Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Addition

Mississippi is home to an extraordinary range of habitats—from hardwood forests to winding sloughs and bayous—and Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is one of its most remarkable places. Spanning 40,000 protected acres, the refuge offers visitors the chance to fish, experience the outdoors, and observe diverse wildlife. And now, even more people will be able to enjoy it thanks to a 981-acre addition that expands access and opens new areas to explore.

This southern expansion will shift the refuge boundary to a public road, unlocking 5.5 miles of public road access that previously didn’t exist. For visitors, that means easier entry into one of the state’s most iconic natural landscapes.

The addition will also provide 2 miles of new frontage along Lake George, giving anglers and wildlife enthusiasts fresh places to cast a line, watch birds, or simply take in the views. Plus, a few miles of neighboring lakes will now be accessible—creating even more opportunities for exploration, discovery, and connection to Mississippi’s great outdoors.