Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge to Close Temporarily
(KMDL-FM) One of South Louisiana's favorite places for recreational fishing, crabbing, and appreciating the scenic beauty of South Louisiana will be partially off-limits over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend.
How Will Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Limit Guest Access Over Labor Day?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has confirmed that Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge will restrict access beginning September 2 and ending on September 9. The refuge will not be closed the entire day, but will be closed up until noon on each of those days.
The Rockefeller Refuge spans some 26 miles of Louisiana's coast. It is situated across the southern Cameron and Vermilion Parishes in Louisiana. The parcel of land that we now know as Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge was originally purchased in 1913 by Edward Avery McIlhenny.
McIlhenny sold the land to the Rockefeller Foundation in 1914 as part of that foundation's mission to protect migratory birds. The land was officially transferred to the State of Louisiana in 1920. It has been under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries since that time.
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Among the sport fish and game that can be found and is often pursued at Rockefeller are crabs, shrimp, redfish, speckled trout, black drum, largemouth bass, and a myriad of other species.
Another creature that has been known to populate the swamps and the marshes is the actual reason that Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge will be closed until noon on the days we've described above. That creature is the alligator.
Rockefeller Refuge to Limit Access During Controlled Alligator Harvest
From September 2nd through September 9th, Rockefeller will be hosting its annual controlled alligator harvest. Again, you will be allowed to enter the refuge but only after noon on those days. It is possible the restrictions could be lifted earlier should trappers with state-issued tags use all of the tags that have been issued for this controlled harvest.
If you have questions about the restricted openings or the refuge in general, you may visit the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge page online, or contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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Just be careful while you're driving toward the coast. We wouldn't want you to have a "wildlife encounter" in your car.
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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells