The Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex is the largest refuge complex in the state of Mississippi . Over 100,000 acres (400 km ) of refuge lands on seven refuges, including 13,000 acres (53 km ) of refuge-managed Farmers Home Administration lands, provide vital habitat for fish and wildlife in the Delta region.
6-770: Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is one of seven refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Mississippi . Established in 1978, Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 38,697 acres (156.60 km). Included in those acres is one of the largest blocks (21,000 acres) of bottomland forest in the lower Mississippi River alluvial floodplain . The upland areas or ridges often crest at no more than one foot above swamp areas, and contain nuttall , willow and water oaks and other species while overcup oak , bitter pecan and ash dominate
12-689: The Mississippi Delta region. Refuge staff have reforested an additional 25,000 acres (100 km ) of former agricultural land, bringing the complex's total area of bottomland forest to 67,000 acres (270 km ). More than 60 species of trees are known to occur on the complex. The lowest areas on refuge lands contain bald cypress , buttonbush , and water tupelo , except on Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, where water tupelo does not occur. Other woody species in permanent or semi-permanent flooded areas include swamp privet , water elm , black willow and water locust . Prior to European settlement,
18-741: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service . Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex The complex includes seven refuges: The headquarters office for Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located on Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge. In January 2004, the Consolidated Appropriations Act changed the name of the Central Mississippi Refuges Complex to Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The legislation established two new refuges in
24-485: The Lower Mississippi Valley was covered with over 24 million acres (97,000 km ) of bottomland hardwood forest that supported a rich diversity of fish and wildlife species. Historically, the dominant forest type was oak-gum-cypress. Canebrakes covered the broader flats on slightly higher ground, forming extensive nearly pure stands beneath huge bottomland hardwood trees. Settlers began clearing
30-581: The complex – Holt Collier NWR and Theodore Roosevelt NWR, and included provisions to design and construct the Holt Collier Environmental Education and Interpretation Center in the south Delta region. The two new refuges were named to honor President Theodore Roosevelt and the legendary African-American sportsman and hunting guide, Holt Collier . Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex manages approximately 42,000 acres (170 km ) of bottomland hardwood forest in
36-716: The transition zone from swamp to upland. Additional habitat types consist of reforested and agricultural areas. In addition to providing resting and feeding areas for over 100,000 wintering waterfowl annually, the refuge also provides habitat for 200 species of neotropical migratory songbirds. Resident species making their home among the woodlands, sloughs , and reforested areas include the American alligator , white-tail deer , otter , swamp rabbit , wild turkey , squirrel , and other various small fur-bearers such as mink and raccoon . [REDACTED] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of
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