What We Do

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

Management and Conservation

Refuges use a wide range of land management tools based on the best science available. Some refuges use prescribed fires to mimic natural fires that would have cleared old vegetation from the land helping native plants regenerate and local wildlife to thrive. Other refuges contain Wilderness areas where land is largely managed in passively. The management tools used are aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach where both wildlife and people will benefit. At this field station our conservation toolbox includes:

  • Ungulate control
  • Invasive species control
  • Integrated pest management
  • ROD control
  • Land protection
  • Adaptive management
  • State coordination
    • Wildlife monitoring
    • Forest bird monitoring and management
    • Threatened and endangered species management
    • Wildlife mortality and disease monitoring
    • Predator management
    • Climate change response
  • Partnerships

Volunteer opportunities

Law Enforcement

Protecting resources and people on our refuges is the fundamental responsibility of refuge officers. The mission of the Refuge Law Enforcement Program is to support the administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System through the management and protection of natural, historic and cultural resources, property, and people on lands and waters of our national wildlife refuges. Law enforcement is an integral part of managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. Refuge law enforcement officers are responsible for upholding federal laws and regulations that protect natural resources, the public, and employees.

Laws and Regulations

There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn’t help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!

Prohibited Activities

  • Hunting
  • Use or possession of any firearms or weapons
  • Use or possession of domestic animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.)
  • Use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
  • Operation of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, mountain bikes, etc.
  • Removal or damage to any plant or plant material
  • Harassment of forest birds or other wildlife
  • Littering or dumping trash
  • Removal or damage to numbered tags, colored flagging tape, mist nets and other equipment or materials used for biological research
  • Disposal of lighted smoking materials
  • Open fires
  • Overnight parking and camping
  • Damage to fences, signs, or other structures