Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Due to heavy rains the past couple of weeks and high water levels in the Pearl River the 
upcoming Youth Fishing Rodeo at the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge has been 
canceled. 

The Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail, youth fishing rodeo site location, has been underwater for 
over a week. In addition, water at the I-59 Service Road (Atlas Road), is impassable for vehicles 
in some locations. All areas must be assessed before reopening the site to public access. With the 
Pearl River still running high and more rain forecast throughout the week, we have made the 
difficult decision to cancel this year’s youth fishing rodeo. This action has been taken for the 
safety of Refuge visitors and the volunteers and staff who work the event. 
If you had a child(ren) registered for the event, please be patient as the Friends of Louisiana 
Wildlife Refuges, Inc., the Refuge’s support group, will be reaching out about reimbursement of 
registration fee(s). Your patience is appreciated. If you have questions please reach out to the 
Friends at [email protected]. 

River levels on the Pearl River can be checked through the National Weather Service office in 
Slidell, Louisiana at 985-649-0357, select option 1, then option 3, then 2 or at Pearl River near 
Pearl River.

Boaters are advised to use extreme caution during high river levels. 
For more information, please contact the refuge headquarters at 985/882-2000. 

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The FWS is seeking public review and comment on the proposed opening or expansion of hunting and/or fishing. The public is invited to review the draft documents, including the draft plan(s), compatibility determination(s) as appropriate, and NEPA compliance documentation. The draft documents are available through the Federal Register docket number: FWS–HQ–NWRS–2026–1223. 

The comment period on the proposed hunting and sport fishing regulations across Service-managed lands and waters will stay open for 30-days from May 27 through June 26, 2026. Please submit your comments directly through the Federal Register.