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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed opening new hunting and fishing programs on 10 national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, North Dakota, South Carolina and South Dakota as part of its annual Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations. With the changes in this proposed rule, there will be 325 public hunting programs and 283 public fishing programs on national wildlife refuges nationwide.

The Red River National Wildlife Refuge was established to restore the Red River Valley and provide habitat for migratory birds and other plants and animals. In October 2004, the Spanish Lake Lowlands Unit (Natchitoches Parish) will open to public hunting. The Service partners with private landowners, utility companies, and nongovernmental organizations to acquire land and restore it from primarily agricultural land to native hardwood trees to help wildlife for the benefit of the merican people.

The Council on Environmental Quality coordinates federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives.

Photo Op: Following the announcement, media are invited for a short boat ride from Bass Pro to Red River National Wildlife Refuge for a windshield tour & stand up.

Map: http://southeast.fws.gov/redriver/redriver_map.html

2004 News Releases