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Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge |
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 Refuge Overview: Located along the Red River in central Louisiana, the Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, particularly the northern pintail, as part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Federal Duck Stamp dollars helped to purchase this 6,077 acre refuge.USFWS Photo |
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| Wildlife and
Habitat: Historically a bottomland hardwood forest,
the area that is now Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge was
cleared in the 1970s for agriculture. The poorly-drained, nutrient-rich
soil that now makes the land an excellent shallow, open wetland,
made farming unprofitable. The refuge occupies a shallow basin
that seasonally fills with water from the winter rains and backwater
flooding. A large bluff at the north end of the basin gives
the refuge its name, Grand Cote, Cajun-French for “big
hill.”
Today the refuge is managed to provide wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl, drawing birds from both the Mississippi and Central Flyways. Common migratory waterfowl species on the refuge are northern pintail, mallards, green-winged teal, lesser scaup, and ring-necked ducks, though other species, such as wood ducks, blue-winged teal, northern shovelers, gadwall, and wigeon, can also be found there. The refuge also provides habitat for threatened or endangered species, such as the bald eagle and Louisiana black bear. |
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| Recreation Opportunities: Grand Cote offers many public use opportunities. The refuge is open year-round for fishing, with crawfishing being one of the most popular activities. The refuge is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing or photography and offers a number of opportunities for environmental education. The refuge is closed to hunting and camping. | |
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