Sabine National Wildlife Refuge opened West Cove Recreation Area’s north parking lot with access to boat launches and a fishing/crabbing dock on Tuesday May 5, after staff picked up more than 1450 gallons of trash in just that one area on Monday, May 4.

Other than the Blue Goose Trail and West Cove north, all recreation areas have remained closed for continued clean up and maintenance operations.

Unfortunately, West Cove Recreation area’s north parking lot was shut down Wednesday, May 13, to clean up additional garbage, which has accumulated again throughout the past week. West Cove Recreation area’s north and south parking areas will re-open for recreation by sunrise, Thursday, May 14. All remaining recreation areas will re-open by sunrise, Monday, May 18.

The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge recreation areas that were closed Wednesday, May 13, include West Cove and its associated boat launches, Wetland Walkway, Blue Crab, Hog Island Gully and its associated boat launches, and Northline including its boat launch.

Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Services Manager, Diane Borden-Billiot, requests that everyone take everything you bring to the Refuge with you when you leave. National Wildlife Refuges belong to all of us, so just like our own homes, it is our responsibility to care for them and protect them for future generations. Keep it clean and safe to prevent future closures.

For further information about this temporary closure, call 337-563-349