Delta National Wildlife Refuge
| Delta National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
| Location | Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana |
| Nearest city | Venice, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 29°15′00″N 89°12′00″W / 29.25000°N 89.20000°W |
| Area | 49,000 acres (200 km2) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | 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.