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This 124,511-acre coastal marsh National Wildlife Refuge is currently closed to all public uses because of damages sustained during Hurricane Rita. All of the office buildings, visitor center and maintenance shops were damaged beyond repair and have been removed. There are three remaining structures at the Sabine NWR headquarters area that will be repaired. A boathouse, a block storage building and a tin-covered storage shed.
West of Highway 27, Sabine refuge canals and marshes were severely impacted
by storm wind and water. Approximately 32,000 acres of refuge marshes,
levees, and canals have been negatively impacted. Canals and marshes
are clogged with seven million cubic meters of debris from off shore
rigs and coastal communities. There are both physical and chemical hazards
present throughout the refuge, many of which have settled below the marsh
and water surfaces. Tanks and barrels containing hazardous liquids and
gases have the potential to explode or break down and release toxins
into the environment. Over 1,400 hazardous material containers have been
identified and are estimated to contain between 115,000 and 350,000 gallons
of hazardous liquids and gases.
Current Sabine refuge phone numbers are 337-558-5574 and 337-558-5631. The fax is 337-558-7405. To
stay informed about ….Louisiana; please view additional
links from the SW LA National Wildlife Refuge Home page at http://www.fws.gov/swlarefugecomplex for
the most updated information about refuge programs.
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Sabine
National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and is the largest
coastal marsh refuge on the Gulf. The primary management objective
is to preserve a large area of coastal wetlands for wintering and
migrating waterfowl from both the Mississippi and Central Flyways.
This refuge is also a major nursery area for many estuarine-dependent
marine species as well as being the home for alligators and other
reptiles, mammals, and numerous wading, water and marsh birds.
Refuge recreational areas along Highway 27 received varying amounts
of damage to bridges, piers, observation towers, boardwalks, restroom
facilities, fences, and parking lots. These facilities need to be repaired
before the areas can be re-opened for public use. Refuge staff is working
with state and local partners, contractors, and other federal agencies
to have these repairs completed. 
