Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Purpose

Waterfowl on Upper Hampton Lake

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1944, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” It was established by Public Land Order 243 “…as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife…”

Goals

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge management goals include the following, in order of importance:

Columnar basalt cliffs in the shrub-steppe

Provide habitat for migratory birds, especially ducks, geese, swans, and cranes, during the spring/fall staging and winter periods.

Protect and restore a diversity of native habits for indigenous fish, wildlife, and plants within the Columbia Basin ecoregion.

Protect, restore, and develop habitats for and otherwise support recovery of Federally-listed endangered and threatened species and help prevent the listing of species of management concern.

Provide high-quality opportunities for wildlife-dependant recreation and environmental education to enhance public appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of refuge fish, wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources.

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is in the process of developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) scheduled to begin in 2008. The goals for the Refuge will be re-addressed during this planning procedure.

National Wildlife Refuge System

The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. President Theodore Roosevelt established the Refuge System in 1903 by creating the first refuge. Today it continues to grow and currently includes over 540 refuges spanning nearly 100 million acres throughout the United Sates and its territories. Labeled “America’s best kept secret” it is the only network of Federal lands designated for the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats. All refuges, including Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, support the National Wildlife Refuge System mission:

“To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats with in the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”