General DNR News
STATE MINERAL BOARD CONDUCTS OCTOBER LEASE SALES
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale October 9, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1996-97 Fiscal Year totals.
TEXACO AGREEMENT REJUVENATING OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
BATON ROUGE -- Jack Caldwell, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, released to the State Mineral Board today a report on the 1994 Global Settlement Agreement between Texaco Inc. and the State of Louisiana saying the agreement is helping fuel the resurgence of the industry across South Louisiana.
COASTAL LOUISIANA RECEIVES OYSTER PROGRAM FUNDS FROM CONGRESS
The state's coastal restoration program will advance a big step forward with a $7.5 million appropriation recently approved by Congress. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Jack Caldwell said that U.S. Congressmen Jimmy Hayes and Billy Tauzin led the pursuit for federal funding to help relocate oyster leases associated with the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion project.
ROCKS AND EARTH STUFF: GEOLOGICAL SURVEY REACHES CLASSROOM
The Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS), under the state Department of Natural Resources, is currently producing a series of earth science educational brochures called EARTH STUFF. The brochures are for use by K 9 teachers to supplement classroom lesson plans.
LONG-AWAITED EQUIPMENT TO ASSIST CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The Department of Natural Resources's (DNR) Office of Conservation Enforcement agents will soon cruise the bayous and waterways of south Louisiana and near offshore in its new vessel named "29-Bee". 29-B references to the established rules and regulations that govern oil and gas drilling, production, and disposal operations in Louisiana.
SEPTEMBER LEASE SALES REPORT FROM MINERAL OFFICE
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale September 11, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1996-97 Fiscal Year totals.
TRAPPING INCENTIVE TO AID NUTRIA FIGHT
Two state agencies and coastal landowners are teaming up to fight the overpopulation of nutria in coastal Louisiana. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials said that monies from the Wetlands Trust Fund will be made available for a cost-sharing program whereby nutria trappers can be paid more per pelt. The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) will administer the program on an annual basis.
GRAND TERRE ISLAND BEING REPAIRED
A barrier island nourishment and wetland creation project at Grand Terre Island located in southern Jefferson Parish is now underway. This project will make use of approximately one-half million cubic yards of material dredged from the Barataria Waterway to benefit the island. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Project Manager Rachel Wilson said that an overwash area created by the forces of Hurricane Andrew threatens to breach Grand Terre Island, leaving inland areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other storms. Another component of the project involves the placement of additional material along the northern edge of the island to promote the development of vegetated wetlands. DNR Coastal Restoration Division officials anticipate the project will significantly prolong the life of the island while at the same time enhancing back-barrier wetland habitat.
VAUGHAN TAPPED TO HEAD STATE'S COASTAL OFFICE
Governor Murphy J. "Mike" Foster, Jr. has chosen Katherine G. Vaughan as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management (OCRM). Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jack Caldwell, to whom Vaughan will report, said "Vaughan is knowledgeable and tough, a good friend, and a fighter and defender for our coast."
STATE MINERAL BOARD HOLDS AUGUST MEETING
The State Mineral Board conducted a Lease Sale August 14, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mineral Board Hearing Room located in the State Land and Natural Resources Building in Baton Rouge. Below are the preliminary results of the Lease Sale and 1996-97 Fiscal Year totals.