Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • QR code Hunt Map 2018-19

    New Map for Your Mobile Device!

    Scan the QR code to download a geo-referenced map of the refuge with boundaries that is compatible with apps such as Avenza

  • Challenge Rotator Pic

    Take the Challenge….

    Have you ever wanted to see what it takes to fish like a great blue heron or hop like a frog?

    Learn more

  • Not a duck Rotator

    When is a duck not a duck?

    What are you seeing when you watch those duck-like birds from the pier?

    Learn more

  • Giant Salvinia

    Refuge Invaders!!

    Preventing the spread of invasive plants on the Refuge is a continual fight...

    Learn more...

  • Rotator Pic Photo gallery

    Refuge Photo Gallery

    Check out the great photos of amazing wildlife and habitat to view on the Refuge.

    Photo Gallery

Black Bayou Lake

Current Conditions

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Due to the CoronaVirus Health Emergency the Visitor Center and Conservation Learning Center is CLOSED until further Notice. The rest of the Refuge remains open from sunrise to sunset.

Public Comment Period for Draft Compatibility Determinations

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announces the availability of Draft Compatibility Determinations for various public uses on Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge for public review and comment. The public comment period will extend for 15 days beginning June 30, 2020 to July 15, 2020. Interested parties are encouraged to review the draft determinations and provide written comments.

Public Comment Period for Draft Compatibility Determinations

Proposed Minor Changes to Hunt Program

Black Bayou Lake Refuge is proposing minor changes to hunt program through the 2020-21 regulatory process. Please see attached document explaining the changes. Comments may be submitted to Tamar Kavaldjian-Liskey, Regional Hunting and Fishing Chief, tamar_kavaldjian-liskey@fws.gov, by June 8, 2020.

Proposed Minor Changes to Hunt Program with downloadable Categorical Exclusion Checklist

Blue Goose

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Visiting Black Bayou Lake, the blue goose is hard to miss in the form of a metal sculpture between the Visitor Center and the Conservation Learning Center.

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The Refuge

Pollinators on the Refuge

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In the last several years there has been a lot of talk about the importance of pollinators and their decline. At Black Bayou Lake we have been working to help pollinators by providing more habitat and educating the public about their importance.

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About the Complex

North Louisiana Refuges Complex

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the North Louisiana Refuges Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online