Our Mission

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge was established with the purpose of conserving, maintaining, and managing the wildlife, resources, and habitat within the refuge, as well as protection of endangered or threatened species. Felsenthal NWR is operated under the following management objectives:

  • Provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and other birds; 
  • Provide habitat and protection for endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, the threatened American alligator, and the protected bald eagle; 
  • Provide recreation and environmental education for the public; and
  • Protect cultural resources

Our History

Felsenthal NWR was established in 1975 as mitigation for the creation of the U.S. Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Ouachita and Black Rivers Navigation Project and Felsenthal Lock and Dam.

Other Facilities in this Complex

A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas, or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure
because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.