Louisiana’s Pearl River W.M.A. Adds Acreage With Donation From The Nature Conservancy
OutdoorHub 09.05.11
Sept. 2, 2011 – An additional 586 acres has been added to the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area for outdoor recreational activities, thanks to a donation from The Nature Conservancy.
“We are pleased to announce the addition of these lands at minimal cost to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “We appreciate the generosity of The Nature Conservancy and their long-term commitment to protecting the natural resources of our state.”
The newly acquired property is located near the intersection of US 190 and US 90 at White Kitchen in St. Tammany Parish. It includes freshwater marsh and cypress-tupelo swamp, and an elevated boardwalk on the property that allows WMA visitors the opportunity to view local flora and fauna. A bald eagle nest is also located on the property.
Keith Ouchley, Louisiana State Director for The Nature Conservancy, stated: “The Conservancy has long supported the efforts of LDWF to protect and manage lands within the PearlRiver Basin, which is one of the most intact and biologically significant river systems in the South. The former White Kitchen Tract was one of the first preserves acquired by the Conservancy in Louisianaand we are confident that the transfer to LDWF will provide additional resources for management while increasing recreational opportunities for the public.”
The existing WMA includes over 35,000 acres and consists of a variety of habitats including bottomland hardwoods, cypress-tupelo swamp, shrub-scrub marsh, freshwater marsh, and intermediate marsh. Hunting opportunities are available for deer, waterfowl, squirrel, rabbit, feral hogs and alligators.
For more information and directions to Pearl River WMA, visit the LDWF web site at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wmaor contact Christian Winslow at 985-543-4781.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
