The Grant Parish Police Jury is publicly clarifying its position regarding proposed federal legislation involving the transfer of approximately 140,000 acres of Kisatchie National Forest land to Grant Parish entities.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, the police jury addressed what officials described as “misleading information” circulating in connection with a document titled “The Grant Parish Restoration Act of 2026.” The document references proposed legislation allegedly connected to U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy that would transfer national forest land in Grant Parish to either the Grant Parish Police Jury or the Grant Parish School Board.
According to the Grant Parish Police Jury, neither the jury as a governing body nor any individual juror proposed, endorsed, or supports the legislation.
“This proposal is also not endorsed or supported by the Grant Parish Police Jury or any individual juror,” the statement read.
Officials further noted that the police jury does not speak on behalf of the Grant Parish School Board but wanted to publicly address confusion surrounding the matter after concerns were raised by residents.
The police jury stated it has been cooperating with the Catahoula Ranger District Office regarding the issue and emphasized that the circulated document was not drafted by the jury. Officials said the document was instead brought to their attention by a concerned citizen.
The circulated document outlines concerns about transferring portions of Kisatchie National Forest from federal oversight. It highlights the area’s recreational opportunities, wildlife habitats, longleaf pine forests, and protected species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and the Louisiana pearlshell mussel.
The letter also references the region’s popularity for hunting, fishing, hiking, and trail riding, while noting that portions of the forest have been managed by the U.S. Forest Service since 1930.
The police jury encouraged residents with questions or concerns about the proposed legislation to contact Senator Cassidy’s office directly. Contact information provided includes legislative staff member Jacob Parker at feedback@cassidy.senate.gov or jake_parker@cassidy.senate.gov, as well as the office phone number at 202-224-5824.
As discussion surrounding the proposal continues, local officials say they want residents to understand that the Grant Parish Police Jury has not initiated or supported the proposed transfer.
