CREATION

MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW

Lake D’Arbonne, located near Farmerville in Union Parish, Louisiana, is the largest man-made lake in Northern Louisiana. Situated approximately thirty miles from the Arkansas-Louisiana line, the Lake attracts not only Louisiana travelers, but also those from outside the state. With over 16,000 surface acres and fourteen public ramps, the Lake beckons to area fishermen and recreational travelers. A revitalized State Park with newly constructed state-of-the-art cabins, meeting facilities, tennis courts, and pool tends to lends to Lake D’Arbonne’s popularity. The Lake provides numerous recreational activities for visitors including fishing, boating, camping, swimming, and skiing. In addition, the Lake provides a natural habitat to many species of wildlife in Northern Louisiana.

Lake D’Arbonne was constructed in the early 1960’s when the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development constructed a dam and spillway across Bayou D’Arbonne. The purpose of the Lake was to provide recreational opportunities, as well as to provide a future water supply for the surrounding areas.

Prior to construction of the Lake, the Louisiana legislature created the Bayou D’Arbonne Lake Watershed District which is managed by a Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners, or Lake Commission, consists of seven volunteers from Union and Lincoln Parishes, recommended by their communities and appointed by the Governor.