Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
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| Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area) | |
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| Location: | Oregon and California, USA |
| Nearest city: | Klamath Falls, OR |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 39,116 acres (158.3 km²) |
| Established: | 1928 |
| Governing body: | United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife preserve operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service located in the Klamath Basin in northern California near the Oregon border south of Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Tule Lake NWR, established in 1928, consists of 39,116 acres of mostly open water and croplands. Approximately 17,000 acres are leased by farmers under a program administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Refuge permit holders farm another 1,900 acres of cereal grain and alfalfa. These crops, together with the waste grain and potatoes from the lease program are a major food source for migrating and wintering waterfowl. A ten mile auto tour route allows for wildlife observation throughout the year.
Refuge Objectives:
- Maintain habitat for endangered, threatened and sensitive species.
- Provide and enhance habitat for fall and spring migrant waterfowl.
- Protect native habitats and wildlife representative of the natural biological diversity of the Klamath Basin.
- Integrate the maintenance of productive wetland habitats and sustainable agriculture.
- Ensure that the refuge agricultural practices conform to the principles of integrated pest management.
- Provide high quality wildlife-dependent visitor services.
Significant Species:
- American bald eagle
- Golden eagle
- American white pelican
- White-faced ibis
- Snow, Ross’, white-fronted, & Canada geese.
- Peregrine falcon
- Pintail, mallard, gadwall, canvasback
- Western & eared grebes
- Black tern
- Tri-colored blackbird
Current Issues of Concern:
- Loss of wetlands. The Klamath Basin has lost 80% of its original wetlands
- Degraded water quality.
- Water quantity during drought years (balancing wildlife needs with basin agricultural demands). Water rights adjudication.
Public Uses:
- Wildlife viewing areas
- Wildlife Auto Routes
- Waterfowl Hunting
- Visitor Center
- Environmental Education
- Photography Blinds
- Canoe Trail
- Refuge Virtual Tour
Ongoing Management Activities:
- Extensive wetland/cropland rotation scheme.
- Implementation of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program on commercial lease lands.
- Maintenance of an extensive water conveyance infrastructure.
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[edit] External links
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