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

  • New Signs feature native languages

    As of fall 2019, Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge has new entrance signs that feature traditional native languages in addition to English.

    Learn More >

  • A group of children from the Charlo 4th grade stand on the ice to learn to ice fish at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge. A cloudy day with snow on the mountains. Photo by Mike Koole, USFWS.

    Ninepipe Open for Ice Fishing

    From January 8, 2018, Ninepipe Reservoir is open to ice fishing. Use caution on soft ice. See the Public Use Brochure for details.

    Public Use Brochure

What's Happening

National Bison Range Complex CCP planning website

The Service is developing comprehensive conservation plans (CCP) for the National Bison Range Complex

Planning Site

Planning Email Updates

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Planning Updates Newsletter

Ice Fishing Season at Ninepipe

January 18, 2018 A group of students stand scattered on the ice of Ninepipe Reservoir to learn about ice fishing, with cloudy Mission Mountains as a backdrop. Photo by Mike Koole, USFWS

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge reopened to public use on January 8, 2018 - including access for Ice Fishing. Be aware of ice conditions and do not venture out if unsafe. Also remember that access will be restricted starting March 1, for nesting season. See the Public Use Pamphlet for details and map.

Public Use Pamphlet

Birds, Birds, Birds

Three fully mature bald eagles, with white heads and tails, along with a dark juvenile eagle, sit one above the other in a leafless tree up against a brilliantly blue sky. USFWS photo.

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place for birds, and bird watchers. Migrating bird, wintering birds, nesting birds – we will try to keep up with current sightings. Also, follow the link to get an idea of what the birds are doing at different times of the year so you can plan a great visit.

Seasons of Wildlife
Featured Stories

New Signs at Ninepipe NWR are Markers and Milestones

New Signs at Ninepipe

As of fall 2019, Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge has new entrance signs that feature traditional native languages in addition to English. The new signs communicate the important role of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in protecting and managing these lands, both historically and today.

Learn More >

About the Complex

Western Montana National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Western Montana National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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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
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