Committee approves bill allowing airboats in parts of Maurepas Swamp WMA after heated debate

The House Natural Resources Committee on April 28 voted 13–2 to report House Bill 11-71 favorably, a measure by Representative Mack to allow airboats in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Representative Mack said the bill is aimed at restoring access for sportsmen — especially older users who cannot operate surface-drive boats — and described airboats as a low-impact option in dense swamp where other craft create new runs and longer-term habitat damage. "If you wanted to get to your deer stand and you're older, you can't operate a mud boat anymore," Mack said.

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials warned of wildlife disturbance, habitat degradation from repeated runs, and user conflicts. Cole Garrett, the department’s general counsel, described a history of limited airboat allowances, a 2018 effort to permit a single trail, and later pilot permits that yielded poor reporting. Tommy Tillman, assistant secretary for the Office of Wildlife, summarized scientific concerns: repeated airboat traffic degrades vegetation and displaces birds and mammals, and noise can have measurable disturbance radii for species such as bald eagles.

Proponents, including long-time user Eddie Bridal, emphasized access and tradition. "At 54 years old ... I shouldn't need special permission to get to my camp," Bridal said, describing decades of family use. Opponents including representatives of hunting and conservation groups warned that motorized access undermines the refuge purpose and that surface-drive and mud boats can be louder and more damaging in some conditions.

Members debated an amendment to permit only airboats that measure under 110 decibels at 50 feet; Representative Coates (who offered the amendment in concept) withdrew it after committee discussion about enforceability and equipment needs. Representative Sawyer moved favorable; the committee then took a roll-call vote and reported the bill favorably, 13 yeas to 2 nays.

What’s next: Committee members asked the department to work with the sponsor on drafting targeted limitations (for example, single-prop engines, restricted trails, or time/area limits) to reduce impacts on sensitive habitat prior to floor consideration.