Efforts to conserve soil and manage water resources in Louisiana.
On June 14, residents of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parishes will participate in a rare election for the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. This election is unique as board positions are typically filled by appointment. Voters will choose between incumbent Erica Sage Johnson and challenger Lloyd Landry IV, both of whom emphasize the importance of conservation and community awareness. The election is critical for addressing environmental challenges in Louisiana, allowing voters to influence local conservation initiatives.
Jefferson, LA – A rare and significant election for the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will be held on Saturday, June 14. This event stands out as one of fewer than ten elections of its kind in the history of Louisiana, primarily because these board positions are traditionally filled through appointments rather than elections. Residents of Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parishes are invited to participate in this unique democratic process.
The Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District is one of 44 such districts across Louisiana, with the primary objective of protecting the state’s natural resources, conserving soil, and managing water resources effectively. This district plays a critical role in facilitating access to both state and federal conservation program funding, making its governance essential for local environmental management.
In this election, voters will choose between two candidates: the incumbent Erica Sage Johnson and challenger Lloyd Landry IV. Johnson has been an active member of the board since her appointment in 2022 and is known for her work as an urban farmer, running Petit Jardin. Her background revolves around food justice and building community resilience, and she aims to strengthen public awareness and transparency regarding the board’s activities and available resources.
On the other hand, Landry is a lifelong outdoorsman and commercial fishing captain who brings a wealth of experience to the table. He emphasizes the critical importance of coastal restoration and shoreline protection, significant issues given Louisiana’s geographical vulnerabilities. Landry also advocates for promoting local farmers’ markets and ensuring equitable distribution of conservation opportunities to support the region’s agricultural community.
The Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District has taken the initiative to manage this election independently, rather than through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office. Voters will have access to eight polling locations on election day, which will be open from 8 AM to 6 PM. Each location will have 300 paper ballots available. It is important to note that voters from Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Charles Parishes are required to cast their ballots in their respective parishes, while St. Bernard and St. John Parish voters can vote at any of the eight designated polling places.
To participate in the voting process, residents must present a valid state-issued photo ID. Both candidates have echoed the need to enhance the board’s visibility among local farmers and landowners. They stress the importance of informing them about the resources available to support conservation efforts in the area.
This election is particularly vital in light of environmental challenges faced by Louisiana, including coastal erosion and water resource management. By electing board members who are directly accountable to the community, voters have an opportunity to influence conservation priorities and initiatives in their region.
As the election approaches, local residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the candidates’ platforms and to make informed decisions regarding the future stewardship of their natural resources. The Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District’s responsibility is to safeguard the environment, and the board’s leadership will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
Residents interested in the future of their community and the state’s natural resources can play a pivotal role in shaping it by participating in this historic election.
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