Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What kinds of recreation can I do?
Currently, the refuge provides the public with special tours, birdwatching, special events like our annual Walk on the Wildside festival, and education tours for school/civic groups. We are currently working on new public access areas and several recreation programs that will be open regularly in near future. See Comprehensive Conservation Planning (CCP) page for more planning information and restoration efforts with new trails on the Headquarters Project. For current listings of docent guided hikes times and meeting locations please see the Tours page.

Is there a Visitor Center?
There is no Visitor Center for educational purposes at this time. For nearby nature Visitor Centers, please visit Cosumnes River Preserve, Effie Yeaw, or Vic Fazio State Wildlife Area.

What kinds of wildlife will I see?
Birds are the most visible animals on the refuge, but a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are also present. The refuge is an important stopover area for thousands of migratory birds, and you are most likely to see a greater number and variety from fall through the spring on the refuge. See Bird and Other Species List page for listing of species and seasonal variance.

What is the best time to see birds?
Mid-fall through late-spring while our wetlands are most productive. See Bird and Other Species List page for listing of species and seasonal variance.

I've found an injured animal, who do I contact?
The refuge does not take in injured animals. Please contact the Sacramento Wildlife Care Association at 916-965-WILD; the California Raptor Center at 530-752-6091 or after hours 530-752-1393; or the California Foundation for Birds of Prey at 916-773-6049 or after hours 916-645-3708.

How can I support the refuge?
You can support the refuge by volunteering or supporting our friends group Stone Lakes National Wildlife Association. The Association helps fund projects to improve public access and education like the wildlife viewing platform, the Marsh Wren Centennial Wetland, and the soon-to-be new public use area Blue Heron Trails.

Will the refuge ever be developed?
The project boundary for the refuge is 18,000 acres, which is the size the Service hopes the refuge will be one day. For now, the Service manages about 6,200 acres within the 18,000 acre boundary, which are protected from development. But the remaining 11,800 acres are not protected in any way, and could be developed. See How Land May Be Protected page to learn how the refuge may acquire new lands.

Who manages the refuge?
The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service along with many cooperating partners. See Partners page for listing of who works with the refuge.

Can the refuge take away land from private owners?
No, the refuge only works with landowners interested in selling their land. See How Land May Be Protected page to learn how the refuge may acquire new lands.

Why are your wetlands dry in the summer?
Most of the managed wetlands are seasonal, therefore flooded from early fall to late spring. The wetlands are dry for the summer to help control non-desirable vegetation growth, control mosquito populations and promote seasonal wetland plant species.

Does the refuge have West Nile Virus?
The refuge works closely with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District with monitoring for any avian or mosquito hosted viruses. The refuge does host wild bird populations and mosquitoes, and West Nile Virus has been found at the refuge. Please checkout the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District website for more information on West Nile Virus in the Central Valley.

How do I find out about job opportunities?
Jobs with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are listed through the Office of Personnel Management website at www.usajobs.opm.gov

Can I go hunting or fishing on the refuge?
The refuge hosts a general public waterfowl hunt on the Sun River Unit. Currently there are no fishing programs on the Stone Lakes NWR. The refuge has developed a long range management plan which will include the following uses: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. Additional nearby hunting and fishing programs are available on the Sacramento NWR, San Luis NWR and on the Vic Fazio State wildlife area. See Comprehensive Conservation Planning (CCP) page for more planning information and a PDF of the management plan.

Where can I get current fishing & hunting regulations?
Please see the California Department of Fish and Game for current state regulations, or you may pickup regulation booklets at any local sporting or fishing store.

What is that lake I see off the Interstate 5 Laguna exit?
That is called Parker Slough and it is connected to a slough which borders the refuge. There is no public access to the Slough.

Why are there cows on the refuge?
We have initiated a grazing program using cattle to reduce fire danger, encourage native grasses, and improve foraging conditions for migratory birds, such as sandhill cranes, swainson's hawks, geese, and waterfowl on the North Stone Lake property. See Resource Management page to learn more about management techniques used on the refuge.

Does the Sacramento River run along the refuge?
No, the Sacramento River is approximately a mile west of the refuge at it's furthest point. See Location and Boundary Maps page for refuge map.