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Friends of Felsenthal NWR PO Box 932 Crossett, AR 71635 Refuge Phone: 870-364-3167
Current users of Felsenthal NWR understand that we are blessed with a wonderful resource one that would not be here without the management, guidance and forethought of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. On February 22nd, the FWS released a proposed expansion plan for Felsenthal and Upper Ouachita refuges and is currently taking public comments. The Draft Land Protection Plan for Felsenthal and Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuges identifies up to 50,459 acres between the two refuges for possible boundary expansion (See map). The land consists of upland pine and bottomland hardwood forests in Union, Bradley, and Ashley counties in Arkansas, and Morehouse Parish in Louisiana. If fully realized, the plan would allow for the conservation of over 173,000 contiguous acres of wildlife habitat and the protection of over 58 miles of the Ouachita River. The FWS has several objectives for expanding the refuges. One of the most obvious is to protect additional habitat from development or conversion to uses harmful to wildlife. When one thinks of either of these two refuges, our first thoughts usually go towards fish and waterfowl. The refuges contain a vast array of sloughs, creeks, lakes and, of course, the Ouachita and Saline Rivers. Fishing is the most popular activity on the refuges. The refuges are also a combination of waterfowl sanctuary lands where ducks, geese and other birds can roost and rest during their long migrations and thousands of acres of huntable property where sportsmen and women can call and decoy woodies, greenheads, teal and gadwall (and other species).
Expansion plans include 18,489 acres in Louisiana (orange) and 31,970 in Arkansas (red). Current refuge lands in yellow. The benefits we all gain from these refuges extend much further than the open waters and wetlands. Local sportsmen and women also enjoy hunting the refuges abundant white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey and small game species. The refuges offer unique opportunities to anyone with the proper license and permit to pursue game in beautiful mature pine and hardwood forests managed specifically by FWS foresters and biologists to provide high quality wildlife habitat. The values of an expanded refuge are not limited to game species. The refuges are home to critters from tree
frogs to ospreys, from opossums to alligators and from beavers to woodpeckers. The continuity of habitat types, from open waters to bottomland hardwood to upland pine along a these river corridors is irreplaceable and the opportunity to expand the refuges is one we should support. Expansion of the refuges will enhance the FWSs ability to do large-scale projects that are unique to south Arkansas and north Louisiana. For example, the brush control, thinning and prescribed burning work done by the Service to improve habitat for the endangered redcockaded woodpecker also creates essential habitat for bobwhite quail and turkey. And the protected river corridor along the Saline and Ouachita Rivers not only safeguards water quality for area fishermen, but also allows species who require massive home ranges, like the black bear, to successfully become established. The expansion of the refuge will continue to build upon the refuges ability to attract sportsmen and women who spend money that supports the local economy. In a 2006 survey, it was reported that over 400,000 people visit Felsenthal Refuge annually and have a tremendous economic impact.
Friends of Felsenthal
Friends of Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1996 by a group of local citizens from Ashley, Union and Bradley Counties in southcentral Arkansas. The primary purposes of the Friends include generating funds to support programs and activities on the refuge and to assist in the recruitment of refuge volunteers. If you have a friend or family member who hunts, fishes, boats, or enjoys watching wildlife on the refuge, please encourage them to become members of Friends of Felsenthal.
New members will receive a Friends tote bag and other Friends gifts.
FoF President Richard Stich with happy Hamburg Scouts who won $250 for their hard work.
Ashley County 4-H poses with their collection from the Jones Lake area.
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge Felsenthal has a unique variety of habitats creating a living mosaic. Starting in the uplands, the refuge contains thousands of acres of natural pine stands, inhabited by turkey, quail and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. As you move closer to the river, pine gives way to bottomland hardwood home to raccoon and pileated woodpeckers. In the lowest forests are majestic stands of baldcypress and tupelo gum and some of the worlds premier wintering waterfowl habitat. Bass, crappie and bream fishing duck, deer and turkey hunting these pursuits are probably what the refuge is best known for but the area is also a wonderful resource for birding, canoeing and nature study. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is an exceptional resource right in our own backyard. We, at the Friends of Felsenthal hope that you will join and support us as we try to help the refuge fulfill its mission. Friends of Felsenthal Friends of Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1996 by a group of local citizens from Ashley, Union and Bradley Counties in south-central Arkansas. The primary purposes of the Friends include generating funds to support programs and activities on the refuge and to assist in the recruitment of refuge volunteers. Funds from the Friends are generated by membership fees, donations, grants and revenues from sales. All members are invited to attend regularly scheduled meetings with refuge personnel and participate in events and projects.