Cameron Prairie was established as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1988. Before that, it was a series of commercial rice fields. Earlier still, nearly every inch of land that was firm enough to support a man was cut, re-cut, dammed, dug up, grazed, or otherwise altered for human consumption. Thanks to the efforts of the Refuge staff, today alligators, cottonmouth snakes, white-tailed deer, rabbits, roseate spoonbills, and more than 200 other birds can be seen from the levees that crisscross the 24,548-acre Gibbstown Unit. Southwest of the Gibbstown Unit is the East Cove Unit. This portion is accessible only by boat and contains almost 15,000 acres of brackish and saltwater marsh that is an important habitat for shrimp, crabs, and many species of fish.

Hurricane Rita impacted both units in a variety of ways. Houses and debris from coastal communities were deposited throughout the marshlands, salt water washed across the refuge, levees and marsh were washed out by storm surge, and buildings and structures received wind and water damage. Building and structure repairs have begun and will be ongoing throughout 2006-2007. The refuge has been re-opened for public access and hunting programs will take place this fall. Temporary closures to specific areas or buildings may occur while repairs take place.

Pintail Drive and the boardwalk at the visitor center are open for wildlife viewing from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and Office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. East Cove Unit is open for fishing and crabbing in accordance with refuge regulations. For additional information about Cameron Prairie NWR, please call 337-598-2216.

To stay informed about ….Louisiana; please view additional links from the SW LA National Wildlife Refuge home page at http://www.fws.gov/swlarefugecomplex for the most updated information about refuge programs.

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