Welcome
One of over 500 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States,
Bear Lake Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and manage habitat
for waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Bear Lake Refuge is located in southeast Idaho, seven miles south
of Montpelier.
Surrounded by mountains, it lies in Bear Lake Valley at an elevation
ranging from 5,925 feet on the marsh to 6,800 feet on the rocky slopes
of Merkley Mountain. The refuge office is located in the town of
Montpelier.
Summers at Bear Lake are cool with temperatures seldom exceeding
90 degrees. At night, summer temperatures generally drop below 50
degrees. From mid-November through mid-April, snow and ice cover
the refuge. Annual precipitation varies from 10 to 12 inches.
Special News
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan Released--Comments Due by October 29, 2012
The Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment for Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Oxford Slough Waterfowl Production Area is available for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/EA and Planning Update 3, which contains summaries of management alternatives, are available at:
http://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning/main/docs/ID/docsbearlake.htm
Comments are due to us by October 29, 2012. You may submit written comments, or request CDs or hard copies of these documents, by any of the following methods:
Mail:
Annette deKnijf
Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Box 9
Montpelier, Idaho 83254-0009
Phone: (208) 847-1757
Email: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov
(Please include "Bear Lake NWR DCCP/EA" in the subject line.)
Proposed Bear River Watershed Conservation Area Planning
Regions 6 and 1 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are undertaking an exciting planning process that spans the Bear River Watershed. Please click on the following link for more information and public meeting dates.
http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/planning/lpp/ut/brr/brr.html
Invasive Species
- Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) Stickers are now required on boats operating in the waters of Idaho, including Bear Lake NWR.
- This fund is used for programs to prevent the introduction of invasive aquatic species (like Quagga and Zebra mussels) in Idaho.
- Please go to the following website for more information and to order stickers: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/idahoinvasivespeciesfund.aspx
Please come and enjoy YOUR refuge!
