Welcome to the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge page! For official information about the Refuge, go to www.fws.gov/refuges/Black_Bayou_Lake/ Friends of Black Bayou, Inc., Strategic Plan 2012 Mission Statement of Friends of Black Bayou, Inc. The Friends of Black Bayou, Inc., is committed to community stewardship of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and by extension the entire National Wildlife Refuge System, through preservation and restoration of the natural environment as well as increased public awareness, appreciation, education, and responsible recreational use.Mission Statement of National Wildlife Refuge Association For the public good, preserve and enhance the integrity of the National Wildlife Refuge System as the nation's most important network of diverse and strategically located habitats set aside primarily for the benefit of fish, wildlife and plants.Goals of Friends of Black Bayou, Inc.• Conserve the wildlife resources of the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge• Provide assistance for Refuge programs encouraging wildlife conservation and education• Provide advocacy for the Refuge as needed• Increase public awareness and education about the Refuge through responsible use of various media• Raise money for Refuge programs and other Refuge needs Objectives of Friends of Black Bayou, Inc.• Increase membership numbers• Increase volunteer participation• Increase monetary contributions• Increase educational opportunities for the public (schools, teachers, public officials, and other individuals and families)• Continue publications and media contacts• Continue support activities (clean-up activities, construction as needed, Refuge planning as needed, sales of merchandise that amplify and extend Refuge experience, volunteer activities as Refuge docents and other laborers, etc.)• Continue participation in National Wildlife Refuge Association• Continue participation in Louisiana and National Wildlife Federation (LWF and NWF)