This area — a wide wetland habitat fed by the overflowing Mississippi River — has been called the cradle of North American cultural development due to the role its abundant natural resources played in supporting an extensive prehistoric Indian population. At one time, it was a vast and unbroken reach of hardwood forest choking with plant, animal, and fish life. It was also subject to regular floods that have continued, although modern levee systems now largely keep them in check.

Due to changes in the surrounding lands and the subsequent desire to protect this unique example of a deltaic floodplain ecosystem, Delta National Forest is heavily managed. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan is helping to restore and control waterfowl populations; the Green Ash, Sweetgum, and Overcup Research Natural Areas shelter groves of large old trees from timbering; and wildlife management areas are helping keep a tab on the forest's plentiful native species. One thing is certain: This is a forest that still feels like a forest.

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