Sipsey River
Bottomland Hardwood Acquisition

Purpose: To acquire and protect 153 acres of bottomland hardwood habitat adjacent to the Forever Wild Sipsey River Tract (2,800 acres). This project provides valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl along the Sipsey River. In addition, bottomland hardwoods provide benefits to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous species of wading birds and neotropical migrant songbirds. This project will enlarge the Forever Wild Sipsey River Tract, thus increasing its likelihood for designation as a state-owned and operated Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Future plans to improve waterfowl habitat include restoration of wetlands in the bottomland hardwoods through construction of levees and installation of water control structures. The WMA would be managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to maintain high quality bottomland hardwood habitat for waterfowl and big game species, while providing public hunting opportunities.

Location: Approx. 6 miles west of Tuscaloosa, AL (Tuscaloosa County)

Acres Impacted: 153 acres

Habitat Type: Bottomland Hardwoods

Partners: Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust
Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline: Acquisition was completed in summer 2002

DU Contact: Chris Cole
Director of Conservation Programs Alabama
193 Business Park Drive, Suite E
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 206-5446
ccole@ducks.org