The schedule for public entry to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge has changed to protect wildlife, improve visitor experiences, ensure the safety of staff and visitors, and increase security of facilities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented the change incrementally to enable visitors to adjust.

Visitors may enter the refuge between 4:00 a.m. and sunset. An automatic access gate was installed on Corn Creek Road in January 2023, and is now fully operational. The gate opens at approximately 4:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. Visitors can exit the refuge after sunset by slowly pulling up to the gate to activate the sensor and open the gate. The refuge remains open for backcountry camping; however visitors must enter the refuge between 4:00 a.m. and sunset. If those who are camping on the refuge leave and cannot return prior to sunset, they will be able to reenter the refuge at 4:00 the next morning. Emergency services are able to enter the refuge 24 hours a day.

We appreciate the public's patience with these changes. Questions and/or concerns may be directed to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex Manager at 702-515-5451 or via email to desertcomplex@fws.gov.

The Service proposes revised critical habitat for the endangered Florida bonneted bat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Key ring-necked snake and the rim rock crowned snake as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and establishing critical habitat for them. The Service invites public comments on the proposed decision until Dec. 13, 2022.