Welcome!
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (MBR) lies in northern Utah, where the Bear River flows into the northeast arm of the Great Salt Lake. The Refuge protects the marshes found at the mouth of the Bear River; these marshes are the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Since these marshes are in turn surrounded by arid desert lands, it is little wonder that they have always been an oasis for waterfowl.
Bird Refuge Road to Reopen July 3
Work on the county road which provides access to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and its auto tour route is nearly complete for this year. The road will reopen to the public on July 3, and likely will remain open the rest of this year.Phase Two of the road project will begin this fall, but because the Refuge requires the road to be open to public access by September 15, it is doubtful any actual con-struction work will commence until early spring of 2010.
A small amount of shoulder work will be completed later this summer - delayed be-cause American Avocets took up residence, and are nesting on the newly created gravel areas. Construction crews will have to wait to complete the project until after young birds have hatched and moved away from the area.
Work on the sidewalk, bike path and driveway at the wildlife education center will continue into July. Please use caution when traveling through this area.
Guided Refuge tours will be provided by volunteers through July and August. Tours are offered on Wednesday and Thursday at 9:00 am and Saturday at 10:30 am. Each tour lasts approximately three hours. Details can be found on the Refuge web-site.
Refuge Managers and Federal Highway Officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as this large project continues.
More detailed information on programs and recreational opportunities can be found on the Refuge’s web site at: http://bearriver.fws.gov. You may also call the Refuge for information at (435) 723-5887.
Throughout the refuge's long, rich past, it has not only been an oasis for shorebirds and waterfowl, but many people find solitude viewing the winter sun setting over the Promontory Mountains, or by watching a pair of American avocets dancing in spring.
Last updated:
June 29, 2009
