Purpose

1908  

The Lake Malheur Reservation, encompassing Malheur, Mud, and Harney Lakes, was established on August 18, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt “as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.” 

1935  

President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally added the Blitzen Valley and changed the reserve’s name to Malheur Migratory Bird Refuge. He designated it “as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” 

1941  

The Double-O Unit was added in 1941 “as a reservation for migratory birds.” 

1975  

The Harney Lake and Stinking Lake Research Natural Areas (RNAs) were established. The Harney Lake RNA was created to “exemplify southeast Oregon alkaline lakes (playas) and associated vegetation and wildlife.” The Stinking Lake RNA was established to “preserve an example of a small, spring-fed alkaline lake in southeast Oregon and the associated high desert vegetation and wildlife.” 

2008  

The Audubon Society selected and approved the Refuge as an Important Bird Area (IBA), recognizing it as essential habitat for one or more bird species and as a site of global, continental, or state importance.

2013  

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge completed its Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). The plan establishes the Refuge’s priorities and provides a framework for making decisions during the following years.