La. Admin. Code tit. 76 § XIX-119

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section XIX-119 - WMA Ecotours

A. Licensed Ecotours

1. Pursuant to R.S. 56:1833 on Wild Louisiana Guide License, individuals possessing a Wild Louisiana Guide License may conduct commercial boat/vessel ecotour activities on Maurepas Swamp and Pearl River WMAs only, via permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Commercial ecotour activities must:

a. Obtain annually, a Special Use Permit from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Such permits will specify:

i. dates, times, locations, and routes, whereby which tours may be conducted on a given WMA;

ii. number and types of vehicles and/or vessels, as well as number of individual tours or outings that will be allowed within a given timeframe;

iii. requirements for annual reporting will include number of tours conducted, number of vehicles and vessels per tour conducted, number of clients per tour conducted, dates, and beginning and ending times of activities;

iv. any additional requirements deemed necessary and appropriate by the department.

b. Pay to the department, a license fee of $500 annually and a client fee of $2 per trip for each person accompanying the guide on said WMAs; payments to be made quarterly or as determined by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

c. The following is prohibited on ecotour outings:

i. taking, handling, harassing, feeding, baiting, luring, or releasing of wildlife;

ii. possession of animals;

iii. use of airboats;

iv. any additional activities specifically prohibited in the annual special use permit.

d. The number of permits shall be determined by the department but shall not exceed five permits per approved WMA per year.

La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § XIX-119

Promulgated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, LR 50789 (6/1/2024).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 56:110.1 and R.S. 56:115.