The area consists of 43,637 acres (17,659 ha), and is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The culmination of events that eventually led to the existence of wildlife management areas in the Basin in general and the Shereburne Complex in particular began after the Great Flood of 1844 and 1851.

The result was the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway system, channelization (Whiskey Bay cutoff), and bank stabilization projects.

In 1972 the Louisiana Legislature enacted act 365 that established the Atchfalaya Basin Division, within the Department of Public Works.

The three combined areas offer ATV trails, two campgrounds, a shooting range and boat launches.

[7] An area of 15,220 acres (61.6 km2), set aside as a National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1986, is part of the complex.

All persons older than 16 or younger than 60 using wildlife management areas in the state of Louisiana, including the refuge, for any reason other than just traveling LA 975 must purchase a Wild Louisiana Stamp, hunting, or fishing license, or pay a daily charge of $2.00.

[8] The combined area of the Sherburne Complex is part of the Atchafalaya Basin, the nation's largest river swamp, containing almost one million acres (4,000 km2).

Currently, the Atchafalaya Basin is bound by natural ridges formed by levee building along active and abandoned courses of the Mississippi River.

Since 2001 and the controversy over road tree right-of-way clear cutting for oil wells, many agencies and organizations give input, oversight, and management assistance to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries concerning the protection and future of the complex.