Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Prescribed Burning June 6 鈥� 15, 2025
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) plans to conduct prescribed burning at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge near Lacombe, LA between June 6 - 15, 2025, weather permitting. The 鈥淢ossler I鈥� and 鈥淢ossler L鈥� units are scheduled to be burned. The units are adjacent to one another and located north of Bayou Paquet Road, west of Transmitter Road, and south of Hwy 190 (see accompanying map). A total of approximately 165 acres will be treated. Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas but impact to the public is expected to be minimal.
Prescribed fire is the burning of vegetation based on a prescription that takes into consideration fuel type, fuel moisture, relative humidity, air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and other atmospheric conditions to ensure a safe and successful burn. All prescribed fires must have approved plans and meet rigorous criteria developed by agency fire experts. Prescribed burns will also comply with all State of Louisiana open burning regulations.
The objectives of the Big Branch Marsh NWR Fire Management Program are to: 1) provide protection to private property and human lives against uncontrolled wildfires through vegetative fuel reduction, 2) provide protection to both natural and constructed Refuge resources from catastrophic wildfires through fuel reduction, 3) maintain biological diversity in fire-adapted plant communities, and 4) maintain habitat for Service trust resources, including endangered and threatened plant and animal species through the use of prescribed fire as a management tool.
USFWS is a leader in the use of prescribed fire to support healthy ecosystems and reduce the risk of wildfires, which can threaten people, fish, wildlife, and plants. USFWS fire staff are dedicated professionals working across the country to implement safe, effective solutions to address some of our greatest natural resource challenges.
Marsh restoration project at Big Branch Marsh NWR has temporarily closed some refuge sections to public use in the Fritchie Marsh Unit - REMINDER
Steps taken to protect visitors, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts
A temporary closure is in effect at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, specifically within the Fritchie Marsh Unit. This closure began at sunset on December 13, 2024, and will continue through Spring 2026.The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of crews working on a marsh restoration project aimed at addressing the extensive damage caused by tropical systems to marshes on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.Law Enforcement officers will be actively patrolling the closed area to ensure the safety of both the public and the workers. Violators observed in the closed area may be subject to citations.
The restoration will involve the use of sediment pumped from Lake Pontchartrain to create over 290 acres of low salinity brackish marsh in areas currently consisting of open water ponds. This project is intended to improve shoreline stability for St. Tammany Parish residents, as well as enhance habitat for waterfowl and estuarine fish, benefiting future generations.
The closure is part of the refuge's regulations designed to protect visitors, and the refuge will remain open for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities, except in the closed area. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2026, after which all access will be restored. For further details, refer to the attached map showing the specific area of closure within the Fritchie Marsh Unit. Thank you for your patience as these important restoration efforts are carried out.
For more information, please contact the refuge office at 985/882-2000.
USFWS Photo of Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge鈥檚 Fritchie Marsh Unit with closed area boundary markers and project area details.
Visit Us
The refuge's piney woods, bayous, and marshes are a haven for wildlife and a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, paddling, bird watching, nature photography, guided tours, and educational programs are ways you can enjoy the refuge. The Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center in Lacombe is a gateway to exploring the Southeast Louisiana Refuges, with exhibits, maps and a nature store. The Visitor Center is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.