Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

Infobox Protected area
name = Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
iucn_category = IV

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caption = Map of the United States
base_width =
locator_x = 163
locator_y = 135
location = Union and Morehouse Parishes
nearest_city = West Monroe, Louisiana
coords =
area = convert|41430|acre|km2
established = 1978
visitation_num = 23,000
visitation_year = 2005
governing_body = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
world_heritage_site =
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge was establishe in 1978 and is located Union and Morehouse Parishes in northern Louisiana.

Wildlife and habitat

Eighteen miles long and up to ten miles (16 km) wide, the refuge consists of over convert|14500|acre|km2 of bottomland hardwood forest, convert|5000|acre|km2 of upland forest, convert|3000|acre|km2 of shrub/wooded swamp, convert|16000|acre|km2 of reforested farmland, and convert|2000|acre|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, 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.

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 convert|983|acre|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.

ee also

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References