Ben Lilly Conservation Area

Ben Lilly Conservation Area is a protected nature preserve in Louisiana covering approximately 247 acres along Bayou Bartholomew. The site sits adjacent to Chemin-A-Haut State Park on its northern boundary, creating a connected natural habitat in the region.

Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries acquired this conservation area from The Nature Conservancy in 2013 to protect the natural landscape. This transfer from private to public stewardship represented a major step in preserving the region's ecological resources.

The area commemorates Benjamin Vernon Lilly, who guided President Theodore Roosevelt during a notable black bear hunt in Louisiana's Tensas River swamp in 1907.

Visitors need specific permits such as a WMA Access Permit, Senior License, Sportsman's Paradise License, or Lifetime License to use this conservation area for recreation. Check permit requirements before planning your visit to ensure smooth access to the property.

The site bears the name of Benjamin Vernon Lilly, a skilled guide who led President Theodore Roosevelt on a memorable black bear hunt in Louisiana's Tensas River swamp during 1907. This historical episode from Roosevelt's era remains connected to the property's identity and purpose today.

GPS coordinates: 32.89694,-91.83778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46