Urges and requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to restore the authority for the general health of Cocodrie Lake to the Cocodrie Lake Game and Fish Commission
Summary
House Resolution 274 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to return authority over Cocodrie Lake’s water levels and general lake health to the Cocodrie Lake Game and Fish Commission. The resolution explains that the Commission originally had these powers before they were transferred to the state department in 1981, and that local residents believe the lake’s management should again be guided by a body with direct ties to the watershed communities.
The resolution describes Cocodrie Lake as a waterbody whose level affects multiple local interests, including farming, timber, hunting, fishing, private boat launches, and other economic uses. It emphasizes that the completion of a lock and dam structure changed the lake’s hydrology and expanded surface water acreage, creating a need for active water-level management. The resolution specifically asks that the Commission be restored authority over the water gate structure at Clearwater, which controls lake levels.
Impact
HR 274 does not change statutory law directly; it is a nonbinding legislative resolution expressing the House’s position and urging administrative action by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Its practical effect would be to encourage the department to transfer or share operational authority over Cocodrie Lake management back to the local Cocodrie Lake Game and Fish Commission, especially regarding the Clearwater water gate structure. If acted on, this could shift decision-making closer to local stakeholders and affect lake operations, property access, fishing conditions, and related watershed uses.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the resolution appears strongly supportive and local-government oriented. The House passed the resolution unanimously, 89-0, indicating broad agreement with the request to restore local oversight. The bill’s language frames the issue as one of balancing lake health, economic livelihood, and stakeholder cooperation, suggesting a generally favorable view of the Commission’s role.
Contention
The main point of contention is not reflected in the vote, but in the underlying governance question: whether authority over Cocodrie Lake should remain with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or be returned to the local Commission. Supporters argue that local residents and appointees are better positioned to manage water levels for property access, agriculture, fishing, and hunting. The resolution also notes that the Commission believes it has lost meaningful input with the department and other agencies and industries, implying concern about centralized control and limited local influence. No recorded opposition appears in the available vote history.