The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has received national recognition for its work in fisheries management. The Inland Fisheries’ Project, titled “Restoration of Bussey Brake Reservoir in Northeast Louisiana,” has been selected to receive the 2021 Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project award in the category of Sport-Fishery Development and Management.

Each year, the Fisheries Administration Section of the American Fisheries Society selects one project from across the nation to highlight the importance and effectiveness of the Sport Fish Restoration Program and to recognize excellence in fisheries management, research and education.

Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in Morehouse Parish, became available for fishing and other recreational activities on July 15, 2020. The 2,200-acre reservoir is the focal point of the WMA, which is primarily managed for quality fishing. Prior to the reopening in 2020, several renovations were made to improve the fishery, and special fishing regulations were instituted to promote a quality fishing experience for all anglers.

In addition to the renovations made during the LDWF restoration, a kids’ pier was installed shortly after opening, through a partnership with Morehouse Innovation and Technology Alliance (MITA).

“The LDWF staff and I thank the local and state partners who helped make Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area a success,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “These are the kinds of partnerships that improve the Sportsman’s Paradise for everyone.”

If you have not visited Bussey Brake WMA, consider visiting this unique, award-winning fishery. For more information about the Bussey Brake renovation, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/satisfaction-abounds-as-ldwf-marks-anniversary-of-bussey-brake-renovations.

To access photos, b-roll and video of the re-opening of the Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area, visit https://ldwf.canto.com/v/BusseyBrake/.

Founded in 1870, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest fisheries science society. The mission of AFS is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals. With five journals and numerous books and conferences, AFS is the leading source of fisheries science and management information in North America and around the world. For more information, visit https://fisheries.org/.

The Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR) provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education. The Program is authorized by the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson DJ) of 1950. The SFR Program was created to restore and better manage America's declining fishery resources and was modeled after the successful Wildlife Restoration Program. Through the purchases of fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels and import duties the SFR Program is one of the most successful user pay, user benefit programs. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/wsfrprograms/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SFR/SFR.htm.