regulations

RS 56:1687.1 - Posting of state parks' boundaries; rules and regulations
The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall promulgate and adopt rules and regulations for the posting of boundaries of state parks, state historic sites, state preservation areas, and other lands under the jurisdiction and control of the office of state parks. Such rules and regulations shall be promulgated and adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Acts 1984, No. 157, §1, eff. June 25, 1984; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3; Acts 2004, No. 388, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1687.2. Taking of mayhaw berries; rules and regulations

RS 56:1687.2 - Taking of mayhaw berries; rules and regulations
Any rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism applicable to the taking or collection of mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) berries in state parks shall be subject to legislative oversight in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The taking of mayhaw berries, as provided herein, shall not be subject to the Public Bid Law. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, no person shall be charged a fee for collecting mayhaw berries in state parks, nor shall any person be limited as to the quantity of mayhaw berries that can be collected.
Acts 1991, No. 1028, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1688. Park wardens; powers and duties

RS 56:1688 - Park wardens; powers and duties
A. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism may appoint competent men to serve as state park wardens.
B. State park wardens shall, in addition to the authority otherwise conferred by law upon such officers, be vested with the same authority and powers conferred by law upon regular law enforcement officers of this state while such wardens are acting within the course and scope of their duties on property subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, office of state parks.
C. State park wardens shall have specific authority and responsibility to enforce all rules and regulations of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, office of state parks, and all laws of the state of Louisiana, within the limits of their jurisdiction.
D. Duly commissioned state park wardens may carry concealed or exposed weapons while acting within the course and scope of their duties.
E. State park wardens shall successfully complete a basic certified training program approved by the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training as provided by R.S. 40:2405 and shall fulfill all requirements for annual basic firearms training.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1; Acts 2016, No. 615, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1689. Violation of rules and regulations; penalty

RS 56:1689 - Violation of rules and regulations; penalty
In addition to any penalties otherwise provided by law, violation of any of the rules and regulations promulgated by the secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall be punishable by fine of not less than fifteen dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1690. Capacity to sue and be sued

RS 56:1690 - Capacity to sue and be sued
Pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 36:201, the office of state parks may sue and be sued, under the style "State of Louisiana, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of State Parks, through the Secretary of said department."
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1691. Possession of firearms

RS 56:1691 - Possession of firearms
A person who lawfully possesses a firearm may possess or transport such firearm within the boundaries of a state park, state historic site, state preservation area, wildlife management area, or wildlife refuge.
Acts 2010, No. 790, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1692. Exemption from entrance fees; elderly

RS 56:1692 - Exemption from entrance fees; elderly
A. Any citizen of the state of Louisiana who is identified as sixty-two years of age or older shall be exempt from paying the general admission charge to any state park in Louisiana. Any person accompanying a citizen of the state of Louisiana who is sixty-two years of age or older, as the driver of a single, private, noncommercial vehicle, or alternatively, the exempted person's spouse and children accompanying him or her where entry to the area is by any means other than private, noncommercial vehicle, shall be exempt from paying the general admission charge to any state park in Louisiana.
B. Repealed by Acts 1995, No. 266, §2.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 526, §1; Acts 1990, No. 868, §1; Acts 1995, No. 266, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1692.1. Fee exemption for "Golden Age Passport" holders; camp sites

RS 56:1692.1 - Fee exemption for "Golden Age Passport" holders; camp sites
Any citizen of the United States who possesses a Golden Age Passport issued by an agency of the United States pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 460 shall be permitted, upon presentation of the Golden Age Passport and proper identification to state park authorities, to camp at sites within Louisiana state parks for one-half the normal fee if an unoccupied camp site is available and if the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on his presented identification also recognizes such passes for discounted access or services.
Acts 1992, No. 124, §1; Acts 1995, No. 104, §1; Acts 1995, No. 266, §1; Acts 2001, No. 917, §1; Acts 2010, No. 50, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1693. Exemption from entrance fees; school children

RS 56:1693 - Exemption from entrance fees; school children
Any school child who is on a field trip conducted as part of the curriculum of the school and any classroom teacher, parent, bus driver and any other person accompanying a school child on such a field trip shall be exempt from paying the general admission charge to any state park, museum or related state facility in Louisiana. This exemption shall be valid from Monday through Friday during the months of October through March. The office of state parks shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions thereof.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1693.1. Exemption from fees; children in state's legal custody

RS 56:1693.1 - Exemption from fees; children in state's legal custody
A. Any child age eighteen or under who is retained in the legal custody of the state through a bona fide contractual service agreement with a public nonprofit community home based organization or "provider", shall be exempt from paying the general day-use entrance fees or any other fees for "day-use" facilities at any state park in Louisiana; however, such use shall be in conjunction with an organized group outing or event sponsored and supervised by the public, nonprofit organization or "provider".
B. The office of state parks shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions hereof to become effective no later than January 1, 1992.
Acts 1991, No. 347, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1693.2. Exemption for "Golden Access Passport" holders; day-use entrance fees; camping fees

RS 56:1693.2 - Exemption for "Golden Access Passport" holders; day-use entrance fees; camping fees
A. Any citizen of the United States who possesses a "Golden Access Passport" issued by an agency of the United States pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 460
l
-6a, upon presentation of the Golden Access Passport and proper identification to state park authorities, shall be exempt from the day-use entrance fee to any Louisiana state park and shall be permitted to camp at sites within Louisiana state parks for one-half the normal fee if an unoccupied camp site is available and if the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on his presented identification also recognizes such passes for discounted access or services.
B. Repealed by Acts 2001, No. 917, §1.
C. In state parks where individual user fees are charged, the exemption provided for in Subsection A of this Section shall apply only to the permit holder; however, where vehicle permits are utilized, the exemption shall apply to the permit holder and each occupant accompanying the permit holder in the same private, noncommercial vehicle.
D. The office of state parks shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this Section.
Acts 1992, No. 607, §1; Acts 1995, No. 104, §1; Acts 1995, No. 266, §1; Acts 2001, No. 917, §1; Acts 2010, No. 50, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1693.3. Exemption for America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass and Access Pass holders; camping fees

RS 56:1693.3 - Exemption for America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass and Access Pass holders; camping fees
Any citizen of the United States who possesses an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass issued by an agency of the United States, upon presentation of such pass and proper identification to state park authorities, shall be permitted to camp at sites within Louisiana state parks for one-half the normal fee if an unoccupied camp site is available and if the state park system of the citizen's domicile as reflected on his presented identification also recognizes such passes for discounted access or services.
Acts 2010, No. 50, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1694. Exemption from entrance fees; certain veterans

RS 56:1694 - Exemption from entrance fees; certain veterans
A. Any Louisiana resident who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, who has suffered the amputation of a limb, who has at any time been awarded by the government of the United States an allowance toward the purchase of an automobile, or any Louisiana resident who is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States having a disability classification by the Social Security Administration or the Veterans' Administration as totally and permanently disabled or classified as having a fifty percent or greater disability, shall be exempt from paying the day use entrance fee to any Louisiana state park.
B. Application by eligible veterans shall be made to the assistant secretary, office of state parks, for an entrance permit, which will be issued by the agency upon verification of eligibility by the Department of Veterans' Affairs of Louisiana. Any person accompanying a veteran having a valid entrance permit in the same single, private, non-commercial vehicle shall be exempt from paying the day use entrance fee to any Louisiana state park.
C. Persons exempt from the day use entrance fee as provided in Subsection A shall also be entitled to purchase a "Golden Pelican Permit" through the office of state parks as provided in R.S. 56:1692(B).
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1; Acts 1991, No. 372, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1695. Annual day use entrance permits to state parks

RS 56:1695 - Annual day use entrance permits to state parks
The assistant secretary, office of state parks, may issue upon application, to any citizen at a rate to be fixed by the office of state parks, a vehicle entrance permit to Louisiana state parks. The permit shall be a decal or other identification affixed to a private, non-commercial vehicle, and shall be valid for a period of one year, with the inception and expiration dates to be fixed by the office of state parks. The assistant secretary, office of state parks, may renew such permits annually, upon application therefor and upon payment for each renewal. Any citizen to whom a valid entrance permit has been issued shall, upon presentation of the permit, be exempt from paying the day use entrance fee to any state park in Louisiana. Any person accompanying a citizen having a valid entrance permit in the same single, private, non-commercial vehicle, shall be exempt from paying the general admission charge to any state park in Louisiana.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:1696. Surplus from operation of parks

RS 56:1696 - Surplus from operation of parks
The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is hereby authorized to retain any surplus funds remaining at the end of each fiscal year resulting from the operations of the various office of state parks holdings, provided that such surpluses are to be expended within one year after the close of each fiscal year for the purchase of equipment, repairs and improvements to existing facilities, when approved by the commissioner of administration.
Acts 1980, No. 827, §1.