What We Do
Resource Management
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge provides food, cover, and breeding habitat for migratory birds and resident wildlife. A variety of habitat management techniques such as water control, haying, grazing, prescribed fire, and others are used to benefit wildlife.
Water
Water is the lifeblood of the San Luis Valley. While less than 7 inches of precipitation falls annually in the Valley, spring snow melt from the Sangre de Cristo Range and San Juan Mountains supply most of the water to the valley. This spring run-off is what feeds the Rio Grande, which in turns supplies water to the various uses such as agriculture, municipalities, and natural areas throughout the valley.
On Monte Vista Refuge, water is intensively managed. Numerous dikes, ditches and other water control structures send water to a patchwork of diverse wetland habitats ranging from shallow wetlands to wet meadows to open water. These ponds and wetlands are closely monitored and managed to provide optimum habitats for the various species of birds and other animals found on the refuge.
Grazing & Haying
Grazing and haying is used to remove decadent vegetation from previous years growth. This allows for healthy growth of the new season vegetation. Grazing, primarily sheep, will also be used for invasive weed management. Large herds of sheep, called bands, will feed almost exclusively on the new broadleaf weeds versus the native grasses and sedges. Once the weeds have been grazed, the bands will be moved to the next patch of invasive weeds. Grazing is also used periodically in upland habitats to maintain grass health and vigor.
Farming
The Refuge has several agriculture fields that are used to grow small grains for use by migratory birds, primarily sandhill cranes. These grain fields provide a consistent and reliable source of food that is vital to their migration.
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire is used, as is grazing and haying, to remove old vegetation, promote new growth, and alter various habitat types to benefit wildlife.
Management and Conservation
Our Services
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Cattle Grazing Opportunity on the
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge – "MV Cattle Grazing Site"
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking to permit selected agricultural operator(s) for a Cooperative Agricultural Program at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR). The refuge is located in southcentral Colorado, near the west extent of the San Luis Valley. Under this permit agreement, selected operator(s) will fulfill prescriptions for specific intensities of cattle grazing for a period of up to 5 years (2024-2028). The acres available for grazing will vary annually based on habitat and environmental conditions, and management needs. The MVNWR is proposing to graze up to approximately 1500 acres (MV Cattle Grazing Site) each year for a period of up to 5 years (2024-2028). Cooperator(s) will be selected through an open, transparent, and competitive process where applicants will be scored and ranked based on a combination of competitive bids, reference checks, flexibilities, ability to provide in-kind services, and relevant experience.
MV Cattle Grazing Site Bid Package, with detailed information, applications, and bid forms, can be obtained at the Refuge Complex Office, 7824 El Rancho Ln, Alamosa, Colorado 81101, online at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov), or electronically by emailing Assistant Refuge Manager Dean Lee at dean_lee@fws.gov.
Applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29th, 2024. (Postmarked by Friday, March 29th, 2024, if mailed)
Hand delivers or Mail to: Email to:
San Luis Valley NWR Complex Dean_Lee@fws.gov with subject line
Dean Lee “2024-2028 MV Cattle Grazing”
Attn: 2024-2028 MV Cattle Grazing
7824 El Rancho Lane
Alamosa, CO 81101
MV Cattle Grazing Sit Information Packet
Supplemental Application & Bid Sheet MV Cattle Grazing Site
Special Use Permit Application 3-1383C
For More Information Contact:
Assistant Refuge Manager Dean Lee
(719) 589-4021 Ext. 1008
