Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge lies in Madison and Tensas parishes, along the Tensas River, a former channel of the Mississippi River. It protects one of the largest contiguous blocks of bottomland hardwood forest in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, with species such as water oak, overcup oak, and sweetgum. Seasonal flooding from the river and its tributaries creates a dynamic wetland mosaic of sloughs, oxbow lakes, and forested wetlands, which supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life.¹

The refuge is a vital wintering area for migratory waterfowl, hosting up to 200,000 ducks and geese annually. It is also a core habitat for the Louisiana black bear, a subspecies that was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act until 2016; the refuge is part of a corridor connecting bear populations. Other notable species include the bald eagle, swallow-tailed kite, and the alligator snapping turtle. Conservation efforts focus on restoring hydrology, controlling invasive species, and managing forest structure to benefit wildlife.²

The refuge offers hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography. A 5-mile auto tour route and several hiking trails provide access to the forest. The Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Louisiana Birding Trail, and a boardwalk overlooks an oxbow lake. Hunting for deer, turkey, and waterfowl is permitted in designated areas, and fishing is allowed in the river and lakes. The refuge also hosts educational programs and volunteer events.³

The refuge was established from land acquired through the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Act, which was championed by local conservationists and the Conservation Fund. It contains the site of the historic town of Somerset, which was abandoned in the 1930s. The refuge is also a stronghold for the rare Rafinesque's big-eared bat, and it supports one of the largest concentrations of the endangered pondberry plant. In 2016, the Louisiana black bear was delisted, in part due to the refuge's role in its recovery.⁴

Bottomland hardwood forest

A type of deciduous forest found in low-lying areas along rivers, subject to seasonal flooding.

Oxbow lake

A crescent-shaped lake formed when a river meander is cut off from the main channel.

Louisiana black bear

A subspecies of the American black bear native to Louisiana, formerly listed as threatened.