Partners for Fish and Wildlife in Louisiana
A large percentage of the land in Louisiana is privately owned. Without conservation efforts on private lands, our trust resources would simply not survive. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program supports landowners that may lack the technical and financial support necessary to manage their land for wildlife.
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's primary mechanism for delivering voluntary on-the-ground habitat improvement projects on private lands for the benefit of Federal trust species, such as migratory birds, anadromous or migratory fish, endangered or threatened species, or any other declining or imperiled species.. Biologists provide technical and financial assistance to landowners who want to restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitats on their property.
The goals of the program are to promote and implement habitat improvement projects that benefit Federal trust species, provide conservation leadership and promote partnerships, encourage public understanding and participation, and to work with USDA to implement Farm Bill conservation programs.
All private landowners qualify to participate in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Eligible and currently participating landowners include private individuals, family trusts, corporate owners, non-profit organizations, local governments, schools and universities.
Partners for Fish and Wildlife works in a diversity of habitat types throughout the state. Most of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife projects in Louisiana have occurred in two main habitat types: forested wetlands (bottomland hardwoods) and longleaf pine, although projects have been completed in prairie, chenier, shortleaf pine, riparian, and various wetland habitats as well. Some Partners for Fish and Wildlife Projects are educational in nature, providing the necessary materials and opportunities for children and adults to learn the significance of the State's natural resources.
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program may provide up to 100% cost share in financial assistance for various conservation practices including tree planting, prairie grass planting, slough excavation, shallow water impoundments, riparian fencing, outdoor classrooms, and virtually any other practice improving habitat to Federal trust species. Private Lands biologists also provide information on all available conservation programs which other agencies offer that may help private landowners obtain their land management goals.