The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge East Cove Unit will close temporarily on Sept. 22 to allow for completion of water control structure repairs, levee repair and maintenance projects along the Calcasieu Lake perimeter levee. While the East Cove Unit is traditionally closed during the Louisiana West Zone waterfowl season, this project necessitates a few weeks of additional closure at the beginning and the end of the season.

These projects require the complete closure of East Cove due to public safety concerns and project/personnel logistics. The area is projected to remain closed to the public through Jan. 31, 2023, but unforeseen delays due to weather or other factors may extend the closure.

The projects will facilitate completion of upgrades and routine maintenance necessary to improve and maintain functionality of the water management infrastructure at the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge East Cove Unit. This infrastructure provides important management capability in these units for’maintaining and improving habitat quality, species use, and public access and enjoyment at the refuge.

Refuge staff asks that visitors please be patient and obey area closures for the duration of the project. For additional information regarding this closure, Cameron Prairie NWR, or other Southwest Louisiana NWRs, please call 337-598-2216 or contact at SWLRComplex@fws.gov.