By Jack M. Willis
Journal Correspondent

The Woods Arson Prevention Association of Southwest Louisiana held its annual meeting on October 29th, at the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Training Center in DeRidder. Over 40 people attended, including a number of elected officials who have supportec the group's activities since its inception in 1989.

Among those present were Louisiana State Representatives Herman Ray Hill from Dry Creek, and John Smith from Leesville, Beauregard Sheriff Bolivar Bishop and Asst. District Attorney Richard Morton.

Assopciation President Charles E. "Pete" Rials apologized for what he termed a meager attendance, but he believed that this was because there has been a substantial reduction in arson fires. Rials announced that a fine lunch of chicken-sausage gumbo had been prepared by Deputy Gary Crowe and it was time to eat. Prior to dining the meal was blessed by Tim Potier.

President Rials gave a report of achievements by the group in the year 2002. Among the accomplishments were television and newspaper coverage, setting up display booths at Parish Fairs, speeches before civic meetings, staging a fire crew appreciation diner, setting up Forestry Awareness Days stations in two different parishes.

A concentrated effort has been made to target the youth of the various schools around the Southwest Louisiana parishes, resulting in their participation in poster contests, library displays and puppet shows.

A major Association project is the Urban/Wildfire Interface Emergency Preparedness Strategic Plan. A proposed model has been drafted and sent out to participating agencies for feedback and final revision.

The agencies involved are: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Woods Arson Prevention Association, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Calcaseiu Parish Police Jury, Beauregard Parish Police Jury, Allen Parish Police Jury and USDA-Rural Development.

The organization has come a long way since it began as a committee organized by Pat Weaver, and held its first meeting on January 19, 1990.

With legal advice and assistance from Attorney W.E. Hall, Jr., the organization was incorporated in September of 1991. Industrial landowners, non-industrial private forest landowners, individuals and related businesses have worked together for the past ten years to educate the public about woods arson and its detrimental effects on the public as a whole.

The objectives adopted in September 1991 are (A) To promote public awareness about timberland arson.
(B) To seek public support and assistance in eliminating woods arson.
(C) To inform community of the economic impact of woods arson.
(D) To improve public understanding of the economic impact of the timber industry.
(E) To cooperate with local officials for arrest and prosecution of woods arson cases.

President Rials said these objectives have not changed, but the zeal and the labor to accomplish the goals has only intensified.

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