South Branch Wildlife Management Area
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)[1]
Map showing the location of South Branch Wildlife Management Area
Map showing the location of South Branch Wildlife Management Area
Location of South Branch Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia
LocationWest Virginia, United States
Coordinates39°08′48″N 78°54′54″W / 39.14667°N 78.91500°W / 39.14667; -78.91500
Area1,092 acres (4.42 km2)[2]
Elevation915 ft (279 m)[3]
WebsiteWVDNR District 2 Wildlife Management Areas

The South Branch Wildlife Management Area is 1,092 acres (4.42 km2)[2] of mixed oak-hickory woodlands and pastures in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, West Virginia, USA. The South Branch WMA consists of four separate tracts (McNeill, Bridge, Trough Club, and Sector) along the South Branch Potomac River around and south of the river gorge known as The Trough. It is known throughout the region for its dove, squirrel, deer, and wild turkey hunting. The WMA is owned by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Invasive species

The air-breathing northern snakehead (Channa argus), a species of fish native to East Asia, has recently been reported[4][5] in the lower Potomac River. Although no snakeheads have been detected in West Virginia, this invasive species from northern China had been declared a threat to the state's aquatic ecosystem. Federal law prohibits transport of snakeheads across state lines.[6] Anyone who catches this fish when visiting the South Branch WMA should carefully note the catch location, kill the fish by cutting or bleeding, and contact a WVDNR district biologist.[7] The snakehead should not be released back into the Potomac River or any tributary.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "South Branch Wildlife Management Area". Protected Planet. IUCN. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  2. 1 2 "West Virginia DNR - District 2 Wildlife Management Areas". West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on 2016-07-09. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  3. ↑ "South Branch Wildlife Management Area". Elevation Query. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  4. ↑ Whoriskey, Peter (May 18, 2004). "3rd Snakehead Taints the Potomac". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  5. ↑ Fahrenthold, David A. Potomac Fever Washington Post, Page W12, 2007-07-08. Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
  6. ↑ WV Division of Natural Resources Snakehead web page, retrieved April 22, 2008
  7. ↑ U.S Fish and Wildlife Service snakehead brochure, retrieved April 22, 2008
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