The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, will begin installation of new pumps for the Island Unit on February 5, 2024. This project will replace the aged, failing pumps that deliver Colorado River water to the Island Unit in the refuge. The installation will occur at the existing pump platform next to the Island Unit Bridge on the west side of the river. The project will improve the refuge’s water delivery capabilities, which in turn will benefit wildlife and habitat.
The current condition of the existing pumps and the resulting effects to water levels in the Island Unit may temporarily reduce waterfowl-related recreation opportunities in the unit until the pump replacement project is completed. Refuge visitors may also notice an increase in construction traffic in the area while the project is underway. Though a project end-date is not currently known, installation will be complete prior to the Winter 2024/2025 waterfowl hunting season. For questions related to the refuge, please contact Jeremy Welch at 928-857-3253 x.102.
