Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
at the Great Falls Discovery Center
52 Avenue A
Turners Falls, Massachusetts 01376
phone: 413 863-0209
fax: 413 863-3070
email:R5RW_SOCNWR@fws.gov

If you are using Netscape 2.0 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0 (or better) click here to see the Conte Home Page

Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Directions and Transportation Alternatives:

• From east: Rt 2 west, cross Connecticut River at French King Bridge, next light go left, cross the bridge, third building on right.
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• From west: Rt 2 east to rotary in Greenfield, take Rt I91 north to exit 27, take Rt 2 east, go to the second light, turn right and cross the bridge, third building on the right.
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• From north or south: take exit 27, take Rt 2 east, go to the second light, turn right and cross the bridge, third building on the right.

Office Purpose: The Purposes of the Refuge are:

• to conserve, protect, and enhance the Connecticut River valley populations of Atlantic salmon, American shad, river herring, shortnose sturgeon, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey, black ducks, and other native species of plants, fish, and wildlife;
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• to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural diversity and abundance of plant, fish, and wildlife species and the ecosystems upon which they depend
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• to protect species listed as endangered or threatened, or identified as candidates for listing, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S. C. 1531 et seq.)
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• to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of wetlands and other waters within the refuge
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• to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States relating to fish and wildlife and wetlands
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• to provide opportunities for scientific research, environmental education, and fish and wildlife oriented recreation and access to the extent compatible with the other purposes stated in this section.
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  Wildlife Resources: Ten species within the watershed are currently federally-listed as endangered or threatened, with another 18 considered at risk of becoming endangered or threatened. Sixty-eight species have disappeared from the watershed relatively recently. Two hundred and ninety species are rare throughout the watershed. In addition, many species of migratory birds are experiencing declining populations. It is apparent that more habitat protection and management were necessary to stop the loss of natural diversity.
  
  Habitat Resources: Based on biological information, roughly 180,000 acres of *"Special Focus Areas" were identified within the Connecticut River watershed. These areas contribute substantially or in unique ways to supporting natural diversity in the watershed. Some tracts within these areas are already in conservation ownership, but may need additional management to reach their full habitat potential. Other tracts may need to be protected and managed.
  
  *Special Focus Areas provide the following biological values:
  
  • habitat for federally-listed species
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  • habitat for a number of rare species and/or rare vegetative community types
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  • important fisheries habitat
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  • important wetlands
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  • habitat for waterbirds
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  • substantial areas of continuous habitat
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  • large blocks of unusual habitat
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  • landbird resting, feeding, and breeding habitat
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  Visitor Opportunities:

  1. Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Ave A Turners Falls, MA 01376 413 863 3676, Frid - Sat, 10-4pm
  2. Conte Refuge Education Center at the Montshire Museum of Science, One Montshire Rd., Norwich, VT open 7 days/week, 10-5pm, 802 - 649 2200.
  3. Great North Woods Interpretive Center, Rt 3 Colebrook, NH6j03-237 5390

  • brochures on a variety of wildlife topics
    
  • information about local natural history programming or outdoor experiences
    
  • maps of local public areas for walking, hiking, boating, and watching wildlife
    
  • videos about USFWS facilities, programs and species of concern
    
  • Conte Refuge information, including the Action Plan, Education Goals, and Challenge Grant applications.

There are many opportunities within a mile of the office including:

• nesting bald eagles may be observed at a nest overlooking the Connecticut River
• birdwatching for waterfowl at a nearby cove on the Connecticut River
• camping, boat rentals and riverboat tours
• public viewing of migrating fish at a fish ladder
• tours of a fly rod factory

Volunteer Opportunities: With a small staff, our volunteers provide valuable support from office help to fieldwork. Currently our volunteers assist with the mailing list, the web page, office support, and data interpretation. We expect to have more field work and education program needs.
If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer for the Conte Refuge, send your name and address to the address below for an application packet. There's always something going on! Outreach Efforts The Conte Refuge publishes a newsletter, 2-3 times per year. If you wish to be on our mailing list, send your name and address to:
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
at the Great Falls Discovery Center
38 Avenue A
Turners Falls, Massachusetts 01376

Last update: January 13, 1997
Page Manager: Carolyn E. Boardman, email:R5RW_SOCNWR@fws.gov

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