About Us
In 2007 the Wapato Lake units were added to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, and in 2013, this land was designated as Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge with the express purpose of protecting and restoring important habitats for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people. In 2021, this refuge first opened for public use.
With over 900 acres of continuous protected area, Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic place to see a multitude of habitats and the wildlife who inhabit them. In addition to our walking trails and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can engage with our refuge through a variety of public programs and events, as well as our environmental education offered for local schools.
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.
The purpose of Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge is for the conservation, management and restoration of the fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. All land management decisions, including restoration and visitor activities allowed on refuges are evaluated to make sure each activity supports and does not conflict with the purpose of the refuge.
Our History
2007 – Wapato Lake units were added to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
2013 – Designated as Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge (as part of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex)
2021 – Opened for public use
Other Facilities in this Complex
A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are generally managed by a central office location. Refuges are grouped in a complex because they occur in a similar ecological region (like a watershed or habitat type) and have a related purpose and management needs.
Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge, with Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, forms the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge currently serves as the Complex headquarters, and staff work to manage both refuges. Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge became an official refuge in 2013, but has been closed to the general public and most public use activities until 2021.
