Baskett Slough
National Wildlife Refuge

Quick Facts about Baskett Slough

Date established: 1965.

Refuge Size : 2,492 acres (1,008.5 ha).

Location: Willamette Valley , Oregon in Polk County , 10 miles west of Salem .

Directions: An information and wildlife viewing kiosk is located on the north side of Highway 22 about 2 miles west of the intersection of Highways 22 and 99W. Maps and brochures that provide additional access information can be found at the kiosk.

 Address/Phone:

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

10995 Highway 22

Dallas , OR 97338-4882

Phone: 503-623-2749 Fax: 503-623-7812

Acquisition History:

Authority: Migratory Bird Conservation Act of February 18, 1929 (45 Stat. 1222) as amended (16 U.S.C. 715-715r).

Enabling Legislature: On February 19, 1963 , the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission authorized the establishment of the Refuge at areas to be located at traditional Canada goose concentration points in the Willamette Valley . Lands for the Refuge were purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the wetland loan fund, against revenue from the future sales of duck stamps, under authorization of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Purpose: ".for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds."

Refuge Name:

The Refuge was named for George J. Baskett, an early Willamette Valley settler, who was a thoroughbred horse breeder.

Refuge Objectives:

•  provide winter habitat for the dusky Canada goose and other migratory waterfowl

•  protect, restore and enhance populations of threatened and endangered species

•  maintain habitats for indigenous species and perpetuate natural diversity

•  provide for environmental education, research, and wildlife oriented recreation

Public Use Opportunities:

•  Hiking.

•  Wildlife observation.

•  Environmental education

•  Photography