Louisiana

Total forested acres = 13.9 million
Privately owned = 9.2 million
Industry = 1.3 million
Government = 3.4 million

Below is a summary of our habitat conservation projects and educational opportunities relevant to family forest owners in Louisiana. In addition, you’ll find links to state agencies and local conservation partners that can provide further resources and information about conservation forestry.

Species of Concern in Louisiana:
Information for Family Forest Owners
Download a species profile (pdf).

Pine Ecosystem Conservation for the Gopher Tortoise in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi
Under a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Forested Flyways is working with the American Bird Conservancy, Environmental Defense, Mississippi Fish & Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help family forest owners improve pine habitat for the gopher tortoise and other species associated with the historically open forests of the South. Read more

Pine Ecosystem Conservation Handbook for the Gopher Tortoise: A Guide for Family Forest Owners.
Download the handbook or complete an online form to receive a free printed copy.

Forest Conservation Awareness Sign for the Gopher Tortoise
Apply for a sign

Demonstration Field Days

• Tangipahoa Parish, LA – February 2006. Read more.
• Tangipahoa Parish, LA – April 2006. Read more.
• Beauregard Parish, LA – April 2006. Read more.

Technical and Cost-share Assistance

• Contact Us if you are interested in learning more about cost-share that is available for gopher tortoise habitat restoration.
• The Louisiana State University Cooperative Extensioncan provide management suggestions based upon current university research, information and expertise. Use the website link to locate your local parish agents. Ph: (225) 578-5679.
• Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry provides cost-share, educational and technical forestry services to landowners.
• The Partners for Fish & Wildlife program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers technical and financial assistance to landowners for restoration of native habitat types. Ph: (337) 291-3119.
• The Louisiana Natural Resources Conservation Service can provide information on federal cost-share opportunities and assistance. Ph: (318) 472-7751.
• The Louisiana Natural Heritage Program has information about rare species or ecological communities that may occur on your land and what you can do to help conserve them. Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website, click on Experience Wildlife, then Natural Heritage, or phone (225) 765-2821.

Forest Landowner Groups
Local organizations that support the work of family forest owners:

• Louisiana Forestry Association **this organization is also the local contact for the American Forest Foundation’s Tree Farm Program.