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Arkansas
62

State of Arkansas Parks

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USA Parks
Arkansas
Mississippi Valley Delta Region
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge © U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, AR. Credit Jeremy Bennett/USFWS
Mockingbird © stateparks.com
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BIG LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
BIG LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
2274 Arkansas 18
Manila, Arkansas   72442
(lat:35.9135 lon:-90.1176) map location

Phone: 870-564-2429
Email: park email button icon
Big Lake NWR was established in 1915 to provide habitat and protection for migrating and wintering birds and is recognized as an important link in the Mississippi migration corridor. Over the years the objectives of the refuge have expanded to include protection for endangered species. Big Lake was important in the recovery of the bald eagle from its endangered status. Eagles came back to nest on the refuge in 1989 and have annually raised young since 1993. Also, since most of the bottomland hardwood forests have disappeared, it has become more important to preserve and restore this habitat for the wide variety of wildlife it supports.

Once a free-flowing river system, Big Lake NWR was changed to a lake / swamp ecosystem by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12. Big Lake today consists primarily of wooded swamps and open water. The lake is shallow with an average depth of three feet and is bordered by a virgin cypress-tupelo swamp with some black willow and buttonbush. Smartweed, American lotus and water lily characterize the herbaceous wetland plants. Tree species on higher ground include cottonwood, green ash, hackberry, red maple, sycamore, river birch and a variety of oaks.

Due to the fact that Big Lake NWR is an oasis of bottomland hardwood in an agriculturally developed area, 6,400 acres are designated as a National Natural Landmark and 2,100 acres of the Natural Landmark are included in the Wilderness Preservation System.

The refuge annually winters several species of waterfowl. Peak numbers in January and February can exceed 200,000. Wood ducks are year-round residents and annually raise approximately 2,500 young in natural cavities and nest boxes. Over 225 bird species have been observed on the refuge and recorded by visiting ornithologists. Other wildlife to look for are beavers, otters, raccoons, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, bobcat and the occasional armadillo.

Nature of the Area
Fishing:

A commercial fishing program exists for rough fish.

Hunting:

No waterfowl hunting is permitted on Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge. For information on waterfowl hunting on the adjacent Big Lake Wildlife Management Area, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 1/877 5438.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes




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Directions
Big Lake NWR is located in northeast Arkansas adjacent to the bootheel of Missouri. From Blytheville, travel west on State Highway 18 approximately 15 miles. From Jonesboro, travel east on State Highway 18 approximately 35 miles. Headquarters is located on the north side of the highway. Various directional signs are located along the route.

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Arkansas
62

State of Arkansas Parks

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