Comprehensive Conservation Plan

The comprehensive conservation plan sets the management and use of Bamforth, Hutton Lake, and Mortenson Lake national wildlife refuges for 15 years. The refuges lie in the semi-arid, high plains of the Laramie Basin in southwestern Wyoming (Albany County). Shallow depressions within the relatively flat topography support unique wetland complexes that provide resting, nesting, and breeding areas for migratory birds. 

The three refuges are part of the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex; it is headquartered near Walden, Colorado, about 65 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming.

Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge

The purpose of the refuge is to provide "a refuge and breeding ground for birds and wild animals" (Executive Order 5783).

• Established in 1932.
• Comprises 1,166 acres.
• Located 6 miles northwest of Laramie, Wyoming.

The refuge consists of three separate tracts, with private or State lands between them. The refuge contains portions of Bamforth Lake, but most of the lake falls outside the refuge boundary. The fragmented parcels, closed basin hydrology, and minimal water rights have contributed to the lack of active management of this refuge. The Service does not allow public use at the refuge.

Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The purpose of the refuge is to provide "a refuge and breeding ground for birds and wild animals" (Executive Order 5782).

• Established in 1932.
• Comprises 1,928 acres.
• Located 10 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming.

With some water rights at the refuge, the Service manages Lake George and Creighton, Hutton, Hoge, and Rush lakes for migratory birds. About 2,000 visitors come to the refuge each year, mostly from March through October. Wildlife-viewing opportunities and refuge access are limited from November through February due to frozen ponds and cold, snowy weather.

Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The purpose of the refuge is to conserve fish or wildlife listed as endangered or threatened species. The refuge was established to protect the last known population of the Wyoming toad, which was listed as an endangered species in 1984.

• Established in 1993.
• Comprises 1,968 acres.
• Located 15 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming.

Physical features of the refuge include Mortenson Lake, Soda Lake, and Gibbs Pond. Habitat types include open water, wetlands, wet meadow, grassland, sagebrush, and greasewood communities. The Service does not allow public use at the refuge to prevent potential adverse effects on the Wyoming toad.

Comprehensive conservation plan (CCP)
CCP 2007 (7 MB PDF)

By section, for faster download:
Approval, contents, summary (PDF)
Chapter 1, introduction (1 MB PDF)
Chapter 2, the refuges (3 MB PDF)
Chapter 3, refuge resources and description (4 MB PDF)
Chapter 4, management direction (PDF)
Appendixes (PDF)

Draft CCP and environmental assessment (EA)
Draft CCP and EA 2007 (4 MB PDF)

By section, for faster download:
Contents, summary (PDF)
Chapter 1, introduction (PDF)
Chapter 2, the refuges (PDF)
Chapter 3, alternatives (1 MB PDF)
Chapter 4, affected environment (2 MB PDF)
Chapter 5, environmental consequences (PDF)
Chapter 6, implementation of the proposed action (PDF)
Appendixes (PDF)