The federal government, in partnership with the City of Shreveport, has taken over operation of C. Bickham Dickson Park. And now, this park, becomes part of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. Last year, the city council agreed to a 99-year lease of the Park to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mayor Adrian Perkins said:
“It will be great to get C. Bickham Dickson Park open again and accessible to the public. This collaboration is a great way to ensure the conservation of this park for many years to come.”
The purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to conserve America’s lands and waters including fish, wildlife, and plants for the benefit of future generations of the American people.
Pat Stinson, Refuge Manager, said:
“We will open the Park, renamed the C.B. Dickson Unit, to fishing, boating with trolling motors only, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, nature photography, and nature study, while camping and hunting will not be allowed.”
TNC is pleased to have been a part of building the partnership.
Keith Ouchley, the State director for TNC, said:
“This is what I love about working for TNC – finding solutions that make sense for the economy, the environment and the public. It’s a great outcome for the City, the NWR, the public and the natural resources.”
This week, the refuge manager will open the first parking lot. The second gate will remain closed as it will take a while to do all the clean-up such as removing debris, tackling invasive plants, and installing signage. The Nature Conservancy, City of Shreveport, and State of Louisiana Department of Culture and Tourism are working with the Refuge on a grand opening event tentatively set for spring 2021.
The Headquarters Unit and Visitor Center of Red River National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Arthur Teague Parkway south of the Jimmie Davis/70th St. Bridge at 150 Eagle Bend Point in Bossier City.
