About Us

Pierce NWR was established in 1983 to provide habitat for waterfowl, particularly Canada geese. The habitats of the Refuge include wetlands, grasslands, forests and streams.

Staff and partners strive to study, restore and monitor these habitats and species to ensure their long term success. In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum. 

Our Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Pierce National Wildlife Refuge Vision

The Refuge is managed for the conservation and enhancement of native plants and wildlife and their habitats, with endangered and threatened species receiving management priority. The Service will encourage and facilitate research and monitoring of special status species. As one of the few remaining spawning sites for chum salmon in the Columbia River corridor, the Refuge will play a critical role in recovery of the species. The Refuge will work with partners and neighbors to protect and enhance the natural resources of the Refuge and adjacent lands and waters. Opportunities for compatible, wildlife-dependent education and interpretation will be provided in a safe manner. 

Other Facilities in this Complex

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex is comprised of four refuges along the lower Columbia River.

A glowing sky is reflected in Lake River that has fall vegetation along it
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Located just north of Vancouver, Washington, the refuge is a unique retreat to nature nestled between the Columbia River and the town of Ridgefield.
National Wildlife Refuge
Ridgefield,WA
Looking west from the far end of the Franz Lake overlook with green vegetation, views of the lake and Oregon across the Columbia river in the background.
Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Located just 31 miles east of Vancouver Washington, the refuge is known for its seasonal abundance of tundra swans, and offers local communities and travelers the opportunity to view nature from the convenience of an overlook off of State Route 14.
National Wildlife Refuge
WA
View from the top of Beacon Rock looking east over Pierce NWR and down the Columbia River
Pierce National Wildlife Refuge
Located 36 miles east of Vancouver, just past Beacon Rock State Park, the refuge is a rare undisturbed sanctuary for wildlife in the highly visited Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The Refuge offers larger species like Roosevelt Elk and black bear, and threatened and endangered species such as...
National Wildlife Refuge
WA