Entrance Fee Waived at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Los Fresnos, TX – Effective February 1, the $3.00 per vehicle entrance fee at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge will be waived until further notice. Refuge Manager, Boyd Blihovde, decided to waive the entrance fee due to the condition of the county roads leading to the refuge. FM106 is currently undergoing construction and is closed to through traffic, making the trek from Harlingen and Rio Hondo difficult, including several detours.. The refuge has decided that until the construction of FM106 makes it easily passable, and the condition of Buena Vista Road improves, there will not be an entrance fee to visit the refuge.

Cameron County has been approved to receive a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant to improve Buena Vista Road from FM106 to Lakeside Drive. The FLAP grant will provide 80% of the construction costs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide close to 20% of the funds needed. Cameron County has agreed to put $10,000 towards the project. In addition to surface improvements, the construction will include several special crossing areas for endangered ocelots to decrease the risk of the cats getting struck by a vehicle. Approximately 40% of the ocelots studied since the 1980’s have been killed by vehicles, so this feature is especially critical. Construction is expected to take place in 2018.

For more information contact the refuge at 956-748-3607 ext. 111, or visit the refuge’s website www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa.