Good news coming for Bussey, Wham

Good news is coming for the future of two major pieces of outdoor habitat in our region. I received an invitation today to a joint news conference with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and IP at Bussey Brake north of Bastrop set for Monday.

I expect an announcement that arrangements have been completed to donate around 5,000 acres of land in and around Wham Brake to the LDWF. Also expected is a transfer of a long-standing lease of Bussey Brake to LDWF. Both actions will ensure that the unique outdoor habitats are preserved, properly managed, and maintained with the best interest of the public in the future. That’s great news. LDWF Secretary Robert Barham will be on hand. Secretary Barham is a native of Morehouse Parish, so this has to be especially sweet for him.

Bussey Brake is a 2,200 acre lake that was a water supply for paper mills there. But it is known mostly as a fish factory, especially in years past. It was constructed in the late 1950’s. It is sad that the company no longer operates the mills. But it is good that these valuable properties won’t just waste away. Bussey has potential for great fishing again with the right management. We will get details of those plans Monday. The company doesn’t own all of Bussey, but has a long-term lease that is transferable. Once the LDWF legally has the lease, it will allow fisheries experts a chance to manage the lake for the future. One of those expected at the announcement is Mike Wood, Director of the Inland Fisheries Division of LDWF. Mike spent years in Monroe and Bussey was under his fisheries management in the “good old days”.  He has first-hand knowledge of what needs to be done at the lake.

Wham is already currently under lease to LDWF and is being managed as part of the Russell Sage Wildlife Management area this hunting season. It is anticipated that Monday’s announcement will include a full donation of the property to LDWF.  Wham is one of the most legendary duck hunting holes in the region. Long before rice fields boomed and other habitat grew to draw migrating ducks to the area, Wham was a waterfowl magnet. Even though most of the trees are gone now, it’s still a great spot and, again with proper management, it can reach its full potential. One of the major players in those plans will be Jimmy Anthony,  Assistant Secretary – Wildlife, for the LDWF. Jimmy also is originally from the Monroe area. Parts of Wham are located in both Morehouse and Ouachita parishes.

I’ll bring you all the news and exciting details of the plans that LDWF has for the future of these two outdoor habitats after they are announced Monday. A tip of the hat to both parties for working the details to make this happen. In coming weeks, I’ll share a lot of personal memories from there. As many others who lived in that area, I grew up fishing Bussey and hunting Wham and have many, many fond memories.

The details of Monday’s announcement will help secure that possibility for many generations to come.