House Bill No. by Representative Jacob Landry aims to enhance wildlife resources and habitats in Louisiana by establishing a new conservation incentive program. The bill enacts R.S. 56:10(B)(20) and creates a special account within the Conservation Fund known as the "Conservation Incentive Program Account." This account is designated to assist private landowners in improving wildlife habitats and managing native species on their properties. The funds will be sourced from appropriations, public or private gifts, grants, or donations, and will be subject to the same regulations as other revenues in the Conservation Fund.
Additionally, the bill establishes the Louisiana Conservation Incentive Program, which will be administered by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This program will provide grants for various projects aimed at enhancing wildlife habitats on private lands, including forest stand improvement, wetland management, and feral swine control. The department is tasked with creating rules for the application process and criteria for project selection. The provisions of the bill will take effect once a specific appropriation for its implementation is enacted.