5402531
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Public Comment on Draft Compatibility Determination for Grazing/Haying

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is opening a 14-day public comment period beginning August 31, 2026, for the public to review and comment on a proposed compatibility determination for Red River National Wildlife Refuge: Grazing and Haying.
Grazing and haying would be used as a habitat management tool to keep previously disturbed open fields in an open state and to set back woody succession until those areas can be reforested. Reforestation of bottomland hardwood forest is a central component of achieving the purposes for which Red River National Wildlife Refuge was established. The Red River valley was once a vast bottomland hardwood forest that has since been largely cleared for agriculture.
The draft compatibility determination and associated documents will be made available for public review and comment for 14 calendar days, from September 1 to September 14, 2026; electronically on the website Library Page or in hard copy at Red River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters: 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112.
Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format; contact the William Moody at (318) 884-6038 for assistance.
Comments submitted by U.S. mail should be sent to: Red River National Wildlife Refuge, c/o Refuge Manager, 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112.

Red River National Wildlife Refuge is made up of several units in the Red River Valley in northwestern Louisiana and provides habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, and other native wildlife species.. The Refuge boasts a large Visitor Center, Headquarters Offices and Education Center that opened in January 2012.
Hunting and Fishing Permits and Regulations

You can access current hunting and fishing regulations brochures online. You can pick up a permit at the Visitor Center in Bossier City or from Refuge permit boxes/kiosks.

Visit Us

Red River National Wildlife Refuge provides many different wildlife-based recreational opportunities.  Discover more about the wildlife that calls the refuge home by enjoying the exhibits at the Visitor Center, walk the trails, or participate in hunting and fishing activities.  There are over 5 miles of trails on the Headquarters Unit in Bossier City just minutes from I-20.  

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Red River National Wildlife Refuge is made up of four units in the Red River Valley in northwestern Louisiana. Headquarters Unit in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, Bayou Pierre Unit in Desoto and Red River Parishes, Lower Cane Unit in Natchitoches Parish and Spanish Lake Lowlands in Natchitoches Parish.  This area was historically forested with bottomland hardwoods, cypress sloughs and shrub/scrub swamps, providing a variety of habitats for wildlife. 

      What We Do

      Refuge staff focus on providing and managing wildlife habitat along with providing for recreational and education opportunities for the public.  Hunting, fishing, hiking, paddling, and educational programs are all available throughout the year.