Magness Lake IBA is owned by a family that loves the wintering Trumpeter Swans. The property is 700 acres, though the area used by the swans is 60 acres. The lake is a remnant oxbow with a dike, and adjacent pastures and bottomland hardwoods. Specifically, it includes a lake, mature planted pine, buttonbush swamp, and fescue and Bermuda grass pasture. The land is privately owned but the public is welcomed to observe the swans. From the intersection of AR 110 and 25 in Heber Springs go east on 110 for 4 miles, turn left on Hays Road and drive 1/2 mile. http://www.ar.audubon.org/images/IBA/MagnessLake3.jpg

Magness Lake is the odd duck of Arkansas' IBA program that has been recognized for its beautiful swans. It supports the largest and oldest wintering population of Trumpeter Swans in the Southeast. Up to 98 birds per season makes this site important for restoration efforts. Pastureland adjacent to the pond provides forage. *You may feed the swans but please feed only shelled corn!* This is for the health and safety of the birds.

Grass Carp are competing with the Trumpeter Swans for aquatic vegetation. Supplemental feeding, which may have helped attract the swans initially, should be considered in a controlled supervised effort, with a long-term goal of working with the landowner to grow crops on the land surrounding the lake which will provide natural foods for the swans. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has developed a management plan. The proposed plan included removal of grass carp, reestablishment of aquatic plants preferred by swans, and farming of the hayfield to provide the agricultural crop foods utilized by the swans. In 2005 the land was sold to an owner who is interested in enhancing the property for swans and other birds. A neighbor has begun feeding the swans to try to attract them to his property across the street. However, on this private cattle ranch it is difficult for the public to view the swans. Excessive public visitation directly disturbs the birds; they will not approach the shore if too many people are present.