Private Land Management Assistance
LDWF’s private lands biologists offer assistance to landowners, land managers, hunting clubs, and others interested in improving habitat and/or managing wildlife on their property. Some examples include answering questions, visiting the property for evaluation and recommendations, and developing a comprehensive written management plan. All wildlife and habitats, not just traditional game species (e.g. deer, ducks, turkey) are entitled to assistance.
Recommendations for private landowners are free. Private lands biologists can also provide information and resources on a variety of programs and funding sources that offer financial assistance for management activities such as prescribed burning, tree planting, forest stand improvement, wetland management, establishing native grasslands, or invasive plant control
Resources
Landowner Assistance Fact Sheets
Benefits of Prescribed Burning (PDF)
Common Plants of the Louisiana Gulf Coastal Plain (PDF)
Common Plants of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and Their Use by Wildlife (PDF)
Forest Management in Bottomland Hardwoods (PDF)
Wildlife and Forest Management in the Gulf Coastal Plain Eco-Region (PDF)
Video Resources
Natural Resource Programs
Many landowners are already working with a natural resource professional, such as a consulting forester, or may be enrolled in state or federal management assistance programs. LDWF’s private lands biologists cooperate with other natural resource professionals to assist landowners in achieving their objectives and can offer information and guidance on various program available such as:
- LDWF Deer Management Assistance Program
- U.S. Forest Service's Forest Stewardship Program
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service
- Wetland Reserve Easements
- Conservation Reserve Program
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program
If you need assistance from a professional or a natural resource contractor, a private lands biologist can help you find one. Wildlife habitat is dynamic, and with the assistance of knowledgeable natural resource professionals, landowners can provide productive habitat for wildlife while meeting other goals they may have, such as generating income and optimizing recreational opportunities.
Partnerships and Other Projects
Private lands biologists are actively engaged with other agencies and organizations to coordinate natural resource conservation and management of private land in Louisiana. This network aides biologists in being aware of new programs, research, and opportunities and allows them to efficiently connect private landowners with available resources. Some of these organizations include Conservation Delivery Networks associated with Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMVJV).
Private lands biologists are also involved in banding migratory and resident birds, collecting biological data for wildlife research, evaluating habitat, investigating diseased wildlife, responding to nuisance animals, administering the alligator program, providing deer management assistance , and educating the public via workshops and media outlets.
LDWF enjoys a strong relationship with Louisiana NRCS and a mature association with the Wetlands Reserve Easment Program (WRE). Through Cooperative Agreements LDWF staff monitor easements, provide technical assistance and even fund some restoration on previously enrolled easements.
Staff are active in delivering conservation technical assistance with and alongside Louisiana NRCS. This work includes outreach, conservation planning, and can transition into sign-up, enrollment, and implementation assistance with Financial Assistance Programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) . Staff are available to assist landowners in processes that are necessary to access these programs.