Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and manage habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Located seven miles south of Montpelier, the refuge encompasses 18,000 acres of cattail marsh, open water, and flooded meadows that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl and colonial nesting water birds.
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Not quite sure what the National Wildlife Refuge System is and all that it encompasses? This primer gives a quick overview.
Recreation
For experienced birders and newbies alike, national wildlife refuges are wonderful places to see birds in natural habitat. Visitor services specialist Mike Carlo shares his mental list of refuges across the country that are well suited to people of varying birding experience.
Recreation
National wildlife refuges have become popular “close-to-home” destinations to enjoy outdoor recreation. We need your help to ensure the safety of our visitors — both human and wild.
Wildlife Management
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. The refuge is place where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the tens of thousands of birds that use the refuge as a migratory stop over point or vital nesting site.
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About Us
Bear Lake Refuge provides valuable habitat for waterfowl and colonial nesting water birds. Portions of the refuge include scattered grasslands and brush-covered mountain slopes.