Boustany Applauds Steps Taken To Reintroduce Whooping Cranes To La.
Washington, DC – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-Southwest L
ouisiana) today applauded the news that the endangered whooping crane will return to Louisiana after a 61-year absence. Boustany played a role in securing the reintroduction of these birds in conjunction with the US Department of the Interior and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
“This is historic news for the state of Louisiana, as this treasured species will finally return home,” Boustany said. “Cooperation between the state and federal governments is key if we are to fully revitalize our coast. Restoring wildlife to the Gulf Coast is a key step towards rebuilding and preserving our treasured swamps and marshes and ensuring that they will be protected for future generations.”
The whooping crane is the most endangered crane species, and has been on the endangered species list since 1967. The last known whooping crane in Louisiana was removed from Vermilion Parish in 1950.
“LDWF has proven, through implementing recovery efforts for species like the American alligator and the brown pelican, our state’s expertise and willingness in implementing a long-term restoration plan for our most delicate wildlife,” noted LDFW Secretary Robert Barham.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Geological Survey, the LDFW and the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit plan to release the first group of non-migratory whooping cranes into the LDFW’s White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in early 2011.
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