The Kiwanis Club of Alexandria heard from Fred Hagaman with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about how the state manages its natural resources, particularly timber and state-owned lands.

Hagaman’s educational background is in Forestry and Biology. He discussed responsibilities including marking trees and inventorying forest plots, managing timber treatments, overseeing timber sales, and planning tree restoration and replanting.

Hagaman explained that rather than clear-cutting, the focus is primarily on thinning forests to promote healthy growth. Trees can take approximately 35-40 years to mature before they are ready for harvesting.

He also discussed replanting and restoration, noting that the department likes to plant Sawtooth Oak because of its relatively fast growth. Other trees commonly planted on open land include Sweetgum, Hackberry, Red Oak and White Oak.

Hagaman also discussed land management practices, including land acquisitions and the limited use of prescribed burns.

He explained that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries receives funding from several sources, including state revenue, mineral rights, oil and gas revenues, federal funding and ammunition-related revenues.

Kerry Rogers is the monthly chair.

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