UPDATED May 10, 2024
ALERTS:
Jobs and Internships
- We are currently accepting applications for one permanent, full-time Wildland Firefighter (deadline to apply: May 17, 2024) and two Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Program Interns (deadline to apply: May 30, 2024). Please visit our Jobs and Volunteer Descriptions page to learn more about these opportunities!
Intermittent Closure of River Units starting Monday April 29, 2024
- There will be intermittent closures of various units on the Sacramento River NWR starting 4/29 for follow-up fuel reduction work. Crews will be starting at the Packer Unit and moving north through the River Refuge. Expect a sign at the gate if a unit is closed. Thank you for your patience, understanding and flexibility while we get this important work done!
Request for Scoping Comments for the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge for Management of Aquatic Invasive Plants
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is preparing a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential physical, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic effects associated with the management of aquatic invasive plants within and surrounding the Butte Sink Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Colusa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Delevan NWR, Sacramento NWR, Sacramento River NWR, Steve Thompson North Central Valley WMA, Sutter NWR, San Joaquin River NWR, San Luis NWR, Merced NWR, Grasslands WMA, and Stone Lakes NWR (hereto referred to as the “Covered Refuges”).
- View or download the full scoping letter here.
- The Service respectfully requests that you consider the proposed action and provide any comments and/or available information that you may have regarding resources within and adjacent to the Covered Refuges. At this time, we are seeking input to help identify the scope of issues and potential alternatives to be analyzed in the Draft EA, as well as regulatory concerns and any other relevant information. Please provide any comments in writing via email by 5:00 P.M. on May 25, 2024 to fw8plancomments@fws.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, please be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Visit Us
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is just one of the 5 National Wildlife Refuges and 3 Wildlife Management Areas that make up the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Colusa NWR offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors: a 3-mile driving tour, 1-mile walking trail, hunting, photography and more!
Find out more about Colusa NWR by exploring the menu to the left (desktop) or hamburger menu top-right (handheld device), or see our Plan Your Visit page (link below) to find everything the Complex has to offer.
PLAN YOUR VISIT <-- Click here to find all the information you need to visit the Complex.....
• ACTIVITIES
• visitor center
• auto tours
• trails
• photography
• bicycling
• hunting
• environmental education
• HOURS
• FEES AND PERMITS
• RULES AND POLICIES
• ACCESSIBILITY
• DIRECTIONS
• OTHER LOCAL INFORMATION
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located about 70 miles north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento and one mile southwest of the town of Colusa in Colusa County. The refuge consists of 5,077 acres consisting primarily of wetlands, with some grasslands and riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitats.
Click on the link below to learn more about us!
What We Do
- Resource Management
To help plants and wildlife, Refuge staff uses a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, recover or enhance plant and wildlife values. Refuge staff carefully consider any management techniques and employ them in varying degrees according to the situation.
- Conservation and Partnerships
The Complex is involved in many conservation endeavors, including Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Private Landowner Programs, and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act.
Click on the link below to learn more about what we do!
Our Organization
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997:The NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges, including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS Improvement Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according to its purpose.
Our Species
Colusa NWR regularly supports peak wintering populations of over 150,000 ducks and 60,000 geese. Thousands of waterfowl are present from September through March. Peak populations occur in December and January. Many birds including nesting wood ducks and mammals can be seen year-round.
Species and Habitats <-- Click here to learn more about our species and habitats!
Wildlife Checklist <-- Click here to view our Wildlife Checklist