Regulations
As identified
in the Code of Federal Regulations 50 CFR and Refuge Specific Regulations
Changes to the Topock
Marsh seasonal closure:
The closed portion of Topock Marsh will be closed to all entry from October
1 through the last day of the State quail season to decrease disturbance
to wildlife. Closed Area signs mark the boundaries.
Topock Marsh, Topock
Gorge, and Havasu Wilderness form three distinct areas, each with its
own attractions and regulations designed to protect the rare beauty of
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Mobile
Conveyances
Remember, refuge plant
life is fragile. All mobile conveyances, including motorized vehicles
(electric or gas), motorcycles, and bicycles must stay on developed roads
and in designated parking areas. The
wilderness area is open to foot traffic only. All
mechanical transports, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes,
bicycles, horses, or other pack animals are prohibited.
Havasu
Wilderness Area
(Marked
by regulatory buoys and/or signs)
Within Havasu National
Wildlife Refuge is the Havasu Wilderness Area. It stretches for 15 miles
along the Colorado River from the north buoy line at river mile marker
234 (at the Interstate 40 bridge) to the south buoy line at river mile
marker 219 (near Castle Rock). The Refuge has established specific boating
regulations for the wilderness area.
The wilderness area is open to foot traffic only.
All mechanical transports, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes,
bicycles, horses, or other pack animals are prohibited.
Personal
Watercraft
Motorized personal watercraft
(PWC) such as Sea Doos, Wave Runners, and Jet Skies are not allowed in
the backwaters off of the main Colorado River channel. Waterbirds such
as grebes, bitterns, and herons build their nests in vegetation near open
water. Wakes from PWCs can knock these nests loose from vegetation, causing
mortality of nestlings or abandonment of the nest by the parents.
Air-thrust
Boats
We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled
propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.
No Wake
Zones
All other watercraft allowed
into these backwaters are restricted to wakeless speed or otherwise will be
posted as no watercraft entry. Please respect the regulatory buoys placed
in these backwaters.
Water
Skiing and Recreational Towing
You cannot water ski, tube,
wake board, or tow other recreational crafts from the north buoy line at Interstate
40 to the south buoy line near Castle Rock. State and Federal regulations
apply in all areas on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Hunting
Restriction (Oct. 1 to February 4)
The Havasu Wilderness Area
is closed to all migratory waterfowl hunting.
Other hunting is permitted
according to State regulations. The wilderness may be accessed by land
or water. No hunting is permitted within a one quarter mile of the Colorado
River. Please call Refuge Headquarters at (760) 326-3853 for our Hunting
Brochure or to ask about designated hunting areas.
Topock
Marsh
A portion of Topock Marsh
is closed to all entry annually from October 1 through February 4 to decrease
disturbance to wildlife. Closed Area signs mark the boundaries.
Personal
Watercraft
PWC
use is not allowed on Topock Marsh.
Air-thrust Boats
We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled
propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.
Overnight
Mooring and Camping
Fivemile Landing on Topock Marsh has boat slips, tent, and recreational vehicle
camping available for a nominal fee.
Camping
All overnight camping is
prohibited both on land and water with the exception of Fivemile Landing on
Topock Marsh.
Fires
No open wood fires are
allowed on the Refuge, except in the designated camping area of Fivemile
Landing. Enclosed charcoal or propane fires are permitted; however, all
ash shall be carried out of the Refuge and disposed of properly.
Collecting
All plants, animals,
rocks, fossils, items of antiquity, archaeological resources, and minerals
are protected. Possession of these objects or parts and pieces of these
objects is prohibited.
Pets
Out of respect for wildlife
and other visitors, as well as for your pet's safety, we require that your
pet be leashed at all times. Maximum leash length is 6 feet. Owners are responsible
for cleaning up after their animals.
For
Your Safety
Glass containers are not allowed on the Refuge.
Carrying, possessing, or discharging
a weapon is not allowed on the Refuge unless specifically authorized.
Fireworks are strictly prohibited
on the Refuge and in the State of Arizona.
Accidents involving damage
to property, injury to the public, or to wildlife must be reported to
Refuge Headquarters. |