Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
Encyclopedia
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge was establishe in 1978 and is located Union
and Morehouse Parishes
in northern Louisiana
.
The central physical feature is the Ouachita River
, which bisects the refuge. The river’s wide floodplain is characterized by alluvial soils.
Refuge supports concentrations of ducks, geese, wading birds, raptors and a small wintering population of bald eagles.
The refuge provides excellent wintering habitat for tens of thousands of ducks and geese. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the threatened Louisiana black bear are found on Upper Ouachita NWR. Other wildlife species that call the refuge home include alligators, deer, turkey, squirrels, bald eagles and beaver. Upper Ouachita NWR is one of the four four refuges managed in the North Louisiana Refuge Complex
.
Approximately 983 acres (4 km²) of the refuge are managed as moist soil units. These wetland units are managed for the benefit of waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife. Water levels are manipulated to produce high quality natural foods such as wild millets, grasses and sedges. Cooperative farming occurs on a rotational basis in portions of the refuge to provide food for wintering waterfowl.
The upland mixed pine hardwood forest on the western portion of the refuge is managed for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker through thinning and prescribed fire. Installing artificial cavity inserts and woodpecker banding and occasional transplanting are also important management tools. Other management practices include wood duck nest box project, fish stocking, and removal of exotic, invasive plants and animals.
Union Parish, Louisiana
Union Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Farmerville....
and Morehouse Parishes
Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
Morehouse Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Bastrop. In 2000, the parish population was 31,021....
in northern Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
.
Wildlife and habitat
Eighteen miles long and up to ten miles (16 km) wide, the refuge consists of over 14500 acres (58.7 km²) of bottomland hardwood forest, 5000 acres (20.2 km²) of upland forest, 3000 acres (12.1 km²) of shrub/wooded swamp, 16000 acres (64.7 km²) of reforested farmland, and 2000 acres (8.1 km²) of open water. About 80% of the refuge is subject to annual flooding from December through May.The central physical feature is the Ouachita River
Ouachita River
The Ouachita River is a river that runs south and east through the U.S. states of Arkansas and Louisiana, joining the Tensas River to form the Black River near Jonesville, Louisiana.-Course:...
, which bisects the refuge. The river’s wide floodplain is characterized by alluvial soils.
Refuge supports concentrations of ducks, geese, wading birds, raptors and a small wintering population of bald eagles.
The refuge provides excellent wintering habitat for tens of thousands of ducks and geese. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the threatened Louisiana black bear are found on Upper Ouachita NWR. Other wildlife species that call the refuge home include alligators, deer, turkey, squirrels, bald eagles and beaver. Upper Ouachita NWR is one of the four four refuges managed in the North Louisiana Refuge Complex
North Louisiana Refuge Complex
North Louisiana Refuge Complex is a National Wildlife Refuge complex in the state of Louisiana.-Refuges within the complex:* Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge* D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge* Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge...
.
Management
Selective thinning and water level manipulation is conducted within the bottomland hardwoods for the benefit of migratory birds, resident wildlife and the overall health of the forest. Reforestation of bottomland hardwoods has taken place on the east side of the refuge. Emphasis was placed on planting the tree species that grew there historically.Approximately 983 acres (4 km²) of the refuge are managed as moist soil units. These wetland units are managed for the benefit of waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife. Water levels are manipulated to produce high quality natural foods such as wild millets, grasses and sedges. Cooperative farming occurs on a rotational basis in portions of the refuge to provide food for wintering waterfowl.
The upland mixed pine hardwood forest on the western portion of the refuge is managed for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker through thinning and prescribed fire. Installing artificial cavity inserts and woodpecker banding and occasional transplanting are also important management tools. Other management practices include wood duck nest box project, fish stocking, and removal of exotic, invasive plants and animals.
See also
- List of National Wildlife Refuges: Louisiana