Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Digging Musk Thistle

    Managing Against Weeds

    Visiting the Refuge June/July, you have probably seen staff and volunteers physically removing Houndstongue and Musk Thistle.

    Refuge "Weeds" webpage

  • Entrance Drive Restoration 218x116

    Grassland Habitat Restoration

    Using agricultural methods to defeat invasive weeds and reestablish native grasses.

    Restoration

  • 2017-18 Fed Duck Stamp, art by James Hautman

    Put Your Stamp on Conservation

    Support habitat conservation by buying Federal Duck Stamp - one of the most successful conservation tools ever.

    Federal Duck Stamp website

  • Bitterroot River 218x116

    Bitterroot River Flooding

    The river corridor is beautiful, but also the mechanism for creating terrestrial plant, animal life.

    Bitterroot River and Riparian Forest

  • Refuge Montage

    Refuge Montage

    The Refuge is immersed in aesthetics and beauty of Bitterroot Valley; our Flickr site has great photos.

    Refuge Flickr Account - Photo Set

News and Happenings

Hunting and Fishing Update

August 31, 2020

Hunting and fishing opportunities were expanded on 97 national wildlife refuges across the country in 2020. Please review our current hunting and fishing brochure for information and regulations associated with these activities.

Hunting and Fishing Brochure

Montana Junior Duck Stamp Contest

2017 Montana Best of Show by Abigail Moore

Artistically inclined educators, add a wrinkle to your classroom teaching - have your students create a "duck stamp"...cool way to integrate science with the arts.

Montana Junior Duck Stamp Program-Official webpage

E Bird Trail Tracker Gadget

E Bird Trail Tracker Logo

This gadget taps into the huge observation database of E Bird. Refuge sightings are highlighted

Lee Metcalf NWR E-Bird Trail Tracker Gadget

Volunteer at the Refuge

Image of Volunteers pulling weeds

Would you like to help the Refuge meet its mission, consider volunteering! Contact us for more information.

Refuge Namesake - Lee Metcalf

Senator Lee Metcalf

Photo of dedication stone honoring Lee Metcalf

The Refuge was renamed from Ravalli to Lee Metcalf NWR on August 16,1978, in honor of a public servant committed to conservation.

Lee Metcalf

Meet Us...Take a Virtual Auto Tour

Virtual Auto Tour via Google Street View

Photo of road entrance to Headquarters from Wildfowl Lane

Experience a 360 panorama traveling along Wildfowl Lane starting at entrance to Refuge Offices.

Google Street View of Refuge via Wildfowl Lane

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online