The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is informing WMA users that a new waterfowl impoundment has been completed within the acreage north of the Catahoula Lake Diversion Canal at Dewey W. Wills WMA.
The purpose of the project was to enhance forested wetland habitat for waterfowl along the Muddy Bayou watershed north of the Catahoula Lake Diversion Canal. The reservoir is dependent upon rainfall for flooding, and will provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and public hunting opportunities.
Flooding within the new waterfowl impoundment has temporarily restricted vehicle access. Camp Bayou Rd., accessible from Hwy. 28, is temporarily closed to regular vehicle traffic. A parking area located near the gate can be used to offload ATVs and UTVs, which may be used on the portion of the road that is closed. Hunters can walk or paddle into the impoundment from any designated access point. Additional access points on the southwest corner, the southeast corner and northern edge of the impoundment are available near the Self Clearing permit stations. Those using ATVs or UTVs must stay on the trails provided. Once the water recedes after hunting season and road conditions allow, vehicular traffic will resume on Camp Bayou Rd.
To view a map of the WMA and the new waterfowl impoundment, go to: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wma/2753.
Partnering with Wildlife and Fisheries on this new impoundment project were Ducks Unlimited, Wetlands America Trust, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council.
Dewey W. Wills WMA is located in the southern portion of LaSalle and Catahoula parishes in central Louisiana approximately 20 miles northeast of Alexandria. For more information, contact Cliff Dailey at 318-487-5885 or adailey@wlf.la.gov .