Cypress Bayou Wildlife Management Area

Just 30 miles outside Arkansas’s largest city lies a hidden sanctuary of woods and wetlands teeming with life. Cypress Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA) offers a rare escape into the rhythms of the wild, all within reach of Little Rock’s busy metropolis. Here, thick forests and winding waterways welcome hunters, anglers, hikers, and wildlife watchers alike into a serene landscape.

This WMA has long been a haven for those seeking the call of the outdoors. Deer, duck, turkey, and small game roam the habitat, while bass, bream, and catfish swim the bayous and backwaters. And for those in search of quieter encounters—birdwatchers, photographers, paddlers, and hikers—Cypress Bayou offers a front-row seat to nature’s subtle wonders. But for years, access and space at the original 1,503-acre WMA couldn’t keep pace with growing public interest. With limited entrances and proximity to Arkansas’s most populated area, the need for expansion was clear.

So, in 2018, Trust for Public Land stepped in to help the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) grow Cypress Bayou by more than 65 percent. Through the addition of 975 acres to the north and west, the WMA expanded to approximately 2,638 acres—ushering in expanded accessibility and opportunity. A brand-new access point on the north side, previously out of reach, now welcomes foot and paddle-boat access, inviting more people to connect with this wild space.

This thoughtful expansion not only eased pressure on the existing grounds, but it also gave visitors more room to fish, hunt, and explore. By working with AGFC to protect more of Arkansas’s natural heritage, TPL helped unlock more of Cypress Bayou’s full potential as a beloved public landscape. As we continue advancing our Southern Wildlife Heritage Program, projects like this demonstrate how conservation can meet the needs of wildlife and bring people closer to nature—ensuring that the Southern outdoors remain a source of joy, wonder, and tradition for generations to come.