Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan I

Table of Contents

Reader’s Guide ____________________________________________________________ 1

Section A. Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

I. Background ____________________________________________________________ 3

Introduction____________________________________________________________ 3

Purpose and Need for Plan _______________________________________________ 3

Fish and Wildlife Service ________________________________________________ 4

 Mission_____________________________________________________________ 4

Description__________________________________________________________ 4

National Wildlife Refuge System__________________________________________ 4

Mission _____________________________________________________________ 4

Description__________________________________________________________ 4

Legal Policy Context _________________________________________________ 5

Relationship to State Wildlife Agency___________________________________ 5

Ecosystem Context _____________________________________________________ 6

Overview ___________________________________________________________ 6

Threats and Problems ________________________________________________ 6

Conservation Priorities and Initiatives _________________________________ 11

II. Refuge Description ____________________________________________________ 14

Introduction___________________________________________________________ 14

Purpose ______________________________________________________________ 16

Refuge Environment and Other Related Information _______________________ 16

Education and Visitor Services __________________________________________ 23

Refuge Administration _________________________________________________ 24

Research Natural Areas ________________________________________________ 26

Archaeological and Historic Resources____________________________________ 26

Land Protection and Conservation _______________________________________ 27

Refuge Related Problems _______________________________________________ 29

Conservation Priorities _________________________________________________ 31

III. Plan Development ____________________________________________________ 33

Overview _____________________________________________________________ 33

Issues and Concerns____________________________________________________ 33

Fish and Wildlife Populations _________________________________________ 33

Habitats ___________________________________________________________ 33

Education and Visitor Services________________________________________ 34

Refuge Administration_______________________________________________ 34

Land Protection and Conservation ____________________________________ 34

IV. Management Direction _________________________________________________ 35

Introduction___________________________________________________________ 35

Vision ________________________________________________________________ 35

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies_________________________________________ 35

Fish and Wildlife Populations _________________________________________ 35

Habitat Management ________________________________________________ 41

Education and Visitor Services________________________________________ 45

Refuge Administration_______________________________________________ 51

Bayou Cocodrie 

National Wildlife Refuge

Draft Comprehensive

Conservation Plan
II Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Land Protection and Conservation _______________________________________ 54

V. Plan Implementation____________________________________________________ 57

Background ___________________________________________________________ 57

Proposed Projects _____________________________________________________ 57

Fish and Wildlife Populations _________________________________________ 57

Habitats ___________________________________________________________ 58

Education and Visitor Services________________________________________ 60

Refuge Administration_______________________________________________ 62

Land Protection and Conservation ____________________________________ 64

Step-Down Management Plans __________________________________________ 67

Plan Performance ______________________________________________________ 67

Partnership Opportunities ______________________________________________ 68

Monitoring and Evaluation ______________________________________________ 68

Section B. Environmental Assessment

I. Background ___________________________________________________________ 71

Introduction___________________________________________________________ 71

Purpose and Need for the Action_________________________________________ 71

Decisions to be Made ___________________________________________________ 71

Planning Study Area ___________________________________________________ 73

Comprehensive Conservation Planning Process and Issue Identification ______ 73

Managing Fish, Wildlife, and Habitats _________________________________ 73

Controlling Problem Species__________________________________________ 75

Managing Facilities and Staff _________________________________________ 75

Increasing Hunting, Wildlife Viewing, and Environmental Education 

Opportunies ________________________________________________________ 75

II. Alternatives___________________________________________________________ 76

Formulation of Alternatives _____________________________________________ 76

Description of the Alternatives __________________________________________ 76

Alternative A (No Action)____________________________________________ 78

Alternative B (Proposed Action) ______________________________________ 78

Alternative C_______________________________________________________ 80

Comparison of Alternatives _____________________________________________ 81

Management Common to All Alternatives_________________________________ 82

Compatible Secondary Uses __________________________________________ 82

Other Management__________________________________________________ 85

III. Affected Environment ________________________________________________ 107

IV. Environmental Consequences__________________________________________ 109

Overview ____________________________________________________________ 109

Effects Common to All Alternatives _____________________________________ 109

Effects from Implementing Alternative A________________________________ 114

Effects from Implementing Alternative B________________________________ 116

Effects from Implementing Alternative C________________________________ 122

V. Consultation and Coordination __________________________________________ 125

Public Involvement Process ____________________________________________ 125
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan III

Section C. Appendices

I. Glossary _____________________________________________________________ 127

II. References _________________________________________________________ 136

III. Relevant Legal Mandates ___________________________________________ 139

IV. Biota ______________________________________________________________ 147

V. Decisions and Approvals ______________________________________________ 156

VI. Management Methods and Procedures _________________________________ 168

Appendices
IV Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

1. Conservation Focus Management Areas __________________________________ 7

2. Lower Mississippi Valley Ecosystem _____________________________________ 8

3. Forest Cover Changes in the Lower Mississippi Valley _____________________ 9

4. Breeding Ranges and Proposed Critical Habitat for the Louisiana

 Black Bear _____________________________________________________________ 10

5. Priority Bird Species Associated with Refuge Bottomland 

Hardwood Forest ________________________________________________________ 13

6. Approved Acquisition Target Areas _____________________________________ 15

7. Existing Habitat Management __________________________________________ 20

8. Habitat Communities of Ridge and Swale Topography_____________________ 22

9. Refuge Land Use Features _____________________________________________ 25

10. Alternative B: (Service’s Proposed Action) Short-Term Projection ________ 38

11. Alternative B: (Service’s Proposed Action) Long-Term Projection _________ 39

12. Current and Proposed Visitor Facilities _________________________________ 47

13. Current and Proposed Organizational Structure__________________________ 53

14. Project/Staff Cost Summary for 2000-2015 _______________________________ 65

15. Step-Down Plans _____________________________________________________ 67

16. Refuge Location ______________________________________________________ 72

17. Planning Study Area __________________________________________________ 74

18. Existing Conditions___________________________________________________ 77

19. Alternative A: (No Action) Long-Term Projection _______________________ 79

20. Alternative C: Short-Term Projection __________________________________ 83

21. Alternative C: Long-Term Projection ___________________________________ 84

22. Comparison of Alternatives.____________________________________________ 87

23. Estimated Refuge Administration Costs _______________________________ 106

24. Planning Team Member Expertise ____________________________________ 126

25. Refuge Biota ________________________________________________________ 147

26. Private Lands Conservation Program Information _____________________ 170

27. Protection Priorities for the Proposed Expansion and Recommended Methods 

for Acquisition _________________________________________________________ 179

28. Land Acquisition Priorities __________________________________________ 180

Figures
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan V

Guiding Principals of the

National Wildlife Refuge System

We are land stewards, guided by Aldo Leopold’s teachings that land is a community of life and 

that love and respect for the land is an extension of ethics. We seek to reflect that land ethic in 

our stewardship and to instill it in others.

Wild lands and the perpetuation of diverse and abundant wildlife are essential to the quality 

of the American life.

We are public servants. We owe our employers, the American people, hard work, integrity, 

fairness, and a voice in the protection of their trust resources.

Management, training from preservation to active manipulation of habitats and populations, 

is necessary to achieve the missions of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wildlife-dependent uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, 

and environmental education and interpretation, when compatible, are legitimate and appropriate uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Partnerships with those who want to help us meet our mission are welcome and indeed 

essential.

Employees are our most valuable resource. They are respected and deserve an empowering, 

mentoring, and caring work environment.

We respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of our neighbors.
VI Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 1

Reader’s Guide

The National Wildlife Refuge System has the mission of integrating 

public land management; fish, wildlife and plant conservation; and wildlifedependent recreation and education efforts to support diverse public 

interests. This Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan, upon final approval, 

and Environmental Assessment for Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife 

Refuge will assist in guiding management over the next 15 years. The 

Fish and Wildlife Service’s planning process for all national wildlife refuges 

involves the development of broad comprehensive conservation plans, 

followed by the development of detailed step-down management plans. 

Using public input, the Fish and Wildlife Service developed three 

alternative approaches to manage Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife 

Refuge. Each alternative described in the environmental assessment 

was formulated to project future conditions. The possible effects of 

implementing each alternative are also described. Alternative B is 

tentatively selected as the Service’s Proposed Plan (Action). 

Section A. Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bayou Cocodrie 

National Wildlife Refuge

A key purpose of this section is to detail the proposed conservation 

actions for the refuge over a 15-year time frame. Chapter I provides 

an overview of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife 

Refuge System, and the Lower Mississippi Valley. Chapter II describes 

the refuge environment and the resource problems and challenges facing 

Service managers. Chapter III describes public involvement as part of 

plan development and the underlying problems and concerns raised by 

the public and Service managers. Chapter IV describes the desired future 

management direction reflected through goals, objectives, and strategies. 

Chapter IV also reflects the proposed management outlined in Alternative 

B, and describes desired management activities and appropriate and 

compatible recreational and permitted uses of the refuge. Chapter V lists 

projects that the Service will strive to accomplish to meet the goals set 

for the refuge. 

 

Section B. Environmental Assessment for Bayou Cocodrie National 

Wildlife Refuge

The environmental assessment was prepared to comply with the National 

Environmental Policy Act. Chapter I introduces the reader to the plan, 

planning study area, issues and problems associated with the refuge, other 

activities that are relevant to plan development, and planning process 

and issue identification. Chapter II describes three alternatives formulated 

by the Service to accomplish the refuge purposes and goals. Chapter III 

describes the refuge environment. Chapter IV addresses the predicted 

effects from implementing each alternative. Chapter V describes public 

and private entities consulted while conducting the planning effort. 

Section C. Appendices

This section identifies terms, references, laws and authorities, and methods 

utilized to develop plans; lists biota; partnering information useful to land 

owners and managers; and decisions and approvals for implementing the 

plan. After public comments are received regarding this draft, the Service 

will publish responses to those comments in the final plan. 

March 2001

Bayou Cocodrie

National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 1772 

Ferriday, LA 71334

318-336-7119

http://www.fws.gov

http://bayoucocodrie.fws.gov/

index.html

Bayou Cocodrie National 

Wildlife Refuge

Draft Comprehensive

Conservation Plan

Bayou Cocodrie 

National Wildlife 

Refuge will be 

transformed into 

one of the finest 

examples of 

bottomland 

hardwood forest 

complexes, striving 

to protect the 

habitats of fish and 

wildlife, and create 

new opportunities 

for visitors to enjoy 

its unique 

biological 

resources.

VISION

Cypress swale

USFWS
2 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Located in the Lower Mississippi Valley and established in 1990, Bayou 

Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge is composed of fragmented forest patches, 

parts of which retain a diverse assemblage of mature and old age bottomland 

hardwood forests. This document proposes management actions to improve 

conditions for wildlife, associated habitats, and recreation opportunities 

on the refuge. The vision statement for the refuge reflects the desired 

future conditions within the context of the National Wildlife Refuge System 

mission, refuge purposes, and other relevant mandates. 

Bayou Cocodrie National 

Wildlife Refuge

Draft Comprehensive

Conservation Plan
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 3

 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

SECTION A

I. Background

Introduction

Contained in this Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bayou 

Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge are the proposed management actions 

and direction for the refuge over the next 15 years. When fully 

implemented this plan will strive to achieve the refuge vision. Overriding 

considerations reflected in the plan are that fish and wildlife conservation 

requires first priority in refuge management, and that wildlife-dependent 

recreation is allowed and encouraged as long as it is compatible with, or 

does not detract from, the mission or the refuge purposes. 

A planning team developed a range of alternatives that best met the goals 

and objectives of the refuge and could be implemented within the 15-year 

period. After reviewing comments and management needs the alternatives 

were evaluated. The proposed alternative is described in Chapter IV, 

Management Direction. Other alternatives are addressed in Section B, 

Environmental Assessment.

Purpose and Need for Plan

The purpose of the plan is to identify the role the 

refuge will play in support of the mission of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System and to provide guidance in refuge 

management activities.

The plan is needed to:

n Provide a clear statement of direction for the future 

management of the refuge;

n Provide refuge neighbors, visitors, and government 

officials with an understanding of Service management 

actions on and around the refuge;

n Ensure that Service management actions, including 

land protection and recreation/education programs, are 

consistent with the mandates of the National Wildlife 

Refuge System;

n Ensure that the management of the refuge is consistent 

with federal, state, and county plans; and

n Provide a basis for the development of budget requests for 

operations, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.

Perhaps the greatest need of the Service is communication 

with the public and the public’s participation in efforts 

to carry out the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System. Many agencies, organizations, institutions, and 

businesses have developed relationships with the Service to 

advance the mission of national wildlife refuges. This draft 

comprehensive conservation plan supports the Partners-inFlight Initiative; the Lower Mississippi Valley Migratory 

Bird Wetland Conservation Initiative; the North American 

Waterfowl Management Plan; the Western Hemisphere 

Shorebird Reserve Network; the American Woodcock 

Management Plan; and the National Wetlands Priority 

Conservation Plan. For further information regarding 

migratory birds, see website http://birds.fws.gov/.

 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Old growth cypress swale

USFWS 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

4 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Fish and Wildlife Service 

Mission

As part of its mission, the Service manages more than 530 national wildlife 

refuges covering over 92 million acres. These areas comprise the National 

Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest collection of lands, with 77 

million acres in Alaska and the remaining 15 million acres spread across the 

other 49 states and several island territories.

Description

The Fish and Wildlife Service is the primary federal agency responsible 

for conserving, protecting, and enhancing the Nation’s fish and wildlife 

populations and their habitats. The Service shares some conservation 

responsibilities with other federal, state, tribal, local, and private entities. 

The Service also has specific trustee responsibilities for migratory birds, 

threatened and endangered species, anadromous fish, and certain marine 

mammals, as well as for lands and waters administered by the Service for 

the management and protection of these resources. 

National Wildlife Refuge System

Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, as defined by the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 is:

“...to administer a national network of lands and waters for the 

conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, 

wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for 

the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

Description

The National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, established, for 

the first time, a clear legislative mission of wildlife conservation for the 

National Wildlife Refuge System. Activities were initiated in 1997 to 

complement the direction of this new legislation, including an effort to 

complete comprehensive conservation plans for all refuges. These plans, 

which are completed with full public involvement, help guide the future 

management of refuges by establishing natural resources and recreation/

education programs. The Act states that each refuge shall be managed to:

n Fulfill the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System;

n Fulfill the individual purpose of each refuge;

n Consider the needs of wildlife first;

n Fulfill requirements of comprehensive conservation plans that are

 prepared for each unit of the refuge system;

n Maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of

 the refuge system;

n Recognize that wildlife-dependent recreation activities including

 hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and 

 environmental education and interpretation are legitimate and priority 

 public uses; and allow refuge managers authority to determine 

 compatible public uses.

Approximately 37.5 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 1998, 

most to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. As visitation grows, 

there are significant economic benefits to local communities. By analyzing 

refuges, economists found that refuge visitors contribute more than $400 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 5

million annually to local economies. Nearly 40 percent of the country’s 

adults spent $101 billion on wildlife-related pursuits in 1996, according 

to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated 

Recreation (Fish and Wildlife Service 1996). 

Volunteers continue to be a major contributor to the success of the refuge 

system. In 1998, volunteers contributed more than 1.5 million hours on 

refuges nationwide, a service valued at more than $20.6 million.

The wildlife and habitat vision for national wildlife refuges stresses that 

wildlife comes first; that ecosystems, biodiversity, and wilderness are vital 

concepts in refuge management; that refuges must be healthy; that growth 

of refuges must be strategic; and that the refuge system serves as a model 

for habitat management with broad participation from others.

Legal Policy Context

Administration of national wildlife refuges is guided by the mission and 

goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Congressional legislation, 

Presidential Executive Orders, and international treaties. Policies for 

management options of the refuge are further refined by administrative 

guidelines established by the Secretary of the Interior and by policy 

guidelines established by the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Management options of the refuge’s establishing authorities, Public Law 104, 

Stat. 2957 (Section 108, H.R. 3338), and the National Wildlife Refuge System 

Improvement Act of 1997, the legal and policy guidance for the operation 

of national wildlife refuges, are contained in documents and acts listed in 

Section C. Guidance and direction can also be found in the following:

n National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966; 

n Refuge Recreation Act of 1962;

n Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations; 

n Fish and Wildlife Service Manual; and 

n National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. 

Lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System are closed to public 

uses unless specifically and legally opened. All programs and uses must 

be evaluated based on mandates set forth in the National Wildlife Refuge 

System Improvement Act. Those mandates are to:

n Contribute to ecosystem goals, as well as refuge purposes and goals;

n Conserve, manage, and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources and 

 their habitats;

n Monitor the trends of fish, wildlife, and plants;

n Manage and ensure appropriate visitor uses as those uses benefit the 

 conservation of fish and wildlife resources and contribute to the 

 enjoyment of the public (these uses include hunting, fishing, 

 wildlife observation, wildlife photography and environmental education 

 and interpretation); and

n Ensure that visitor activities are compatible with refuge purposes. 

Relationship to State Wildlife Agency

A provision of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 

1997, and subsequent agency policy, is that the Service shall ensure timely 

and effective cooperation and collaboration with other federal agencies 

and state fish and wildlife agencies during the course of acquiring and 

managing refuges. State wildlife management areas and national wildlife 

refuges provide the foundation for protection of species, and contribute to 

the overall health and sustainment of fish and wildlife species in Louisiana. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

6 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (http://

www.wlf.state.la.vs) is a state-partnering agency with the Service, 

charged with enforcement responsibilities relating to migratory birds 

and endangered species as well as managing state natural resources. 

It also manages approximately 1.4 million acres of coastal marshes 

and wildlife management areas. The Department coordinates the 

state wildlife conservation program and provides public recreation 

opportunities including an extensive hunting and fishing program on 

state wildlife management areas, such as the 36,000-acre Red River 

Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish (Figures 1). The state’s 

participation and contribution throughout this comprehensive conservation 

planning process provide for ongoing opportunities and open dialogue 

to improve the ecological sustainment of fish and wildlife in Louisiana. 

An integral part of the comprehensive conservation planning process is 

integrating common mission objectives where appropriate. 

Ecosystem Context

Overview

Sustainable communities and species conservation and recovery on refuges 

require the joint efforts of private landowners, local communities, and 

state and federal governments. The Fish and Wildlife Service is initiating 

cooperative partnerships in an effort to reduce the declining trend of fish 

and wildlife populations and biological diversity. Bayou Cocodrie National 

Wildlife Refuge is part of the Lower Mississippi Valley (Figure 2). 

The Lower Mississippi Valley once supported a vast bottomland hardwood 

forest complex that extended along the Mississippi River from Illinois 

to Louisiana. Today, less than 20 percent of this bottomland hardwood 

forest remains and most is fragmented or remains in scattered patches 

throughout the region (Figure 3). Flood waters once recharged wildlife 

habitats and created rich, dynamic systems that supported a diverse 

abundance of fish and wildlife species. The Lower Mississippi Valley is 

bisected by levees and its flow is restricted by flood control projects 

and agricultural diversion. Water quality is significantly impacted by 

agricultural and industrial runoff. Rivers and water bodies throughout are 

highly turbid, laden with pesticides, and support a small fraction of the 

once abundant aquatic resources. These declines prompted the Service to 

designate bottomland hardwood forests found in this ecosystem as areas 

of special concern. 

The Service is focusing efforts to adopt collaborative resource partnerships 

within and outside the agency to reduce the declining trend of fish 

and wildlife populations and biological diversity, establish conservation 

priorities, clarify goals, and solve common threats and problems associated 

with fish and wildlife resources. Biological objectives in the Lower 

Mississippi Valley for species groups targeted in this plan reflect the 

Partners-in-Flight Plan, North American Waterfowl Management Plan, 

Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, and the recovery of the 

Louisiana sub-population of black bear (Figure 4).

Threats and Problems

National wildlife refuges in the Lower Mississippi Valley serve as part of 

the last safety net to support biological diversity—the greatest challenge 

facing the Service. Impacts and underlying causes and threats to biological 

diversity within the Lower Mississippi Valley include:

n The loss of sustainable communities, including the loss of 20 million acres 

of bottomland hardwood forests;

n The loss of connectivity between bottomland hardwood forest sites e.g. 

forest fragmentation (Figure 1);

n The effects of constructing navigation and water diversion projects, and 

the effects of agricultural and timber harvesting practices;

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Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 11

n The simplification of the remaining wildlife habitats within the 

ecosystem and gene pools; and

n The cumulative habitat effects of land and water resource development activities. 

As a result of these causes and threats, many species endemic to the Lower 

Mississippi Valley have become either extinct, threatened, or endangered. 

The Louisiana black bear is listed as threatened under the Endangered 

Species Act. The red wolf and Florida panther are no longer found in 

the Lower Mississippi Valley; the ivory-billed woodpecker and Bachman’s 

warbler, once known to occur in the area, are considered endangered, if 

not extinct. 

Elimination of forest habitats and forest fragmentation has decimated 

wildlife species throughout the Lower Mississippi Valley (Figure 3). 

Species most adversely affected by fragmentation are species that are 

area sensitive or dependent on special habitat requirements such as 

large, mature blocks of forest that offer secure nesting habitat and a 

particular food source. Forest fragmentation affects migratory songbirds 

mostly through high rates of nesting failure due to predation and cowbird 

parasitism--both are recognized by the Service as serious threats to 

wildlife in Louisiana. More than 70 species of breeding migratory songbirds 

are found in this region. Some of these species, including Swainson’s warbler, 

prothonotary warbler, wood thrush, and cerulean warbler have declined 

significantly and need the benefits of large forest blocks to recover and 

sustain their existence (pers. comm. Hunter, Fish and Wildlife Service).

Modifications to the historic flood plains have caused major declines in 

fisheries and aquatic resource productivity. The reduction of ecological 

functions from non-point source runoff of sediments, excess nutrients, 

and pesticides/herbicides is a continual threat to the remaining fisheries 

resources. The Service’s Draft Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Strategic 

Management Plan for the Lower Mississippi River Ecosystem identifies 

67 fish species as endangered, and 39 species as threatened. In addition, 

16 other species are species of concern or proposed for listing. Only two 

threatened/endangered fish species occur in Louisiana. 

The lack of bottomland hardwood forests, coupled with the impacts 

associated with fragmented forests, poses a serious threat to migratory 

bird populations, black bear, and other resident species. 

Conservation Priorities and Initiatives

Conservation priorities for national wildlife refuges in the Lower Mississippi 

Valley focus on threatened and endangered species, trust species, and species 

of area concern. By working with others, the Service is more effective in 

achieving its overall mission and management goals. A combination of land 

protection and habitat management methods is utilized by the Service and 

others to compensate for bottomland hardwood habitat loss and to meet 

shared/common long-term goals established for this area (Figure 2). 

Bottomland hardwood forests are ranked as the highest conservation 

priority of the Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies on which 

to focus management efforts. For example, the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture is working with the Fish and Wildlife Service and landowners 

to restore forests on private lands to contribute to the recovery of 

the Louisiana black bear. The Lower Mississippi River Joint Venture (a 

consortium of public and private conservation groups) initiated cooperative 

efforts to restore lands that provide maximum benefits to migratory 

songbirds and has identified conservation areas on which to focus future 

Fragmentation

USFWS Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

Cowbird in Willow flycatcher nest

John Harris
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

12 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

land protection and restoration efforts. The long-term goal is to provide 

“forest islands” called forest bird conservation zones in the Lower 

Mississippi Valley ranging in size from 10,000 to more than 100,000 acres. 

The forest bird conservation zones are priority areas for forest restoration and 

will someday serve as important “anchors” for biological diversity (Figure 1).

The Lower Mississippi Valley serves as the primary wintering habitat for 

mid-continent waterfowl populations, as well as breeding and migration 

habitat migratory songbirds returning from Central and South America. 

Restoration of migratory songbird populations is a high priority of the 

Partners-in-Flight Plan, a national and regional planning effort, developed 

to emphasize land bird species as a priority for conservation. Habitat loss, 

land bird population trends, and vulnerability of species and habitats to 

threats are all factors used in the priority ranking of species (Bonney 1999). 

Further, biologists are identifying focal species for each habitat type from 

which population and habitat objectives and conservation actions can be 

determined. This list of focal species, objectives, and conservation actions 

will aid migratory bird management on the refuge (Figure 5). 

The recovery of the Louisiana black bear involves a major conservation 

endeavor between federal, state, and private participants, including 

the Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, state agencies, 

universities, private conservation organizations, and the Black Bear 

Conservation Committee. The Service’s recovery plan is to establish viable 

populations, promote various land protection methods that will establish 

migration corridors, and protect habitat. The Black Bear Conservation 

Committee is made up of public and private partners in Mississippi, 

Louisiana, and east Texas. The committee adheres to the Service’s 

recovery plan. The overall goal of both the committee and the Service 

is to restore and protect a series of large forest blocks connected by 

corridors; to facilitate recovery of the bear in Louisiana; to identify 

protection areas in Louisiana as special focus areas; and to support black 

bear populations and provide movement corridors that serve as conduits of 

genetic exchange within the Lower Mississippi Valley. These forest 

blocks overlay the forest bird conservation zones identified by the 

Service. Forest bird conservation zones are identified for this refuge as 

well as Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge in Madison and Tensas 

Parishes, Louisiana, the Red River/Three Rivers Wildlife Management 

Area Complex in Concordia Parish, and the Atchafalaya Basin. The Black 

Bear Conservation Committee uses education and outreach as tools to 

promote the recovery of the black bear (Figure 1).

Conservation management on private lands is extremely important to the 

future conservation of fish and wildlife resources. To achieve conservation 

priorities on private lands and in conjunction with public lands, the 

synergy of the all federal, state, tribal, and private organizations working 

together will ensure that the Service not only protects the more important 

areas, but also reduces redundancy and overlap. See Appendix II for a 

detailed description of private landowner/partnership opportunities.

Discussing bird conservation

USFWS 

Black bear

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 13

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2.3:

Chuck Hunter
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

14 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

II. Refuge Description

Introduction

Although Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge was established in 

1990, to date, only 13,168 acres have been acquired within the 22,269-acre 

acquisition boundary. The Nature Conservancy was instrumental in 

securing lands for the refuge. The potential wildlife habitat values of old 

growth bottomland hardwoods and adjacent forests provided the impetus 

to purchase the property from its original owners. In 1988, The Nature 

Conservancy purchased 11,230 acres from the Fisher Lumber Company, a 

subsidiary of General Motors, for resale to the Service (Figure 6). 

Management efforts since 1990 have emphasized acquiring land, securing 

staff to operate the new facility, and initiating conservation programs 

that benefit resident wildlife species. However, Service acquisition of key 

properties such as inholdings and bottomland hardwood habitat may not 

be realized within the 15-year planning period due to budget constraints 

and landowner preferences. The 22,269-acre boundary has a significant 

“edge” which contributes to predation of nesting forest birds. Edge effect 

is the tendency of a transitional zone between communities to contain a 

greater variety of species and more dense populations of species than any 

surrounding community. Such is the case between wildlife communities 

that occupy dense bottomland hardwood forests and wildlife found in open, 

cultivated agricultural lands. 

Conservation management projects for the refuge include:

n Conducting comprehensive assessments of existing fish and wildlife resources;

n Recruiting and training staff and improving existing facilities;

n Defining refuge objectives that will contribute to maintaining biological 

diversity within the Lower Mississippi Valley;

n Managing habitats to reduce threats and problems (i.e., forest 

fragmentation, loss of old growth forests) associated with species of concern;

n Assisting in black bear recovery efforts; and

n Defining research within the old growth area and involving partners to 

accomplish the research.

Northern parula

Bill Dyer - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
15

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 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Purpose 

Congress authorized the establishment of Bayou Cocodrie National 

Wildlife Refuge on November 16, 1990, through Public Law 101-593 

(Section 108, House Report 3338), to protect some of the last remaining, 

least disturbed bottomland hardwoods in the Lower Mississippi Valley. 

Congress stated the refuge purpose as follows:

“The Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge is established and shall 

be managed for the purposes of (1) conservation and enhancement of 

wetlands; (2) general wildlife management as a unit of the National Wildlife 

Refuge System, including management of migratory birds; and (3) fish and 

wildlife-oriented recreational activities.”

In establishing the refuge, Congress recognized the significance of this 

area in its findings:

“The Bayou Cocodrie area is a bottomland hardwood swamp which borders 

(supports or harbors) more than one hundred and fifty species of birds 

and many other types of wildlife, including several species threatened 

with extinction, such as the Louisiana population of black bears. The 

Bayou Cocodrie area includes some of the least disturbed bottomland 

hardwood forests in the southeast and significantly contributes to the 

biological diversity in the region.”

In managing the refuge, the Secretary of the Interior shall manage:

“...an amount of refuge woodlands as a contiguous forest sufficient to 

benefit the species of passerine birds that occupy this type of habitat. The 

Secretary shall give special consideration to accomplishing this objective 

through the use of current authority, including his authority to establish 

Research Natural Areas within the Refuge.”

Expanding on the primary purpose, objectives were defined in the June 

1992 Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan prepared by 

the Service. The management objectives include: 

n Providing wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl; 

n Establishing habitat for a natural diversity of wildlife;

n Providing habitat for non-game migratory birds (neotropical migrants);

n Establishing a Research Natural Area; and 

n Providing opportunities for environmental education, research, 

interpretation, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. 

Refuge Environment And Other Related Information

Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Populations

The refuge serves as a critical repository of gene pools, species, and 

communities that must contribute to the overall health of the Lower 

Mississippi Valley ecosystem. Named after the native alligator (crocodile) 

and the bayou that runs through it, the refuge provides an important 

ecological niche for fish, wildlife, and plant species. The Service manages 

refuge resources and, where possible, coordinates with neighboring 

land managers and agencies to conserve biological diversity. The high 

quality forests, long growing season, abundant rainfall, and geographical 

proximity to the Mississippi River provide habitat for a diversity of 

resident species including migratory songbirds and black bear. The refuge 

is home to a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds and 

is well known locally for its wildlife habitat. Songbirds, white-tailed deer, 

waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, woodcock, furbearers, 

and other mammals utilize this area. A list of wildlife species known or 

predicted to inhabit the refuge is included in Section C. V.

Wood thrush

Mike Hopiak - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

16 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 17

A thorough documentation of the population status of wildlife other than 

neotropical songbirds has not been conducted. Excellent documentation of 

neotropical bird use of portions of the refuge has been accomplished under 

Service sponsorship by the Louisiana State University Avian Laboratory.

Threatened Species and Species of Management Concern

Infrequently, refuge staff observe footprints of the transient Louisiana 

black bear, which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species 

Act. The threatened bald eagle has been observed on the refuge. Initial 

and unpublished studies have indicated that old growth trees on the refuge 

are important roosting sites for the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat , a species 

of management concern (unpub. reports, Cochran and Fish and Wildlife 

Service 1999). The eastern cougar and the red wolf were former residents 

of the area, but none have been documented in the last 40 years. 

The refuge location and habitat features are significant for the future 

conservation of the Louisiana black bear. Restoration efforts proposed 

by the Black Bear Conservation Committee include proposed bear 

management units that would expand the refuge boundary. The Service, 

the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and members of the 

Black Bear committee are planning to eventually move females onto the 

refuge, and other public lands near the refuge, in an effort to reestablish 

breeding populations. The committee has also identified private lands 

that could be used as corridors between breeding bear populations. A 

combination of protected and managed public and private lands would 

provide the necessary forested blocks and corridors for bears to move 

about with minimal disturbance. The Natural Resources Conservation 

Service plays a major role in black bear recovery efforts by implementing 

land protection programs which provide an economic incentive for farmers 

to restore farmlands and place them in conservation easements. 

Avian Species

Avian species are extremely important wildlife resources identified on the 

refuge with more than 186 species recorded within the refuge border 

(unpub. data, Ouchley). The bottomland hardwood forests serve as important 

habitat for breeding birds and migrants in the spring and fall. Surveys and 

studies indicate that this refuge may contain the most diverse assemblage of 

migratory bird species remaining in the Lower Mississippi Valley. 

For migratory forest breeding songbirds and shorebirds, the ecological 

and biological significance is transcontinental, providing breeding and 

migration habitat for Gulf migrants returning from their wintering 

grounds in Central and South America. Songbird studies have been 

conducted in the Brooks Brake Unit, which contains a 750-acre old growth 

forest stand. Additional surveys and monitoring would confirm breeding 

songbird survey information, nest success, and other key measurements. 

Such species as warblers, vireos, tanagers, flycatchers, and indigo buntings 

are common residents.

The refuge and the Lower Mississippi Valley serve as the primary 

wintering ground for mid-continent waterfowl populations breeding in 

the prairies and parklands of Canada and the United States. Historic 

conditions typical of refuge habitats once supported excellent habitat for 

migratory waterfowl. Management efforts to improve wintering waterfowl 

habitat on refuge lands are underway and will increase as additional lands 

are purchased. Typical winter residents include mallards, teal, and wood 

ducks. Waterfowl species known to nest in this area include wood ducks 

and hooded mergansers. Restoration and management of wetlands on the 

refuge would create additional resources for dabbling ducks. 

Bear cub

Don Anderson Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

18 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Waterfowl population objectives are tied to supporting the North 

American Waterfowl Management Plan. A 440-acre moist soil 

impoundment is managed adjacent to a recently reforested area and 

cropland. The refuge impoundments, in conjunction with naturally flooded 

forest habitat, will eventually support about 480,000 duck-use-days. The 

refuge population objective will average between 5,000-10,000 ducks for 

110 days (unpub. report, Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge 1998). 

This population objective is supported by the moist soil unit, flooded 

sloughs, Wallace Lake and Little Wallace Lake, as well as brakes subject 

to flooding. Managers focus work on the moist soil units, selected sloughs 

in the Brooks Brake Unit, and construction of wood duck boxes. The only 

breeders utilizing the bottomland hardwood forests are wood ducks and 

hooded mergansers.

Wading birds are abundant in the small lakes and numerous sloughs. The 

backwater bays, sloughs, and depressions provide habitat for shorebirds 

such as yellowlegs, sandpipers, plovers, gulls, and terns which can be found 

using wetland mudflats and bayous during their spring and fall migrations. 

Herons and egrets are plentiful. 

Mammals

Mammals are numerous and observed throughout the refuge. No 

comprehensive list of mammalian species exists for the refuge, although 

it is known which mammals occur in this area (St. Amant 1951 and 

Lowery 1981). The refuge area contains seven orders of mammals 

including pouched mammals (opossums); insect-eaters (shrews and moles); 

bats; flesh-eaters (long-tail weasel); gnawing mammals (southern flying 

squirrel); rabbits; and even-toed hoofed mammals (white-tailed deer). 

The bottomland hardwood communities are very productive for a wide 

array of wildlife species, including game animals. Game species include 

white-tailed deer, grey and fox squirrels, and swamp and cotton-tailed 

rabbits. Furbearers include beaver, nutria, otter, striped skunk, coyote, 

grey and red fox, mink, and bobcat. Present deer populations are 

at carrying capacity, and hunting is designed to maintain this level. 

Population levels have improved dramatically since Service acquisition, 

as have herd health indicators. Average body weights are improving and 

mature bucks may weigh in excess of 250 pounds live weight. Future deer 

populations will be a reflection of both forest management and deer harvest. 

Raccoon populations are monitored to ensure compatible levels with other 

species. Negative impacts from excessive population numbers include 

depredation on turkey, neotropical birds, and wading bird nests. 

Feral hogs compete with resident wildlife for food and can cause crop 

damage to neighboring farms. Hunting and removal programs should bring 

these animals under control. 

Amphibians and Reptiles

Although frequently observed, much is still unknown about reptile and 

amphibian population levels on the refuge. At least thirty species of 

reptiles and amphibians and a variety of native and non-native aquatic 

species are known to be found on the refuge. The diverse group of 

amphibians including salamanders, toads, and frogs are well adapted to the 

aquatic and terrestrial environments, and moisture is typically important 

for their survival. Reptiles including turtles, alligators, lizards, skinks, and 

snakes are common.

Yellow-crowned night heron

USFWS 

Alligator

USFWS
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

19

Aquatic Species

These species are most commonly observed along the main stem of 

Bayou Cocodrie. Although limited, the refuge does provide an important 

fishery resource for local fishermen. Most of the aquatic habitat consists of 

beaver ponds, oxbow lakes such as Wallace and Little Wallace lakes, and 

Cross Bayou streams which support commercial fishing of catfish, buffalo, 

alligator gar, and freshwater drum. Sport fishing populations of crappie, 

bass, and bream are also found in these lakes, although the populations 

are low due to periodic water quality problems, particularly high turbidity. 

Access to the lakes is very limited. 

Mussels

A comprehensive mussel survey has not been completed for the refuge, 

however, a survey was conducted at St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife 

Refuge which is located 20 miles to the southeast. This survey indicated 

the possibility of the following mussels occurring on the refuge: fat 

pocketbook, mapleleaf, flat floater, paper pondshell, giant floater, Texas 

liliput, pond mussel, yellow sandshell, papershell, pink papershell, and 

southern mapleleaf. 

Old Growth

Old growth is a vanishing native habitat in the Lower Mississippi Valley 

and considered extremely important, if not one of the greatest ecological 

assets of the refuge. This rare and vanishing hardwood plant community 

has outstanding ecological value, especially for forest interior-breeding 

songbirds. While there is no formal initiative in place that outlines a 

specific technical approach for managing the old growth area, the Service 

will monitor the quality and condition of this site and propose it for 

Research Natural Area designation. Due to its significance, it will be 

afforded special protection and will be used as a model for study on which 

to base future management direction of the refuge.

Invasive Species

Also known as exotic or non-native species, invasive species are becoming 

an increasing concern of refuge staff. Feral hogs and Chinese tallow pose 

a threat to the biological diversity of the refuge. Feral hogs degrade 

wildlife habitat, and being omnivores, prey on young livestock as well as 

fawns and ground nesting birds. Feral hog habitat preferences include 

moist bottomlands and dense vegetation along rivers and streams. Upland 

habitats where oak mast is found also attract these scavengers. Feral hogs 

are prolific reproducers. Control methods commonly used on the refuge 

to reduce the populations include hunting and trapping. Chinese tallow 

(Sapium sebiferum) is a small to medium-sized tree that is reported in 

small numbers on the refuge. The plant is highly invasive, and could 

quickly out-compete native plant species. 

Habitats 

The bottomland hardwood forests of the refuge are important for the 

long-term survival of many plant and wildlife species, most notably 

conservation of old growth trees, migratory songbirds, and black bear 

(Figure 7). About 10,600 acres of bottomland hardwood forest are 

within the refuge boundary. The existing forests exhibit poor canopy, 

midstory, and understory structure to support sustainable populations of 

priority bird species, including the swallow-tailed kite, Cerulean warbler, 

Swainson’s warbler and American woodcock. The swallow-tailed kite and 

Cerulean warbler are extirpated from the refuge, but historical records 

suggest that the refuge was once included in the breeding range of these 

species (Cooke 1904, Beyer 1900, Oberholser 1938). See Figure 5 for more 

information on breeding birds that presently exist on the refuge. 

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
20

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Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 21

The refuge was established to protect the exemplary 750-acre old growth 

forest noted for its outstanding wildlife habitat value. This area supports 

a variety of sensitive species, including nesting songbirds. Natural 

communities include bottomland hardwood forests, marsh or herbaceous 

wetlands, swamps, streams, and lakes/deep-water habitat typical of the 

ridge and swale topography associated with bottomland hardwood forests 

in this area (Figure 8 ). 

Due to the refuge’s location, soils, and annual rainfall, which exceeds 

60 inches, much of the vegetation consists of bottomland hardwood 

communities, with the exception of the recently reforested agricultural 

portions where weeds and grasses predominate. 

Forest plant communities differ with slight elevation changes and the 

understory is reflective of sunlight conditions caused by the canopy 

closure. Quick to recover from disturbances, soils are fertile with a high 

site index and fast tree growth. Forest age ranges from very young to 

relatively old, depending on the site. Trees range in type from red gum, red 

oak, and sweet pecan on the ridges, to overcup oak, hackberry, and 

green ash in the flats, to cypress and bitter pecan in the lowest areas. 

Examples of dominant vegetation include cypress, cottonwood, black 

willow, sweet pecan, overcup oak, Nuttall oak, winged elm, and Tupelo 

gum. Sub-dominant plants include palmetto, switchcane, hawthorns, honey 

locust, and box elder. Other understory plants include smilax, honeysuckle, 

blackberry, dewberry, and a host of vines including rattan, muscadine, and 

poison ivy. Wet site vegetation includes pickeral-weed, day flower, water 

hyacinth, various sedges, and marsh mallow. 

The refuge’s aquatic habitat includes bayous, creeks, lakes, beaver ponds, 

and permanent and seasonal swamps. Bayou Cocodrie is a tributary of the 

Red River, located west of the Mississippi River in east-central Louisiana. 

Wetlands and deepwater habitat include small lakes, swamps, ponds, and 

perennial and intermittent streams. Wallace Lake has permanent water. 

Seasonal flood water remains in the shallow swales for several months, and 

in recent years, many shallow swales in both the Brooks Brake and Wallace 

Lake units held water year-round.

Bayou Cocodrie begins at Concordia Lake. This secondary waterway is 

sluggish due to the flat terrain and management of the downstream weir 

on Wild Cow Bayou. The backwater flooding is virtually gone because of 

downstream pumping, resulting in the loss of seasonal flood waters. About 

6 miles of this 30-mile river lie within the refuge boundary, and are flanked 

by natural levees which result in some of the highest ground on the refuge. 

As it exits the refuge, the bayou flows southward for a distance of 12 miles. 

Fish habitat diversity is only fair due to the sluggish nature of the stream 

and the impacts of land use in the watershed.

Old fields where former landowners actively clear-cut and then farmed 

are scattered along the refuge. Since 1996, managers have been replanting 

these areas in mixed hardwood seedlings. About 1,100 acres were managed 

under a lease agreement between the refuge and local landowners to 

produce millet, buckwheat, and perennial grasses for foraging of wintering 

waterfowl, but the lease agreements have been discontinued. These lands 

are scheduled for reforestation over the next two planting seasons. 

Reforestation efforts will increase the present forest block size and provide 

direct benefits to many nesting migratory birds and black bear, as well as 

many other indigenous species.

Wallace lake

USFWS 

Oldfield

USFWS 
22 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

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 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 23

Education and Visitor Services 

Activities oriented toward interaction with and appreciation of wildlife 

and native habitats are a high priority of the refuge. Wildlife-dependent 

recreation includes wildlife observation (by hiking and canoeing), hunting, 

fishing, and photography. Hunting and wildlife observation have been the 

mainstay of this refuge. The staff also provide environmental education 

and interpretive programs when requested by local civic and school groups. 

Currently, there are no interpretive facilities on the refuge.

Since the passage of National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 

1997, the refuge has adopted hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 

photography, and environmental education and interpretation as the six 

priority general public uses. These uses, as such, are management’s primary 

focuses and over time programs will be developed to increase visitor 

awareness and appreciation of fish and wildlife resources.

The public has yet to discover the natural beauty and wildlife of this refuge. 

It is largely undeveloped and in 1999 received about 5,500 visitors. The 

refuge offers hunting and wildlife observation as the primary recreation 

activities because of lack of facilities and staff to support other programs. 

Recreation data is limited. The refuge is open during the hunting season with 

some fishing access allowed at the south end. Public access to the interior of 

the refuge is limited to a 13-mile trail system located in the Brooks Brake 

Unit. This area offers the best access from public roads. About 4 miles of 

trail are used by all-terrain vehicles for access during the hunting season. A 

0.5-mile trail is managed for wheelchair access.

The refuge serves as a location for wildlife-dependent recreation uses by 

keeping valuable wildlife habitats in the public trust. Trails are maintained 

for hunting access, wildlife observation, photography, and hiking. The staff 

contributes time to local schools and civic groups when requested, and 

periodically conducts specialized environmental education programs. Forest 

tracts on private lands throughout Concordia Parish have added value for 

hunting although much of the land is leased as hunting clubs. 

There are other public lands within commuting distance that offer wildlifedependent recreation experiences. Five national wildlife refuges—

Tensas River, Catahoula, Grand Cote, and Lake Ophelia in Louisiana, and 

St. Catherine Creek south of Natchez, Mississippi—are within a 2-hour 

drive of Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge (Figure 2). Tensas 

River National Wildlife Refuge offers an ever-expanding interpretive and 

environmental education program. Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge 

provides wildlife observation and photography opportunities with its wildlife 

drive, observation sites, and trails around Catahoula Lake, one of the most 

popular over-wintering waterfowl sites in the area. Waterfowl hunting as well 

as big, small, and upland game hunting, using various forms of weaponry, is 

offered on each refuge. 

In Concordia Parish, the Red River/Three Rivers State Wildlife Management 

Area Complex offers hunting and fishing activities. The Bayou Cocodrie 

is a state designated scenic river (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and 

Fisheries, 1998). In 1998, the state offered a total of 3 days of modern gun 

deer hunting—2 days were managed for take of either doe or buck, and 1 

day was managed for buck only. The state allows for the use of both modern 

and primitive weapons. In addition to deer hunting, the Red River Wildlife 

Management Area is also open to waterfowl and small game hunting. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

24 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Army Corps 

of Engineers manage more than 60,000 acres of public lands in Concordia 

Parish to support hunting and fishing. Other fishing opportunities are 

available at nearby national wildlife refuges. Facilities found at these 

refuges include fishing piers, boat ramps, and bank fishing areas. Some 

refuges offer universally accessible fishing areas. 

Refuge Administration

Refuge administration refers to the operation and maintenance of refuge 

programs and facilities including new construction. The refuge staff 

consists of six permanent employees. Until 1997, the refuge had two 

employees and was managed on a custodial basis. The staff coordinates 

extensively with landowners, conservation organizations, local agencies 

and civic groups. The Service is concentrating efforts with the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service to coordinate land conservation projects 

on private lands. Of particular interest to the Service is the protection of 

forested tracts near the refuge boundary that will assist in the long-term 

recovery of the Louisiana black bear. 

The staff is focusing efforts on protecting needed lands and developing a 

systematic approach to manage biological resources. The staff maintains 

one administrative site, the main headquarters located on Poole Road. The 

administrative site contains an office, a connecting maintenance shop, and 

a vehicle storage shed. The facility has limited space for present staff, and 

lacks a safe fuel-storage building and informational/interpretive displays.

Three management units, Cross-Bayou, Brooks Brake, and Wallace Lake, are 

entirely accessed by external roads maintained by the parish and the state. 

At times, refuge trails are impassable due to localized flooding. Maintenance 

access is via the same trail system used by visitors (Figure 9). Poole Road, 

which serves as the main access to the refuge, is primarily gravel and once 

served as the underlying bed for railroad transport. At times, railroad spikes 

surface and pose problems for motor vehicle traffic. Boggy Bayou Road is 

located at the southern terminus of the refuge and terminates next to Bayou 

Cocodrie. Small boats are launched at the terminus of this road and school 

buses utilize the terminus for a turnaround. This site is noted as an excellent 

location to develop a trail head for boat/canoe launch purposes. Access to the 

south end of the Brooks Brake Unit is limited and requires permission from 

the landowner.

The roads and private lands adjoining the refuge have a direct influence 

on wildlife as they remove habitat in proportion to the areas they occupy. 

In addition, access provided to wildlife areas has resulted in increased 

disturbance and poaching in some locations. Several species, including 

nesting songbirds, avoid roads, trails, and roadside areas thereby reducing 

availability of habitat (pers. comm., Hunter). Refuge trails are maintained 

biannually to help provide habitat for birds and other wildlife that utilize edges.

The Federal Highway Administration is planning improvements for 

Highway 84, the major road to the north of the refuge. Refuge staff 

are coordinating the development of road improvements with the Federal 

Highway Administration as part of the overall environmental compliance 

requirements.

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USFWS
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Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

26 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Fallen old growth tree

USFWS

Research Natural Area

Research Natural Areas are designated by federal land management 

agencies to preserve plant and animal communities in a natural state 

for research purposes. These areas protect and manage vanishing 

native habitats that exhibit outstanding ecological value by preventing 

unnatural encroachments and activities which directly or indirectly 

modify ecological processes. 

House Report 3338-4 describes the need for designating a Research 

Natural Area as: “In managing the refuge, the Secretary shall manage an 

amount of refuge woodlands as a contiguous mature forest sufficient to 

benefit the species of passerine birds that occupy this type of habitat. The 

Secretary shall give special consideration to accomplishing this objective 

through the use of his current authority, including his authority to 

establish Research Natural Areas within the refuge.”

A major feature associated with the refuge is the unique old growth site 

in the south Brooks Brake Unit. When Congress established the refuge in 

1990, it directed the Service to protect the old growth area and evaluate it 

to be managed as a Research Natural Area. This designation is important 

because the site will serve as a comparison model for scientists to learn 

more about land management and to utilize techniques on other sites of the 

refuge and within the Lower Mississippi Valley. Biologists will gain firsthand knowledge of the values of old growth and coordinate new management 

approaches to solving habitat issues related to old growth functions.

Archaeological or Historical Resources

No detailed archaeological or historical site investigations have been 

documented for the refuge. The majority of past cultural resource 

investigations focused along sites at Brushy Bayou, Cross-Bayou, and 

Cocodrie Lake (Ford 1936; Keller and Campbell 1983; Servello 1976; Lower 

Mississippi Valley Survey 1964; Cusick and McMakin 1994; Cusick et al., 

1995; and State of Louisiana Site Files). Many of these investigations 

focused on the archaeological manifestations of early Native American 

groups, (i.e., Marksville, Natchez and Tunica) which have resulted in the 

identification of several major single mounds and mound groups (16Co9, 

16Co14,16Co15, 16Co80, 16Co92, 16Co99, and 16Co102). Occupations of 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 27

these sites date from Poverty Point through the Coles Creek Periods 

[ca. 2000 B.C. - 1250 A.D.] (Neuman 1984; Jeter et al., 1989). Cusick and 

McMakin 1994, and Cusick et al., 1995, recorded several late 19th and early 

20th century tenant farm sites and the early 20th century sharecropper 

community of Frogmore (16Co159). The latter is located on Brushy Bayou 

just north of the refuge. Frogmore centered around a cotton gin, a store, 

and a post office. Levee and road construction and agricultural activities 

have adversely impacted the archaeological deposits associated with many 

of these sites. However, oral history interviews and documentary research 

could provide a wealth of information regarding the refuge and the parish.

Lands Protection and Conservation

Of the total refuge acquisition boundary of 22,269 acres, the Service has 

acquired 13,168 acres thus far, leaving a balance of 9,101 acres in private 

ownership. The acquisition boundary includes a 5,000-acre expansion 

based on recommendations contained in the Louisiana Black Bear Habitat 

Protection Plan approved on September 28, 1999 (Figure 6).

The refuge staff is focusing on land acquisition within the refuge 

acquisition boundary by coordinating priorities identified by the Lower 

Mississippi River Ecosystem Team. Land protection goals set for the 

refuge will support strategic growth in areas where there is greatest 

concern, namely lands identified for migratory songbirds and black bear. 

Property taxes are not paid by the Federal Government, but payments 

are made to local communities to offset taxes on those properties removed 

from the tax rolls. The refuge is exempt from land-based tax rolls but 

contributes to the local parish through the use of the Refuge Revenue 

Sharing Act of 1964. The local government is provided with a share 

of revenues from refuge receipts in lieu of taxes it normally receives 

from properties in private ownership. In 1999, Concordia Parish received 

$49,813 as its share of these funds. 

Private lands in Concordia Parish enrolled in conservation programs 

contribute significantly to wildlife conservation. The Service has an active 

partnership with several agencies and organizations to enroll private lands 

in these programs. Approximately 1,600 acres adjacent to the refuge are 

enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program administered by the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service. Private land enrollment in conservation 

programs will continue to be encouraged to augment Service program and 

mission requirements. Concordia Parish topography is 5 percent lakes, 

rivers and bayous; 63 percent cultivated crop lands; and 32 percent forests. 

The topography is characterized by undulating lands or lands locally 

referred to as ridges and swales. The swales are old river scars. The 

average ridge elevation fluctuates to about 3 feet in grade and ridge width 

varies between 120 to 350 feet. The swales or depressions vary from 50 to 

300 feet wide. Surface gradient is 1 to 2 percent and drainage is localized. 

Natural levees along present waterways generally range from 3 to 5 feet. 

The refuge geology is underlain with Pleistocene deposits of the 

Mississippi River which extend and dip toward the coast. A Pleistoceneage eroded subsurface exists at 50 to 150 feet below the surface, with 

Tertiary age sedimentary deposits beneath this subsurface (Saucier 1994). 

Faulting is common, related to sediment loading and deep-seated salt 

movement. These faults may provide conduits for potential cross-formation 

groundwater flow. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

28 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Virtually all of the soils are Alligator-Tensas-Dundee-Sharkey-Tunica, 

and Sharkey-Alligator-Tensas. These soils are clay or loam and have clay 

and loam subsoils. The soils are fine textured and poorly drained with 

low permeability. Standing water is common during rainy periods of the 

year. These soil types are highly restrictive for urban and agricultural uses 

because of their high shrink-swell characteristics and low bearing strength.

Hydrology and water management influences the function 

of habitats on the refuge. Bayou Cocodrie is a meandering 

tributary of the Red River. Historically, when the Red 

River reached flood stage, backwater flooding was common 

within the watershed. Since the development of flood control 

structures, Bayou Cocodrie’s natural overflow is restricted 

to large flood events. The natural sediment supplies at 

the refuge are threatened by flood control and agricultural 

operations, including the operation of the Wild Cow Bayou 

weir that prevents the natural back flow of flood waters. 

Previously built and nearby, levees, irrigation channels, and 

pumps have influenced the change of riparian systems to water 

development projects to support agriculture. Natural flooding 

assists in maintaining healthy bottomland hardwood forest 

habitat by recharging the forest with sediment and nutrients. 

The refuge is within the 582-square-mile Tensas-Concordia 

Levee area. The levee system borders the Red, Black, and 

Tensas rivers and was built for flood control protection. For 

the most part, the historic backwater flooding is impeded 

because of the ring levee and pump systems operated on 

the Wild Cow Bayou in western Concordia Parish. Bayou 

Cocodrie functions more like a lake than a free-flowing stream 

due to the weir on Wild Cow Bayou (Corps of Engineers 1990 

and Soil Conservation Service 1968).

The subtropical climate is characterized by high humidity, 

an absence of extreme temperatures, and abundant rainfall 

distributed evenly throughout the year. The climate is controlled 

by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, and cooler, drier 

air from the central plains. Extended hot, sultry summers and 

moderately cool winters are normal. The summers have about 

85 days with highs greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The 

winters are marked by brief cool periods with average winter 

highs in the mid-50s. Annual rainfall is 55 inches and the growing 

season is approximately 220 days in duration. The average 

annual runoff occurs from December to April. Evaporation 

exceeds precipitation in the summer. 

Contaminants are not well studied on the refuge. The Service completed 

site contaminant inspections (Level 1) on properties prior to purchase 

from 1993 through 1995. A preliminary Environmental Site Assessment 

of the refuge, prior to Service acquisition, reported that the potential 

for environmental contamination was low. Beginning in October 1997, the 

Department of Toxicology of North Carolina State University initiated a 

study to assess potential biological impacts and hazards resulting from 

contaminant exposure and the importance of this exposure relative to 

other biological impacts, such as habitat alteration. The final report 

is pending. An integrated pest management plan is scheduled to be 

developed in 2004.

Bayou Cocodrie

USFWS
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 29

The rural character and sparse population are characteristic of east-central 

Louisiana. Census data from 1990 indicate that the parish had a population 

of 20,828 people, which is a decline of 9 percent since the 1980 census. 

The parish seat, Vidalia, had a decline in population from 6,000 in 1980, 

to some 4,953 in 1990. Ferriday had a 1980 population of 5,500 and a 1990 

population of 4,111. Population shifts in Concordia Parish, as a whole, are 

largely attributable to a decline in the farming, oil, and gas sectors of the 

economy since the early 1980s.

Per-capita income recorded for Louisiana in 1998 was $22,206 (USDA, ERS 

1998). Overall, Louisiana ranks among the one of the poorest states. Oil 

and gas production and agriculture have long been the main economic base 

in Concordia Parish and regionally. Some of the major private employers in 

Concordia Parish include Wal-Mart, Aluminum Company of America, D&D 

Petroleum, Rogers Lumber International, Inc., and Ferriday Market. 

Other major employers include the Concordia Parish Schools, Riverland 

Medical Center, and Concordia Electric Cooperative (Fish and Wildlife 

Service et al., 1998 Appraisal Report).

Lands adjacent to the refuge are privately owned and managed for 

farmland, catfish, and timber. Concordia Parish consists of about 479,000 

acres, of which 63 percent is cultivated cropland, and 32 percent is 

woodland. The surrounding farmland primarily is farmed for soybean, 

cotton, corn, and catfish. Scattered forests surrounding the refuge are 

valued as private hunting clubs. There are approximately 1,050 farms 

(averaging in size of 586 acres) in Concordia Parish with more than 700 

receiving some form of payment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Farm commodity prices, in general, have decreased since the mid-80s and 

more dramatically since the passage of the 1996 Farm Bill. Poor farm 

production, drought, and low commodity prices in the last three seasons 

have encouraged many producers to sell their farms and/or enroll them in 

some type of conservation program. Income derived from land sales and 

enrollment in conservation programs (including restoration for waterfowl 

and black bear habitat) is very important to the local economies (pers. 

comm., Natural Resources Conservation Service 1999). Due to poor yields 

in 1998, Concordia Parish claimed the largest Conservation Reserve 

Program enrollment in the state. In 1999, the Wetlands Reserve Program 

reported more than 8,000 acres enrolled with a total of more than $5 million 

invested in Concordia Parish. Within the refuge boundaries, most of the 

commercially owned timberlands were partially or totally harvested from 

the 1920s to the 1940s, with final sales recorded in the 1970s and 1980s.

Refuge Related Problems

In 1990, Congress established the refuge to protect and restore bottomland 

hardwood forests for a diversity of wildlife with special emphasis on 

migratory birds and the Louisiana black bear. To date, the 13,168 acres 

which make up the refuge are considered a significant shortfall and insufficient 

to fully implement the purposes legislated by Congress (Figure 6). 

The key biological value of the refuge is the bottomland hardwood forest 

communities, particularly the rare old growth plant community. Many 

migratory land birds depend upon the forest habitats for a portion of 

their life cycle. Of the 186 species of birds and a host of other mammals, 

reptiles, amphibians, and fish that utilize the refuge, 4 species have been 

federally listed as either threatened or as species of management concern. 

The Louisiana black bear has long been a focus of management efforts at 

Bayou Cocodrie Refuge. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

30 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Road development, forest fragmentation, loss of older-aged forests, 

recreational use, and rural development on lands surrounding the 

refuge represent the land status trends in Concordia Parish. The 

surrounding development has led to declining wildlife populations, habitat 

degradation, wildlife/people conflicts, pesticide accumulation in the water, 

pest management problems and a need for increased law enforcement to 

administer hunting programs.

Many of the refuge’s significant resource problems and management 

challenges are also reflected on a larger scale within the Lower Mississippi 

Valley. These problems, both individually and cumulatively, play a 

significant role in determining future conditions on this refuge as well as in 

this draft comprehensive conservation plan. For the sake of clarity, these 

resource problems and management challenges, detailed in the following 

sections, are briefly summarized in the following paragraphs.

Forest Fragmentation

The greatest challenge to meeting refuge objectives is forest 

fragmentation within a landscape scale. Although the refuge is mostly 

forested it is considered fragmented because it is within a mostly 

agricultural landscape. The present configuration and size of the refuge 

is not sufficient to support or contribute to populations of area sensitive, 

mature forest birds, such as the Swainson’s warbler. The refuge must 

secure and restore more lands to manage a contiguous forest of sufficient 

size to meet refuge ]objectives.

Forest Conditions

Present forest conditions found on the refuge (with the notable exception 

of the proposed Research Natural Area) are marginal in quality as they 

relate to being able to support mature forest bird species. Forest stands 

on the refuge, with the exception noted above, are mid-successional 

and exhibit classic mid-successional forest characteristics, that is, heavy 

stocking, closed canopies, and little vertical structure. In order to provide 

conditions suitable for many mature forest species, the refuge must 

manage its mid-successional forest stands to provide mature forest 

conditions, i.e., structure.

Lack of Inventory Information

The development of baseline data is a task expected to take years for 

present staff to accomplish. National Wildlife Refuge System policy requires 

inventories of plants, fish, wildlife and habitats. Monitoring of critical 

parameters and trends of selected species and species groups, and the 

subsequent basing of management on sound data, continue to be a problem 

due to staffing constraints. No standard inventory and monitoring method 

has been established. Fish, reptile, and amphibian conservation is overlooked 

because of the lack of information and funding to manage these resources.

Low Operation and Maintenance Funds

The refuge is faced with the challenge of contributing substantially to 

off-refuge ecosystem objectives, such as migratory bird and game species 

management. These ever-increasing responsibilities, coupled with the 

current low levels of funding, make it difficult to meet the demand for 

biological services on and off the refuge. The refuge staff is also facing the 

challenge of managing an active and increasing visitor services program. 

The Red River and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas, managed 

by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, are the only other 

public hunting and fishing areas in Concordia Parish. The refuge provides 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 31

hunting opportunities, but the demand for this activity makes it difficult to 

develop other wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as fishing, 

wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education 

and interpretation. Access to the refuge is very limited due to terrain 

conditions and lack of roads and trails. 

Conservation Priorities

Priorities identified for Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge include a 

stronger management emphasis on migratory songbirds. Focal species are 

managed according to refuge size and location which, in part, contributes 

to the overall health of the ecosystem. Identified migratory bird and 

black bear protection areas typically overlay public and private lands. The 

public land portions of these conservation zones may not contain sufficient 

amounts or the kind of wildlife habitat (e.g., mature stand structure) 

to support high priority species. As a result, the Service and partners 

work collectively with landowners to achieve common goals and form 

conservation partnerships. One such conservation partnership involves the 

Natural Resources Conservation Service. Landowner participation in its 

Wetlands Reserve Program may assist the Fish and Wildlife Service in 

meeting wildlife objectives through the acquisition and restoration of 1,400 

acres directly adjacent to the refuge. 

A forest bird conservation zone of roughly 55,000 acres is identified for the 

refuge and nearby private lands to support declining songbird populations 

that once were abundant in this area. Also, reforestation to remove carbon 

from the atmosphere on refuges and other lands in the Lower Mississippi 

Valley is a long-term goal. 

The following land birds either currently breed, or have historically 

bred on the refuge and are ranked as high priority on which to focus 

management efforts: swallow-tailed kite, Cerulean warbler, and Swainson’s 

warbler; high priority: red-headed woodpecker, northern parula, yellowbilled cuckoo, wood thrush, prothonotary warbler, white-eyed vireo, 

American woodcock, and wood thrush. These species are “focal species” 

that are assumed to be sensitive to habitat changes and represent the 

needs of a larger group of migrant species (Figure 5). 

The recovery of the Louisiana black bear includes 5,000 acres of lands for 

an expansion as identified in the Louisiana Black Bear Habitat Protection 

Plan. These lands are now within the approved acquisition boundary. 

Yellow-billed cuckoo 

L Page Brown - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter II

32 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Long-term goals for the Louisiana black bear will be accomplished 

when there are at least two viable bear populations that have genetic 

interchange (joining Atchafalaya population with Tensas River population). 

The black bear protection areas overlay the forest bird conservation zones 

from the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge in Madison and Tensas 

Parishes, Louisiana, to the Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge and 

the Red River Wildlife Management/Three Rivers Areas in Concordia 

Parish, and the Atchafalaya Basin (Figures 1 and 4).

Staff discussing issues

USFWS 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter III

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 33

III. Plan Development

Overview

Early in the process of developing this draft plan and after public scoping 

meetings, the planning team identified a list of issues and concerns that were 

likely to be associated with the conservation management of the refuge. 

Issues and Concerns:

Issue identification is a major factor in determining management goals 

and objectives. To ensure that future management of the refuge is 

reflective of the issues and concerns, a series of meetings and interviews 

were conducted to guide the planning effort. The planning process was 

coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies; organizations; and 

surrounding communities. This coordination is essential to ensure support 

for the plan and projects identified for the refuge. 

Issues and concerns were generated based upon contact with citizens 

and public agencies, as well as on resource needs identified by staff. A 

Service planning team was assembled to evaluate and identify steps to 

rectify these issues and resource needs, and to measure the impact of plan 

implementation. Afterwards, the team developed a list of goals, objectives, 

and strategies to shape the management of the refuge for the next 15 years.

Issue identification provided the basis for initiating the development 

of management objectives and strategies. These issues play a role in 

determining future conditions of the refuge and will be considered in the 

long-term management plan. The issues and concerns described in the 

following pages were generated by the public and Service staff.

Fish and Wildlife Populations

nMigratory songbird diversity and populations are declining significantly.

nNeighbors expressed a concern that Service management activities on the 

refuge could attract fish eating birds that may feed on nearby catfish ponds.

nSome wildlife species including deer, beaver, feral hogs, and raccoon are 

damaging or altering forest conditions to the detriment of other wildlife 

species and habitat (e.g., affecting songbird habitat).

nThere is a lack of information about Service plans for management of the 

Louisiana black bear. Sightings are rare. Refuge neighbors are concerned 

about the effects that bears might have on people and property when and 

if they do return to the refuge.

nThere is no management emphasis on certain wildlife species, including 

fish, bats, shorebirds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

Habitats

nThe refuge forest boundaries are heavily fragmented—forest conditions 

and proportions are of poor habitat value to breeding birds.

nThere is a lack of surveys and studies conducted on the refuge.

nThere is a concern that the remaining old growth trees might be 

harvested or overly managed by the Service.

nThe existing forests have received little management attention by the Service.

Staff discussing issues

USFWS 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter III

34 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Education and Visitor Services

nCurrent access to the refuge headquarters and throughout the refuge is 

difficult for both staff and visitors. Service employees and visitors must rely 

on parish road conditions, while the conditions of internal trails dictate use.

nThe refuge offers limited opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. 

The trails are impassable during high rainfall and prolonged flooding.

nThere are limited hunting and fishing opportunities on the refuge.

nThere are no educational/interpretive facilities or programs available to 

local and regional schools, conservation clubs, and the community at large.

nThere is a lack of information about the purpose of the refuge and 

available visitor opportunities.

Refuge Administration

nThe lack of staff to manage refuge biological programs and forestry 

management is a fundamental issue.

nThe refuge entrance road (Poole Road) is at times unsafe because of 

surface conditions.

nThe refuge office has inadequate space to support existing staff, 

volunteers, and the visiting public.

nThere are few parking facilities and signs. There was a concern that 

providing additional access or improved access might impact forest 

habitats and fish and wildlife populations.

nSince most of the refuge boundary has not been surveyed, it is difficult to 

enforce game violations and protect wildlife and habitat near refuge boundaries.

Land Protection and Conservation

nThere is a concern about sedimentation, erosion, and turbidity resulting 

from land use activities off the refuge and the effects within the watershed.
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 35

Section A/Chapter IV

IV. Management Direction

Introduction

The Service manages fish and wildlife habitats considering the needs of 

all resources in decision-making. But first and foremost, fish and wildlife 

conservation assumes priority in refuge management. A requirement of 

the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act is for the Service 

to maintain the ecological health, diversity, and integrity of refuges. The 

refuge is a vital link in the overall function of the ecosystem. Refuges in the 

Lower Mississippi Valley include managed bottomland hardwood forests 

and moist-soil areas. To offset the historic and continuing loss of these 

habitats within the ecosystem, the refuge and other public lands provide 

the biological “safety-net” for migratory non-game birds and waterfowl, 

threatened and endangered species, and resident species. 

Vision

The refuge’s abundant wildlife and biological communities form the basis 

for future management of the refuge. The vision of land conservation 

for the refuge describes the desired future conditions and management 

standards developed collaboratively by the public and refuge staff. The 

planning team, in conjunction with information gathered from the public, 

formulated the following vision as a guide to future management of the refuge: 

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge will be transformed into one of 

the finest examples of bottomland hardwood forest complexes, striving to 

protect the habitats of fish and wildlife and to create new opportunities for 

visitors to enjoy its unique biological resources.

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies 

The goals, objectives, and strategies addressed below are the Service’s 

response to the issues, concerns, and needs expressed by the planning 

team, refuge staff, and public. These goals, objectives, and strategies 

reflect the Service’s commitment to achieve the mandates of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the mission of 

the National Wildlife Refuge System, the North American Waterfowl 

Management Plan, and the purpose and vision for Bayou Cocodrie National 

Wildlife Refuge. Depending upon the availability of funds and staff, the 

Service intends to accomplish these goals, objectives, and strategies during 

the next 15 years. 

Goal A: 

Fish and Wildlife Populations

Contribute to the wildlife population goals and objectives established 

in nationally and internationally significant management plans, including 

Partners-in-Flight Plan; Louisiana Black Bear Protection Plan; North 

American Waterfowl Management Plan; American Woodcock Management 

Plan, and other plans for the Lower Mississippi Valley.

A. 1 Songbirds

Objective:

Support healthy populations of forest-dwelling migratory songbirds, 

specifically 500 pairs of Swainson’s warblers, and reestablish populations of 

Cerulean warblers and swallow-tailed kites (Figure 5 and Appendix IV). 

Cerulean warbler

Bill Dyer - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

36 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

Swainson’s warbler

USFWS 

Black bear & cubs

Don Anderson, Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

Discussion:

A wide-range goal for the Lower Mississippi Valley is to establish selfsustaining populations for all of the forest breeding bird species. This 

objective supports Bird Conservation Areas previously established for 

this area (Figures 11 and 5). A minimum 20,000-acre target of managed 

bottomland hardwood forest is needed to support 500 breeding pairs of 

Swainson’s warbler. This would also allow for recolonization of the area by 

Cerulean warblers and swallow-tailed kites (pers. comm., Hunter).

Present data for the refuge suggest densities for Swainson’s warbler are 

now about 6 pairs per 100 acres, in optimal habitat, and indicate this figure 

is lower than that found at Tensas River and Atchafalaya National Wildlife 

Refuges in comparable habitat (Ouchley unpub. data, per observations). 

The Service adopted a minimum effective population of 500 breeding pairs 

per 20,000-acre forest patch (pers. comm., Hunter). 

Strategies:

(1) Survey the refuge and determine baseline populations for forestbreeding non-game birds.

(2) Establish point count stations to determine population size changes 

over time.

(3) Conduct nest productivity studies, including predator disturbance 

during the nesting season, both in existing forests and in areas undergoing 

reforestation to determine actual population health for as many species as 

possible. If population objectives are not met, then reevaluate management 

actions and other possible causes and assess findings to determine 

appropriate corrective measures.

(4) Manage beaver, muskrat, raccoons, and feral hogs to protect and 

target forest breeding bird species, including the use of such techniques 

as trapping.

A.2 Black Bear 

Objective:

Assist in maintaining viable populations of those species of fish, wildlife, 

and plants endemic to bottomland hardwoods of this area, including the 

federally listed threatened Louisiana black bear.

Discussion:

The Louisiana black bear is listed as a threatened species under the 

Endangered Species Act. The Service and partnering agencies and 

organizations have identified two viable sub-populations in need of 

recovery. These separated populations, one each in the Atchafalaya and 

Tensas river basins, have potential open space to support immigration 

and emigration corridors between them. The refuge is located between 

the Red River/Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area Complex and the 

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, making it ideally situated to help 

link these two sub-populations. Management of the Louisiana black bear 

is dependent upon providing sufficient habitat, including forested sites 

on both public and private lands. Biologists are studying the present 

landscape, land uses, and black bear behavior to determine how well bears 

can adapt to the present landscape and move from one management area 

to the next. Boundary expansions and reforestation of the refuge will 

expedite recovery. 

The Service is monitoring bear movement to determine if the refuge may 

serve as a site for bear reintroduction. Adding forest areas aligned along 

the identified corridor and adjacent to state and federal wildlife areas, as 

well as enrolling private lands in conservation programs, will be essential 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 37

Section A/Chapter IV

to the recovery of the black bear. The addition of a wildlife movement 

corridor will result in connecting forest blocks where numerous forest 

interior species, including black bear, move between the large forest areas 

of natural vegetation. Meeting this goal is considered sufficient to support 

viable populations of black bear for long-term survival. Refer to Figure 4 

for black bear information. 

Strategies:

(1) Coordinate with neighbors, the Black Bear Conservation Committee, 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and other agencies/

organizations in Concordia Parish to facilitate bear conservation and 

research program.

(2) Conduct outreach efforts involving neighbors, local residents, schools, 

and businesses on bear biology and conservation and the effect bears will 

have on activities of neighboring landowners.

(3) Encourage refuge visitors, as well as surrounding landowners, to report 

bear sightings or suspected bear activity.

(4) Assist others with all phases of black bear management and nuisance 

control in Concordia Parish. 

(5) Provide habitat that supports the recovery of the Louisiana black bear. 

A.3 Waterfowl and Shorebirds

Objective:

Provide habitat to support approximately 10,000 migrating waterfowl, 

12,000 migrating shorebirds and other important associated migratory bird 

populations, including woodcock. (Figures 10 and 11).

Discussion:

Since food is a limiting factor for southbound migrating shorebirds and 

wintering waterfowl, adequate shallow water foraging habitat must be available 

to meet shorebird foraging requirements during their southward migrations. 

The refuge should support about 12,000 southbound migrating shorebirds. 

For transient shorebirds, typically mudflat foraging habitat is abundant in 

the Lower Mississippi Valley during the spring northward migration. In 

early spring, agricultural fields are bare and winter flood water is receding; 

in late spring, rice fields are flooded. During southward migration in late 

summer and fall, fields of maturing crops are dry. Therefore, the period 

from July 15 to September 30 is the period when foraging habitat for 

shorebirds is least available. Food is also a limiting factor for wintering 

waterfowl populations. About 300 acres of foraging habitat are needed on 

the refuge to support the wintering waterfowl population goals within the 

Lower Mississippi Valley.

Strategies:

(1) Conduct shorebird and other waterbird counts using International 

Shorebird Survey protocol on 10-day intervals during migration and 

wintering periods. Conduct mid-winter waterfowl surveys.

(2) Assess food quality and quantity on the refuge during peak periods of 

shorebird movement.

(3) Assess food quality and quantity on and off the refuge during peak 

periods of waterfowl use.

(4) Develop impoundment units with a moist soil component to support 

waterfowl and shorebird use.

(5) Assess wintering and foraging habitat on and off refuge during peak 

periods of woodcock use.

Shorebirds

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

Coot

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
38 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

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 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

40 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

A. 4 Resident and Other Species

Objective:

Manage to maintain healthy, viable resident populations, including whitetailed deer (average harvest range 250-300 deer), turkey, and other 

resident species. 

Discussion:

The refuge will be managed to ensure healthy, viable resident populations 

consistent with sound biological principles and other objectives of this plan.

White-tailed deer have the potential to adversely affect habitats unless 

their numbers are kept at a level at or slightly below carrying capacity. 

The refuge hunt program is designed to maintain the herd at this level 

while offering quality hunting opportunities to the public. Current harvest 

data indicates an annual harvest of 250-300 deer or approximately 1 

deer harvested per 54 acres of hunted area. The harvest (per acre) 

will be maintained with occasional fluctuations due to weather and 

habitat conditions expected. Population level indicators will include browse 

surveys, harvest data, and periodic health checks.

Raccoons may also have an adverse impact on other species in the event 

of over-population. Nest predation on turkey, wood duck, and songbirds 

may become so great as to limit the reproductive success of those species. 

Over-populations may also facilitate the spread of canine distemper, a 

common close contact type disease, to other species such as fox, coyote, 

and domestic canids. In an effort to prevent raccoon over-populations, 

the species is considered an incidental harvest species and may be taken 

during any open hunting season.

Wild turkey populations are currently low on the refuge. This species 

will benefit from increased management emphasis. Additional hunting 

opportunities may become available as the turkey population reaches a 

point where it can support such activities.

Reptiles and amphibians are abundant on the refuge and key species 

to help biologists evaluate the environmental health of the ecosystem. 

Knowledge of which species occur on the refuge is fundamental to an 

understanding of the biological diversity of the area. 

Strategies: 

(1) Monitor the population status of key indicator species, white-tailed 

deer, and turkey. 

(2) Manage white-tailed deer population at current levels (average harvest 

range is between 250-300/10,000 acres).

(3) Integrate population objectives for resident species into habitat 

management plans.

(4) Establish hunting regulations for resident wildlife to maintain population 

health and stability and habitat relationships. Coordinate with neighbors.

(5) Identify thresholds of disturbance and develop associated standards 

and mitigation techniques that can be applied, where appropriate, to 

reduce conflicts and achieve balance between the public and wildlife.

(6) Designate raccoons as an incidental take species.

(7) Prepare and conduct biological/monitoring plan which includes 

establishing baseline information on reptile/amphibian occurrence and 

habitat utilization. 

(8) Develop population estimates for American alligator and monitor their 

effect on other trust species. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 41

Section A/Chapter IV

A. 5 Integrated Pest Management 

Objective:

Reduce and/or eliminate invasive, exotic, and pest plant and animal 

populations to minimize negative effects to native flora and fauna. 

Discussion:

Water hyacinth and hydrilla are two exotic species found in refuge lakes 

and sloughs. These plants form dense mats which impede water flow and 

recreational use and retard the growth of desirable submersed aquatic plants. 

Johnsongrass, alligatorweed, cockelbur, and coffeebean are pest plants 

also found in refuge management units recently reforested and in moist 

soil management areas. Where they occur, these plants often form thick 

monotypic stands that crowd out other desirable plants. Control of these 

weeds can be achieved by timing water draw downs, discing, burning, 

flooding, and/or herbicide application.

Feral hogs are a major non-native animal pest found throughout the refuge 

and on adjoining properties. Feral hogs have an adverse effect on habitat 

and productivity of most native wildlife. Since they are omnivores, feral hogs 

use virtually every component of the habitat, resulting in direct competition 

with native wildlife, reductions in carrying capacities, and adverse impacts 

to reproduction and recruitment. In addition, feral hogs serve as a source for 

many diseases that affect wildlife as well as domestic livestock. 

Strategies: 

(1) Inventory and map the distribution of invasive and exotic plant species, 

and develop an Integrated Pest Management Plan consistent with a 

Nuisance Animal Control Plan. 

(2) Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce water hyacinth 

and hydrilla infestations to levels that do not negatively affect trust 

resources or impede recreational use of water bodies.

(3) Inventory feral hog numbers and monitor effects on natural habitats 

and crop depredations.

(4) Provide hunter take provisions for feral hogs by including them as a 

miscellaneous species during any established refuge hunt.

(5) Use refuge staff and contracted animal damage control experts to 

maintain feral hogs at acceptable population levels in closed areas and 

other parts of the refuge as needed. 

(6) Coordinate with the Aquatic Plants Division of the Louisiana 

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to implement control programs.

(7) Coordinate results of information concerning success/failure of control 

treatments within and outside the agency, especially in regard to hydrilla.

Goal B: 

Habitat Management

Conserve, manage, and restore the values and functions of the refuge’s 

bottomland hardwoods to sustain the biological diversity characteristic of 

the ridge and swale topography of the Lower Mississippi Valley.

B.1 Contiguous Forest

Objective:

Assemble, at a minimum, a 20,000-acre-block of mixed-age bottomland 

hardwood forests for a diversity of species, with special emphasis on 

migratory breeding songbirds and the threatened Louisiana black bear. 

(Refer to Objective A.1 Songbirds, and Figures 10 and 11).

Discussion:

Certain migratory forest songbirds, including forest-breeding birds such as 

Swainson’s warbler, are in significant decline due to the loss of bottomland 

Old growth forest 

USFWS 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

42 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

hardwood forests. Priority species associated with habitats that support 

forest songbirds are vulnerable. Additional forested tracts that would form 

a contiguous block size of a minimum of 20,000 acres would also support 

prothonotary warbler populations.

One of the purposes of this refuge is to provide, to the extent possible, 

habitat for those fish, wildlife, and plants characteristic of mature 

bottomland hardwood forests of the Lower Mississippi Valley. Most of the 

current refuge is a mosaic of 0- to 70-year timber age classes, intermixed 

with seasonal swales, beaver ponds, and former agricultural lands. 

Strategies:

(1) Develop and implement a forest habitat management plan designed to 

maintain a diversity of forest cover types, tree species compositions, and 

tree age class distributions.

(2) Restore hydrology where needed and where practical.

(3) Develop clear biological goals and objectives for management of 

resident wildlife and assure that management reflects the contribution of 

these goals to native biological diversity.

(4) Inventory and establish deer, raccoon, beaver, and feral hog population 

parameters and baseline indices.

(5) Conduct monitoring surveys.

(6) Develop and maintain geographic information system databases to 

monitor forest stand management results.

(7) Limit access through measures such as gating roads and minimizing 

all-terrain vehicle trails.

(8) Incorporate timber management practices that enhance bear habitat 

such as protection of potential den trees, allowing light to penetrate the 

forest floor for soft mast production, and managing for hard mast trees.

(9) Incorporate the enhancement/widening of forest corridors that link 

forested tracks through incentive programs, easements, and/or purchase.

(10) Minimize logging and construction activities during periods of bear denning.

B.2 Old Growth Forest Protection

Objective:

Protect the existing 750 acres of old growth forest to support interior 

breeding forest songbirds and manage this area as a Research Natural 

Area (Figures 10 and 11). 

Discussion:

The avian and old growth habitat relationships exhibit relatively selfsustaining and preferred habitat characteristics that support priority 

songbird species found in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Old growth habitat 

supports priority songbird species such as the Cerulean warbler. 

A 750-acre remnant patch of old growth timber is located in the south 

section of the Brooks Break Unit. The structure and conditions of this site 

are unlike any other forested site found in the Lower Mississippi Valley 

in that it exhibits a complex canopy layer with super-emergent trees. The 

super-emergent trees, such as willow oak and pecan, exceed 120 years of 

age. Another tree canopy layer contains tree age classes of at least 70 

years of age. This complex canopy layer is considered optimum habitat 

for certain area specific songbirds, including the Cerulean warbler. The 

Swainson’s warbler is associated with very dense understory and bare 

ground which may develop from either a large tree fall gap or from a 

regeneration clear cut. The former is characteristic of old growth stands, 

where species such as the Cerulean warbler may also occur. The latter 

results in even-aged management that will not support Cerulean warblers 

and other canopy dependent species in the same stands (pers. comm., 

Old growth area (Brooks Brake Unit)

USFWS

Old growth cypress

USFWS
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 43

Section A/Chapter IV

Hunter, Boykin). 

Strategies: 

(1) Establish baseline monitoring.

(2) Propose designation of the 750 acres as a Research Natural Area.

(3) Develop a monitoring plan that will standardize data collection, 

analysis, and reporting. 

(4) Monitor migratory breeding bird habitat conditions and manage for the 

priority species group identified for this refuge.

(5) Contact landowners about providing limited and/or seasonal public 

access to the site and, if possible, provide a gated and improved road over 

private lands to old growth site.

(6) Coordinate research efforts with scientists and the research community.

(7) Prohibit logging in 750 acres designated as a Research Natural Area 

and manage partnerships to monitor migratory songbird populations.

(8) Restore hydrology where needed and where practical.

B.3 Forest Management

Objective:

Manage and enhance approximately 3,200 acres of the Brooks Brake Unit 

(outside the protected old growth area) to move toward old growth conditions 

for interior breeding forest songbird populations (Figures 10 and 11).

Discussion:

The Brooks Brake Unit is composed of 3,200 acres of even-aged mature 

forest and the 750 acre old growth forest. Its present condition in the 

mature, even-aged stands supports marginal habitat for priority forest 

breeding bird species. Managing to exhibit the features, functions, and 

processes characteristic of old growth communities may yield the highest 

benefit for these songbirds. Forest management approaches that result 

in the maintenance and development to support songbirds of stand 

components will be emphasized. The area outside the existing old 

growth site in the Brooks Brake Unit will be managed to mimic or 

mirror conditions of old growth and should be monitored to determine 

management success. 

The nesting habitat at Brooks Brake Unit can support an important source 

population that adds large numbers of potential breeders to the Lower 

Mississippi Valley population, especially in years when other nesting 

areas fail due to the effects of forest loss elsewhere, degradation, and 

fragmentation. The development and maintenance of a super-emergent 

canopy will create optimum conditions for area sensitive songbirds.

Strategies:

(1) Evaluate forest survey requirements needed to plan forest 

management on this unit.

(2) Develop a habitat restoration plan that will specify desirable stand conditions.

(3) Utilize habitat management techniques that will mimic old growth 

structure and function while allowing the forest to become self-sustaining 

old growth.

(4) Inventory and establish deer, raccoon, beaver, and feral hog population 

parameters and baseline indices. 

(5) Conduct monitoring surveys.

(6) Develop and maintain a geographic information system.

(7) Limit access by gating roads and minimizing vehicle/ trail access.

(8) Incorporate timber management practices that enhance bear habitat 

such as protection of potential den trees, allowing light to penetrate forest 

floor for soft mast production, and managing for hard mast trees.

Wallace lake unit 

USFWS
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

44 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

B.4 Other Forest Management

Objective:

Manage, at a minimum, 10,000 acres of existing mid-succession forests 

in the Wallace Lake and Cross Bayou Management units to support 

migratory songbirds and resident species (Figures 10 and 11). 

Discussion:

To support bird nesting success, improvements in stand conditions in the 

Wallace Lake and Cross Bayou Management units should be undertaken. 

These units comprise approximately 10,000 acres of forest. Management 

to meet the needs of a variety of plants and animals with special 

emphasis on improving forest structure conditions is an overriding need 

to increase forest breeding bird nesting success. Refuge forests have 

excellent potential to offer high quality breeding habitat for priority 

songbirds, such as the Swainson’s warbler. About 10,000 acres of stand 

improvements are needed in or next to the Cross Bayou and Wallace Lake 

units to offset the present marginal conditions. 

Strategies:

(1) Develop and implement forest and water management programs to 

provide needed nesting, foraging, and resting habitat.

(2) Implement forest management approaches that result in the 

development and maintenance of under-story, mid-story, and over-story 

stand components (i.e., complex forest stand structure) to meet the 

needs of forest-dwelling non-game birds. This may be accomplished by 

commercial operators or with existing staff.

(3) Where appropriate, manage habitat functions and values to improve 

conditions altered by beaver activities within the Brooks Brake and 

Wallace Lake units.

(4) Develop a habitat management plan that will specify desirable future 

stand conditions. 

(5) Evaluate forest survey requirements necessary to plan forest 

management on the refuge.

(6) Develop an Integrated Pest Management Plan.

B.5 Reforestation

Objective:

Reforest, at a minimum, 7,000 acres of open areas and manage forest 

conditions to achieve structurally complex mid-succession forest conditions 

and decrease effects of fragmentation (Figures 10 and 11). 

Discussion:

In addition to the 2,000 acres reforested in 1996, reforesting 5,000 acres 

would contribute to the 20,000-acre forest block objective. This, in turn, 

would assist in supporting the conditions for area sensitive species that 

need large forest tracts. All potential sites for reforestation activities are 

outside the current refuge boundary, and would have to be acquired or 

placed in a land protection program. 

Strategies:

(1) Reforest all refuge lands except those areas identified for waterfowl 

management, using appropriate species to the site.

(2) Develop and utilize forest management techniques to establish and 

maintain vertical and horizontal complexity.
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 45

Section A/Chapter IV

(3) Seek funding opportunities and partners to assist in reforesting refuge lands.

B.6 Wetlands

Objective:

Restore and enhance 440 acres of seasonal wetlands to provide highquality migration and foraging habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds 

(Figures 10 and 11).

Discussion:

Waterfowl objectives established as part of the North American Waterfowl 

Management Plan would support foraging and resting habitat. Shorebird 

objectives as identified by Service biologists include 120 acres of the 

refuge’s 360-acre moist soil site which will be managed for fall migrants and 

will be used by wintering waterfowl.

The refuge contains a 440-acre site that has been managed specifically for 

waterfowl and shorebirds. Its agricultural state and hydrological features 

make water management viable.

Other wetlands in the form of beaver sloughs or dead timber areas will 

be seasonally managed for roosts, brood habitat, and winter habitat. These 

areas will require beaver dam removal in late spring. Permanent woodland 

lakes provide additional habitat which require minimal management. 

Strategies:

(1) Manage existing impoundments for waterfowl and shorebirds.

(2) Monitor waterfowl utilization patterns and waterfowl populations.

(3) Develop and implement a Moist Soils Management Plan.

Goal C

Education and Visitor Services

Develop a balanced wildlife-dependent recreation program that will benefit 

refuge visitors and be consistent with the National Wildlife Refuge System 

Improvement Act of 1997. 

Consistent with provisions outlined in the Act, the Service will provide 

wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that provide educational 

awareness and an appreciation of the unique qualities and features 

offered on national wildlife refuges. The refuge is contributing to the 

National Wildlife Refuge System mission by providing exceptional wildlifedependent recreation programs. These programs provide the public with 

an opportunity to learn about, enjoy, and appreciate natural resources. 

These activities will increase visitor use, but not at the expense 

of the natural environment. In order to implement a comprehensive 

visitor service program, additional staff will be needed including a law 

enforcement officer and an outdoor recreation planner. In order to provide 

environmental education opportunities, new facilities will need to be 

located at primary access points.

As identified in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, 

the six high priority, wildlife-dependent recreation activities allowed 

on national wildlife refuges are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, 

wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. 

These priority uses and any other uses must be considered appropriate 

and compatible with the refuge purpose and the mission of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System. Fundamental and supreme to the provision of 

these uses are viable and diverse fish and wildlife populations and the 

habitats upon which they depend (Figure 12). 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

C.1 Hunting

Objective:

Where appropriate, increase white-tailed deer hunting opportunities and 

manage deer populations at or slightly below carrying capacity and provide 

small game and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Discussion:

Currently, an annual harvest average of 1 deer per 50-55 

acres hunted will meet this objective. That average may 

be adjusted as habitat conditions improve and carrying 

capacity increases. The Service manages hunt programs 

in pursuit of wildlife and habitat management goals and 

objectives and to provide a high quality experience to each 

hunter. Using a quota hunting system on a broad land 

base usually yields a higher success rate for the visiting 

hunter. There is a direct correlation between a healthy 

deer population and a quality hunting experience. Research 

has also shown that hunting, under carefully regulated 

conditions, will not significantly impact populations; will 

enable land managers to control population levels; will 

make use of a renewable resource; and will provide 

opportunities for high quality wildlife-dependent recreation. 

Safety standards set for hunting recommend that in hunts 

where modern weapons are used that the ratio of hunter to 

acres hunted be 1:100 (pers. comm., Chandler).

The refuge supports a wide variety of resident game 

species such as white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, 

raccoon, and waterfowl. Management of these species 

remains a collaborative effort with the Louisiana 

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Achievement of 

habitat and population management objectives is primary 

in establishing hunting opportunities. In 1994, the Service 

adopted a hunt plan to assist in population management 

of white-tailed deer and small game. This plan is modified 

annually and as new land acquisitions and additional 

staff become available. The Endangered Species Act 

requires that hunting activities be managed to protect the 

threatened Louisiana black bear.

Flooded sloughs and backwater areas of the Brooks Brake Unit provide an 

excellent opportunity to allow limited waterfowl hunting without causing 

disturbance to waterfowl using the refuge’s moist soil management units 

located in the Cross Bayou Unit. Waterfowl hunting will be limited to 3 days 

per week until noon and expanded when deemed appropriate and compatible.

Strategies:

(1) Monitor deer populations via browse surveys, harvest data, and 

periodic health checks. 

(2) Manage hunt program to achieve population management and wildlife 

habitat objectives.

(3) Increase hunting area to include reforested habitat for small game and 

big game hunting as lands are acquired and managers are available to 

manage additional hunters.

(4) Expand hunting program to include a quota modern gun hunt for whitetailed deer, and to provide waterfowl hunting opportunities.

(5) Improve refuge access by extending trails and providing additional 

46

Deer hunter

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 47

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 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

48 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

entry/check points.

(6) Revise 1994 Refuge Hunt Plan in coordination with Louisiana 

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to assist in achieving balanced and 

healthy game populations.

(7) Evaluate potential impacts of hunting on other refuge activities and programs.

(8) As forest lands are acquired, develop parking and trail access for 

archery, gun, and muzzle loader hunting. 

 C.2 Fishing

Objective:

Improve areas for limited parking, canoe/small skiff launching, and for 

bank fishing at two existing locations near Bayou Cocodrie (Figure 12).

Discussion:

The refuge must first assess the fishery resource to assure that the 

ecological integrity of native fish populations supports sport fishery 

opportunities. Additionally, the most accessible section of the Bayou 

Cocodrie River is located on the Cross Bayou channel west of the refuge 

headquarters (referred to as the cut-through). This section can only be 

reached from Poole Road which is maintained by the parish.

Fish conservation has not been a primary objective of this refuge. Game 

fish such as catfish, crappie, bass, and bream are known to occur in Wallace 

and Little Wallace lakes. Where the Bayou Cocodrie River meanders next 

to the refuge, it is known to offer moderate quality fishing opportunities. 

Some interest exists to provide access for fishing on refuge lands.

Strategies:

(1) Inventory and evaluate fishery resource potential using Service’s 

Fisheries Division.

(2) In consultation with county, state, and federal partners, develop and implement 

a Sport Fishing Management Plan to provide a quality fishing experience.

(3) Evaluate the costs, logistics, and safety considerations in creating 

suitable sites for fishing.

(4) Coordinate development of parking facility, structures, and activities 

with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and other 

appropriate entities (permits regarding Scenic River status). 

(5) Develop bank fishing access on existing properties including Bayou 

Cocodrie, Cross Bayou, and Wallace Lake.

C.3 Wildlife Observation and Photography

Objective: 

Improve access and opportunities for wildlife observation and photography refugewide with emphasis on improvements in the Brooks Brake Unit (Figure 12).

Discussion:

There are no public facilities within the parish that support wildlife 

observation and photography. Public facilities, regionally, are limited and 

many of these are often closed to protect nesting habitat. There is 

an excellent potential for viewing and studying bottomland hardwood 

communities by developing canoe trails, hiking trails, and observation/

photo blinds where appropriate and compatible.

Bayou Cocodrie offers significant wildlife viewing opportunities within 

an expansive mature bottomland hardwood setting. Many opportunities 

exist for the establishment of hiking trails (both primitive and improved). 

Canoe access would provide the public with opportunities to utilize this 

resource with minimal disturbance. Additional canoe access would allow 

the public to utilize several tributaries and lakes for wildlife observation 

and photography.

Canoe launch area

USFWS
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 49

Section A/Chapter IV

Strategies: 

(1) Develop an Education and Visitor Service Management Plan.

(2) Evaluate the potential for and the impacts of siting a trail head for 

canoe access from the Brooks Brake Unit.

(3) Develop canoe access areas, trail head parking, and foot trail to old growth 

area along with interpretive panels for wildlife viewing and photography.

(4) Develop a boardwalk trail loop and parking area near the refuge 

headquarters. Design interpretive panels and accessible trails.

(5) Maintain a seasonal trail to Wallace Lake.

(6) Where appropriate, develop wildlife viewing sites.

(7) Encourage the development of volunteer services to support 

recreational programs. 

(8) Monitor and survey recreational programs. 

(9) Develop a wildlife auto tour with interpretive panels designed to 

highlight refuge management and unique features of the refuge.

C.4 Environmental Education

Objective:

Initiate and develop a community based environmental education program 

with area schools and local conservation groups to increase awareness of 

the refuge and management activities. 

Discussion:

Emphasis will be placed on the unique features of the refuge, the 

bottomland hardwood ecosystem, and the effects of human activities 

on the environment. Programs and opportunities will be offered to 

enhance public awareness and understanding of the refuge environment, 

and hopefully solicit a greater appreciation of, and participation in, 

environmental stewardship. Interpretive opportunities will set apart the 

unique management features and strengthen the connection between 

wildlife management and people. Environmental education programs will 

instill an appreciation of a healthy environment while demonstrating to 

landowners that human activities and wildlife can successfully co-exist. 

The refuge can provide quality interpretive and educational programs in 

an outdoor classroom setting. 

Because the refuge is relatively new, the area schools and communities 

may be unaware of its unique features, values, and management activities. 

Currently, there is little opportunity to interpret the benefits of these 

values and management in the surrounding communities.

Current staffing at the refuge is extremely limited with no public use staff. 

A strong volunteer program will be essential to successfully implementing 

an education and visitor use program. Volunteers will be recruited and 

trained to assist staff in developing and implementing environmental 

education and interpretive programs.

Strategies:

(1) Develop a volunteer based Instructor Corps Program to provide 

manpower for environmental education and interpretive programs, and 

facilities development.

(2) Develop teaching materials and host annual teacher workshops to 

promote environmental education based curriculum in local schools. 

(3) Encourage the development of a refuge friends group as well as a 

volunteer program to support environmental education programs.

(4) Monitor and survey recreation and education uses throughout the 

refuge as an ongoing program.

(5) Develop a visitor education center on Poole Road and develop an 

outdoor classroom.

(6) Increase involvement and update local public (i.e., Police Jury, School 

Board, Chamber of Commerce) on refuge activities.
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

50 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

C.5 Interpretation

Objective:

Develop an interpretive program that will increase awareness of the 

refuge and its unique features and values, as well as wildlife associated 

with bottomland hardwood forest communities (i.e., values related to 

mature forests, migratory birds and the Louisiana black bear). 

Discussion:

Eco-tourism opportunities may be developed depending on market 

response to Service initiatives. For instance, the Service could offer 

opportunities for special tours to observe waterfowl at St. Catherine Creek 

National Wildlife Refuge in the winter and songbirds at Bayou Cocodrie 

National Wildlife Refuge in the fall and spring. Using the Natchez Visitor 

Center as a central meeting location, special tours could be arranged for 

both refuges. Education and interpretation often play a key role in helping 

refuge management staff integrate conservation into the overall mission 

and purposes of the refuge. Research can be incorporated into educational 

programs that will allow the Service to build constituencies within the 

conservation and local communities.

Many opportunities exist for special events and volunteer guided 

programs, such as night hikes, bird tours, etc. Opportunities to discuss 

and demonstrate sustainable land use practices exist as do opportunities to 

teach about and promote water quality improvement practices, community 

involvement, and environmental stewardship.

Occasionally, the refuge staff and volunteers will conduct guided tours on 

the refuge. There is an excellent potential to provide outdoor classroom 

opportunities and take advantage of the unique resources, such as 

interpretation of the old growth conditions and songbird relationships.

Strategies:

(1) Coordinate with staff of St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge to 

develop an interpretive display at the Louisiana Hydroelectric Visitor Center.

(2) Develop a series of interpretive programs and events that incorporate 

management and research activities. Programs and events will be staged 

so as not to disrupt nesting birds or when research activities could be 

disrupted by human disturbance.

(3) Increase local awareness of the Lower Mississippi River ecosystem and 

the importance of bottomland hardwood forests.

(4) Offer educational classes on wildlife observation opportunities and 

unique features of the refuge to local community and events coordinators.

(5) Promote eco-tourism opportunities in conjunction with local 

partnerships, businesses, and civic groups. Such opportunities may include 

birding tours, festivals, and other special events.

(6) In conjunction with St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, 

promote opportunities and partnerships with local civic groups such as the 

Natchez Visitor Center.

(7) Develop an exhibit for the Natchez Visitor Center featuring both Bayou 

Cocodrie and St. Catherine Creek Refuges.

C.6 Recreation Facilities

Objective:

Develop and improve existing visitor facilities throughout the refuge 

that promote year-round wildlife-dependent recreation, education, 

interpretation, and viewing opportunities (Figure 12).
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 51

Section A/Chapter IV

Discussion:

Facilities and structures will enhance opportunities for the public and 

accommodate a range of interests and abilities. Presently, the refuge has 

13 miles of existing trails. There are two, all-terrain vehicle trails currently 

in use on the refuge primarily to provide hunting access. Trails, parking 

areas, observation decks, signs, and kiosks will provide controlled access 

to the refuge. Presently, all existing trails leading to water bodies or that 

provide access to interior sections of management units are minimally 

maintained and can only be used by the public on a limited basis or by 

permit. As lands are acquired for the refuge, new trails may be provided 

where appropriate and compatible. 

Support facilities and access are needed to disperse visitors and protect 

ecologically sensitive areas. Recreational fishing is extremely popular 

among anglers within the watershed. The refuge has the potential to offer 

excellent wildlife and nature viewing but has limited parking facilities. 

Access to Bayou Cocodrie is limited due to the lack of public boat launching 

facilities and due to land use ownership patterns. Nearly the entire river 

corridor is privately owned except on the refuge. Programs will focus on 

refuge management, bottomland hardwood forests, migratory songbirds, 

and black bear recovery efforts.

Strategies:

(1) Prepare an Education and Visitor Services Management Plan.

(2) Develop and implement a Sign Plan.

(3) Develop gated parking facilities with interpretation/information signs.

(4) Maintain the existing Wallace Lake trail for foot access.

(5) Develop a headquarters/visitor center facility.

(6) Develop a refuge friends/support group.

(7) Institute a refuge volunteer program.

Goal D

Refuge Administration

Develop and implement a comprehensive refuge facility program 

responsive to management and fish and wildlife needs.

D.1 Staff and New Facilities

Objective:

Add six additional staff positions, develop new facilities and improve existing 

facilities to support a comprehensive refuge management program.

Discussion:

Cooperative partnerships with local government entities to upgrade some 

of the parish maintained roads are vital to refuge operations. In order 

to support biological programs and a growing staff, additional facilities 

and equipment will be needed to expand and accommodate new offices 

and maintenance areas. In addition, signs (i.e., direction, safety, and 

information) are needed to support refuge management activities. 

The refuge employs six full-time staff members who primarily focus 

management activities on tree planting and maintenance, coordinating 

with landowners and other Service biologists to promote the recovery of 

the Louisiana black bear, and providing a quality hunting program. 

The refuge lacks the staff and facilities to fully respond to the development 

of refuge programs, such as forest management to improve the conditions 

for forest breeding birds, and management of a comprehensive biological, 

recreational, and environmental education program.

Refuge entrance sign

USFWS 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

52 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

Strategies:

(1) Expand refuge office and maintenance facilities near the present 

facilities, off of Poole Road, to support biological program objectives and 

comply with safety standards.

(2) Increase professional staff positions to include a law enforcement 

officer, forester, forestry technician, biologist, biology technician, and outdoor 

recreation planner (Figure 13).

(3) Increase refuge funding to support addition of operations and 

maintenance activities, including the purchase of computer equipment and 

software, inventory and monitoring equipment (Geographic Information 

System), and heavy equipment.

(4) Promote partnerships and seek challenge cost share grants for 

construction of recreation facilities.

(5) Develop secured storage for petroleum and chemical products.

(6) Develop a radio communication system responsive to law enforcement 

and other field operations.

D.2 Operations and Maintenance

Objective:

Improve current operations and maintenance capability to support long-term 

wildlife, habitat, and visitor service objectives.

Strategies:

(1) Seek support of parish and state transportation officials to fund, 

develop, and maintain Poole Road, the entrance to refuge visitor service 

facilities, and other roads used for refuge access.

(2) Add additional equipment to support habitat and wildlife management 

activities.

(3) Promote partnerships and seek challenge cost share grants and other 

funding sources for maintenance of recreation facilities.

Goal E

Archaeological and Historic Resources

Protect refuge cultural resources in accordance with federal and state 

historic preservation legislation and regulations. 

Discussion:

Several themes are consistently present in cultural resource and historic 

preservation laws. They include: (1) each agency should inventory “historic 

sites” and assess the site’s eligibility for the National Register of 

Historic Places; (2) consideration of impacts to cultural resources during 

the agency’s management activities; (3) protection of cultural resources 

from looting and vandalism; and (4) consultation with groups such as 

Native American tribes and African American communities to address 

how management activities might impact archaeological sites deemed 

important to those groups.

E.1 Survey/Investigation

Objective:

By 2005, conduct a refuge-wide archaeological survey.

Strategies:

(1) Secure funding to conduct a comprehensive archaeological survey and 

geomorphic investigation.

(2) Develop databases for the refuge’s archaeological and historic sites.

(3) Procure pertinent scientific reports and articles and produce an 

annotated bibliography to document the region’s history, geomorphology, 

and the utility of the scientific methodology.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 53

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 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I

54 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Section A/Chapter IV

E.2 Archaeological and Historic Resource Protection

Objective:

Develop and implement law enforcement procedures to protect the refuge’s 

cultural resources to diminish site destruction due to looting and vandalism.

Strategy:

(1) Pertinent staff and law enforcement officers will attend Archaeological 

Resource Protection Act training course and Section 106/Cultural 

Resources for Managers course.

E.3 Cooperative Management

Objective:

Assist in organizing partnerships to manage cultural resources with 

pertinent federal and state agencies consistent with the Louisiana 

Comprehensive Archaeological Plan (1983).

Strategies:

(1) Coordinate agreements with appropriate agencies to enhance 

law enforcement and facilitate investigations in keeping with the 

Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

(2) If appropriate, coordinate with Louisiana State University or other 

entities for the permanent curation of archaeological collections and 

associated documentation.

E.4 Visitor Awareness

Objective:

Develop and implement an educational program that will provide an 

understanding and appreciation of the refuge’s ecology and the human 

influence on ecosystems of the Lower Mississippi Valley.

Strategy:

(1) Work with local Native American and African American communities to 

develop an education program.

Goal F

Land Protection and Conservation

Protect and improve conditions for biological and other natural resource values 

through the use of current land protection programs (Figure 14 and 15). 

F.1 Land Acquisition

Objective:

Seek to acquire and protect a minimum 20,000 acres to achieve the forest 

habitat requirements in support of species including Swainson’s warbler, 

swallow-tailed kite, Louisiana black bear and white-tailed deer.

Discussion:

The 20,000-acre, permanently protected block of bottomland forest can be 

achieved through a combination of refuge lands and privately owned lands 

under perpetual easements (e.g., Wetland Reserve Program administered 

by the Natural Resources Conservation Service).

The protection of additional lands is subject to how these lands contribute to 

the biological needs of the refuge and meet funding priorities nationwide. Land 

acquisition is subject to its contribution to the overall forest configuration, 

its contribution to wildlife populations and habitat objectives and whether 

landowners are interested in selling their lands. Refuge expansion of various 

tracts will assist in overall efforts to establish source populations of migratory 

songbirds and black bear, as well as provide additional wildlife-dependent 

recreation and environmental education benefits. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I Section A/Chapter IV

Strategies:

(1) Achieve protection and conservation through a combination of lands 

within the current refuge acquisition boundary and lands within the 

proposed expansion areas.

(2) Ensure that lands are purchased or cooperatively protected based 

on the greatest habitat value to species life cycle needs and ecosystem 

representation. Establish acquisition priorities based upon habitat values 

and/or possible threats to existing resources.

(3) Initiate and continue contact with all landowners within the expanded 

acquisition boundary to determine landowner interest and participation.

(4) Develop a coordinated approach with partners to appropriately locate 

areas of greatest conservation concern.

(5) Seek partnerships with conservation organizations and others to 

complete acquisitions. 

F.2 Private Lands Technical Assistance

Objective:

Provide technical assistance and, when appropriate, utilize private lands 

conservation programs to develop partnerships with landowners to achieve 

wildlife and habitat objectives. 

Discussion:

A vast majority of lands within the Lower Mississippi Valley are privately 

owned but play an integral role in the management of migratory bird 

and other wildlife populations. Through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife 

Program, the Service provides technical and financial assistance to private 

landowners interested in managing for waterfowl or other federal trust 

resources and in restoring bottomland hardwood or riparian habitats. 

The Service can also help deliver land protection and conservation 

assistance in concert with other private, state, or federal agencies. 

Providing management assistance to private landowners is a critical 

element inachieving the Service’s landscape habitat initiatives in the 

Lower Mississippi Valley.

Strategies:

(1) Coordinate land conservation activities with private, local, state, and 

federal organizations that participate in conservation incentive programs 

for local landowners.

(2) Conduct an annual seminar for local land managers (private and public) on 

habitat management, current research and monitoring, and watershed issues.

(3) Develop and distribute a newsletter describing conservation programs 

that are available to private landowners.

(4) Communicate with adjacent and key landowners and other community 

organizations and participate in local Chamber of Commerce to promote 

outreach and cooperation in the management of the refuge.

(5) Develop and employ outreach strategies to enroll private landowners in 

the most appropriate conservation program.

(6) Where appropriate, protect the remaining private lands within the 

refuge acquisition boundary.

(7) Initiate and continue contact with all landowners within the existing 

acquisition boundary to determine the status of willing sellers.

(8) Establish acquisition priorities based upon habitat values and/or 

possible threats to existing resources.

(9) Seek partnerships with conservation organizations and others to 

complete acquisitions. 

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 55
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter I Section A/Chapter IV

F.3 Private Land Enrollment in Conservation Programs

Objective:

Seek to enroll about 12,000 acres of priority habitat in private 

lands conservation programs outside the proposed refuge boundary to 

establish migration corridors between the Three Rivers/Red River Wildlife 

Management Areas and the proposed Glade Woods National Wildlife Refuge.

Discussion:

The Service is working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, 

the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, universities, and Black 

Bear Conservation Committee to develop a series of forest blocks and 

connecting forested corridors from Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge 

to the Atchafalaya Basin. The Bayou Cocodrie area, including the refuge, 

has been designated as an integral forest block in that planning effort. 

To facilitate movement north and south, it is critical that the refuge and 

adjacent forested lands be connected to other nearby forest blocks at the 

proposed Glade Woods National Wildlife Refuge, and the Red River/Three 

Rivers Wildlife Management Areas via forested corridors.

The Service considers restoring and protecting Louisiana black bear habitat 

a high priority in the Bayou Cocodrie planning area. The Service coordinates 

efforts with the Black Bear Conservation Committee, Louisiana Department 

of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and 

many others to achieve bear conservation goals in Louisiana. 

Strategies:

(1) Coordinate Louisiana black bear recovery activities with other Service offices, 

state agencies, Black Bear Conservation Committee and local landowners.

(2) In conjunction with state and federal agencies, develop and implement 

education programs within local communities.

(3) Develop land protection priorities and inform landowners of available 

private lands conservation programs.

(4) Identify and prioritize potential private lands conservation programs 

such as conservation easements managed by the Service.

(5) Enroll private lands in incentive programs.

56 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 57

V. Plan Implementation

Background 

Refuge lands are managed as defined under the National Wildlife Refuge 

System Improvement Act of 1997, Fish and Wildlife Manual, sound 

biological principles, and up-to-date research. Congress has distinguished 

a clear legislative mission of wildlife conservation for all national wildlife 

refuges, which unlike other public lands, are dedicated to the conservation 

of the Nation’s fish and wildlife resources. Recreational values are 

accommodated where appropriate and compatible, while still meeting 

the Congressional mandates of wildlife first. Priority projects emphasize 

the protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife species first and 

foremost, but consideration is given to balancing the needs and demands 

for recreation and environmental education.

Proposed Projects

The proposed projects reflect the basic needs identified by Service staff, 

the public, and planning team members for the management of fish 

and wildlife populations, habitats, visitor services, general administration, 

land protection, and conservation. Among these projects is a list of stepdown plans to be developed. Step-down plans are individual and specific 

management plans. The refuge operates under a number of step-down 

plans which outline proposed actions, as well as the benefits and potential 

impacts of the proposed actions. Some specific plans may need revisions, 

while others will need to be developed. The Service will prepare step-down 

plans in conjunction with the provisions set forth in the National 

Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

General cost estimates are provided in Figure 14. These figures will be 

specifically updated and adjusted annually. There are no estimates of 

potential land purchases, because land values are subject to time of sale 

and market value at time of purchase. There are no assurances that these 

projects will be either fully or partially funded. However, with the help and 

cooperation of conservation partners, the Service will use this plan to focus 

attention on funding the operation and maintenance needs of the refuge. 

For the purpose of achieving the goals and objectives developed for 

the refuge, the plan has grouped management strategies into specific 

projects. This plan describes 42 potential projects for development and 

management. Additional staff is also listed to implement the projects. 

Private lands have been identified for land acquisition or possible 

enrollment in conservation programs offered by the Service or other 

partnering agencies.

Fish and Wildlife Populations

(1) Fish and Wildlife Management Plan

With the addition of a wildlife biologist, a fish and wildlife management 

step-down plan would be developed to describe specific wildlife inventory 

activities and techniques to monitor fish and wildlife populations. The 

plan would address nuisance animal management, game harvest needs, 

comprehensive inventory methods, and reporting requirements. It would 

also describe inventory and water management activities (e.g., stream 

culverts that block fish movement) as well as identify wetlands and stream 

restoration projects that would improve habitat conditions for native fish 

and other aquatic species on the refuge. Monitoring parameters, trends of 

selected species and groups, and an approach consistent with other refuges 

in the area would be described. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

58 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

The existing hunt step down plan would be revised as appropriate and 

integrated into the Fish and Wildlife Management Plan. It would define 

species to be hunted, season structures, hunting methods and applicable 

refuge-specific hunting regulations.

(2) Investigations

Investigations would be conducted to assess invasive species including zebra 

mussel, beaver, feral hog and water hyacinth to determine population status 

and biological parameters. Exploratory investigations would be conducted 

for the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat and the fat pocketbook mussel.

(3) Surveys and Assessments

The refuge would complete a comprehensive survey of vertebrates and 

species diversity. Surveys would include assessing the status of land bird 

populations and providing baseline data to evaluate the effectiveness of 

forest management and restoration efforts. This information is critical to 

implementing programs, formulating habitat management, and correcting 

deficiencies. White-tailed deer health check surveys and browse surveys 

would be conducted every 3 years. Annual waterfowl surveys would yield 

pertinent information that would assist in determining how effectively 

the refuge moist soil management program is supporting at least 10,000 

migrating waterfowl and 12,000 shorebirds. 

(4) Geographic Information System

Wildlife use and habitat type would be digitized and used for future 

analysis and monitoring. Data would be stored and maintained in a 

Geographic Information System. Additional data would be acquired from 

partners, while other databases would be developed. Hardware, digitizing 

equipment, field survey equipment, and aerial surveys and data would be 

purchased along with a computer, printer, and plotter. 

(5) Nest Boxes

Artificial nest box programs would be established to support the needs of 

prothonotary warblers and wood ducks. 

(6) Black Bear Monitoring

Monitoring would include bear movements and activities and 

capture and radio collaring, as well as assessing and evaluating 

sites for release. As Highway 84 is improved, the Service, along 

with appropriate agencies, would consider the effects of wildlife 

movement across the road expanse which may involve enlarging 

drainage culvert(s) for wildlife movement under the highway.

(7) Avian Monitoring 

Scheduled monitoring of non-game birds, including small land birds, 

shorebirds, raptors, colonial nesting birds, and waterfowl would 

be ongoing. The refuge would participate in regional and national 

avian monitoring programs. Refuge-specific assessments of forest 

songbird communities would assess songbird use, abundance and 

diversity. By 2002, implementation of detailed monitoring would 

begin in the old growth stand component. Cerulean and Swainson’s 

warbler nest surveys would be conducted to monitor nesting 

success, predator disturbance, and nesting parasitism. 

Habitat Management

(8) Forest Habitat Management Plan

The Forest Habitat Management step-down plan would describe specifics 

of the forest management program. An inventory and mapping of refuge 

habitats would be part of this planning effort. Forest management 

would be described to maintain and improve forest age, species, and 

structural class components to benefit forest breeding birds, Louisiana 

American woodcock

Mike Hopiak - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 59

black bear, and indigenous species. The plan would establish schedules for 

reforesting open areas and preparation of forest management prescriptions 

for existing stands. Objectives would be stated in clear and measurable 

terms and provide an overall framework on which to base plant and wildlife 

monitoring. 

(9) Weeds/Invasive Species Removal

An Integrated Pest Management Plan would be developed in 2002. The 

refuge may seek assistance from entities including local universities, 

conservation organizations, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(10) Reforestation

Reforestation with a mix of native hardwoods on most open, heavily 

fragmented areas in the Bird Conservation Zone is a long-term goal. All 

new lands acquired, which are in excess of waterfowl needs, would be 

reforested. With the addition of a forester and forestry technician, about 

30 percent of the refuge (including proposed expansion areas), or 6,500 

acres of converted wetlands and farmlands, would be replanted in mixed 

hardwood species. (This represents 1,500 acres previously enrolled on the 

refuge and 5,000 acres of private lands slated for enrollment in various 

lands conservation programs.) Replanted sites would provide migratory 

songbird habitat and increase natural diversity of wildlife. High priority 

sites first considered for reforestation within the Bird Conservation Zone 

include refuge lands (former marginal agricultural sites) and neighboring 

private lands enrolled in Partners for Wildlife or Wetland Reserve programs. 

(11) Research Natural Area Administration

The 750-acre old growth area would be proposed as a Research Natural 

Area with several primary objectives. These are: 1) to remain as the best 

example of old growth bottomland hardwoods remaining in the Lower 

Mississippi Valley, which continues to provide for those species dependent 

on habitat conditions found in old growth bottomland hardwoods; 2) to 

provide a standard by which to measure management activities within 

the Brooks Break Unit; 3) to provide research opportunities focused 

on old growth functions within bottomland hardwood ecosystems; and 

4) provide other research opportunities compatible with the first three 

objectives. The forest would generally be left undisturbed, except for 

research projects as stated in the objectives. Species occurrences, species 

habitat relationships, and avian surveys are currently being studied in 

the old growth area and would continue to be studied. The protected old 

growth would be used as a standard to manage existing forest stands with 

objectives of providing old growth functions.

(12) Forest Management - Brooks Brake Unit

Management of this unit would focus on providing habitat for forest 

interior birds which are dependent on habitat characteristics displayed 

by old growth bottomland hardwoods (Figure 9). Although management 

would primarily include thinning and small group selection cutting, other 

silviculture practices may apply as determined through habitat surveys 

and the prescription process necessary for this unit to meet its habitat 

objectives. Management techniques would be designed to: 1) provide old 

growth characteristics/functions, and 2) allow this unit to become selfsustaining old growth. The proposed Research Natural Area located within 

this unit would be the standard by which all management within this unit is 

based. Management applications on target species would be monitored on a 

continuing basis and subject to change as effects are determined.

(13) Forest Management - Wallace Lake and Cross Bayou Units

A forest stand components’ evaluation would be completed for the Wallace 

Lake and Cross-Bayou units as well as acquired forest lands to determine 

appropriate management prescriptions needed to meet songbird and 

black bear objectives. Management applications would be described in 

the Forest Habitat Management Plan. Initially, forest management may 

involve thinning and group selection cutting to increase natural diversity 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

60 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

and restore forest habitats to a healthier and more natural distribution of 

stages, and to encourage a diverse understory of native grasses, shrubs, 

and hardwoods.

(14) First Order Vegetative Monitoring

Pre- and post-treatment habitat monitoring in the Brooks Brake Unit 

would be conducted. Annual evaluations would be made wherever there is 

forest stand management activities to assess the health of forest songbird 

communities, restore natural diversity to emphasize mature forests, and 

measure management application success.

(15) Wetland Restoration

Currently, moist soil units have been partially developed by the refuge 

staff to restore habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, other waterbirds and 

raptors. Phased development of these moist soil units, including initial 

levee construction of two water impoundments, was completed in 1999. 

Additional water management improvements requiring funding include 

irrigation wells, pumping units, irrigation pipes, and stoplog structures. 

Education and Visitor Services

(16) Visitor Services Plan

Descriptions of specific materials, displays, and themes to promote the six 

priority public uses adopted by the Service would be addressed in this 

step-down plan. It would address specific visitor use activities including facility 

requirements, site design, conceptual themes, and handicapped accessibility.

This plan would also address the specific services (e.g., eco-tourism 

opportunities such as guided tours) the refuge could provide local 

communities, as well as the cooperative partnerships to increase 

awareness of fish and wildlife resources and systematically improve visitor 

use within the area.

Outreach or the communication of management activities with others is a 

fundamental tool for successful implementation of refuge programs. This 

section would describe time lines, methods, and programmatic coordination 

undertaken by Service staff. A discussion of potential collaborative 

partnerships would be coordinated and recommended. 

(17) Hunting 

Hunting opportunities would be expanded as lands are acquired and would 

initially include a lottery, modern-day gun hunt for white-tailed deer and 

a limited waterfowl hunt in the Brooks Brake Unit. The addition of 

a permanent law enforcement officer and radio communication system 

would improve emergency response and the safety of officers in the field. 

Additional hunter check stations, hunter safety classes, and annual hunt 

brochures would be provided. 

(18) Sport Fishing Activities Expansion

To improve sport fishing opportunities, additional access for both boat and 

bank fishing would be developed on the Cross Bayou, which is the most 

suitable site for access. A road, boat ramp, and parking area would be 

developed. Bank fishing would be universally accessible.

(19) Wildlife Observation Platform

Wildlife observation and photography near the refuge headquarters would 

include the construction of an observation platform at the waterfowl/

shorebird area, the addition of a 10-car parking area, an informational kiosk 

and two vault toilets. In addition, informational panels would illustrate 

waterfowl and shorebird management.
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 61

(20) Boardwalk 

Located adjacent to the existing refuge office/maintenance area is an 

excellent stand of bottomland hardwoods. A 1⁄2-mile boardwalk would be 

built under the forest canopy and next to the refuge headquarters providing 

easy access for a unique experience by visitors. This trail would include 

a trail head with parking area and interpretive panels along the route 

describing bottomland hardwood forest communities and their importance. 

(21) Boardwalk to Old Growth Area

Construct a 3/4-mile boardwalk leading to the edge of the old growth/

research natural areas which would be open year-round except for the 

nesting season. 

(22) Canoe Trail

Bayou Cocodrie is designated as a Scenic River by the State of Louisiana. 

It flows through the oldest remaining bottomland hardwood stands left in 

the area. There is limited access along its length, since much of it flows 

through private lands. The refuge offers one of the few opportunities for 

public canoe access. A parking area and canoe launching area would be 

developed near the refuge headquarters and Poole Road bridge at Cross 

Bayou and off Boggy Bayou Road. The canoe trail would also offer 2 - 3 

designated stops along its route for visitors to get out and walk a short 

distance into the forest. 

(23) Parking/Trail head Development

This area supports the 13-mile trail system located throughout the Brooks 

Brake Unit. Trails provide access for hunting and wildlife observation 

and photography. The Brooks Brake Unit is the primary location for 

recreation opportunities on the refuge, providing access deep into the 

bottomland hardwood forest community. All trails leading into the Brooks 

Brake Unit begin from a central parking area. The area is in need of 

parking improvements, trail head development, and signs. Portions of the 

trail system would be upgraded to include photo/observation blinds at 

selected sites. 

(24) Visitor Center/Headquarters Complex

Key to the success of providing additional visitor services is having office 

space for additional staff and an indoor area to conduct environmental 

education activities. Proposed to be located along Poole Road, this dual 

administrative and visitor services facility would provide much needed 

office space for the expanded staff and a central point for visitors to obtain 

information about the refuge. In addition to offices, it would include an 

exhibit area, an auditorium for interpretive and education programming 

and a classroom space for school field trips. In addition to working with 

local schools, the refuge could also offer education programs for others 

visiting and living in the area. 

(25) Kiosks

Develop and locate at all parking areas and trail heads, a 3-panel kiosk 

with basic information regarding the Service, the refuge, and recreation 

opportunities. There would be from four to six of these located throughout 

the refuge. 

(26) Environmental Education Materials and Equipment

There are a number of elements required for successful administration 

of a new interpretive/environmental education program. Many of these 

elements have annual operating expenses related to materials for program 

participants. The addition of one permanent Outdoor Recreation Planner 

would provide services at the refuge, as well as at Lake Ophelia and 

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuges. Other costs associated 

with program development would include brochures, teacher activity 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

62 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

guides, curriculum development, education program equipment (e.g., 

microscopes, dip nets, sampling kits, etc.), projection equipment, and 

various guides/manuals.

(27) Outreach Materials and Exhibits

Outreach to local constituencies and beyond is becoming a valuable tool for 

refuge managers. Communicating with the public regarding the refuge’s 

role in management and protection of natural resources results in direct 

support of refuge programs. Making use of other local facilities and 

developing an eco-tourism program, portable exhibits, and special issue 

fact sheets are just a few of the items that can be useful outreach tools. 

Outreach programs are supported with the use of reference materials, 

portable exhibits, and off-site permanent exhibits. 

Refuge Administration

(28) Base Operations and Existing Staff

The refuge is currently managed with six full time staff members. In its 

current operation, with minimal staff and low funding, the refuge conducts 

essential activities such as law enforcement and outreach. To achieve 

full potential of contributing to wildlife goals and objectives is totally 

dependent upon receiving adequate funding and staffing as identified in 

this plan.

(29) Wildlife Enforcement Officer

Protecting refuge resources and the safety of visitors is a fundamental 

responsibility of refuge management. Game is commonly taken out of 

season and night poaching is a continual enforcement problem. The illegal 

sale of white perch from the Bayou Cocodrie has resulted in prosecution. 

With proposed land expansion and the proposed increase in public hunting 

opportunities, a full-time law enforcement officer is required.

(30) Forester/Forest Ecologist

About 20,000 acres of the refuge would be reforested or restored. This 

work would require a Forester and Forestry Technician. These positions 

would also support forest management programs at St. Catherine Creek 

and Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuges, as well as provide technical 

expertise to private landowners enrolled in conservation programs that 

involve forest improvements or forest restoration projects. 

(31) Forestry Technician

(Same as Forester description.)

(32) Wildlife Biologist

One full-time Wildlife Biologist is needed to develop plans, baseline studies, 

and biological assessments; monitor and evaluate management programs; 

manage black bear; and develop, with the aid of the Forester, a forest 

management program. 

(33) Outdoor Recreation Planner/Public Use Specialist

As the refuge staff become increasingly involved in community 

partnerships and in providing recreation and environmental education 

to local schools and civic organizations and on the refuge, it would be 

necessary to add a full-time position to serve these needs. The Outdoor 

Recreation Planner/Public Use Specialist would also contribute to building 

recreation and environmental education programs as St. Catherine Creek 

and Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuges. The recreational and 

environmental education opportunities developed by the refuge staff would 

provide an economic benefit to the local community. Local merchants 

who sell outdoor recreation equipment, and businesses that provide food, 

lodging, and other commercial services to visitors and tourists, would 

benefit from this outreach program.
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 63

(34) Equipment Shed Construction

Currently, 75 percent of refuge equipment is unprotected and exposed to 

heat and moisture throughout the year. Because of this, routine replacement 

is expensive and constant exposure to the elements is causing deterioration 

to hydraulic lines, tires, and other soft coverings. This deterioration could 

also become a safety factor as an unexpected rupture of hydraulic lines 

could lead to serious burns. The addition of an equipment shed would reduce 

maintenance costs and extend the longevity of the equipment. 

(35) Oil Storage Facility

Currently, the refuge lacks a storage facility for small engine tools, 

antifreeze, fuels, petroleum, and paints. As a result, items are purchased 

on an as needed basis which is disruptive to management activities. The 

installation of a prefabricated oil storage facility is an immediate need. 

(36) Radio Communication System

The staff are provided with cellular telephones for communication in the 

field. These phones operate well in open areas, but are ineffective over most 

of the refuge due to operating limitations under a thick forest canopy. As a 

result, communication is often interrupted and could place staff at serious 

risk. With the addition of a radio communication system, services would 

be shared with local police enforcement and St. Catherine Creek National 

Wildlife Refuge. 

(37) Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Fleet

Four of the six vehicles in the refuge fleet require replacement. They are 

aged and in very poor condition with many recorded hours of operation. 

Other equipment replacement needs include: 1 4-wheeled backhoe, 2 tractors, 

1 pressure washer, 1 motor-grader, 1 bat-wing mower, and 2 pickup trucks. 

The purchase of heavy equipment for erosion control is an important need. A 

priority whenever agricultural land is acquired is to eliminate topsoil runoff. 

Another priority is to restore 700 acres of interior forest damaged by 

beaver activity. A 4-wheeled backhoe would be used for multiple purposes 

including beaver dam removal and installation of pipe drops in the agricultural 

field bordering the Bayou Cocodrie River. The pipes would eliminate and 

prevent future soil erosion. A motor-grader and batwing mower are needed to 

maintain refuge facilities and properties including impoundment levees, refuge 

access roads, trails, and parking areas. 

(38) Poole Road and South Boggy Bayou Rehabilitation

There is a need to rehabilitate approximately 3 miles of Poole Road from the 

refuge boundary, east to Highway 15. Poole Road is the only access to the 

refuge headquarters and would serve as the only access to planned visitor and 

education facilities. Boggy Bayou Road provides the only access to the south 

end of the refuge and is in need of major repairs. Both are parish roads, and, as 

such, partnerships would be developed with the Concordia Parish Police Jury 

and funding sought from the Federal Highway Administration.

(39) Refuge Road Improvements

An existing dirt road would be overlain with a 610 road base, culverts, and 

drains to provide access for maintenance of waterfowl impoundments and for 

the public to reach the proposed headquarters/visitor center, canoe launch, 

and wildlife observation platform.

(40) Survey and Sign Exterior Boundary

Thirty-one miles of mostly remote property boundary are not posted. 

As a result, repeated game violations occur near refuge borders. Posting 

Service boundary signs would aid the refuge in prosecuting game violators 

and providing clear delineation of refuge lands where fish and wildlife are 

fully protected. 

Lofton water control structure

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

64 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

Archaeological and Historic Resources

(41) Archaeological and Historic Resource Investigations

The comprehensive inventory and procurement of information of historic 

sites, and the site’s eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places 

will occur as appropriate. The refuge will procure pertinent scientific 

reports and articles and produce an annotated bibliography to document 

the region’s history, geomorphology, and the utility of the scientific 

methodology. Native American tribes and African American communities 

will be consulted to address how management activities might impact 

archaeological sites deemed important to those groups. 

Land Protection and Conservation

(42) Land Acquisition

The Service would seek to acquire lands within a potential expansion 

area of up to 20,000 acres. This is in addition to high priority in-holdings 

(9,101 acres) within the current acquisition boundary to support resident 

populations. Land acquisition methods may include fee title acquisitions, 

conservation easements, leases, and cooperative agreements. The success 

of meeting wildlife and habitat management objectives identified in this 

plan is closely tied to the Service having management capability on both 

current refuge lands and proposed expansion areas.

(43) Private Lands Coordination and Enrollment in Conservation Programs

In order for the refuge to restore and connect forests to serve as wildlife 

corridors, the staff must coordinate with landowners and agencies within 

Concordia, Tensas, and Catahoula parishes. The Service would accelerate 

joint planning at the watershed, landscape, and eco-region level with the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and 

Fisheries. Further, the Service would coordinate with other agencies and 

organizations the enrollment of up to 12,000 acres of private lands in other 

private lands conservation programs. The Natural Resources Conservation 

Service and Farm Service Agency have been instrumental in implementing 

conservation measures to improve conditions for black bear by enrolling 

lands in the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve 

Program. The Service would continue to provide technical assistance and 

support to enroll farm lands in these programs.

Black bear recovery success would depend upon landowner participation 

in various conservation programs coordinated with private, local, state 

and federal organizations. Priority lands evaluated for enrollment would 

consider black bear movement and administrative access for monitoring. 
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 65

Figure 14. Project/Staff Cost Summary for 2000-2015 

CCP Project Description RONS/MMS Estimated Cost (1999)

No. Project Project No. One-time Annual

Fish and Wildlife Populations

1. Fish and Wildlife Management Plan RONS 00004 * 

2. Investigations RONS 00001, 00004 100,000 10,000

3. Surveys and Assessments RONS 00001,00004 *

4. Geographic Information System RONS 00003 $10,000 $3,000

5. Nest boxes Proposed 5,000 2,500 

6. Black bear monitoring RONS 00004, 00006 * 90,000

7. Avian monitoring RONS 00007, 00005 * -- --

Subtotal 115,000 105,500 

 

Habitats

8. Forest Habitat Management Plan RONS 00001, 00002 * 

9. Weeds/Invasive species Proposed 100,000 10,000(c)

10. Reforestation RONS 00001, 00002 7,500.(c) 

11. Research Natural Area Proposed *

12. Brooks Brake Unit Forest Management RONS 00001, 00002, 00004 *

13. Other Units Management RONS 00001, 00004 *

14. First Order Vegetative Monitoring RONS 00001, 00004 * 

15. Wetland Restoration RONS 00008, 00023 125,000 5,000

Subtotal 225,000 12,500

Education and Visitor Services

16. Visitor Services Plan Proposed *

17. Hunting Proposed $28,000 7,000

18. Sport Fishing Proposed 20,000 5,000

19. Wildlife Observation Platform RONS 00009 90,000 5,000

20. Boardwalk (Headquarters) RONS 00011 18,000 5,000 

21. Boardwalk (to Old Growth) RONS 00010 20,000 5,000

22. Canoe Trail RONS 00010 10,000 5,000

23. Parking/Trailhead Development Proposed 50,000 5,000

24. Visitor Center Headquarters/Complex MMS 00001 2,000,000 50,000

25. Kiosks Proposed 40,000 10,000

26. Environmental Education Proposed 25,000 20,000 

27. Outreach Proposed 25,000 10,000 

Subtotal 3,688,000 120,000
66 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

CCP Project Description RONS/MMS Estimated Cost (1999)

No. Project Project No. One-time Annual

Refuge Administration

28. Base Operations & Existing Staff NA 316,000 

Subtotal 316,000

Salary/ Benefits

29. Wildlife Enforcement Officer 100,000 100,000 

30. Forester/Forest Ecologist 100,000 100,000

31. Forestry Technician 80,000 80,000

32. Wildlife Biologist Proposed 100,000

33. ORP/Public Use Specialist Proposed 80,000

Subtotal 460,000

34. Equipment Shed Construction Proposed 150,000 5,000

35. Oil Storage Facility RONS 00007 53,000 3,000

36. Radio Comm. System RONS 00013 23,000 3,000

37. Vehicle & Heavy Equipment Fleet RONS 00016, 00014 250,000 5,000

38. Entrance Road Rehab. (Poole Rd.) MMS 00003, 00004 945,000.** 20,000

39. Refuge Road Improvements MMS 00003, 00004 234,500

40. Survey & boundary signs Proposed 150,000 5,000

 Subtotal 970,000 30,000 

 41. Archaeological and Historic Resource Investigations***

 42. Land Acquisition***

 43. Private Lands Coordination and Enrollment in Conservation Programs***

Key: * Project cost is part of proposed staff cost

** Project cost primarily supported by partners

***Project cost is undetermined

(c) Project primarily completed by Contracted Services
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 67

Step-down Management Plans

Refuge policy (Refuge Manual, Part 4, Chapter 3) requires that specific 

management plans be developed for each refuge. Some plans require 

annual revisions and others are on a 5- to 10-year revision schedule. The 

Hunting and Fishing Plans are currently being revised. The following is a 

list of management plans needed for the refuge:

Plan Performance

Specific survey, inventory, and monitoring protocols will be adopted for the 

refuge. Before doing so, a detailed biological assessment will be conducted. A 

Geographic Information System will be used to store and analyze information. 

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act requires that the 

Service monitor fish, wildlife, and plants on refuges in order to establish 

status and trends of both resident and migratory wildlife. Monitoring is 

an essential component of this plan, and specific strategies have been 

integrated into the previously described goals and objectives. All habitat 

management activities will be monitored to assess whether the desired 

effect on wildlife and habitat components has been achieved. Monitoring 

the number of breeding pairs and the reproductive parameters of 

the priority suite of songbird species will follow established statewide 

protocols, at a minimum. Baseline surveys will be established for other 

species of wildlife for which existing or historical numbers are not well 

known. It also will be important to begin studies to monitor the response of 

wildlife to increased visitor use.

Management of projects is dependent on monitoring and evaluation 

to sustain the function and dynamics of forests, maintaining biological 

diversity, protecting target species, and providing a variety of wildlifedependent recreation and education experiences of value to visitors. 

Information derived from monitoring and evaluation will enable managers 

to adjust and test the management objectives outlined in this plan. 

Figure 15. Step-Down Plans 

Step-down Plans Required Completion Date

 Sign Plan FY03

 Public Use Plan FY03

 Water Management Plan FY03

 Forest Management Plan FY02

 Wildlife Inventory Plan FY04

 Predator Control Plan FY04

 Fire Management Plan FY05

 Law Enforcement Plan FY05

 Integrated Pest Management Plan FY05

 Education and Visitor Service Management Plan FY06
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

68 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

This plan would be reviewed annually to determine the need for revision 

and adjust and set priorities. A revision would occur if significant 

information were to become available such as a change in ecological 

conditions, a major refuge expansion, or if new step-down plans were to 

be developed. The final plan would be augmented by detailed step-down 

plans to address completion of specific strategies in support of refuge 

goals and objectives. Revisions to the plan would be subject to National 

Environmental Policy Act review, as well as public review. Management 

performance is documented in annual narratives. A new plan is required 

after 15 years. 

Partnership Opportunities

Public outreach entails a variety of services and support that refuges 

provide to the public, special groups, other government agencies and 

individuals. It includes technical assistance to state agencies on special 

problems and publications and presentations to local civic groups and schools. 

Many biologists and private citizens, as well as environmental 

organizations, scientific organizations and other agencies, have expressed 

a great interest in the management of the refuge. Maintaining and 

developing partnerships will enable the refuge to achieve its goals and 

objectives, minimize costs, share funding and bridge relationships with 

others. To maintain and enhance wildlife outside of the refuge, the 

Service will focus its efforts on continuing to develop partnerships with 

landowners, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, The 

Nature Conservancy, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the 

Farm Service Agency. Although the Service does not have management 

responsibilities for those lands outside the refuge, it is important 

to articulate the wildlife resource needs area wide. Collaboration 

with colleges and universities and with conservation organizations 

will enable the refuge to carry on its extensive plans for research, 

monitoring, and education. To create awareness and expand environmental 

education efforts in the community, partnerships will be established with 

organizations and school systems. A list of partnering sources and potential 

uses can be found in Section C. 

Monitoring and Evaluation

Wildlife population monitoring, (i.e., involving primarily breeding birds, 

black bear, white-tailed deer, and invasive species), and habitat monitoring 

will be emphasized. Wildlife monitoring will include surveys during 

the hunting and breeding seasons, brood surveys, collar observations, 

species richness measurements, and relative abundance figures. Habitat 

monitoring will primarily involve the amount and distribution of forested 

wetland habitats, vegetation and water quality surveys, community 

composition and structure, and representative components and habitat 

parameters addressed in plan objectives.

Adaptive management is a flexible approach to long-term management 

of biotic resources which is directed over time by the results of ongoing 

monitoring activities and other information. 
 Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Section A/Chapter V

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 69

Adaptive management is a process in which projects are implemented 

within a framework of scientifically driven experiments to test predictions 

and assumptions as outlined in this plan. The biological programs are 

systematically evaluated to determine management effects on wildlife 

populations. This information is used to refine approaches and to determine 

how effectively goals and objectives are being accomplished. Evaluations 

will be conducted on a regular basis to provide feedback to stakeholders and 

partners. If monitoring and evaluation yield undesirable effects for target 

and non-target species and/or communities, management projects will be 

altered and the comprehensive conservation plan will be revised.

Yellow-throated warbler

Wison Bloomer - Cornell Lab of Ornithology