About Us
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 as an overlay project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Robert S. Kerr Reservoir.
The refuge protects a very unique habitat found within the Arkansas River flood plain that includes bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands. It provides habitat for many species of migratory birds and food and cover for other resident wildlife, like white-tailed deer, bobcat, beaver and the American bald eagle.
Within the refuge, ancient campsites dating as far back as 1100 AD serve as reminders of Native Americans that traveled through or lived in this area and depended on the Arkansas River. Before the arrival of European settlers, Caddoan and other cultures relied on this landscape for centuries. During America’s Civil War, the Arkansas River would serve as a historic boundary between Union and Confederate forces that found themselves stationed on opposing sides of the river.
Today, the 20,800-acre Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and the wildlife and habitat it protects are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the only national network of lands and waters managed for the benefit of wildlife.
Our Mission
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Our Purpose
Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. Refuges are special places where wildlife comes first. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.
The primary purpose of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is to provide sanctuary and breeding ground habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife species in addition to providing wildlife-dependent recreational activities for the visiting public.
Our History
December 11, 1970 – The refuge was established as an overlay project on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir that is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge is located in various tracts scattered throughout East Central and Northeastern Oklahoma and is approximately 4,200 acres. The refuge was established in 1980 to protect Federally listed threatened and endangered cave species such as the Ozark big-eared bat. Although Ozark Plateau is very different from Sequoyah in many ways, it is still under direct management of the Sequoyah Refuge Manager.