About Us
Delevan NWR was established in 1962 with funds from the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (today it is known as the Federal Duck Stamp). It was established to provide feeding and nesting areas for migratory birds however other major objectives include providing habitat and manage for endangered, threatened, or sensitive species of concern; preserving a natural diversity and abundance of flora and fauna; alleviating crop depredation; and providing visitor service activities such hunting and photography.
Waterfowl are present September through April and numbers regularly peak in November and December at over 300,000 ducks and 100,000 geese. The refuge supports one of the largest known populations of palmate-bracted birds-beak (Federally listed endangered plant species) and significant breeding colonies of tricolored blackbirds. Delevan is also an important wintering grounds for Tule Greater White-fronted Geese.
Our Mission
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Delevan National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with headquarters at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge Complex is comprised of 5 National Wildlife Refuges (Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, Sutter and Sacramento River NWRs) and 3 Wildlife Management Areas (Willow Creek-Lurline, Butte Sink and Steve Thompson North Central Valley WMAs).
