The Marshall News Messenger is reporting that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the new Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge in east Texas will officially open to the public during ceremonies on September 26.

In October 2007, this blog reported the details on how Caddo Lake NWR came about as a land transfer between the Department of the Army’s Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant and the USFWS.

According to the Marshall News Messenger, Caddo Lake NWR was established to protect one of the highest quality, old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the southeastern U.S., and the local wetlands are listed as a “Wetland of International Significance” under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

From the Marshall News Messenger:

“This has been a long time coming and we’re excited that the light is visible at the end of the tunnel,” said Mark Williams, project leader at the Refuge.

Williams, however, added this will be a “limited opening” as development of the nearly 8,500-acre area that was formerly the site of the U.S. Army’s Longhorn Ammunition Plant continues.

“We still have a lot of work to do, a lot of trails that will not be open quite yet,” Williams said. “All of that will come with time. As public use activities grow, the refuge will grow.”

Park Ranger Leta Kay has been assigned to the refuge to spearhead efforts associated with the September opening, according to Williams. She has been meeting with the Friends of the Refuge and other interested entities and individuals on a weekly basis.

Ms. Kay said preliminary plans for the opening day include entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations and family fun.

“We’re planning to open with a solemn, Native American blessing from members of the Caddo Indian Tribe,” she said.

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System, Caddo Lake NWR, Texas