What is the Louisiana Statewide Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA)?
This agreement is designed to enhance conservation of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) through voluntary habitat improvements by private landowners in Louisiana. This 99-year agreement between the Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), signed in January 2005, will result in conservation of RCWs, while providing Safe Harbor assurances to participating non-federal landowners throughout the state. The Service, LDWF, Louisiana Forestry Association, and various other partners/stakeholders cooperated in developing this agreement, and to date, 4 landowners, with a total of approximately 216,000 acres, have announced their immediate intentions to enroll in this SHA. Interested landowners should contact either the Lafayette Field Office (337/291-3100), or Mr. Eric Baka, LDWF Safe Harbor Coordinator (225/765-2359).
