For a small but committed group of conservationists, navigating the course to establishing the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge has been as arduous and ultimately rewarding as paddling the actual river. 

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The headwaters of the story begin in June, 2006, when the US Fish and Wildlife Service designated the nation’s newest National Wildlife Refuge, the Neches River NWR.  Designated for protection of the migratory bird species and bottomland hardwood forest habitats, the Neches also provides compatible recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, nature observation and outdoor education.