Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Delta National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Delta National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Delta National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
LocationPlaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Nearest cityVenice, Louisiana
Coordinates29°15′00″N 89°12′00″W / 29.25000°N 89.20000°W / 29.25000; -89.20000
Area49,000 acres (200 km2)
Established1935
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsiteDelta National Wildlife Refuge
Map
Delta National Wildlife Refuge

The Delta National Wildlife Refuge is located 10 miles (16 km) east of Venice, Louisiana along the Mississippi River. The area formed when a breach in the natural levee of the Mississippi River occurred in 1862 approximately 100 miles (160 km) below New Orleans, Louisiana. The 48,000-acre (190 km2) refuge was purchased in 1935 with the primary purpose to provide sanctuary and habitat to wintering waterfowl. Access is by boat only.