§1903. Conservation, study, regulation; authority

            A. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to conserve resident species of wildlife or native plants, and those species determined to be threatened or endangered by the secretary and the secretary of the Interior of the United States, and to formulate conservation programs and plans, to be submitted to the secretary of Interior for review.

            B. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to conduct investigations on resident wildlife or native plants in order to develop information relating to populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological, economic, and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the commission may issue regulations designed to assist the continued ability of wildlife or native plants deemed in need of conservation to perpetuate themselves successfully. The department may conduct ongoing investigations of wildlife or native plants and the commission may from time to time amend such regulations.

            C. The commission may establish such programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests therein, as are deemed necessary for the conservation of threatened or endangered species of wildlife or native plants. The commission may utilize all vested authority except the power of expropriation to carry out the purposes of this Part.

            Added by Acts 1974, No. 473, §1; Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 2017, No. 228, §1.