The Monument/Refuge is comprised of the Fitzner-Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve, Saddle Mountain, Wahluke, Columbia River Corridor, McGee Ranch/Riverlands, and Vernita Bridge units. These units encompass important riparian, aquatic, riverine and upland shrub-steppe habitats that are declining throughout the American west.

Numerous wildlife species depend upon these intact ecosystems; 43 species of fish, including threatened and endangered salmon and trout; 40 mammals; 246 birds; 4 amphibians; 9 reptiles and over 1500 invertebrates.

The Monument is within a half day drive of three major metropolises (Seattle, Spokane, and Portland) and situated in the "backyard" of the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco), Washington, with a population of more than 150,000.

Access roads in the Wahluke Unit are nearly all graveled, with short sections of old pavement. Passenger cars are fine for most roads, with two exceptions; (1) the Saddle Mountain access road may seasonally require high clearance and/or four wheel drive as it ascends up the Mountain; and (2) the WB-10 pond access road is sand/dirt and requires high clearance and/or four-wheel drive.

Click here for a map of the refuge.

Partnerships are very important to accomplishing this work and include State, county, and city governments, Native American tribes, local schools, colleges and universities, and private entities such as The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Boy Scouts, and others. Native plantings are used annually to restore disturbed areas.

Noxious weeds and invasive plants are a major management priority where surveying, mapping, and treating aggressive weeds such as rush skeleton weed, yellow star thistle, saltcedar, and knapweed is conducted annually.

Resource management includes regular survey and monitoring of mule deer and elk, neotropical migratory birds, colonial nesting birds, butterflies, rare plants, and nesting raptors.