Refuge Quick Facts

USFWS Photo

Merry Maxwell, Refuge Manager

Pahranagat NWR
Box 510
Alamo, NV 89001
Email Address: merry_maxwell@fws.gov
Refuge Phone: 775/725-3417
Fax: 775/725-3389

Quick Refuge Facts

• Established: August 16, 1963.
• Acres: 5,380 acres located in Lincoln County, NV.
• Location: The refuge is located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Travel to the Refuge from Las Vegas on Highway 93 North, turning west at the refuge sign.
• The refuge was established to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
• The refuge is an important stopping point for waterfowl and other migratory birds as they migrate.
• Refuge habitat ranges from cattail marshes to arid Mojave desert uplands.
• Primary public use at the refuge consists of wildlife observation, hunting in the fall, camping, and picnicking.

Financial Impact of Refuge

• 2 - person staff.
• Over 32,000 visitors annually.
• Annual budget (Fiscal Year 2004) $239,018 (Includes 1 time budget allocations).

Refuge Objectives

• Provide high quality migration and wintering habitat for migrating birds, with emphasis on waterfowl.
• Restore wetland and desert upland habitats to what was found on the refuge over 100 years ago.
• Provide opportunities for quality, wildlife dependent recreation, education, and research to enhance public appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of refuge fish, wildlife, and habitats.

Management Tools

• Waterfowl management.
• Wetland and desert upland habitat restoration.
• Marsh/spring restoration/management.
• Water level/water quality programs.
• Prescribed burning.
• Mechanical and chemical control of exotic and noxious plants.
• Education/interpretation.
• Research program.
• Volunteer/student intern program.

Public Use Opportunities

• Hunting
• Fishing
• Wildlife observation.
• Picnicking.
• Camping.
• Photography.