The annual convention of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation is the organization’s biggest event of the year. In one short weekend, Federation members adopt policy on conservation issues, honor conservation heroes, learn about new conservation initiatives and adopt a budget and choose leaders to guide the LWF over the next 12 months. Then, there is the hospitality and camaraderie that always accompanies the gathering of an organization that is celebrating almost 70 years of conservation education and advocacy work.
This year the convention was held at the Holiday Inn in New Iberia and hosted by the Iberia Rod & Gun Club over the weekend of March 14-16. Special thanks to IR&GC members for agreeing to host the convention when miscommunication with the sales staff of the intended meeting site in Natchitoches necessitated securing another venue. A large crowd was on hand for the kickoff social event on Friday evening where over $5,000 was raised, thanks to meeting benefactors who supported the convention with their generous gifts, and enthusiastic bidders willing to let some cash go for a good cause. Special thanks to Ray Bordelon, president of affiliate, the Avoyelles Wildlife Federation for serving as auctioneer, AWF members Ronald Coco, Kim Masling, Jesse Laborde and past LWF director Dr. Bobby Fulmer for spotting bids and hawking raffle tickets and Jaime Thibodeaux and friend Craig Taylor for helping to set up. A listing of convention sponsors and donors is posted at the close of this article. LWF is grateful for their support.
On Saturday evening, the Federation welcomed guests who came to honor the 9 conservation award winners chosen in the 44th Conservation Achievement Recognition Program competition, also known as the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. Jerald Horst, retired fisheries biologist and author served as banquet Master of Ceremonies. Jerald filled in for outdoor media personality Don Dubuc when Don’s schedule could not accommodate the revised convention dates and venue. He did a splendid job of delivering the presentations of the honorees.
The award presentations were not the only thing special about this evening. LWF member and renowned chef, Alex Patout collaborated with the Holiday Inn catering staff to treat guests to a meal of Cajun roasted duck with rice dressing, corn machoux, sweet potato casserole and home made pecan pie. Banquet guests were duly dazzled with the presentation and rewarded with an outstanding and unanticipated meal. Thank you, Alex!
Between the Friday evening fun-raising and grandeur of the awards ceremony Saturday night, meeting delegates got down to the main reason they came: to debate, adjust and adopt (in most cases) the 18 conservation policy resolutions submitted by LWF affiliates and directors. Enthusiasm always runs high among participants who roll up their sleeves and jump right in to the discussion. Resolutions are assigned by subject matter to convention conservation committees that meet on Saturday morning. Committee chairs mediate what are usually lively and sometimes heated discussions of the proposals. Only the designated representatives to each committee can vote on the outcome of a resolution, but anyone attending the meeting may comment if recognized by the chair at the request of a committee representative. Normally, just about everyone present gets to have their opinion heard before a vote is taken to forward the resolution to the general assembly of delegates for a final vote on Sunday morning, or to reject it. Most resolutions that are recommended by the conservation committees pass the general assembly as adopted, or with strengthening amendments. Those adopted by committee on a narrow margin sometimes bite the dust as opponents use the Saturday evening socializing as an opportunity to lobby against the less popular resolutions. This democratic, inclusive and highly participatory process in developing conservation policy positions is unique among conservation organizations in Louisiana and a big reason why LWF is effective and why members maintain interest in and support of the organization. The resolutions as finally adopted are linked to this report.
LWF wishes to thank the following leaders who served as chairs and secretaries of the convention conservation committees this year: Migratory, Forest & Upland Wildlife Committee – Ken Dancak, Chairman, Tyson Lee, Secretary; Environmental Quality Committee – Vance Gordon, Chairman, Kathy Wascom, Secretary; Habitat Conservation & Management Committee – Virginia Burkett, Chairwoman, Sandra Thompson, Secretary; Boating & Fresh/Saltwater Fisheries Committee – Smitty Smith, Chairman, Gina Stanton, Secretary; Conservation Policy, Laws & Enforcement Committee – Keith Saucier, Chairman, Dane Bourgeois, Secretary.
Following the Convention Conservation Committees, LWF leaders assembled at the Board of Directors Luncheon to elect officers and district vice-presidents. Guest speaker at the luncheon was the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Robert Barham. Secretary Barham had recently been appointed to the post after serving three terms in the Louisiana Senate. The fact that Secretary Barham is a LWF member and winner of its Legislative Conservationist of the Year (1999) Award stood him in good stead with LWF leaders and guests in attendance as he outlined some of his priorities for the LDWF.
Sandwiched between Saturday’s elections and awards, a cast of knowledgeable and distinguished presenters informed members and the public about current wildlife and conservation topics. Guide to Conservation – Louisiana's Wildlife Action Plan, was presented by Plan Coordinator Andy Ardoin with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. The Plan was approved by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in 2005 and serves to guide the State Wildlife Grants Program. It is largely unknown outside the agency, but is the basis for long-term conservation funding for all wildlife, with emphasis on those species not hunted or fished, and for the development of Louisiana's Teaming with Wildlife Coalition. Hunters & Anglers & Climate Change, a presentation developed to spur action to both address wildlife needs in the face of a warming climate and to promote action to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses was presented by National Wildlife Federation Regional Representative Marya Fowler. The final presentation, Leadership and Resource Development, was delivered by LWF's own Edgar Veillon and focused on organizational development strategies. LWF's Gina Stanton showed a sneak preview of the LWF outreach PowerPoint presentation she has been working on during Edgar's session.
Once again, thanks to Chad LeBlanc, president and the other members of the Iberia Rod and Gun Club for hosting the convention. The LWF’s 2009 convention is scheduled for February 27, 28 & March 1 at the Hilton garden Inn in West Monroe and will be hosted by the Friends of Black Bayou. Further details will be available later in the year. Make plans to attend.
These resolutions were adopted by the delegates to the 69th Annual Convention of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation held March 14-16, 2007 in New Iberia, Louisiana.
2008 LWF Convention Sponsors and Donors
Special thanks go to the following persons, organizations and businesses for supporting this convention with their generous donations.
Premier Corporate Gator
Shell Pipeline Company LP
Gator
East Ascension Sportsman’s League
E. R. “Smitty” Smith, III
Chuck Sieber – Diamond S Transportation
Pintails
Ken & Cindy Dancak
Earl & Lonnie Matthew
Warren & Jodie Singer
Edgar Veillon
Sac-au-Laits
American Sportsmen Against Poachers (ASAP)
Barney & Donna Callahan
Jerry & Sybil Haas
Keith & Cindy Saucier
Joelle Singer
Cardinals
Joe L. & Rosalie Herring
Judy Huner
Jimmy & Sherri Johnston
Gina Stanton
Otters
Fred Borel, Jr.
Jay Huner
Randy Lanctot
Clint & Virginia Mouser
Paul Whitehead
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Acadiana Bottling Co. Acadiana Silkscreen Audio-Video Innovators Dave Boudreaux Russ Bourgeois Cabela’s Cajun Injector Barney Callahan Ronald Coco Coleman Co. DeLorme Mapping Bob Dennie Vance Gordon Bill Herke Joe L. & Rosalie Herring Hoppe Farms Iberia Rod & Gun Club Elvis Jeanminette Jimmy Johnston Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation Betty, Randy & Terry Lanctot Laredo Hunt Club Chad LeBlanc Chad LeBlanc Builders McIlhenny Company Louisiana Wildlife Federation Joe McPherson Marion Moore – Builders Tools & Fasteners Clint Mouser National Wildlife Federation Chef Alex Patout Stansel Rice Top Brass Tackle USGS National Wetlands Research Center Edgar Veillon Wild Birds Unlimited-Lafayette Wright & McGill Co./Eagle Claw |
