Reelfoot and Lake Isom

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Reelfoot and Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuges Introduction and History Unmatched anywhere in The lure and beauty of Reelfoot Lake make it a captivating place, known the world, the National not only for its rich fish and wildlife resources, but also for its unique This blue goose, origin and natural history. Wildlife Refuge System designed by “Ding” Darling, During the winter of 1811, time is an extensive network has become a momentarily stopped in the central symbol of the Mississippi River valley as the earth of lands and waters Refuge System. suddenly began to shake and violently move about. The once peaceful woodlands rolled like ocean waves protected and managed and landslides covered many rivers and streams. A great depression was especially for wildlife formed in northwest Tennessee and the waters of the Mississippi River and its habitat. Refuges filled the sunken area. Thus, Reelfoot stretch across the U.S. Lake, as presently known, from above the Arctic was formed as a result of one of the most violent Circle in Alaska to the earthquakes recorded in subtropical waters of North America. Numerous the Florida Keys and shocks were recorded from December, 1811 beyond to the Caribbean to February, 1812 and aftershocks and South Pacific. The were recorded Dave Menke for several decades. The formation National Wildlife Refuge of Reelfoot Lake created a valuable wetland area which became a haven for many wildlife species, attracting System is managed by the hunters and outdoorsmen such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Reelfoot and Lake Isom National Service, which protects Wildlife Refuges Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern portion of and manages over 560 Reelfoot Lake, which lies within the northwest corner of Tennessee and refuges for wildlife and southwest corner of Kentucky. The Refuge was established in 1941 under for people to enjoy. the terms of a lease and cooperative cover photo: agreement with the State of Norm Nelson Tennessee. Additional land purchases is through a cooperative farming extended the Refuge into Kentucky program which allows local farmers to its present 10,428 acres. to plant agricultural crops on Refuge lands on a crop share basis. The Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge Refuges’ share, normally corn, is left was established by Executive Order unharvested in the field and then in 1938 and lies three miles south flooded to provide high energy food of Reelfoot Lake. The Refuge’s for wintering waterfowl. 1,846 acres of open water, forested wetlands, and croplands resemble the The Refuges also manage moist soil larger Reelfoot Refuge. Its wildlife USFWS impoundments for the production of resources and management are also natural foods including smartweeds similar. and wild millet. The seasonal manipulation of water levels within Due to the these impoundments stimulates the proximity to the growth of natural seed bearing plants Mississippi River which are important for providing a and being located balanced nutritional diet necessary in its former for the spring reproduction process. floodplain, these Refuges serve as Waterfowl a major stopover The Refuges and surrounding Lake point and provide major wintering, migrating, wintering area and production areas for waterfowl for waterfowl of in the southeast. Ducks, primarily the Mississippi mallards, gadwall, American widgeon, Flyway. Reelfoot and ring-necked ducks begin arriving and Lake Isom in October. Blue-winged teal can be seen as early as September. The USFWS National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), along with many mallard population can peak around other refuges along the Mississippi 150,000 in midwinter. The wood duck, flyway, work together to achieve a a summer resident, nests in large common goal: to provide high quality numbers at Reelfoot Lake during the habitat for waterfowl and other spring and summer period. migratory birds. Bald Eagles Refuge management includes Reelfoot Lake has long been known forest management, protection and for its large wintering population enhancement of wetlands, production of bald eagles. Normally 100-200 of waterfowl foods through managed bald eagles spend their winter at croplands, and manipulation of native Reelfoot Lake. The majestic birds vegetation in shallow wetlands, along are primarily fish eaters, but also with managing the water levels of prey on waterfowl and other wildlife. Reelfoot Lake. Eagles nested regularly in the area until 1963. The environmental effects The primary purpose of Reelfoot of DDT contamination in the 1950’s NWR and Lake Isom NWR is and 60’s caused a nationwide decline to provide habitat for migratory in eagle populations, prompting its birds with a specific emphasis on listing as an Endangered Species. providing food and sanctuary for In 1988 a nesting population became wintering waterfowl. One method reestablished on Reelfoot Lake as a these Refuges use to provide food result of a successful eagle hacking release program. Since then, local and REELFOOT & LAKE ISOM National Wildlife Refuges 0 Miles 1 0 Kilo 1 N KENTUCKY TENNESSEE ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı Illinois Central System ı ı ı ı ı 78 REELFOOT 94 ı National Wildlife Refuge ı ı ı ı Tiptonville ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı ı LONG POINT 1282 UNIT Up per Blue Basin KENTUCKY Walnut TENNESSEE GRASSY ISLAND Log 311 21 UNIT 157 22 R ee LAKE ISOM lfo National Wildlife Refuge ot Lake 21 To Union City 22 Samburg Refuge Boundary Refuge Roads Refuge Headquarters Boat /canoe launch Observation Tower Hiking Trail Handicapped Access Wildlife Drive Backyard/Watchable Wildlife Habitat Showcase Seasonally Closed Area All Public Access prohibited November 15–March 15 Waters Closed To Public Access All Public Access prohibited November 15–January 31 Waters Closed to Public Access All Public Access prohibited November 15–March 15 national populations Wildlife Observation have increased or Brochures describing public use, stabilized, and the bald access, and checklists for birds, eagle was delisted in mammals, amphibians, and reptiles 2007. are available. Public Use Hunting and Fishing Reelfoot and Hunting and fishing are permitted on Lake Isom NWRs a seasonal basis. Consult the Refuges’ provide interpretive, USFWS Public Use Regulations brochure for educational, and wildlife further information. recreation opportunities USFWS for the visiting public. Observation Towers Two observation towers are available All of Reelfoot and Lake Isom to the public year-round at Reelfoot NWRs are open to the public from NWR: one on the Grassy Island March 16-November 14 for fishing Auto Tour and the other in the main and wildlife observation, with the entrance to the Long Point Unit. exception of the waters of Grassy An observation tower at Lake Isom Island, which are open to the public NWR is also available to the public from February 1-November 14. year-round. Hunting is also permitted within specific seasons. Public boat launches Hiking Trails are available for lake access and The Grassy Island hiking trail is Refuge roads provide access to upland located at approximately the halfway portions of the Refuge. point of the Auto Tour. The half-mile gravel/boardwalk semicircle exits on Visitor Center/Office the Auto Tour for a short trip back to The Reelfoot NWR Visitor Center the parking area. contains a number of displays describing refuge wildlife and historic USFWS The Backyard Habitat Trail is located events in the Reelfoot area and is at the Visitor Center. open daily from 8am – 4pm, except for federal holidays. Canoe/Kayak Trails Grassy Island Auto Tour The Glory Hole Trail, which is located A self-guided wildlife drive is on the Grassy Island Refuge unit, is open available on the Grassy Island Unit. February 1-November 14. The Goose The drive is open year-round during Pen Trail and West Boat House Trail, daylight hours. A boardwalk with an which are located at Long Point Refuge observation platform awaits visitors unit, are open from March 16-November at the end of the drive. Additional 14. Due to water level fluctuations, some Refuge roads are seasonally open for canoe trails may not be fully accessible wildlife recreational pursuits. during the open season. Please contact the Reelfoot NWR Visitor Center for Boat Access water level information and other canoe Boating on Refuge waters is probably trail questions. the best way to experience the Refuge. Several public and commercial boat Accessibility for the Disabled ramps are available on or adjacent to The Visitor Center is fully accessible the Refuge. Only boat motors with 10 for the disabled, as are the main trail horsepower or less are permitted at of the Backyard Habitat Showcase, Lake Isom NWR. the Grassy Island hiking trail, and Emergent and floating aquatic the boardwalk at the end of the vegetation are blooming. Annual Grassy Island Auto Tour. youth fishing rodeo is held at the Visitor Center ponds. Environmental Calendar of Wildlife Events education programs are offered January USFWS weekly throughout the month. Waterfowl concentrations of up to 150,000 ducks and 50,000 geese can July be observed. Guided eagle tours are Environmental education programs offered. are offered weekly throughout the month. Paul Hamilton Paul February Bald eagle population is at its peak in August the Reelfoot Lake area. Cold weather Refuge squirrel season opens on the crappie fishing is going strong. Jon R. Nickles fourth Saturday of the month. Grassy Island unit is open for fishing on the first.

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