Ads in parks, forests, recreation areas await governor’s ink

Businesses will be able to sponsor signs in Louisiana state parks, forests, recreation areas and on Department of Agriculture vehicles, pending the governor’s approval, as a way supplement the department’s limping budget. 
The Senate voted 25-13 Tuesday on House Bill 867 by Rep. Christopher Leopold, R-Belle Chasse, that allows Commissioner Mike Strain’s department to put up advertisements just as the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries currently does on its lands and vehicles, effective upon becoming law.
The Department of Agriculture would establish fees, rules and regulations for the signs with private sponsorships.
“We live in a truly beautiful state,” Sen. Conrad Appel, R-Metairie, said in opposition. “I had the privilege of driving I-49 up to Shreveport and I could actually see mother-nature. I know we have financial problems, but I take great offense that we would put someone's advertisements on public property”
Thompson agreed with Appel in wishing state parks had proper funding, but said that if a state park cannot stay open due to budget cuts it should be allowed to have signage sponsored by businesses to continue its operations.