Catahoula Lake is a 12, 150 ha lake and wetland complex managed by the state of Louisiana, the USFWS and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The wetland is  fed by the Little River and is home to numerous species of geese, such as white-fronted gees, ducks including and not limited to pintails, canvas backs, teal, widgeon, gadwals, shovelers, and over 20 species of wading birds such as woodstorks. Over 400,000 birds use this wetland at peak. It is also a major stopping area in the lower Mississippi Flyway. Significant stands of plant species such as Cyperus and Echinochola contribute to the diversity of the area. The lake is an important nursery for many fish species and is habitat to large mouth bass, various centrarchids, catfish, gar, freshwater drum and buffalo. It is also habitat for various species of crawfish, frogs, turtles and is home to the alligator. This area serves as important flood water storage for northern Louisiana.