La DNR - Atchafalaya Basin Program

The Board oversees the program, approving projects that enhance, protect and preserve this unique natural treasure of Louisiana.

Representatives of these agencies and organizations comprise the ABP Research and Promotion Board. The Chair of the Research and Promotion Board is Ms. Monique Edwards of the Department of Natural Resources and the Vice Chair is Mr. Gerald Alexander of the Atchafalaya Basin Levee Board.

Technical Advisory Group

The Technical Advisory Group for the Atchafalaya Basin Program, created by state statute, is a group of resource experts that has the responsibility of reviewing and recommending proposed water management projects for the Basin program’s annual plan. The makeup of the TAG is intended to ensure that the best science is used in focusing on restoration and preservation of the Basin ecosystem.

TAG Members:

Mike Wood, Chairman, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries

Program Manager, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge
Wildlife and Fisheries Management
University of Louisiana, Monroe

Has worked with aquatic ecosystems; and the management of a wide range of freshwater habitats statewide, since joining the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in 1979. Membership in national and state associations in the field.

Glenn Constant, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Manager, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Baton Rouge
Fisheries Biologist and Wildlife Management
University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Louisiana State University

Worked at LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources; has studied lakes and river systems in southeastern United States. Presently, manages fisheries resources on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands and evaluates water management alternatives.

Charlie Demas, U.S. Geological Survey

Director of USGS, La. Water Science Center, Baton Rouge
Hydrologist
Cornell University
Humboldt State University

Directs the state’s Water Science offices of the U.S. Geological Survey. Worked at LSU and USGS, specializing in water quality and suspended sediment on the Mississippi, Atchafalaya and Calcasieu Rivers. Has worked in the Atchafalaya Basin since 1973.

Lamar Hale, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans
Geomorphology
Northwestern University
Civil Engineering & Mapping Science, Louisiana State University

Responsible for the development of digital elevation models of Atchafalaya Basin region. Has served in management role for the Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District Office for over 25 years. Primarily assigned to working in the Atchafalaya Basin since 1973.

Dr. Bill Kelso, LSU Renewable Natural Resources

Associate Director and F.O. Bateman Professor of Renewable Natural Resources
LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources
Aquatic Ecologist and Fisheries Biologist
Florida State University, University of Massachusetts, Virginia Tech

Research and teaching in freshwater ecology and fisheries management. Extensive research experience in water quality as well as invertebrate and fish ecology in freshwater lakes and streams in Louisiana; research and monitoring program in the Atchafalaya Basin since 1993.

Lori LeBlanc, La. Dept. of Natural Resources

Deputy Secretary, La. Department of Natural Resources, Baton Rouge
Environmental Science
Auburn University
Louisiana State University

Represents the department of Natural Resources as executive; has background in environmental consulting assisting government and non-profit entities. Formerly director of Restore or Retreat, Inc., non profit coastal restoration advocacy group located in the Barataria- Terrebonne basin area.

Linda Levy, La. Dept. of Environmental Quality

Administrator, Water Quality Assessment, La. Dept. of Environmental Quality, Baton Rouge
Microbiology and Public Health
Louisiana State University
Tulane University - School of Public Health

DEQ administrator for over twenty years; primarily focused on water programs for the state, including permits, surveillance, enforcement, standards and assessment.

Mike Thomas, La. Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry

Management Chief, La. Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry, Baton Rouge
Forestry (Registered Forester, MS)
Louisiana State University

Began working in Office of Forestry as Parish Forester in 1990. Currently serves as branch manager, DAF/Office of Forestry, and is a member of national and state boards in his field.

Mike Walker, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries

Biologist Manager, La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, New Iberia
Wildlife Management
McNeese State University

Began working with state DWF in 1984, and currently works as head biologist for District 9 of the Inland Fisheries division.

Ex Officio TAG Members

Dr. Richard Keim, LSU Renewable Natural Resources

Assistant Professor, LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge
Forestry
Mississippi State University
Oregon State University, PhD, Forest Engineering

Primary focused on hydrology of forested wetlands and watersheds; management of bottomland and coastal forests; and dendrochronology.

Dan Kroes, U.S. Geological Survey

USGS, Ecologist, Water Resources, Baton Rouge
Environmental Biology
East Carolina University

Worked for USGS National Research Program in Virginia, ongoing water projects and studies in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Has primary interest in the effects of channelization and ditching on streams and floodplains.

David Walther, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lafayette
Biological Sciences
McNeese State University

Worked for the La. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans. Specializes in ecology of Atchafalaya Basin region.

Members of the Atchafalaya Basin Program
Legislative Oversight Committee:
Rep. Karen St. Germain, Chair
Rep. Simone Champagne, Vice-Chair
Sen. Jody Amedee	Rep. Taylor Barras
Sen. Butch Gautreaux	Rep. Elbert Guillory
Sen. Nick Gautreaux	Rep. Mickey Guillory
Sen. Troy Hebert	Rep. Joe Harrison
Sen. Eric LaFleur	Rep. Robert Johnson
Sen. Rob Marionneaux	Rep. Sam Jones
Rep. Elton Aubert	Rep. Bernard LeBas
Rep. Bobby Badon	Rep. Fred Mills

Contacts / Links

Atchafalaya Basin Program Office

ABP Research and Promotion Board