Laws and Regulations

The following are general rules and polices for the Missisquoi NWR. For full information please refer to the refuge general brochure and maps which can be downloaded from this site. 

  • The refuge is a day use facility only and does not allow overnight camping.
  • Pets must be leashed and under the control of the owner while on the refuge.
  • The refuge is closed from dusk until dawn unless otherwise permitted by refuge manager.
  • The refuge closes areas in the lake to boat access to protect nesting birds and sensitive wildlife habitat. To view a map of areas closed to boating click here. 
  • Most public use is permitted on designated public use trails and along the Missisquoi and Dead Creek Rivers by boat. Please observe closed areas to protect wildlife. Click here for a map of open and closed areas.
  • Recreational drones are prohibited on refuge land.
An aerial view of pelican island.
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act provides authority, guidelines and directives for the Service to improve the National Wildlife Refuge System; administers a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife and plant...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act

The National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act authorizes cooperative agreements with nonprofit partner organizations, academic institutions, or State and local governments to construct, operate, maintain, or improve refuge facilities and services, and to promote volunteer, outreach, and...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act

Spells out wildlife conservation as the fundamental mission of the Refuge System; requires comprehensive conservation planning to guide management of the Refuge System; directs the involvement of private citizens in land management decisions; and provides that compatible wildlife-dependent...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties