NOTICE: Prescribed burning
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry submitted a Notice of Intent with the State Register giving public notice that the Department, through the Office of Forestry intends to amend LAC 7:XXXIX.901 and 911 and proposes to adopt 915, 917, and 919 relative to prescribed burning. Th proposed Rule changes are being made pursuant to ACT 288 in the 2024 Regular Session, which defines and establishes the requirements for prescribed burning by non-certified prescribed burn managers. The proposed Rule changes establish the requirements for prescribed burning conducted by non-certified prescribed burn managers. The Department intends to amend LAC XXXIX.901 to define “certified prescribed burn manager,” and “non-certified prescribed burn manager.” The Department intends to amend LAC 7:XXXIX.911 to correct the language, and include both the Louisiana Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines, and the Louisiana Smoke Management Guidelines for Agriculture. Further, the Department proposes to adopt LAC 7:XXXIX.915, 917 and 919 to establish guidelines for conducting a prescribed burn by a non-certified prescribed burn manager. Non-certified prescribed burn managers will be required to contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Forestry, prior to conducting a prescribed burn and provide the date, and time of the prescribed burn. Failure to provide this information to the Office of Forestry may result in a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for two or more offenses.
The Notice of Intent will be published in the September 2024 State Register. Interested persons may submit written comments, data, opinions, and arguments regarding the proposed Rule. Written submissions must be directed to Wade Dubea, State Forester, Assistant Commissioner of Forestry, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, 5825 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70806 and must be received no later than 4 p.m. on October 10, 2024.