Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 76 - WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
Part III - Game and Fish Preserves and Sanctuaries
Chapter 3 - Particular Game and Fish Preserves, Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges and Conservation Areas
Section III-301 - Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area

A. Whereas, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has for several months considered the establishment of a major wildlife management area in Atchafalaya Bay south of Morgan City; and

B. whereas, a major delta marshland is in the process of forming in the bay as a result of sedimentation from the Atchafalaya River; and

C. whereas, the new delta marsh will become one of the most important wildlife areas along the Gulf Coast; and

D. whereas, tens of thousands of ducks and geese and large numbers of other forms of wildlife are already utilizing the 10,000 acres of marshes and mud flats that have formed in the bay; and

E. whereas, the delta is increasing in size at a rate of 600 or 700 acres per year and is expected to extend outward to Pointe au Fer Island by the end of this century; and

F. whereas, the establishment of a wildlife management area would afford protection for the wildlife resources and habitat in the bay area while at the same time providing the people of Louisiana with a public area where hunting, fishing, and other forms of outdoor recreation can be enjoyed; and

G. whereas, the Louisiana Legislature during the regular 1977 session enacted a statute providing for the establishment of a wildlife management area in this location; now,

H. therefore be it resolved that the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission does hereby authorize and empower the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources to initiate and sign any and all documents necessary to the establishment of the 125,000-acre Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area; now,

I. be it further resolved any outstanding leases that may have been previously issued from lands in this area will be honored.