Dennis Sharp, formerly refuge manager of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Ullin, Illinois, is now manager of
Prior to his position at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Sharp was refuge manager at the Central Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Marksville, Louisiana. That complex includes Grand Cote and Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuges. He also has served as deputy project leader at Central Arkansas Refuge Complex in Augusta, helping to oversee Cache River and Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuges.
"I?m excited and honored to have the opportunity to return to Arkansas as the manager of White River National Wildlife Refuge," said Sharp. "It is certainly one of the jewels in the refuge system and is located in one of the most resource rich areas in the country.?
A native of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Sharp holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in wildlife biology from Murray State University in Kentucky. Prior to joining the Service, Sharp worked as a wildlife biologist and as a wildlife supervisor at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Land Between the Lakes.
In his spare time, Sharp enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, traveling, and watching college basketball.
Established in 1935, White River National Wildlife Refuge hosts the largest concentration of wintering mallard ducks in the Mississippi Flyway. The 160,000-acre refuge is located in Desha, Monroe, Arkansas, and Phillips counties. Ninety of the lower 100 miles of the White River are located within the refuge's boundaries. More than 150,000 visitors annually enjoy nature trails, fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife observation and photography at the refuge.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. To learn more about the Service, visit
