Established: 1997

Established as an overlay refuge with a free, 99-year management lease on Black Bayou Lake through a unique partnership with the City of Monroe.

 Approximately 4,600 acres (6,000 acres in approved acquisition boundary).

Natural History

• The existing refuge consists of pristine wetlands associated with a 1600-acre, shallow, cypress-studded lake, riparian areas, upland mixed pine and hardwoods, and reforested former agricultural fields.
• The area provides excellent habitat for wetland-dependent fish and wildlife such as waterfowl, wading birds, neotropical migrants, reptiles, and game fish.

Refuge Objectives

• Protect and enhance habitat for endangered species, waterfowl, neotropical migrants, and resident wildlife.
• Provide environmental education/ interpretation in a semi-urban setting.
• Provide high quality recreational fishing and hunting opportunities.
• Protect the long-term water quality of Black Bayou Lake.

Management Tools

• Forest management including reforestation.
• Public education/interpretation.
• Public fishing and hunting.
• Law enforcement.
• Partnerships and volunteer program.
• Control of invasive exotics.

Facilities

• Visitor Center for North Louisiana Refuges Complex
• Conservation Learning Center with Discovery Room and Aquarium Room
• Arboretum with nearly 150 labeled Louisiana native tree and woody shrub species
• Prairie Demonstration Area
• Nature Trail, Wildlife Pier and Amphitheater/pavilion
• Raised Observation Deck
• Photo Blind
• Boat Launch
• Resident volunteer RV sites