We plan on implementing prescribed burns in late winter through early fall. The planned sites, approximately 800 acres, include several tracts of grasslands, shrubs, and woodlands in and around the Refuge Headquarters and Dagmar-Dale Nature Trail; grasslands and woodlands between Lake Wallkill Road and Timberdoodle Trail, from Owens station road to Kelly Road and the Hidden Ponds area between Lake Wallkill Road and Timberdoodle Trail; and grasslands and woodlands between State Route 284/Lowe Unionville Road and the Wallkill River south of Bassetts Bridge Road. The actual dates will depend on favorable weather and atmospheric conditions – including relative humidity, fuel moisture, and wind speed and direction to achieve the desired objectives and for the smoke to rise and disperse - as well as the availability of firefighters. Each prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn is expected to be completed within one day with active burning possibly over several days. Trails and facilities may be temporarily closed while burning is underway. Prescribed fire is an approved tool throughout the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge System and is part of the Refuge’s fire and habitat management programs. The objectives of the prescribed burns are to maintain and enhance migratory and wintering habitat for songbirds and foraging raptors by removing or reducing undesirable plants and woody vegetation and encouraging growth of native warm-season grasses. Prescribed burns also reduce the occurrence of and risk associated with future wildfires by removing standing dead vegetation that burns easily. On days of prescribed burns, there may be limited or no access to parts of the Refuge.
Air quality and smoke will be monitored to minimize impacts to the surrounding areas. Local emergency personnel, including the police and fire departments will be notified prior to the prescribed burn. A minimum of 14 firefighters and 5 fire apparatus are required to implement the prescribed burn. Visitors and residents are reminded that smoke may be visible after the burn is completed, but personnel will monitor and patrol the area until the prescribe burn is declared out. Assistance may be provided by firefighters from other U.S. Fish and Wildlife units, the National Park Service, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The Refuge has safely conducted prescribed burns, as recently as last year.
Hunters, if you use lead-free hunting ammunition, you are eligible to receive a gift card for up to $50 per box of lead-free hunting ammunition ($25/box for shotgun or muzzleloader). First come, first served. Limit 2 boxes of ammunition per eligible hunter.
Learn more about the program and submit for your receipt here: www.fws.gov/initiative/lead-free
Find hunting information for the Wallkill River NWR: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wallkill-river/visit-us/activities/hunting
Visit Us
The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located at 1547 County Route 565, (Glenwood Road), Sussex, NJ 07461. When using a navigational device, enter only 1547 Glenwood Road, Sussex, NJ 07461. Telephone number is 973-702-7266. The Dagmar Dale Nature Trail is located at the Headquarters as well as public bathrooms which are open daily year round. Various environmental educational programs are conducted in and around the refuge headquarters throughout the year.
If interested in visiting the Headquarters building (1547 County Rd 565, Sussex, NJ 07461), it is now open on a by-appointment basis. If you would like to see the small display area or have questions that you would like to ask us in person, please email Jared_Green@fws.gov with the days/times you would be interested in stopping by and we will try to arrange a time that will work for both visitor and staff.
Please note that dogs are only allowed on the Liberty Loop Trail, utilizing the parking lots at Oil City Road or Owens Station Road. All dogs must be controlled on a leash at all times. Service dogs are allowed on all refuge trails and facilities.
Location and Contact Information
- Wallkill River National Wildlife RefugeView Details1547 County Route 565 Sussex, NJ 07461
About Us
The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge consists of amenities such as a headquarters building, visitor contact station, fishing dock, canoe/kayak launch, two outdoor restrooms and an indoor archery range, as well as a variety of hiking trails.
What We Do
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a 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 is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.
Our Organization
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats.We are the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of these important natural resources for the American public.
Our Species
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve and enhance populations of wildlife and their habitats, to protect and enhance water quality, and to provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and research. The refuge conserves the biological diversity of the Wallkill Valley by protecting and managing land, with a special emphasis on forest-dwelling and grassland birds, migrating waterfowl, wintering raptors, and endangered species. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan identifies the Wallkill River bottomlands as a priority focus area for waterfowl management within New Jersey.
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love.
National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference.
Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.
Volunteers: Gain new experiences and meet new people while helping to advance wildlife conservation.
Friends: Join neighbors in helping refuges restore habitat and expand access to green space. Learn more about the Friends of Wallkill River NWR here.
Landowners: Learn how you can partner with the Fish and Wildlife Service to voluntarily restore land.
Local Groups:
Find out how communities can work with refuges better for wildlife and people.
Youth: Explore paid and unpaid opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills.
Projects and Research
The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge features a variety of habitats (floodplain forests, grasslands, wetlands) that host a variety of wildlife (freshwater turtles, grassland birds, waterfowl). Our research, project, and initiatives are centered around maintaining and improving these habitats and studying the wildlife present.