Facilities and Activities:
| Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hunting | yes |
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Nearby Parks:
Big Lake State Wildlife Management Area
Hornersville Swamp State Wildlife Area
Warbler Woods State Natural Area
Saint Francis Sunken Lands State Wildlife Management Area
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| National Park Overview: |
 | 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.
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| Nature of the Area: |
| Fishing:
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. |
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| Related Links: |
| U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service | Southeast Region | Refuges - The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working with others, is to conserve, protect, and ... Refuge Other Refuges administered: Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge White River National ... | | Bird Checklists of the United States - Bird Checklists of the United States. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Manila, Arkansas. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located in northeast Arkansas, was established in 1915, and is the... | | Bird Checklists of the United States - ... by another Refuge or are one of several refuges included in a Refuge Complex. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge -- Manila, AR (Printed 3/86) Buffalo National River -- Harrison, AR (Updated 3/97 ... | | Arkansas Duck Guides, Big Lake Guide Service,LLC - Big Lake Guide Service, LLC. Duck hunting with a guide in the Mississippi Flyway Arkansas. ... Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge Missouri's season opens Nov. 22nd ... | | AGFC Wildlife Management Areas | Big Lake - ... area for wintering ducks and geese. The 12,161-acre Big Lake WMA is adjacent Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge. A 7,000 acre tract next to the NWR was purchased in 1950. The adjoining 5,161 acres ... |
| Directions: |
| Located in Mississippi County, AR, 18 miles west of the Mississippi River.
The refuge headquarters is located 2.5 miles east of Manila on Highway 18 and 15 miles west of Blytheville. The refuge is open year-round for daylight use only. Occasionally portions of the refuge may be closed due to flooding. Persons planning a visit to Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge should contact the headquarters at 870-564-2429 for the latest conditions. |
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