Portions of Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Reopen

ANAHUAC, December 10, 2008 - On Saturday, December 13, 2008, exactly three months after Hurricane Ike hit the upper Texas coast, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will reopen portions of the refuge for public access. Visitors will be able to access Shoveler Pond, The Willows, the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp, the East Bay Boat Ramp, and the Skillern Tract. Visitors are cautioned, however, that use of the boat ramps may be limited as debris and silt continue to clog waterways, even after they have been cleared. Access along Frozen Point Road is not expected at this time, as significant road work remains to be completed.

The Pace Tract and portions of the Middleton Tract on Anahuac NWR will also be open for waterfowl hunting beginning December 13th, 2008. Scouting for the Pace and Middleton Tracts will be available on Thursday and Friday, December 11th and 12th, during daylight hours. Please note, however, that the main entrance to Anahuac NWR, including the boat ramps on the refuge, will not open until December 13th. All hunters are required to possess a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit while hunting on the Refuge. These free permits may be obtained by contacting the Complex office during regular business hours (7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday), or on-line at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/anahuac.

All visitors are cautioned that marsh and waterway conditions have changed due to Hurricane Ike. Navigation hazards exist in most waterways, and access from boat ramps may be difficult. All boaters are encouraged to use extreme caution. For additional information, please contact the refuge office at 409-267-3337.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  

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