Barksdale offers a variety of activities for the whole family
designed to stimulate and entertain everyone's interest.
Outdoor
enthusiast will enjoy Barksdale's "East Reservation Natural Resource Program"
features 18,000 acres of unimproved commercial pine and bottomland hardwood
forests and 6,000 acres of wetlands, 18 miles of bayous and
rivers. Hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, camping, gardening, bird
watching, and biking.
Fishermen will love our 4 lakes and 11
ponds. These are stocked annually and habitat improvements made to
provide excellent recreational opportunities. Permits are required
for fishing and are $10 per year. Boats are available for rent at
many of the base lakes. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings of
Barksdale while you enjoy fishing, sightseeing or just looking around for one
the 14 foot alligators. Stop by Equipment Rental to take your boating safety
test which lasts approximately one hour. For those of you who have previously
tested, boater safety cards from other bases are honored.
The varied
ecosystems on the Reservation also provide an ideal habitat and excellent
hunting opportunities. Water fowl, turkey, deer, quail, woodcock,
squirrel, rabbit, raccoon and feral hog hunting are available in season. Hunting
permits are $25 per year. Permits, hunting and fishing regulations
and reservation maps may be obtained by contacting the Natural Resources
section.
Other recreational activities on base are abundant and include
the following:
Hiking: Barksdale offers a well-maintained,
7-mile educational trek that takes hikers through virtually every ecological
setting on the Reservation. A 3-mile alternative trail is also
provided. The hiking trail begins on the other side of Flag Lake Gate
and is well marked so you won't stray off into the wilderness. Stop by Outdoor
Recreation on the East side to pick up your map.
Bird
Watching: Year-round and seasonal inhabitants include many bird
groups, from neo-tropical and water fowl to large rookeries of wading
birds.
Gardening: There is an area set aside for those
interested in growing vegetables.
2d Services Squadron Equipment Rental
has an abundance of boating, fishing, camping and hiking equipment available for
your use.
Additional On-Base Recreational Opportunities:
Bowling
Center, Arts and Crafts Center, 18 Hole Golf Course and Club
House, Library, Auto Craft Shop, Swimming Pools, and Fitness
Center. A variety of special events are hosted each year by your
Outdoor Recreation staff including canoe trips, archery tournaments, Global
Volksmarch, family camping trips, backpacking, horseback riding and organized
hikes through the beautiful surroundings of Barksdale AFB.
Check the
Contacts/Links section for links to the Services web site which is updated
daily.