White River National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is home to four active bald eagle nests and a black bear population.

Within the refuge, the Sugarberry Natural Area includes a 973 acres (394 ha) old-growth bottomland hardwood forest of varied composition.

Later that year, the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that the White River NWR be expanded.

[8] The expansion would also be important for the preservation and restoration of Arkansas's "Big Woods," a floodplain forest of which less than 10 percent remains intact.

The proposed expansions, if fully implemented, would preserve almost 600,000 acres (2,400 km2) of land in the White River watershed.

At a dedication ceremony, Daniel M. Ashe, Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, said: The Service is proud to recognize the many contributions Senator Bumpers has made to give many future generations the same opportunity to enjoy Arkansas' natural beauty as we have had.

A map of White River National Wildlife Refuge, including areas proposed for expansion.
Old growth bald cypress forests are a feature of the National Wildlife Refuge.
A boardwalk, here flooded, and trails give access to refuge lands to hikers and bird watchers.