About Us

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge was authorized on June 26, 1990 under the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986. The refuge will eventually encompass 35,000 acres. Management emphasis is placed on acquiring land, restoring habitat and providing opportunities for the public to experience and learn about the Cache River Wetlands. Major habitats on the refuge include bottomland hardwood forest, cypress tupelo swamp, herbaceous wetlands, deep water habitats and canebrakes. Due to the ecological significance of this region, the wetlands on the refuge were designated a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.

The primary purposes of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge are to:

  1. Protect, restore and manage wetlands and bottomland forest habitats in support of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan
  2. Provide resting, nesting, feeding and wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds
  3. Protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats
  4. Provide for biodiversity
  5. Protect a National Natural Landmark National Natural Landmark
    The National Natural Landmarks Program preserves sites illustrating the geological and ecological character of the United States. The program aims to enhance the scientific and educational value of the preserved sites, strengthen public appreciation of natural history and foster a greater concern for the conservation of the nation’s natural heritage. The program was established in 1962 by administrative action under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. The first National Natural Landmarks were designated in 1963. Today, there are more than 600 National Natural Landmarks in 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    Learn more about National Natural Landmark
  6. Increase public opportunities for compatible recreation and environmental education

Our History

June 26, 1990 - The refuge was authorized under the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986