Caddo Lake Opens

The Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge in East Texas will officially open to the public during ceremonies on September 26.

Caddo Lake Refuge was established to protect bottomland hardwood forests in the southeastern United States. It is formerly the site of the U.S.Army's Longhorn Ammunition Plant. Project leader Mark Williams said the opening will be limited "because there is still a lot of work to do."

"The Refuge will offer compatible wildlife oriented programs, including wildlife observation trails, an auto tour route and hunting," adds Williams. "We are currently in the process of completing work on the Refuge and Ramsar Visitor Contact Stations. We are also marking and signing the auto tour route, areas that will be closed to vehicles and public entry, and the equestrian trail". A biological white-tailed deer hunt will also be conducted in November.

The Friends of Caddo Lake Refuge organized entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations and other activities for opening day. Speakers for the event included Congressman Louie Gohmert; Chris Pease, National Wildlife Refuge Service regional chief; Addison "Tad" Davis, IV, U.S. Army deputy assistant secretary; William Honker, deputy director of the Environmental Protection Agency's Water Division; and Don Henley, Eagles founder and board chairman of Caddo Lake Institute.

Caddo Lake Refuge is one of only 22 wetland areas in the world recognized by the Ramsar Convention, as a "wetland of international significance." It is home to 224 species of birds, 22 species of amphibians, 46 species of reptiles and 93 species of fish. The refuge will be open from sun-up to sun-set throughout the week.

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