About Us

Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) contains 5,000 acres that is recognized as a National Natural Landmark, and 2,144 acres that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The refuge annually winters several species of waterfowl. Peak numbers in January and February can exceed 200,000 birds. Wood ducks are year-round residents and annually raise approximately 2,500 young on the refuge. Over 225 bird species have been observed on the refuge. Other wildlife to look for are beavers, river otters, raccoons, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and the occasional armadillo.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System in order "to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas in the United States, and its possession, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition..."

Big Lake Wilderness was established in 1976 and is 2,144 acres in size. 

For more information on Big Lake Wilderness, please visit: Wilderness.net

Read about the refuge's history, wildlife, and more here: Big Lake NWR - General Brochure

Our Mission

Refuge management activities target water management, waterfowl, wetlands, forestry, wilderness stewardship, and compatible wildlife-dependent recreation.

Big Lake NWR’s official purposes are:

• “…as a refuge, reserve, and breeding ground for native birds” (Executive Order 2230, dated August 2, 1915).
• “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purposes, for migratory birds. ” 16 U.S.C. 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act).
• ...and to manage the Big Lake Wilderness as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System according to the Wilderness Act of 1964, as compatible with the purposes for which Big Lake NWR was established.