Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

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Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
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Location Haskell, Muskogee, Sequoyah counties, Oklahoma, United States
Nearest city Vian, Oklahoma
Coordinates 35°26′30″N95°01′01″W / 35.44176°N 95.01689°W / 35.44176; -95.01689 Coordinates: 35°26′30″N95°01′01″W / 35.44176°N 95.01689°W / 35.44176; -95.01689 [1]
Area20,800 acres (84 km2)
Established1970
Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website Sequoya National Wildlife Refuge

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds and to provide food and cover for resident wildlife. It contains 20,800 acres (8,400 ha) on the western edge of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir in three Oklahoma Counties: Muskogee, Haskell and Sequoyah. The refuge was named in honor of Sequoyah, a Cherokee who developed an alphabet for the Cherokee language. [2]

Wildlife undomesticated organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans

Wildlife traditionally refers to undomesticated animal species, but has come to include all organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, forests, rain forests, plains, grasslands and other areas including the most developed urban areas, all have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that much wildlife is affected by human activities.

Robert S. Kerr Reservoir

Robert S. Kerr Reservoir is located within the Cookson Hills, on the Arkansas River in Sequoyah, Le Flore, Haskell, and Muskogee counties in eastern Oklahoma, US. It is about eight miles south of the nearest major town, Sallisaw, Oklahoma. The reservoir is impounded by Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam at river mile 336.2 on the Arkansas River, just a few miles below its confluence with the Canadian River. The lock and dam are part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, which provides for barge navigation on the Arkansas River and some of its tributaries. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the locks and navigation system.

Muskogee County, Oklahoma county in Oklahoma

Muskogee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2010 census, the population was 70,990. The county seat is Muskogee. The county and city were named for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The official spelling of the name was changed to Muskogee by the post office in 1900.

Contents

Description

The refuge's land includes grasslands, bottom lands, river bluffs, and hardwood forests. The refuge manages a cooperative farming project that raises wheat, corn and soybeans on 3,000 acres (1,200 ha). Part of the crops are not harvested each year in order to attract more wildlife. Native animals include bobcat, muskrat, rabbit and deer. Hunting of geese, ducks and small game is allowed in certain areas and seasons. A special permit is required for deer hunting at specified dates. [2]

About half of the refuge is covered by water. This attracts migratory birds such as mallards and snow geese. Fishing, primarily for bass, crappie and catfish, is allowed. [2]

The refuge has issued a list of 256 bird species that have been seen more than twice within its borders. Hence, this is a popular venue for bird watchers. [2] A complete list of bird species can be seen on the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service Web page for Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge..

Wildflowers in the refuge attract monarch butterflies during their annual migrations. [2]

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References

  1. ↑ "Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 O'Dell, Larry. Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. "Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge." Retrieved May 26, 2012.
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