Acquisition History

Most Refuge lands were acquired through the Resettlement Administration which retired marginal farmland. Other lands were either purchased from willing sellers or acquired through exchange with the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Enabling Legislature

Executive Order 8104 (May 2, 1939) established the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge “… as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife….” Lands added later to the Refuge were acquired under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C.715d) “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds….”

Purpose

For a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife and as an inviolate sanctuary, or for other management purposes, for migratory birds.

Refuge Vision Statement

The Service envisions using the Comprehensive Conservation Plan to build on native wildlife habitat diversity as a theme with emphasis on developing late successional forest and restoring riparian habitat - habitats that are increasingly rare in the region. In the next 15 years, Refuge staff will focus management efforts in over-stocked stands of dry forest using thinning and prescribed fire techniques that mimic natural ecological processes, such as wildfire. Degraded streams will be restored to enhance and maintain the natural diversity of the Refuge.

A healthy Refuge environment will provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing in a natural setting. Interpreting wildlife and the Refuge’s unique heritage, as well as improving facilities will enhance the visitors’ experience while protecting the cultural
integrity of the area. To meet these challenges, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to seek partnerships with other agencies, interest groups, landowners, and local communities. These efforts will result in greater protection of wildlife and fish resources throughout
northeastern Washington.

As of last October Little Pend Oreille NWR is part of the Inland Northwest National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Turnbull NWR in Cheney, Washington and Kootenai NWR in Bonners Ferry, Idaho are also part of the new complex. Be sure to take the time to visit their web sites and Refuges. Please link to their Refuge web sites.

Refuge Goals

• Goal 1: Conserve, enhance, and restore native forest, riparian, in-stream, and wetland habitats and their associated fish, wildlife, and plants, representative of the native biological diversity of northeastern Washington.
• Goal 2: Monitor, protect, and recover special status plants and animals and species of management interest.
• Goal 3: Provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and education to enhance public appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of Refuge wildlife, fish, habitats, and cultural history.

Recreation Opportunities

Public use opportunities: Birding, fishing, hunting, photography, wildlife observation, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, environmental education and interpretation.