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Welcome

Ridgefield NWR has a total of 5,150 acres of marshes, grasslands and woodlands. Preservation of the natural Columbia River floodplain is the management objective of the Carty (2-mile self guided hiking trail) Roth and Ridgeport Dairy units. The River 'S' (4.2 mile auto tour route and 1.2 mile seasonal hiking trail) and Bachelor Island units are managed to maximize habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

The refuge was established (along with 3 other refuges in the Willamette Valley of Oregon) in 1965, in response to the violent earthquake of 1964 in Alaska, that impacted the nesting habitat of dusky Canada geese. The establishment of these Refuges were an effort to secure vital winter habitat for dusky Canada geese and wintering waterfowl.

Stately sandhill cranes, shorebirds, and a great variety of songbirds stop at the refuge during spring and fall migrations. Some bird species such as mallards, great blue herons, and red-tailed hawks are year-round residents that nest on the refuge. Black-tailed deer are the largest mammal on the refuge. Coyote, raccoon, skunk, beaver, river otter and brush rabbits are occasionally seen.

Current Events

The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge post e-newsletters and calendars of current events. Please follow this link to learn more about current events Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

River ‘S’ Unit - Bridge Repair Complete!

On Friday, April 24, 2009 at 7:00 am the River 'S' Unit will re-open to public use. Safety repairs are complete on the entrance bridge and the Auto Tour Route will be open as usual during daylight hours, follow this link to gate times. The Kiwa Trail also will open, as scheduled, on May 1. Thanks for your patience during the repair!

Comprehensive Conservation Plan

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is preparing a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA). The Refuge is presenting preliminary versions of four management scenarios (alternatives) being considered for the future management of the Refuge. These preliminary draft alternatives and other planning information are discussed at the following link: Planning Update #3 (1.9 mb). Comments on the preliminary alternatives can be sent by e-mail to FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov, please include 'Ridgefield CCP Alternatives' in the subject line. Comments can also be faxed to (360) 887-4109. Comments need to be received by April 10th. A public open house meeting will be held in Ridgefield, WA on March 26, 2009, to discuss the preliminary draft alternatives. The Meeting will be held at the Ridgefield Community Center, 210 N. Main Ave., from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Guided Birding Hikes

The spring guided birding hikes are back! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the spring migrants that will be moving through the area. Space is limited, so follow this link to learn more: Spring Birding Hikes.