About Us

The refuge was established in 1948 to provide habitat for migratory birds. It consists of uplands dominated by salt desert scrub and shallow marsh which varies from fresh water to salt water. The 81,322 acre refuge was designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society and as a site of hemispheric importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The local Paiute tribe, known as the Toi-Ticutta or cattail eaters, have used resources from the marsh for thousands of years.

Our Mission

Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded. The purposes of the refuge are: 

  1. Maintaining and restoring natural biological diversity. 
  2. Providing for the conservation and management of fish and wildlife and their habitat. 
  3. Fulfilling international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife. 
  4. Providing opportunities for scientific research, environmental education and fish and wildlife oriented recreation. 

Our History

Nov. 26, 1948 – The refuge was established as the Stillwater Wildlife Management Area by the Tripartite Agreement between the Service, the Truckee Carson Irrigation District and the Nevada Wildlife Commission. 

Nov. 9, 1990 – Public Law 101-618 transferred authority for managing the refuge from the Tripartite Agreement to the Refuge System Administration Act, defined the current refuge boundary, changed the name to Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and identified the refuge purposes. 

April 4, 2003 – The Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the refuge was completed. 

Other Facilities in this Complex

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge and Fallon National Wildlife Refuge are managed as part of the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 

A group of large, white pelicans fly over a lake surrounded by desert mountains.
Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge
Anaho Island NWR provides safe nesting habitat for one of the largest colonies of American white pelicans in the western United States.
National Wildlife Refuge
A single white feather rests on cracked, brown, dry mud.
Fallon National Wildlife Refuge
Fallon NWR is the most remote of the Stillwater NWR Complex. Entry is from a primitive road through the Southern boundary, about 18 miles from Fallon. Good planning is a must before visiting here!
National Wildlife Refuge