The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has completed the installation of a new pump at the Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area renovation project in Morehouse Parish. The refilling process has begun, and it is expected to take several months for the lake to reach a usable level. Since the lake is completely surrounded by a ring levee, pumping water from the adjacent Bayou Bartholomew is the only means of filling it.
LDWF officials have determined that the property will be opened to the public when the water levels reach the “management pool stage.” This will allow for safe boat launches and navigation, as well as the use of the newly installed fishing piers. The department will give ample notice to the public prior to the opening date.
LDWF began stocking the lake with fish in 2016 and will continue stocking it while the lake is being refilled.
A number of renovation projects have been completed at the site since 2016, including enhancement of the fisheries, construction of boat lanes, a wavebreak to protect the boat launch area, a new boat dock, and fishing piers. The 2,000-acre freshwater reservoir was donated to the department in 2012 by International Paper and later established as a wildlife management area.
For more information, contact Ryan Daniel, Biologist Manager at
Tags:Bussey Brake[1], Lake Refilling[2], Wildlife Managment Area[3]
