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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 812-273-0783 |
INTRODUCTION
Our mission is to preserve, conserve, and restore biodiversity and biological integrity for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
©Ron Austing
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is situated on approximately 50,000 acres in southeastern Indiana (MAP). Big Oaks NWR is the largest of the 3 national wildlife refuges in Indiana. Other refuges in Indiana include Muscatatuck NWR and Patoka Lake NWR. Click here (pdf file, 160 kb) for a pamphlet with information on Indiana's refuges.
Big Oaks NWR encompasses 50,000 acres in 3 counties (Jefferson, Jennings, and Ripley) and overlays that portion of the former Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) that lies north of the historic firing line. The Indiana Air National Guard operates an air-to-ground bombing range on the remaining 1,033 acres of the former proving ground north of the firing line and this property is surrounded by but not designated as part of the refuge.
JPG was established by the Army in 1940 as an ordnance testing installation and closed in 1995. Beginning in 1996, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managed the wildlife resources of JPG. Big Oaks NWR was established in June 2000 as an “overlay” national wildlife refuge through a 25-year real estate permit from the U.S. Army. As an overly refuge, the Army retains ownership and the FWS manages the property as Big Oaks NWR. It is now one of over 540 refuges in the country forming the National Wildlife Refuge System, a vast network of lands and waters set aside to be protected and managed for wildlife.
** Due to the past use-history of the property as an ordnance testing facility, all visitors must view a safety video and sign an Acknowledgement of Danger form annually prior to entering the refuge. The safety video can be observed and access permits purchased at the refuge office on public use days (Mondays, Fridays, and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month). During hunting seasons, the safety video will be shown at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM on public use days and the day before the hunt. Access Fees ($3 Daily and $15 Annual per person) are waived for those 15 or under or holders of Interagency Senior Passports ($10 for those 62 or older) or holders of Interagency Access Passport (for those permanently disabled) or holders of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. A Separate Hunting Fee ($10; $5 for holders of Senior Passports and Access Passports) is required for hunting.**
Big Oaks NWR hosts a variety of different habitat types, providing for a diversity of wildlife species. The refuge is unique in that it contains one of the largest contiguous forest blocks and grassland complexes in southeast Indiana, providing breeding habitat for a variety of rare birds. A landscape mosaic of habitats comprised of grasslands, shrubland, forests, and wetlands provides opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife species while visiting the refuge. Also offered are a host of other recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, birdwatching and field trips, wildlife photography, refuge tours, and hiking.
Big Oaks provides food and shelter for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Over 200 species of birds and 46 species of mammals are found on the refuge. Stream corridors and forested areas on Big Oaks provide excellent habitat for the federally-endangered Indiana bat, which uses the refuge for summer foraging, roosting, and rearing young. The refuge also supports breeding populations of the state-endangered river otter, that were re-established here in 1996. Over 600 pairs of state-endangered Henslow’s sparrows are estimated to breed in the large grasslands of Big Oaks. The refuge has been designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area” because of its value to Henslow’s sparrows and other migratory birds. Federally-threatened bald eagles are also known to use the refuge as a wintering site.
Wetland habitat areas, including the 165-acre Old Timbers Lake, are popular sites to view wildlife. New beaver impoundments are naturally increasing the number and diversity of wetlands found on the refuge. These areas are attractive to a wide variety of wildlife, including river otters, beaver, wading birds, wood ducks, and other waterfowl. A great blue heron nesting colony on the refuge supports over 100 nests. Migrating birds, including warblers, bald eagles, and osprey, may also be seen using these wetlands for feeding.
Habitat management activities at Big Oaks NWR are designed to benefit populations of native wildlife species, especially the declining species of grassland and forest-dwelling birds and animals. Goals for the refuge include enhancement of existing wetlands, management of grassland areas, and protection of late second growth forests, and wooded wetlands. The varied habitat types found on Big Oaks NWR contribute to the wide array of both resident and migratory species found on the refuge.
