Cat Island NWR - Updates

Information on accessibility, special events and general announcements.

Every year Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge floods from the rising waters of the Mississippi River, which makes this refuge so unique. Parts of the refuge will periodically be closed due to the high water that can get as deep as 20 feet or more in places.  The champion bald-cypress tree, which is several miles by road from the refuge entrance, will become inaccessible.
Follow the information on this page to plan your visit to Cat Island NWR. At certain flooding levels, hiking and other activities will become very limited.  However, it is the best time to paddle your canoe, kayak and pirogue. All precautious of boating safety should be taken, as it is easy to get lost if you are not familiar with the area.  Purchase a map at the WFP Historical Museum on Ferdinand St.; bring a compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water.  If you are not experience in tracking your way, it is recommended to paddle down the main road and/or the ATV trails. Beware; cell phone service is limited on the refuge.
It's a great time to view migratory birds, discover some very old and large bald-cypress trees - some nearly as large & exciting as the champion tree, photography and interesting nature when things change from dry to underwater.
Enjoy the wonders of nature but be very cautious, this is a very remote area.

Reported birds sightings so far include; vireos, summer tanagers, cardinals, herons, egrets, chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, bald-eagles, swallow-tailed kites, Mississippi kites, barred owls, hawks, indigo buntings, painted buntings, chat, variety of warbles, various ducks, vultures, crow, red-winged black birds, grackles, owls and more.

Latest conditions:

Feb. 22, 2010: Refugee is closed. Due to the unusually high water levels, by current rains in the north,  in the Mississippi River, Cat Island is closed for all activities. Forecast are for a slow withdrawal of flooded waters.

Oct. 26, 2009: Refugee is closed. Due to the unusually high water levels, by current rains in the north,  in the Mississippi River, Cat Island is closed for all activities. Forecast are for a slow withdrawal of flooded waters.

July 20, 2009: Now that the Mississippi River has decreased to a Baton Rouge gauge reading of 13 ft, hiking trails are  now opened.  The  actual trails may be very soft in places due to the recent flooding, so you might  want to bring a second pair of footwear. Low water bridge is open for passage, making for a short drive from St. Francisville via Old Tunica Road (Mahonney) - which is accessed from Ferdinand St. right before Que Pasa Restaurant on the way to the ferry.  Water levels are too low for boating.

May 18, 2009: The Mississippi River is on the rise expecting to reach 38 feet at Baton Rouge by May 27. All hiking trails are under water and therefore closed. The refuge is open for paddling, boating and fishing. Note* - Low water birdge is presently closed due to flooding. Go to the Outdoor map for alternate route.

May 10, 2009: The Mississippi River is on the rise expecting to reach 35.9 feet at Baton Rouge by May 14.  Condidtions remain the same as April 24th.

May 5, 2009: After a slight drop, forecast indidcate a rise of approximately 1 foot by May  10th.  Condidtions remain the same as April 24th.

April 24, 2009: The champion bald-cypress tree is not accessible. Water has encroached 100 yards pass the "check station" which is one mile from the entrance.  Small boats can be launched at this point.  Hiking trails are not accessible.  
The Miss. River is forecasted to remain at these levels through the first week of May.
 
April 14, 2009: The champion bald-cypress tree is not accessible. Water has encroached to the "check station" which is one mile from the entrance.  Small boats can be launched at this point.  No hiking trails are accessible.

See Mississppi River Gauge Reading Below