This table of contents is a navigational tool, processed from the Our goal is to highlight amazing locations,share our journeys andpost our favorite travel resources. The migration paths from Bon Secour lead south to lower Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. . The refuge provides a crucial oasis for the endangered Alabama beach mouse that scurries through dunes and scrub areas and also the Loggerhead, green, and Kemps Ridley sea turtles on the beaches. for better understanding how a document is structured but The hottest months in this area are July and August. 4 talking about this. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists. During summer, wear sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Baseline data would be collected, standardized surveys implemented, and populations monitored. Funding for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Fiscal Years 1999-2003 36 Table 5. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - What To Know BEFORE You Go - Viator You'll Want To Visit This Secluded Beach In Alabama - Only In Your State Best Places to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Currently, a section of the trail by the bridge is closed due to hurricane damage, but you can go about 1-mile round trip to explore the pretty dune ridge area. A validAlabama fishing license is required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS. The Little Lagoon area offers a great spot for little ones with no rip currents or undertows. Then, we will board a Refuge vehicle and drive to the end of the trail for an . While visiting the refuge consider stopping by the Visitor Center to learn about the local flora and fauna and chat with refuge staff and volunteers who can provide helpful information, maps, brochures and checklists. Family owned and operated. Robert Cail, Refuge Manager, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, telephone: 251/540-7720; fax: 251/540-7301, or mail (write to Refuge Manager at address in ADDRESSES section). Bon Secour National Refuge | Explore Alabama - myscenicdrives.com More than 50,000 guests visit the refuge annually. Existing refuge management and public outreach practices would be favored under this alternative. The fiscal year 2005 budget was $404,000. It wasestablished in 1980 to protectthreatened and endangered species andmigratory songbird habitats. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge has four trails where you can discover the dunes, swales, wetlands, and other habitats in the refuge. Planning a trip to Alabama? Additional staff would include a biological technician and a law enforcement officer to accomplish objectives for establishing baseline data on refuge resources, managing habitats, and protecting biological resources. Welcome To Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Refuge trails are designed for foot traffic only. This refuge has served as a sanctuary for endangered and threatened species since 1980. Sign for bon Secour national wildlife refuge visitor center.jpg 3,504 2,336; 652 KB Tar balls of weathered oil wash ashore Bon Secour NWR (5015348096).jpg 709 566; 79 KB Tar balls of weathered oil wash ashore Bon Secour NWR June 4, 2010 (5014687695).jpg 1,024 834; 148 KB This repetition of headings to form internal navigation links The name Bon Secour comes from the French meaning "safe harbor," very appropriate considering the sanctuary for native flora and fauna that the refuge provides. Spring and Fall migrations bring an abundance of these neotropical feathered creatures. AL ERFO FW BOSE 20201(1) 2022 AL Baldwin Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Remove & replace damaged boardwalk County Road 84 Phase 1 2022 AL Lawrence U.S. Forest Service (Bankhead National Forest) This project will rehabilitate, resurface, and maintain a safe roadway on County County Road 6 2022 AL Lawrence Summers can be hot and have lots of biting insects (so be sure to bring repellent), and there are free bird walks in fall and winter that are led by refuge staff. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: All You Need to Know Normal business hours for the Visitor Center are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and pets are not allowed. Alternative DExpands wildlife and habitat management activities, while optimizing public use and involvement. A Notice by the Fish and Wildlife Service on 02/04/2005. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Activities, Visiting Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Many people fish and kayak in this area as well as swim because of the calm waters and soft sand. Following repairs and the replacement of the boardwalk, both trails are now open to the public. Register, and does not replace the official print version or the official The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists. Some of the refuge's endangered species are the Alabama beach mouse which lives among the sand dunes and sea oats, and green, loggerhead, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, which nest along the beach. Refuge management programs would continue to be developed and implemented with little baseline biological information. Additional staff would include both biological and outreach personnel. Check the BSNWR website for updates and information. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. These can be launched at Jeff Friend trail kayak site. The trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge 4.5 279 reviews #3 of 27 things to do in Gulf Shores Nature & Wildlife Areas Hiking Trails Closed now 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About A 6,000-acre nature preserve with a number of endangered species. There is something for everyone to enjoy and explore! Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge was established by Congress in June 1980, and encompasses some of Alabama's last remaining undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. All refuge management actions would be directed towards achieving the refuge's primary purposes including: (1) Preserving habitat to ensure the well-being of nationally threatened and endangered species; (2) conserving an undisturbed beach/dune ecosystem which includes a diversity of fish, wildlife, and their habitats; (3) serving as a living la. Details: Moderate, 2-miles round trip, estimated 1 1/2 hours. Your email address will not be published. Grassland and scrub/shrub habitat would not be restored and managed and prescribed fire would continue to focus on fuel reduction versus enhancing bird habitats. The Service analyzed four alternatives for managing the refuge and chose Alternative D as the one to best achieve all of these elements. HOT TIP: The Bon Secour River (not inside the refuge) is also a popular destination for anglers. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov). Fishing and wildlife observation would continue to be the major focuses of the refuge public use program, with no expansion of current opportunities. Theres an observation deck on Pine Beach Trail that offers elevated views of the Little Lagoon and Gator Lake. You are sure to spot some wildlife to snap a picture of as well. Read about Wildlife at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Exact change is appreciated. This feature is not available for this document. Wildlife at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Trails. The OFR/GPO partnership is committed to presenting accurate and reliable For complete information about, and access to, our official publications Your email address will not be published. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Photography. The trail is short, but it provides surprisingly picturesque views and a place for an easy stroll. A snowy plover has a large head and a short, slender bill. Fish and . More information and documentation can be found in our This prototype edition of the Alternative BExpands wildlife and habitat management activities, while maintaining current public use and education. And now for all the activities and things you can do at the Bon Secour Refuge. All refuge management actions would be directed towards achieving the refuge's primary purposes including: (1) Preserving habitat to ensure the well-being of nationally threatened and endangered species; (2) conserving an undisturbed beach/dune ecosystem which includes a diversity of fish, wildlife, and their habitats; (3) serving as a living laboratory for scientists and students; and (4) providing wildlife-oriented recreation for the public. Public comments were requested, considered, and incorporated throughout the planning process in numerous ways. Bon Secour NWR - Pine Beach Trail - Alabama Birding Trails The Pine Beach Trail is unique with a saltwater lagoon on one side and a freshwater lake on the other with birding opportunities throughout. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The refuge is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Summary of concerns reflected on the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Planning Visitor Center: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Other national, regional, and state goals to protect and restore forest, grassland, and scrub/shrub bird populations would be supported secondarily in habitats that are inland from the beach/dune habitat. Copyright 2023 Friends of Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. Look in any direction at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and you look back to an earlier time along the Gulf Coast. Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. Most refuge management actions would be directed toward preserving, enhancing, restoring, and managing the beach/dune habitat for the benefit of the Alabama beach mouse and nesting sea turtles. Summary of ecological threats and problems facing Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Bon Secour Beach (National Wildlife Refuge) - BeachCatcher.com Table 4. Linking the Jeff Friend Trail and the Pine Beach Trail is the Centennial Trail, a 2-mile straight connector trail along the Little Lagoon. You can reach the refuge by the ferry from the west side of Mobile Bay or driving through Mobile and heading south to Gulf Shores. Fishing would continue with greater emphasis on the quality of the experience. Its an added bonus if you are visiting in the winter months when the temperatures are mild. You must be signed in to save park lists. The Dolphins & Wildlife Kayak Experience - WildNative Tours Little Lagoon and Gator Lake are open for some recreational fishing. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, 8 miles west of the city of Gulf Shores, Start Printed Page 6033Alabama, in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Wildlife observation and photography opportunities would be expanded, including a kayak trail and observation towers, highlighting refuge management programs and unique wildlife habitats. Pristine lands that provide high quality habitat and connectivity to existing refuge lands would be priority acquisitions. And we can see why! Visiting Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Establishing, maintaining, and improving partnerships with landowners and local, state, and federal agencies and organizations; Coordinating management actions with local and state land and resource management agencies; Monitoring Alabama beach mouse populations and sea turtle nesting in partnership with others; Encouraging scientific research on the refuge; and. Find popular and cheap hotels near Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Baldwin County with real guest reviews and ratings. Situated on Fort Morgan Peninsula, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest undisturbed coastal barrier habitats in Alabama. All the Bon Secour trails are easy to follow and well-maintained, but to plan your hiking beforehand, take a look at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Map below. FlexOffers Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the FlexOffers affiliate network and uses links within our content to earn a commission. The refuge is part of the Alabama Birding Trail, a series of stops across the state where birders can spy on a wide variety of species. Comments on the draft may be submitted to the above address or via electronic mail to bonsecour@fws.gov. Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Even if you dont plan on spending the day at the beach, you may want to wear your bathing suit anyway to take a dip in the water after working up a sweat. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Tripadvisor 15 miles down the road you can combine your trip with a visit to the well-preserved Fort Morgan State Historic Site, a cool 19th-century military fort. We take people fishin'! According to U.S. Amazon Associates Disclosure Dang Travelers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, the plan identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The busy season is during spring and fall when migratory birds come through the region. Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service dogs. Required fields are marked *. 12295 State Highway 180 Required fields are marked *. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge rests on 7,517 acres and serves as a safe refuge for migratory birds and home for native flora and fauna. You can take a guided tour or rent at the Down Under Dive Shop in Gulf Shores. This site displays a prototype of a Web 2.0 version of the daily Yet here, a rich, colorful blend of rare orchids Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a study in transition. Approximately 400 species of birds have been identified on the refuge, usually during migratory seasons, ranging from ospreys and herons to seven species of hummingbirds. This is part three in a series of three blogs on the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. A visitor center and headquarters office would be constructed on the refuge and would include an environmental education classroom and meeting facilities. the Federal Register. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. Alternative CMaintains current wildlife and habitat management activities, while expanding public use and education. Our fundamental mission is to increase awareness and support for our coastal wildlife refuges in Alabama and Mississippi. The Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge are taking a walk on the wild side, and wed like you to join us to learn more about the National Wildlife Refuges we support! This project may also include RT#903 3R FLTP - Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,157-acre (29 km 2) National Wildlife Refuge located in five separate units in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, United States, directly west of Gulf Shores, Alabama on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. However, Service acquisition of key properties, such as inholdings and beach/dune habitat, may not be realized within the 15-year planning period due to budget constraints and landowner preferences. If you are sensitive to heat, it is best to plan a visit during October, November or April. L. 105-57. Biting insects are year round residents and especially plentiful during the summer months. Mailings, newspaper articles, and postings on the refuge Web site will be the avenues to inform the public of the date and time for this meeting. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The upper shell has five pairs of coastal scutes. The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a corner of paradise for many species of birds, located out near Fort Morgan. Back Bay and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuges offering free There are multiple opportunities on the refuge for beautiful photographs. The Bon Secour NWR consists of 6,700 acres of wildlife habitat lying directly west of Gulf Shores, Alabama on the Fort Morgan peninsula of south Alabama. Trails, parking lots, and interpretive signage would be constructed in every refuge unit, along with added environmental education and watchable wildlife programs. Bon Secour Beach (National Wildlife Refuge) in Gulf Shores, AL (2020 Photos, Reviews, Info, Map) | BeachCatcher Home Alabama Bon Secour Beach (National Wildlife Refuge) Bon Secour Beach (National Wildlife Refuge) Sandy beach 12418 Pine Beach Trail, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA 34 miles from Mobile, AL About the beach Your questions Weather forecast Refuge volunteers lead tours, help with biological surveys, do maintenance work on trails and help keep the visitors center area of the headquarters open for the public. Click our photo tolearn more. No new trails would be developed, but the refuge staff would continue to maintain the existing trails. Birding in Alabama | Audubon - National Audubon Society There are stairs leading to the water to extend your walk and allowing the curious to explore the area a little more. Biting insects are year-round, especially in the summer months. 13 Best Parrot Rescue In Alabama (Check Them Out!) - Birdcageshere publication in the future. Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is another fantastic place to hike or bike. We highly recommend hiking at Bon Secour if you enjoy nature. Under this alternative, outreach and environmental education would occur on a sporadic, time-permitting basis. Congress established the Refuge in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem and to protect threatened and endangered species along with migratory birds. Its dunes are a reminder of the Gulf Coast, as it once existed. It is not an official legal edition of the Federal This very rewarding refuge protects beach, dunes, shrub habitat, and woodland on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, west of the lively tourist town of Gulf Shores. The snowy plover is part of the plover bird family. No new trails would be developed, but the refuge staff would continue to maintain the existing trails. The Little Lagoon has a mix of salt and freshwater so youll find a vast diversity of fish including trout, flounder, and redfish. Under this alternative, the refuge would continue to seek acquisition of all lands within the present acquisition boundary. Fees and National Passport (Pass) Program. Details: Moderate to Strenuous, 4-miles round trip, estimated 2 hours. Call 251-540-7720 for the most up-to-date information. 20 + years of local deep sea, Waterville USA offers you 20-acres of fun through our waterpark, amusement park and, Welcome Aboard! Current restrictions or prohibitions would remain. Information about this document as published in the Federal Register. Until the ACFR grants it official status, the XML Educational Programs at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge that agencies use to create their documents. You can reach the refuge by riding the ferry from the west side of Mobile Bay or drive through Mobile and down to Gulf Shores. With more than 370 species documented, bird watching is a major activity at the refuge. Non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes are welcome at Bon Secour. Individuals wishing to comment on the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge should do so within 30 days following the date of this notice. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home addresses from the record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. This alternative in no way addresses the increase in visitation that has occurred in the past 5 years and that is predicted to continue. Refuge trails give visitors an opportunity to discover different habitats of the refuge: dunes, swales, wetlands, maritime forests and scrub habitats. Bon Secour NWR is one of the best kept secrets on the entire Alabama Gulf Coast. Youre likely to spot ospreys and several species of herons. All of these trails are open year-round during daylight hours. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 The five units within the acquisition boundary have a significant edge, which contributes to the predation of birds, sea turtles, and beach mice. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 1 min to complete. Hours may vary by season but are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While visiting the refuge consider stopping by the Visitor Center to learn about the local flora and fauna and chat with refuge staff and volunteers who can provide helpful information, maps, brochures and checklists. Adult loggerheads can reach up to 3 feet and weigh about 250 pounds. PDF Transportation Improvement Program FY 2022 to FY 2025 Federal Lands Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (the United States), "National Wildlife Refuges - Acres by State and Unit", Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge homepage, Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, National Wildlife Refuges of the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bon_Secour_National_Wildlife_Refuge&oldid=1147540003, Protected areas of Baldwin County, Alabama, Protected areas of Mobile County, Alabama, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 31 March 2023, at 16:37. The Refuge is located a few miles down the Fort Morgan Peninsula Highway 180 (aka Fort Morgan Road) from Gulf Shores. Their services for birds include: Animal Advocates; Educational programs Named one of the 10 Natural Wonders of Alabama, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge comprises 7,000 acres on five parcels of land. Federal Register. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located near Fairhope, Foley and Gulf Shores. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge 4.9 (9 reviews) Unclaimed Parks Edit See all 40 photos Write a review Add photo Location & Hours 12295 State Highway 180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Get directions Edit business info Other options to consider Sponsored Minutes of Use 10.9 miles away from Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge If youre looking for outdoor things to do in Gulf Shores, we hope you take a ride to Bon Secour to enjoy its natural beauty! There is no entry fee required to visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Recreation.gov. It features four trails to choose from with a combined length of five miles that traverse sand dune ridges, saltwater marshes, secret beaches, wetlands, and maritime forests. better and aid in comparing the online edition to the print edition. These can be useful RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) Two national wildlife refuges located in Virginia will have free admission on Thursday, Aug. 4 as a part of Great American Outdoors Act Day. Water is also extremely important; it is easy to become dehydrated while hiking and wildlife watching on the refuge. Along the way, there are directional signs for the hiking trails and for the office, which has a small display area. The Refuge Office and Visitor Center is located on State Highway 180on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Dune' it! - Geocaching the Pine Beach Trail - Facebook The ground, blanketed with impervious clay soil, is waterlogged and acidic. You may spot hundreds of different species when visiting Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, but here are a few featured creatures to keep an eye out for next time!
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