What We Do

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything we do from projects and research to the recreational activities offered. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.   

At the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex a variety of tools are used across the four refuges to ensure healthy habitats for native wildlife. These management tools include:  

  • Habitat restoration  

  • Cooperative farming 

  • Agriculture 

  • Invasive species management 

  • Prescribed fire 

  • Conservation easements 

  • Inventory and monitoring  

  • Water management 

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex Vision 

We are ambassadors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We connect people with opportunities to actively engage with the conservation of our local wildlife and habitats. Together, we will move the biological needle with purpose and sound science. As leaders in our communities of practice, we are collaborative, dependable, and focus on the growth of the community and ourselves. 

Management and Conservation

Oak tree silhouette as the sunsets and sky turns from purple to orange to yellow
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Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) ensure that each refuge unit is managed to fulfill the purpose(s) for which it was established. The development of a CCP is a citizen-centered process. Developing long-term plans relies on public participation and input. Local communities, volunteers and Friends of refuges, state conservation agencies, and partners help guide refuge management through the development of each CCP. CCPs also provide an opportunity to improve and increase recreation critical to connecting people with nature. 

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Steigerwald Lake, Pierce and Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Prescribed Fire planned for Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - September 27th through October 4th
  • Where: 80 acres of Bachelor Island, a closed unit at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
  • When: A 2 day period between Friday September 27th and October 4th, pending weather conditions including rain and wind. 
  • Why: To control invasive plants and encourage the growth of young grass that is preferred by geese, cranes and white-tailed deer. 
  • Who: Fire crews from WA Dept of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Refuge staff

  • What to expect: Smoke plumes may be visible from town but will be shut down if it appears to be moving in the direction of the city. 

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) has used prescribed fire as a habitat management tool since 2018. Prescribed fires are conducted by well-trained specialists who ensure that firefighter and public safety needs are met, and that the fire meets the Refuge’s objectives.

We use Prescribed fires in several pastures on the Bachelor Island Unit to reduce thatch, control weeds like tansy ragwort and reed canarygrass, and encourage the growth of young grass shoots that are preferred by geese, cranes and white-tailed deer.

Pastures are prepared for Prescribed fires by mowing areas of extremely tall grass that would burn too hot, mowing perimeters to improve visibility and safety, and finally creating a fuel break around the unit. Fuel breaks consist of short green vegetation or bare soil and are designed to prevent the fire from burning outside the unit (in addition to frequent patrols by firefighters). Our Prescribed fires are not like the wildfires you see on the news. There is no wall of flame or burning trees. The flames are purposely kept low (1-4 feet) and quickly consume the grass and small shrubs in the pastures. Post-burn monitoring will continue for at least a day to ensure that the fire is truly out.

In 2024, the Refuge is proposing to burn up to 80 acres over a one or two day period in late September or early October. Ignition will likely start late morning (depending on dew and fog) and continue until late afternoon. Fire crews will constantly monitor the smoke and wind direction and if wind shifts direction or blows too hard, will shut down the operation and put out the fires. Burning will only occur if the right combination of temperature humidity and wind speed/direction occur. The smoke plume will likely be visible from parts of town, but the burn will be shut down if it appears to move in the direction of the city.

This is a cooperative effort, with crews coming from WA Dept of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Refuge staff. Typically, 2 engines and a hand crew (6 to 12 staff) will be on site, with a water tanker available, and an ATV used for monitoring the fuel breaks.

The Auto Tour Route and hiking trails will be open as usual. For your safety, please do not try to get to Bachelor Island to see the fires.

Concerns during the fire? Contact Refuge Management at: 360-921-2116

For more information see the following articles: