Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in southern Arkansas, United States.
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area where the Saline and Ouachita Rivers meet, creating a landscape of wetlands, lakes, creeks, and forests. This diverse terrain supports numerous wildlife species and plant communities across its extensive grounds.
The refuge was established to replace wildlife habitats lost to a dam and river navigation project in the same region. This environmental compensation effort helped preserve an important ecosystem for future decades.
The refuge protects more than 200 Native American archaeological sites, mainly of Caddo origin, including remains of seasonal fishing camps, ceremonial plazas, temple mounds and large villages. All of these sites are closed to the public to prevent degradation, so visitors cannot enter or view them.
The refuge lies on the confluence of the Saline and Ouachita Rivers in Ashley, Bradley and Union counties, about 16 km west of Crossett. Its roughly 15,000 acres of water can double to over 36,000 acres during heavy flooding, so check water levels before setting out by boat. The 200-plus Native American archaeological sites are closed to the public.
The refuge is home to a rare woodpecker species that is federally protected and nests in old trees throughout the area. Notably, the water level transforms dramatically with the seasons, flooding large portions of the landscape at certain times of year.
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