ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 68
BY REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request Louisiana state agencies to prioritize native plant species in the
landscaping of state properties, except for invasive plant species listed on the
Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan.
WHEREAS, according to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana has
approximately two thousand five hundred native plants including trees, flowers, shrubs,
perennials, vines, grasses, and wildflowers; and
WHEREAS, native plants are naturally adapted to this state's climate, soil types, and
animals, which require low maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the low maintenance of these native plants reduces fuel, water, and
fertilizer usage, resulting in higher qualities of local soil, water, and air; and
WHEREAS, the use of native plants in gardens, parks, and roadsides contributes to
this state's wildlife and ecosystems by promoting the growth of native pollinator populations;
and
WHEREAS, pollinators assist in plant reproduction and dispersal, maintaining and
generating wildlife habitats; and
WHEREAS, approximately seventy-five percent of all plants require pollinators to
reproduce; and
WHEREAS, approximately one-third of all human food requires pollinators for
production; and
WHEREAS, pollinators are at a significant decline due to the habitat loss; and
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WHEREAS, the use of agricultural and residential pesticides has also contributed to
the decline of pollinators by killing beneficial pollinators and reducing the amount of food
available for insects; and
WHEREAS, invasive plants are not native to Louisiana and cause significant
negative impacts to this state's native habitats and species; and
WHEREAS, according to the Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan, there are
approximately fifty thousand invasive species in the United States that cause major
environmental damage and losses of approximately one hundred thirty-seven million dollars
annually; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana's humid subtropical climate puts the state at a high risk for
the introduction of invasive species; and
WHEREAS, once the invasive plant species are established, food availability and
habitat quality for native plants are decreased.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request Louisiana state agencies to prioritize
native plants in landscaping state properties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no invasive plants listed on the Louisiana
Wildlife Action Plan be planted on any state property.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
commissioner of administration.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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