Louisiana accounts for 80 percent of the nation's coastal wetland loss. Simply put, a large proportion of Louisiana acreage is wetland. Much of the state's economy depends upon wetlands. Find information on causes of wetland loss, definitions of wetlands and wetland functions and values.

The purpose of this publication is to document what is deemed as accepted and approved planting, management and harvest procedures for a variety of species planted in Louisiana for wildlife management purposes by LSU AgCenter personnel. In all cases, the greatest possible window of opportunity has been provided as to planting dates, planting practices and other management activities as they relate to overall management.

Hunting doves in agricultural areas is considered by many to be one of the most enjoyable forms of hunting, but hunters must be familiar with the regulations, especially those about baiting. These regulations, along with other important information for managing agricultural areas for bird hunting, are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

Small hive beetles were first detected in the United States in 1996. Although they are relatively harmless pests in their native South Africa, they have become serious pests of honey bees, especially in the southeastern region of the United States. Information on damage, life cycle, best management practices and control included.

For an increasing number of forest landowners, a forest is an investment. Understanding the basics of forest investments is essential in planning for long-term maximum benefits.

This publication is intended to help local and municipal governments address potential concerns or problems between the public and beekeepers. (PDF Format Only)

A trailer that breaks down on the road can ruin a good fishing trip. It is even worse if an accident results from the breakdown. To help prevent breakdowns, it is important to service your trailer regularly. Here are typical items to consider in establishing a maintenance program. (PDF Format Only)

The Equine Water Quality Series educates horse owners and the technical specialist that work with them on the potential water quality impacts from horse farms and highlights several practical best management practices that can be used to reduce this impact. Bulletin topics include: horses and water quality, controlling stable runoff, rotational grazing for horses, pasture management, composting horse manure and soil stabilization options for horse owners.

Commercial sales of crawfish in Louisiana date back to the late 1800s, and today's crawfish industry includes millions of pounds harvested from farms and natural habitats in the state. This publication covers a wide range of topics on crawfish production, including crawfish biology, pond design, forage management, stocking, water quality, harvesting, marketing and much more.

Groundwater is the source of water for wells and springs. It fills spaces between particles of soil or cracks in bedrock. This publication includes information on factors affecting groundwater contamination and prevention methods.

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

This publication outlines some of the options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color. (PDF Format Only)

This publication includes information on conserving existing trees, planting and transplanting, pruning, tree fertilization, street and parking area plantings, tree evaluation, tree lists and a quick tree selection guide.

This publication inventories the functions and values of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary System at the interface of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, and it chronicles the serious plight of landscape deterioration facing its inhabitants.

Facts and information on the West Nile virus and how it's affecting Louisiana.

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

This list of BMPs (Best Management Practices) is a guide for the selection and implementation of those practices that will help producers to conserve soil and protect water and air resources by reducing pollutants from reaching both surface and ground water.

The best management practices that apply most directly to the beef industry are in this publication. A brief description, purpose and conditions to which the practice applies are given for each of the BMPs listed. (PDF Format Only)

BMPs for swine farms are a specific set of practices used by farmers to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, pesticides and microbial contaminants entering surface water and groundwater while maintaining or improving the productivity of agricultural land. This list of BMPs is a guide for the selection and implementation of those practices that will help swine farmers to conserve soil and protect water and air resources by reducing pollutants from reaching both surface and groundwater.

Dairying, by its nature, requires specific practices to conserve and protect soil and water resources. Best management practices (BMPs) are an effective and practical means of reducing point- and nonpoint-source water pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality goals.

This publication was designed to serve as a guide to aquaculture-related red drum (redfish) literature. The intended audience includes red drum producers as well as potential producers, investors and lenders.

There are about 2,500 species of termites worldwide. Although only about 2% are frequent invaders of wood structures used by humans, termites must be managed because they can and will cause great damage. This publication includes information on how to manage them. Only available in pdf format.

Information on recirculating production systems, fingerling sources, stocking and harvest management, regulatory considerations, economics and markets are included in this publication.

Prescribed burning is the deliberate use of fire, under specified and controlled conditions, to accomplish one or more objectives of forest land management. All fires in a natural environment do some damage, and prescribed burns are no exception. It is a matter of accepting a risk of loss to obtain a desired gain. Properly planned and executed, prescribed burning can accomplish many objectives at reasonable cost and minimum risk. This publication explains how this can be done. (PDF Format Only)

Wood is a renewable natural resource that, if properly treated, maintained and placed in service, will last indefinitely. It is critial for us to use our wood resources efficiently. This publication is intended to increase your knowledge of the causes and control of wood decay, degradation and stain.

Hunters and land managers are always seeking new and more innovative ways to improve the quality and attractiveness of their hunting areas. “What should I plant to attract and hold deer on my hunting area?" Find your answers in this publication.

Information card on where to look for termites in trees

Information card on tackling termite problems when beginning a renovation project

Information card on places to look for Formosan subterranean termite Infestations

Forest owners who wish to increase the profitability of growing sawtimber with loblolly or slash pine plantations should consider including fertilization in their management plans. This publication provides information about why, when and how to fertilize a southern pine plantation to improve growth rates and financial performance of plantation management. (PDF Format Only)

The process of removing honeybees from walls in a house is complex. Most people think they only have to spray and kill the bees. This would be effective if they were yellow jackets or hornets or even bumblebees. Honeybees, however,require a more demanding process.

The living drill, as the carpenter bee has been appropriately named by many homeowners, has the ability to bore into and structurally damage timbers and other painted or unpainted wooden materials. These holes are actually the nesting sites the bees use to raise their young.

Washwater is a necessary part of alligator production, but so is the management of the water. (PDF Format Only)

This publication gives several tips on how to pump less water and to make sure your pumping plant is being used as efficiently as possible. (PDF Format Only)

When mosquitoes become resistant to pesticides, controlling them and the diseases they carry can be a challenge. This publication covers what you need to know about insecticide resistance in mosquitoes.

Experience has shown that pesticides alone rarely produce complete or lasting control of pests -- whether battling cockroaches in kitchens or mosquitoes in marshes. Mosquitoes are controlled most efficiently with an approach that blends the use of both chemical and nonchemical control measures. This is the essence of Integrated Mosquito Management.

With the threat of emerging insect-borne infectious diseases in the United States (West Nile virus, Malaria, Dengue), the clamor for novel personal protection/vector control devices has increased significantly over recent years. This publication includes color images and covers mosquito control as well as beneficial insects you can find around your home.

Mosquitoes are most often thought of as blood-thirsty pests that spread disease and ruin our outdoor activities. The majority of the mosquito’s life cycle, however, is spent in the water, and it is only the adult stage that adversely affects human and animal health.

Best management practices (BMPs) are used by agricultural producers to control the generation and delivery of pollutants from agricultural activities to water resources of the state, thereby reducing the amount of agricultural pollutants entering surface and ground waters. This publication includes information on five main areas: nutrient management, pesticide management, soil and water management, pasture management and general farm BMPs.

This publication includes information and tips to maintain the market value of forest products as well as information to ensure maximum revenue generation, and good land stewardship through careful marketing strategies.

Is leasing forestland a good idea? The answer depends on a variety of factors. This publication examines some hypothetical situations in which comparisons are made between leasing and self-management.

This guide describes the conservation measures or Best Management Practices (BMPs) for rice production implemented primarily for the purpose of conserving and protecting soil and water resources by controlling the movement of potential agricultural pollutants into surface water and groundwater.

A farm pond or recreational pond can serve many purposes. This publication reviews planning considerations and management recommendations relating to a number of potential uses for small ponds in Louisiana.

Importance of Soil Fertility, Method for Proper Soil Sampling, Interpreting Soil Tests, Adjusting pH, Available Forms of Lime, Available Forms of Sulphur, Applying Fertilizer and Examples of Applications included.

This publication will help you understand special terms and abbreviations commonly used in natural resource management. It will also help you make decisions about the productive management of your forestland.

Poultry production is the largest animal industry in Louisiana. In poultry production, there are issues of special concern to the environment. Best Management Practices (BMPs) focus on three main areas: Nutrient Management, Pesticide Management and Mortality Management.

Why be concerned? Too often, we think of ourselves as external to our environment. We ignore the many relationships among people, other living creatures and our surroundings. We ignore these relationships at our own risk. Solutions to environmental problems are far more effective when all life forms are considered part of the ecosystem.

A description of how biomass is being used for energy in Louisiana with an emphasis on the potential for expansion in the industry. (Revised 11/06)

The selection, planting and care of urban trees in Louisiana. Includes full-page poster of native landscape trees, their leaves, tree height and spread comparisons. 16 pages.

Keeping bees can be a fascinating and profitable hobby in Louisiana. Start with one or two colonies and as you learn the mechanics of beekeeping, establish additional colonies.

Is Retreating for Termites Necessary? Also find information on preventing formosan subterranean termites from spreading, disposing of termite infested wood and debris, transporting mulch and other wood debris, inspecting and retreating, signs of infestation and differences between termites and ants.

Your new home can be safeguarded by using preservative-treated wood and following an integrated pest management program at the time of construction.

Learning to identify trees can be fun. It is easy to identify the common trees of Louisiana with this guide. Long words have been left out, and pictures are used to identify the leaves instead of written descriptions.

Agronomic row and feed-grain crops are important commodities in Louisiana. The intent of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to provide the growers of soybeans, cotton, corn, grain sorghum and wheat some guidelines on practices they can implement to reduce the impact these agricultural practices may have on the environment.

The Formosan subterranean termite was spread to Louisiana around the end of World War II. Described as the most important structural pestof the new millennium, the Formosan subterranean termite is now considered the most destructive insect in Louisiana.This publication includes information on how to decrease the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

For most cabinet makers and furniture makers, wood is the raw material of choice. Wood has thousands of uses. Although wood may appear to be a relatively simple substance, closer examination shows that wood is one of the most complicated and unusual natural materials. This publication includes helpful information for understanding wood and its complicated materials.

This publication provides information on some of problems and basic principles involved in seasoning lumber, wood disks and other small pieces of wood. It is intended to help individuals who would like to season small quantities of wood inexpensively and without sacrificing quality. Small mill owners may also find this information useful in the manufacture of dried wood products.

Africanized honeybees were brought to Brazil in 1956 to improve local strains. In 1957, several colonies escaped. Once established in Brazil, the Africanized honeybees (AHB) moved north up the east coast of South America and into Central America. During the next few years, they increased their northward expansion through central Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, reaching Southern California in 1994.