About Us

Mallard facing right across water with bright blue wing band in focus
Image Details

Steigerwald Lake NWR was established in 1987 to offset lowland habitat loss caused by construction at the Bonneville dam. These lands were established to reduce the impact of this loss and provide more habitat for migrating and resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Steigerwald Lake NWR. 

Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands support salmonids, wintering geese, ducks and other wildlife that thrive in tandem with the River and the communities that surround them. 

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.

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge Vision

The Service will actively protect, restore and enhance wetland, riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian and upland habitats on the Refuge to benefit a diversity of native wildlife and plants. Habitat improvements and management practices will benefit native species and habitats affected by construction and operation of Federal hydroelectric projects on the Columbia River and its tributaries. The Refuge will provide opportunities for quality, compatible, wildlife-dependent recreation, education and interpretation to enhance public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the Gorge Refuges. The Service will be an active partner in promoting and facilitating efforts in the local community to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats. (CCP CH1 1-17) 

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
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