Willamette Valley
National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Three National Wildlife Refuges were created in the 1960's - William L. Finley, Ankeny and Baskett Slough - to preserve and restore some of the vanishing native habitats for wildlife. The primary management goal on the Willamette Valley refuges is to provide wintering habitat for the dusky Canada goose. Unlike other Canada geese, duskies have limited summer and winter ranges. They nest on Alaska 's Copper River Delta and winter almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley . Habitat loss, predation and hunting have caused a decrease in populations.

Another management goal is to preserve native species and enhance biodiversity. Disappearing Willamette Valley habitats such as seasonal wetlands, native prairie and riparian forest are examples of habitats now protected on the refuges. Endangered and threatened species such as bald eagles, Fender's blue butterfly, Oregon chub, Bradshaw's desert parsley, Willamette daisy and Kincaid's lupine find protection and sanctuary on the refuges.

Habitat improvement and restoration are essential for the continued survival of wildlife populations in the Willamette Valley . If you are interested in restoring your lands to native habitat, such as wetlands, prairies, grasslands or upland oak/savannas, please click on the "Partnership for Fish and Wildlife" button for further information

The Willamette Valley Refuges have initiated a planning process to review the wildlife, habitat, and public use activities on all three of the National Wildlife Refuges we manage, William L. Finley, Ankeny, and Baskett Slough. Please go to our Comprehensive Conservation Planning pages to learn more.