Louisiana Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

Contact Info
National Wildlife Refuge System
210 Catahoulan WR Road
Jonesville, LA 71343

Phone:
318-992-5261

Description

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, located in east central Louisiana, 12 miles east of Jena, was established in 1958 as a wintering area for migratory waterfowl. The refuge contains 25,162 acres divided into two units. The 6,671 acre Headquarters Unit borders nine miles of the northeast shore of Catahoula Lake, a 26,000 acre natural wetland renowned for its large concentrations of migratory waterfowl. The 18,491 acre Bushley Bayou Unit, located 8 miles west of Jonesville, was established May 16, 2001. This acquisition was made possible through a partnership agreement between The Conservation Fund, American Electric Power, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The habitat found at the refuge is primarily lowland hardwood forest subject to seasonal backwater flooding from the Ouachita, Black, and Red Rivers. White-tailed deer, small game mammals, songbirds, raptors, waterbirds, reptiles, and amphibians are commonly seen throughout the refuge. Waterfowl are abundant during the winter. Peak waterfowl populations of 75,000 ducks have been recorded. In 1979, the Duck Lake Impoundment was created to provide 1200 acres of waterfowl habitat. Management of the impoundment is to manipulate water levels to promote the growth of aquatic and moist soil vegetation. In 2001, Catahoula NWR was designated a Globally Important Bird Area. Catahoula Lake is recognized as a Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR site): a historic concentration area for shorebirds, waterbirds, and migrating/wintering waterfowl. Catahoula NWR also borders a portion of the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area. Together, these areas provide a haven for wildlife and preserve representative samples of the unique habitats originally found in the Lower Mississippi River Ecosystem.

Map + Directions

Basic Directions

Catahoula NWR headquarters is located approximately 12 miles east of Jena, Louisiana. From the Intersection of LA 28 and US 84, turn west on US 84. Follow US 84 about 1.5 miles and turn west on Catahoula NWR Road. The headquarters is about .5 mile from US 84, located in the second building. Directional signs are found along the route.

Customizable Directions


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guide below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail
Sabine County Sabine County Sabine County
East TexasOne of East Texas’ best kept secrets, Sabine County is located along the Texas/Louisiana border and is surrounded by two of the best bass fishing lakes in the nation.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.