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Big Branch Marsh
National Wildlife Refuge		 A cypress slough just before dawn.
(mailing address)
16389 Hwy. 434
Lacombe, LA   70445
E-mail:
Phone Number: 985-882-2000
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/bigbranchmarsh/		 A cypress slough just before dawn.
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  Overview
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in October 1994, and is comprised of 15,000 acres of coastal marsh and pine forested wetlands. Of this total, the Conservation Fund has donated over 10,000 acres to the Service from Richard King Mellon Foundation funds. The purpose of the refuge is to protect some of the only Lake Pontchartrain shoreline that exists in its natural state and to provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, with special emphases on migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge supports over 5,000 wintering waterfowl, including mallards, gadwall and Northern Pintails. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and American bald eagle nest in the refuge's pine forests. Public use opportunities include hunting, fishing, environmental education, and interpretive tours.


Getting There . . .
To get to the visitor Center take Interstate 12 to exit 74. Go south on LA Hwy. 434 and drive 2 miles, look for the signs on the right.

Get Google map and directions to this refuge/WMD from a specified address:

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These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use.

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     Recreation and Education Opportunities
Environmental Education
Fishing
Hunting
Interpretation
Photography
Wildlife Observation
 Learn More >>

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Managment Activities

Coastal erosion control is performed on the refuge by planting native marsh plants at stategic locations along the lakeshore. Prescribed burning is the primary management tool being used on Big Branch Marsh NWR. This slows plant succession in marshes and longleaf pine savannahs. Burning is required to provide appropriate habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and to reduce the chance of uncontrollable wildfires in the future.