About Us

Three Dusky canada geese standing in wetland, facing the left with reflection shown.
Image Details

Ridgefield NWR was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for the dusky subspecies of the Canada goose whose habitat is extremely limited. Since then, smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  

Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands provide the perfect environment for state and federally protected species such as Columbian white-tailed deer, Sandhill cranes and other wildlife.

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.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Vision

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a place where people of all abilities can experience nature and share their outdoor traditions with others. This island of habitat with its rich diversity of floodplain forests, freshwater marshes, and meadows, will continue to sustain thriving populations of wintering dusky Canada geese, migrating waterfowl, and other wildlife. With collaboration from our conservation partners, the refuge will apply sound, scientific principles to sustain the long-term ecological health and integrity of lower Columbia River floodplain habitats; expand environmental education; encourage participation in wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities; protect and interpret unique cultural resources; and foster natural and cultural resources stewardship. As the rural character of the landscape changes, the refuge will become even more important to wildlife and those seeking to understand our natural and cultural heritage. (CCP 1.9 pg 1-35) 

Other Facilities in this Complex

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

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
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