Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Phillips County, Arkansas, the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses a large expanse of seasonally flooded bottomland hardwood forests formed by the St. Francis River’s historic floodplain. This WMA represents one of the largest tracts of natural wetlands in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, featuring sloughs, bayous, cypress-tupelo swamps, and bottomland hardwood forests dominated by oaks, gums, and hickories. Its complex network of waterways supports diverse wetland habitats that provide critical refuge for waterfowl, deer, small mammals, and a variety of migratory birds. Historically, these sunken lands are remnants of the St. Francis River’s old channels, flooded seasonally and managed for optimal wildlife habitat. Visitors to the area can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish along its bayous, as well as hunting opportunities during regulated seasons for ducks and deer. Wildlife watching and photography are popular pursuits due to the abundance of native fauna, including herons, egrets, and bald eagles. While not a heavily developed recreation area, the WMA offers primitive access with boat ramps and wildlife observation points. The area’s remote and tranquil environment attracts anglers and birders looking for a natural experience tied to the rich aquatic and forest ecosystems of the Mississippi Delta. Its marshy landscape also plays an important ecological role in flood control and water quality improvement within the greater Mississippi River watershed.
