Located where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Southern Plains, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the more biologically significant wetland areas of the Pecos River watershed system. Established in 1937 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, the Refuge plays a crucial role in the conservation of wetlands in the desert Southwest.

Straddling the Pecos River, Bitter Lake NWR is truly a jewel, a wetland oasis inhabitated by a diverse abundance of wildlife species. The Refuge protects and provides habitat for some of New Mexico's most rare and unusual creatures such as the least shrew, Noel's amphipod, least tern and Roswell spring snail.

Pecos River at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge to beRestored with Grant from State of New Mexico

“Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge sits at an ideal location for river restoration,” said Paul Tashjian, hydrologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “Quality habitat can be both created and enhanced within a perennially flowing portion of the river that is continuous with quality habitat to the north of the refuge.” more...

Press Release July 18, 2007 Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge to Consider Biological Control of Saltcedar

In an effort to cooperate with long-term multi-agency and private efforts to control invasive non-native saltcedar in the Pecos River Valley, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is considering allowing researchers from New Mexico State University to release saltcedar leaf beetles at selected sites on the refuge.  Like saltcedar, the beetle is native to Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.  The beetle, which has already been released at sites near Carlsbad and Artesia, is highly selective in its feeding habits.  Saltcedar has no close relatives in North America and extensive field studies throughout much of the western United States have shown that the beetle does not feed on native plants.  An initial release of beetles could take place as early as August, 2007.  The initial release site would be along the Pecos River on the north unit of the refuge, north of US Highway 70.  If you would like more information or wish to make comments on this proposal, contact the Refuge Manager, Jeff Howland, at 625-4019 by August 1, 2007.

Photo by John Magera