Brazilier Island

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, already the nation’s largest urban wildlife refuge, grew by more than 2,000 acres in 2008 with the addition of a significant portion of Brazilier Island in Lake Pontchartrain. Located 30 minutes northeast of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Brazilier Island is a critical part of the city’s natural defenses against storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico, through Lake Pontchartrain, and into the city as was seen during Hurricane Katrina. The Fish and Wildlife Service is restoring the landbridge to strengthen its ability to mitigate impacts from future storms and hurricanes.