Facility Rules and Policies
Know Before You Go
The refuge rules make you a wonderful visitor to wildlife's home and enable you to have some incredible wildlife interactions.
Activities not described in this section OR the activities section(s) are prohibited on the Refuge. To inquire about regulations or Refuge operations, contact the Refuge staff.
There are many fun, interesting, and educational activities you can do at Baskett Slough. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn't help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing the activity. Please check with refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself.
We have several rules and regulations in place to help with the protection of our wildlife and their habitats, as well as for the enjoyment of all visitors to the refuge. Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is actively patrolled by Federal Wildlife Officers. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations are applicable on refuge system lands and waters.
Cell phone reception in the refuge is extremely limited. Don’t assume it will work! Make a safety plan before you go and always let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.
Refuge phone number: (541) 757-7236
Emergency Phone Number: 911
Fishing is prohibited at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing is allowed at the Snag Boat Bend Unit of William L. Finley but be sure to follow State regulations. When water levels are high enough a boat might be able to access Lake Creek, a tributary within Snag Boat Bend. You would need to launch from the Peoria boat launch upstream.
It is illegal to release any fish on public lands, including game species and non-native or exotic pet species, such as goldfish. Persons caught releasing fishes into refuge waters can face penalties including fines and arrest.
For pet and wildlife safety, dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted outside of vehicles anywhere on the refuge. Pets are best left at home.
There is no animal dumping permitted on the refuge. If you have a cat, goldfish, or any other pet you can no longer take care of, please find a new home for it away from the refuge. Domesticated animals are ill-adapted to survive on their own, can carry diseases fatal to their wild relatives, and may eat the native species that live here. If you need help finding a new home for your pet, please check the Don't Let It Loose website.
Motor vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on the roads open to public vehicle access.
Bicycling is prohibited on all trails.
Please park only in designated areas.
Travel on closed roads or going around gates is prohibited.
Horseback riding, ATV or ORV use, and cross-country skiing are not allowed on the Refuge.
All government property, including natural, historic, and archaeological features, are protected by Federal law.
Searching for or removal of objects of antiquity, plants, animals, animal nests, rocks, antlers, bones, skulls, or other objects is prohibited.
Please do not pick flowers or other vegetation so that future visitors will enjoy them as you have. Picking berries and mushrooms is also prohibited.
Cutting, removing, or damaging any tree or other vegetation, standing or down, live or dead is prohibited.
Firearms and other weapons are prohibited except as authorized by state law. Firearms are not allowed inside Federal Buildings. Consult the refuge office for further information.
It is prohibited to shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32). Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited in Federal Facilities in accordance with 18 USC section 930.
Firearms and weapons may only be discharged during legal hunting activities. Carrying or possessing other weapons including crossbows, bows and arrows, or air guns is prohibited. This includes carrying, possessing, or discharging fireworks and explosives. Target shooting is prohibited on any national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
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Camping is prohibited on the Refuge. Fires or building of campfires is prohibited. Camping is available at nearby, privately owned and operated resorts and campgrounds.