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Administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior,
Big Thicket National Preserve is composed of nine separate land units and
four water corridors, encompassing 86,000 acres. Established in 1974, the
Preserve protects a remnant of the area's rich biological diversity. Big
Thicket was also designated a "Main in the Biosphere Reserve"
by the United Nations in 1981. This designation focuses global attention
on the worldwide significance of Big Thicket resources.See A Map of The
Big Thicket.
Big Thicket National Preserve's new "log cabin" Visitor Center
opened in October 2001. The facility has a large lobby with book sales area,
exhibit room, "Discovery Room", theater, public restrooms, porch,
and ample public parking. This facility replaces the old one-room log cabin
Information Station that the Preserve has operated for more than 20 years.
The Texas Department of Transporation (TxDOT) has also designated a "Big
Thicket National Preserve Parkway" from Beaumont to Lufkin on U.S.
Highway 69. A new sign marking the parkway is located at the Junction of
U.S. Highway 69-297 and FM 420, seven miles north of Kountze. Visitors Center
Directions Take the right turn exit onto FM 420, go one city block, and
turn left into the Visitor Center parking area.
A convergence of ecosystems occurred here during the last Ice Age. It brought
together, in one geographical location, the eastern hardwood forests, the
Gulf coastal plains, and the midwest prairies.December 15, 1981, the Preserve
was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations
Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere
Program. July 26, 2001, the American Bird Conservancy recognized the Preserve
as a Globally Important Bird Area joining thousands of others around the
world.
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