The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), with help and
guidance of many of the same SLI "partners in crime" (Benny, Jeff,
Rusty/Bud and Patrick, Buddy, etc.) has started an effort to preserve,
and educate the public about, the rarest of Louisiana Iris, I. nelsonii.
With only approximately 1200 acres left of wild habitat, this only indiginous
plant to Louisiana is obviosuly in need of protection if it is to
survive in its native state. Towards this goal, the LDWF has
worked with the State Legislature to secured $75K to work with
landowners on conserving and enhancing the remaining habitat Southeast of
Abbeville, possible expansion of range, and to education of the public
about this the plant and the need to preserve it's habitat. preserving the
conditions that conserve the "Abbeville Red" will ensure the
well being of all the other native plants and animals that depend on this
unique and beautiful swamp. Much of this money will go to
supporting local land owners to conserve the "natural"
hydrology. The LDWF Secretary, Robert Barham, has stepped up
tremendously, and has already secured a Cooperative Endevour Agreement with
Louisiana State Parks to have an educational area in the brand-new
Palmetto State Park located a few miles from the Iris
nelsonii "mother-land". While many landowners have embraced the
new conservation efforts, we have yet to find any will to allow public access
to their property for a board walk or nature trail. The State Park will offer
a near identical and safe alternative within a stones throw away.
We are still in the fact-finding and learning stages of this effort, so
please feel free to offer advice and suggestions!
Jeff Weeks, Buddy and I have spoken about some initiatives that some of
you may want to be involved in, such as growing our
collected or donated nelsonii seed for replanting into the swamps
and display gardens. Hopefully we will have someone from LDWF give a
presentation @ the upcoming SLI convention, and have an article for the
magazine soon. We have already secured a few donated plants (and promises),
and hope to engage the society in growing out collected seeds for replanting
in the wild and in display areas? We are actively seeking old habitat maps
from the collecting days and copies of pertinent article. Thanks to everyone
who has helped bring it this far to date! Hope your beds are well mulched.
Sorry for the long email. Mark
