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Bandon
Marsh National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest remaining tidal
salt marsh within the Coquille River estuary. Located near the mouth of
the Coquille River, it is an oasis for migrating shorebirds, waterfowl,
coho salmon, and threatened and endangered species including Bald Eagle
and California Brown Pelican. The refuge encompasses 889 acres and is
composed of two units: Bandon Marsh and Ni-les'tun. Salt marsh
restoration projects (schedule for 2010) on the Ni-les'tun Unit will
benefit fish and wildlife species and protect cultural resources.
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Wildlife, Habitats and Visitor Opportunities
Bandon Marsh Unit
The expansive mudflats at the Bandon Marsh Unit are teeming with a
motley assortment of clams, crabs, worms, and shrimp, which provide a
nourishing meal for migrating shorebirds. The refuge is renowned for
its excellent shorebird viewing opportunities. Birdwatchers visiting in
the spring or fall can expect to see thousands of Western and Least
Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Pacific Golden
Plover, Red Phalarope, Whimbrel, Dunlin and those rarities like Ruff.
Waterfowl, herons and falcons can also be viewed from the Bandon Marsh
observation deck located on the west side of Riverside Drive. Other
public use opportunities include environmental education, photography,
and clamming. The viewing area includes an accessible elevated viewing
platform, a small parking area, and stairs leading to the mudflats. The
marsh and observation deck are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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Ni-les'tun Unit
This Unit was established to protect and restore intertidal marsh,
freshwater marsh and riparian areas that are habitat for migratory
birds and anadromous fish (e.g., salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout). An overlook area is underlain by a
historic Coquille (Ko-kwell) Indian campsite. The Coquille Indian Tribe
and students of Southern Oregon University archeologically investigated
the site and now the 4,500-year-old site is protected.
The
Refuge is planning a marsh restoration for this unit where an influx of
saltwater and freshwater will allow re-establishment of mudflats and
marsh plants, and interconnecting tidal channels will bisect the
wildlife habitat south of the overlook deck. As the land returns to a
rich functioning intertidal marsh, flocks of seasonally driven
migratory birds and young fish will use the restored habitat.
 Download the Final
Environmental Assessment, response to comments, and Decision and
Finding of No Significant Impact for the Ni-les’tun Unit of the Bandon
Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Wetland Restoration and North Bank Lane
Improvement Project.
The
Ni-les’tun Unit Overlook is provided to give visitors the opportunity
to view wildlife and changes in the habitat as the area is restored to
intertidal marsh.
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Hunting
Hunting is allowed on Bandon Marsh NWR west of Highway 101 and north of Bandon
city limits. Hunters must comply with all state and federal regulations. The current Oregon Game Bird Regulations
(1.8 MB) are published by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Federal Regulations may be found in Title 50, Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 20 (www.gpoaccess.gov). Please
view the hunt map (172 KB) showing the open and closed areas.
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Coquille Point
While in Bandon don't miss an additional visitor opportunity available at Coquille Point, a mainland unit of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
This is an excellent place to explore the beach and observe wildlife,
particularly seabirds and harbor seals. A paved trail winds over the
headland and offers interpretive panels on wildife and Native American
history.
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Directions
Bandon
Marsh Unit: From US Highway 101 just north of Bandon, turn west onto
Riverside Drive and park in the refuge parking lot on the west side of
the road.
Ni-les'tun Unit: From US Highway
101 just north of Bandon take Fahy Creek Road east to North Bank Lane.
The parking lot and observation deck are on the south side of North
Bank Lane.
Download a PDF map of Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (2.9 MB).
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South Coast Refuge Office
PO Box 99 / 83673 North Bank Lane
Bandon, OR 97411
Phone 541-347-1470
Fax 541-347-9376
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