The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on new fees proposed for commercial and organized group permits issued at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Access to the refuge remains free of charge for the general public.
The proposed fee change only affects any person or business that charges or includes a fee for guiding on the refuge including guided tours, guided workshops (such as art or photography, etc.). The fee would also apply to other organized groups that apply to exclusively utilize specific areas or facilities of the refuge for special uses such as meetings, camps, or other approved group activities. The proposed fee implements a standard per-permit application fee of $75.00 and adds an extra daily-per-person-special-use fee (not a regular entrance fee) which would be based on the number of participants and number of days the permitted activity occurs on the Refuge.
The proposed fee is planned to go into effect sometime in 2026 and does not impact existing permits. No new uses are proposed.
This proposed fee structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure is commensurate with current existing fees being charged for commercial and other organized special uses on the surrounding State, Regional, and City recreational open space sites. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge historically and currently has issued very few commercial guiding special use permits annually, though a higher demand is anticipated. This potential new fee will allow the refuge to better manage the current and future impacts of commercial guiding on the refuge including resource impacts, law enforcement, staff time, and maintenance needs.
Written comments will be accepted from December 2-31, 2025. Please submit written comments to Refuge Manager, 19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood, OR 97140-9292 or to tualatinriver@fws.gov. If commenting by email, please use the subject line, “Special Recreation Permit Fee Comments.”
Proposed Fee:
$75 application fee + Daily Per Person Special Use Fee
- Daily Per Person Special Use Fee: $6/person (not a regular entrance fee)
Located on the outskirts of Portland, Ore., Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only a handful of flagship urban national wildlife refuges across the country. Situated within the floodplain of the Tualatin River, the refuge supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the watershed. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the refuge, including hiking our trails, photography, wildlife viewing, birding, and ranger-led programs. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Sundays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service
-FWS-
