Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
Approximately 3,000 acres (12 km) of the refuge are open to the public during daylight hours. The remaining acreage will open after clean-up of environmental contaminants has been completed. The facility has a small, two-person staff with an annual budget of US$250,000. Plans call for a budget of approximately US$900,000 with a ten-person staff. The Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge also administers the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge.
Topography
The Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge is located on the former military training grounds of Fort McClellan. The refuge is located on the Choccolocco mountain range, in the southern portion of Ridge and Valley of the Appalachians. It is a part of the Talladega National Forest.
Wildlife and protected species
The refuge serves as a home to multiple endangered species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, the gray bat, plus 21 species of fauna which are considered rare.
Plant species warranting special attention include the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), the white fringeless orchid, and 11 species of flora which are considered rare.
Facilities
The Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge is a relatively new wildlife refuge, and as such has not yet developed any sizable tourist facilities. A single information kiosk for hunters is located at the junction of Bain's Gap Road and Ridge Road South. Additionally, part of the reserve is closed to the general public pending environmental cleanup. Otherwise, there are limited opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation at the refuge.
See also
References
- ^ "National Wildlife Refuges - Acres by State and Unit" (PDF). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved September 6, 2016.