News Release

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana sign agreement on
Atchafalaya Basin Program

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on issues and projects affecting the preservation of the Atchafalaya Basin area and other parts of the state.

State Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Angelle said the agreement represents an example of the commitment to ensure that the efforts to protect the Basin area make use of the best available scientific resources.

“It is appropriate that government draw upon the expertise and information of public-minded private groups such as The Nature Conservancy in developing the solid strategies for preservation of the Basin,” Angelle said. “This agreement goes toward two of our primary goals in the Basin – a science-based approach and transparency in the planning and project process.”

DNR Assistant Secretary Louis Buatt and Atchafalaya Basin Program Acting Director Stephen Chustz were on hand to represent DNR, while The Nature Conservancy Executive Director Keith Ouchley represented his group at the signing.

The Atchafalaya Basin Program is in the first year of a new planning process, involving development of an annual plan including water projects vetted by a team of scientists – the Technical Advisory Group – a public hearing process, approval by the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and approval by the state Legislature.

The first annual plan developed from the process the Legislature approved in 2008 is currently working its way through the state House and Senate.

The agreement between DNR and The Nature Conservancy includes the entire state, but specifically notes the sharing of information to help develop plans for preserving Basin habitats, providing information to the public on best practices for conservation and enhancement in the Basin, and DNR’s commitment to give consideration to The Nature Conservancy’s suggestions for project concepts, planning and execution.

“The Nature Conservancy is proud to partner with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources on important conservation issues in the Atchafalaya Basin and across the state,” Ouchley said. “Without great partners like DNR we could not be successful in our mission.  The added value that is gained by working more closely together will benefit the resources that we both recognize as important to the state and its citizens.

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