Harold E. Alexander Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harold E.


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Summary

Alexander Wildlife Management Area is a popular destination located in central Louisiana, United States. This area is known for its diverse wildlife and habitats, including bottomland hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and open fields. Visitors to the area can see a variety of animals, such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, and alligator. Additionally, the area is popular for fishing, with several bodies of water available for fishing.

One of the main points of interest in the area is the Alexander State Forest, which covers 26,000 acres and is one of the largest contiguous tracts of bottomland hardwood forests in the state. The forest is known for its towering cypress trees, which can reach up to 100 feet tall.

Another popular destination within the Harold E. Alexander Wildlife Management Area is the Catahoula Lake, a 26,000-acre lake that is home to a variety of fish, including bass and catfish. Birdwatchers also flock to the area, as it is a prime location for spotting migratory waterfowl.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it is named after Harold E. Alexander, who was a prominent Louisiana wildlife conservationist. Additionally, the area was once used for logging and farming, but was later designated as a wildlife management area in 1950.

The best time of year to visit the area depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are popular for birdwatching, as many migratory birds pass through the area during these seasons. Summer is ideal for fishing and boating, while winter is a great time for hunting.

Overall, the Harold E. Alexander Wildlife Management Area offers a unique and diverse array of wildlife and habitats, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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