Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Southwest Region
 

 

Bald Eagle Viewing

 
An eagle's view from Bear Valley Refuge
Established 1978
"...for the conservation of threatened and endangered species." Endangered Species Act

 

Bear Valley Refuge was established in 1978 to protect a vital night roost site for wintering bald eagles. The Refuge consists of 4,200 acres, primarily of old growth ponderosa pine, incense cedar, white and Douglas fir. These mature stands of trees have open branching patterns of large limbs which allow easy eagle access and can support many birds. Located on a northeast slope, the roost also shelters these raptors from harsh and prevailing winter winds. In recent years, as many as 300 bald eagles have used the roost in a single night. Bear Valley Refuge also serves as nesting habitat for several bald eagle pairs. Bear Valley Refuge is closed to all public entry, except for walk-in deer hunting before November 1, to reduce disturbance to the birds.

 

Refuge Objectives:

  • Manage for the conservation and recovery of endangered, threatened, sensitive species and the habitats on which they depend.
  • Protect native habitats and wildlife representative of the natural biological diversity of the Klamath Basin.
  • Provide high quality wildlife-dependent visitor services with emphasis on the interpretation and observation of bald eagles wintering and nesting on the refuge.

Significant Species:

  • American bald eagle
  • Northern goshawk
  • Mule Deer
Bald Eagle

Current Issues of Concern:

  • Past exclusion of fire has lead to excessive fuel loadings. There is a risk of catastrophic fire to bald eagle roosting/nesting trees.

Ongoing Management Activities:

  • Selective tree thinning followed by prescribed burning is underway to protect old growth forest/eagle roost trees. Click for more information
Habitat Statistics

Public Use:

  • Closed to public entry
  • Limited deer hunting

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Last updated: January 18, 2012