Re: Conservation of Iris nelsonii habitat

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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