A joint resolution to set rules and regulations for duck blinds and decoys on Lake Bistineau has now been adopted by Bossier, Webster and Bienville parishes.
It now just awaits approval by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Sen. Ryan Gatti, District 36, says if the joint resolution is approved by the LWF Commission, then SB 415, which would create a commission for Lake Bistineau, would die.
“We are waiting on the wildlife commission to approve the police jury resolutions,” he said. “If that is approved, then there is no need to rush the commission. We filed the commission bill because of the letter from December 2015. The bill will not move unless the wildlife commission does not approve the resolutions.”
A letter was sent to several governmental agencies and legislators in December in an effort to set uniform rules and regulations for all state-owned bodies of water, including Lake Bistineau.
In response, Gatti filed SB 415, which would create the Lake Bistineau Recreation and Water Conservation District. Had it passed as originally presented, it would have given the newly created commission taxing authority, the power to collect fees and authority to seek bond issues.
With outcry from the Lake Bistineau community during town hall meetings, the bill was amended to remove the taxing authority as well as many other provisions in the bill, but it now sits in the House’s Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
On May 3, the Webster Parish Police Jury was the first police jury of the three to adopt the resolution that sets rules and regulations regarding duck blinds and decoys.
Officials with LDWF said the intent of the letter was to make Lake Bistineau fair and give access to everyone.
The LWF Commission will meet Thursday, Aug. 4 at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge.
