Hazen Migratory Bird Field Office, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Hazen, Arkansas Field Office Question and Answers:

What are the benefits of seasonally flooded croplands, such as those provided by the Arkansas Partners Project, to the landowner, the environment, and waterfowl?
Controlled flooding of agricultural lands during the winter can reduce soil erosion, decrease weed control and crop production costs, enhance soil qualities, and increase recreational opportunities. Additionally, controlled winter flooding improves water quality by reducing turbidity and the amount of agricultural chemicals discharged into local streams
What are some of the characteristics of the Cache and Lower White Rivers Ecosystem in eastern Arkansas that make it such an important environmental area?
This ecosystem contains the largest expanse of forested wetlands remaining on any tributary within the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, approximately 350,000 acres. It serves as a critical breeding, migration, and wintering area for waterfowl and neo-tropical birds, harbors the largest population of native black bears remaining in the south-central states, and is the single most important wintering area for mallards in north America. Fortunately, a large proportion of the Cache and Lower White Ecosystem is in Service ownership, with White River and Cache River National Wildlife Refuges comprising a combined area of about 198,000 acres.

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