General DNR News
April Lease Sale Reported by State Mineral Board
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale April 10, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in the Conservation & Mineral Resources Hearing Room located in the LaSalle Office Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 2001-2002 Fiscal Year totals.
Whatever Happened to the DNR Alligator?

Just in case you were wondering whatever happened to the DNR alligator that was once showcased in the old building on North 4th Street, DNR Deputy Secretary Katherine Vaughan has the answer.
Atchafalaya Basin Program springs to Napoleonville on May 2
This year's spring tour of projects of the Atchafalaya Basin Program will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2002 at Lake Verret near Napoleonville, announced Atchafalaya Basin Program Director Sandra Thompson Decoteau.
State Mineral Leases Generate Close to a Billion Dollars a Year
According to a recently completed report by the LSU Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana realizes close to a billion dollars in economic activity associated with oil and gas drilling and production activities on state-owned leases. The report, entitled Analysis of the Economic Impact Associated with Oil and Gas Activities on State Leases, examines the economic, tax, and revenue impacts associated with companies that lease land and water bottoms from the state.
Public Meetings on Coast 2050 Study in April
Public input is sought on coastal restoration efforts for the Coast2050 Feasibility Study that is now underway. DNR and the Corps of Engineers will explain and record what the public has to say in six meetings to be held in Abbeville, Lake Charles, Belle Chase, Hammond, Thibodaux, and Morgan City.
Water Flows through Davis Pond
Water flowed through massive metal gates for the first time today as a (2 p.m.) ceremony was held to dedicate the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion. project, 23 miles up the Mississippi River from New Orleans.
Board Announces Jump in March Mineral Lease Sale
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale March 13, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the LaSalle Office Building in the Capitol Complex in downtown Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 2001-2002 Fiscal Year totals.
Senator Gautreaux Receives Conservationist of the Year Award

Senator Butch Gautreaux of Morgan City has a legislative record for working on conservation efforts in this state, and now he has a Conservationist of the Year award to go with that. He was recognized along with several others for outstanding conservation achievements in 2001 by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) at a ceremony held this month in Marksville.
State Mineral Lease Sale Held in February
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale February 13, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the LaSalle Office Building in Baton Rouge. The Board will continue to conduct business on the First Floor of the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Revenue's new home at 617 North 3rd Street. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 2001-2002 Fiscal Year totals.
Schools, Hospitals and Public Entities may seek Energy Funds
The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority announces the availability of special, low-cost financing for publicly funded entities that want to develop and implement energy conservation measures. DNR Energy officials said the deadline for applying for the Energy Fund is being extended through April 30, 2002.