What We Do
Southern Border Fuels Project
Since 2019, the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex has been working to remove invasive plants along streams that flow into the Tijuana River and Sweetwater River. These plants are harmful because they crowd out native species and increase fire risk. The project uses a mix of mechanical removal and safe chemical treatments to control these plants. Funding comes from a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Mosquito Management
Every year, refuge staff work with San Diego County Vector Control to monitor and manage mosquitoes at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. This helps protect public health and maintain a safe environment for wildlife and visitors.
Habitat Restoration
Restoring natural habitat is one of our top priorities. We work with federal and state partners and use the best available science to choose restoration methods that provide long-term benefits for the plants, animals, and overall health of the ecosystem.
Research and Surveys
Scientists and authorized partners have been studying the refuge for many years. Their research helps us understand how the land and wildlife interact and guides decisions to protect and improve the area.
Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program II, Phase I
Several organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Parks, and local conservation groups, teamed up to restore 80 to 85 acres of coastal wetlands in the southern part of the Tijuana Estuary. This project builds on plans developed in the 2008 Friendship Marsh Restoration Feasibility Study.
Restoration was urgently needed because decades of pollution, sediment, and trash had damaged the estuary. The project created healthy coastal habitat for endangered species, migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. It also improves water quality and helps keep the river mouth open to the ocean by increasing tidal flow.
Management and Conservation
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve works to protect and restore habitats through coordinated programs. These efforts address both opportunities and challenges unique to the Reserve.
Most restoration work focuses on the southern end of the Reserve, where past damage and current threats are greatest. However, projects in the northern end, especially in upland areas, are also ongoing. These actions improve habitat quality and enhance the experience for visitors.
The Reserve follows a Plan of Action outlined in its Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). This plan sets a five-year vision and goals to protect biodiversity, support migratory birds, and help recover threatened and endangered species. The program is reviewed regularly and updated as conditions change or new opportunities arise.
Key priorities include:
- Using the Reserve as a mitigation site
- Managing sediment and trash
- Implementing the Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program (TETRP)
- Controlling invasive plants like chrysanthemum and ice plant
- Monitoring threatened and endangered species, including the light-footed Ridgway's rail
Refuge Planning
Planning provides the long-term vision for managing national wildlife refuges. It sets goals, strategies, and actions to ensure each refuge fulfills its purpose, supports the Refuge System mission, and contributes to conservation beyond its boundaries.
Comprehensive Conservation Plans
CCPs are the main planning documents for refuges. They guide management for 15 years and explain how each refuge contributes to national conservation goals. CCPs connect broad landscape-level plans with detailed, site-specific actions.
View the 2010 Comprehensive Management Plan for Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge.
Step-down Plans
Step-down plans provide detailed guidance for specific programs, including:
- Conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats
- Protecting cultural and archaeological resources
- Engaging visitors and communities in conservation and recreation
These plans use SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure progress and accountability.
Trapping Occurs on this Refuge
Trapping is sometimes used as a wildlife management tool. It helps protect endangered species, migratory birds, and control certain wildlife populations. In some cases, trapping is allowed as a recreational activity when there are surplus populations of fur-bearing animals.
Refuges that allow recreational trapping require a special use permit. Signs are posted where trapping occurs. For regulations, contact the refuge manager.
Our Projects and Research
Scientific research at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is conducted in partnership with the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR). These studies follow the guidelines set in the Research and Monitoring Plan (2006–2011). This refuge is unique because it is one of the few places where research is carried out in this collaborative way, helping us better understand and protect this special ecosystem.
SoCal Urban Wildlife Refuge Project
Through the SoCal Urban Wildlife Refuge Project, we work with community partners to help city residents reconnect with nature. This program builds environmental awareness and inspires people to become stewards of the land and wildlife.
Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers play an important role in protecting wildlife and ensuring visitor safety. They help visitors understand and follow wildlife protection laws and work closely with state and local agencies to enforce hunting regulations. These efforts protect migratory birds and other species from illegal hunting while preserving opportunities for lawful hunting.
Laws and Regulations
Any activity conducted off-trails, or any organized group activity on the San Diego NWR must be approved by the Refuge Manager. In order to conduct research, observation, or any other activity, please contact the Refuge Manager Sally Brown at Sally_Brown@fws.gov or (619) 964-1980.