The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has successfully wrapped up its operations on the Wham Brake Impoundment within the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. The process, which included a necessary drawdown and the application of aerial herbicide, targeted the control of giant cutgrass and the encouragement of more favorable moist soil vegetation growth, as per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announcement that came through earlier today.
This ecological maneuver aims to create a more suitable habitat for wildlife, especially the wintering waterfowl that frequent the area. As part of the restoration efforts, the water control structures have been sealed off, and boards set in place, hopefully to gather water for the upcoming early teal season. However, current water levels remain critically low, prompting warnings for boaters to practice heightened caution when passing through the brake. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries release by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the department has advised that motorized vessels are to absolutely avoid the area for the 14 days leading up to teal and duck seasons on Wham Brake.
In accordance with efforts to coordinate the area's use for hunting seasons, the boat ramp is set to be reinstated for public access on September 20, starting at 4 a.m., just in time for the early teal season hunters. Such measures are part of a bigger vision that dates back to 2013, when International Paper gifted Wham Brake to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In the years following, a partnership with Ducks Unlimited and funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act helped construct the current water control systems, enabling effective management of the habitat.
