Rising Mississippi River to close wildlife management area

PEARL RIVER, La. (AP) - The rising Mississippi River is about to close a wildlife management area north-northeast of New Orleans.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area closes when the gauge at Pearl River reaches 16.5 feet (5.03 meters) - and it’s expected to do so Tuesday.

The 35,600-acre area is about 35 miles (57 kilometers) from New Orleans and one mile (1.6 kilometers) east of the town of Pearl River.

The entrance gate on Old Highway 11 will remain locked until the river recedes below 16.5 feet (5.03 meters) and the roads have been inspected. The area includes the Pearl River-Honey Island Shooting Range, which also will be closed.