Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1997.  Although the suburban sprawl of the city of Monroe surrounds much of its boundary, the refuge itself represents many habitat types and is home to a diversity of plants and animals.  The Refuge was established for "...the conservation of the wetlands of the nation in order to maintain the public benefits they provide and to help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties and conventions..." 16 U.S.C. 3901 (b) (Wetlands Extension Act).  The central physical feature of the Refuge is the lake itself  Black Bayou Lake is approximately 1,500 acres of shallow water studded with baldcypress and water tupelo trees.  The lake is owned by the City of Monroe, which manages its water level as a secondary drinking water source.  The Fish and Wildlife Service has a 99 year lease on the lake itself and manages its wildlife and habitat.