Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, located eleven miles southwest of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, is responsible for managing nearly 35,000 acres of mostly freshwater marsh. The refuge preserves one of the major wintering grounds for waterfowl in the United States. Wintering populations of over 300,000 ducks and 80,000 geese at Lacassine are among the largest in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Spring and fall migrations of neotropical migrants are also seen in abundance. A 3,345 acre wilderness area has been designated in the southern portions of the refuge. The refuge also participates in programs that improve habitat on privately owned land.

Lacassine's active volunteer program provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits (where applicable) through an internship at the refuge. Volunteer/student Intern openings provide you with opportunities to provide assistance with biological surveys, public recreation activities, maintenance, clerical duties, and computer/data entry activities. Examples of duties include waterfowl surveys, refuge programs for school groups, habitat restoration, providing refuge information to visitors, and working with biological databases.

Period of Employment: The refuge has multiple openings during the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Length of employment is flexible in order to meet the needs of the volunteer/student intern and the refuge. Typically, most volunteers/student interns work for twelve weeks, although shorter and longer assignments are available.

Conditions: A bunkhouse and/or trailers (furnished with bedding, appliances, dishes, etc) are available for use by volunteers/student interns. A small stipend ($10 per working day) to cover groceries will be reimbursed to volunteers/interns while staying in refuge housing. Equipment and transportation is provided for all work. On the job accident insurance is provided through workmen's compensation. Louisiana weather is hot and humid for most of the year, but can be freezing for short periods during the winter. Mosquitos and deer flies can be abundant, depending on the time of day, vegetation, and wind conditions. Access to the refuge is mostly by boat, with limited access by vehicle.

How to apply: Contact the refuge and ask for a volunteer/intern application packet. You may stop by, call, fax, or email your request. Other Region 4 Volunteer/Intern opportunities are available. Contact us at: Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, 209 Nature Road, Lake Arthur, LA 70549; (337) 774-5923; wayne_syron@fws.gov.

AS OF: 02-06-01

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