Colusa National Wildlife Refuge Explained

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
Iucn Category:IV
Map:California#USA
Relief:1
Map Width:300
Location:Colusa County, California, United States
Nearest City:Colusa, California
Coordinates:39.1574°N -122.0433°W
Area:4507acres
Established:1945
Governing Body:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website:Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is one of six refuges in the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex located in the Sacramento Valley of north-central California.[1] The refuge is located in Colusa County. It is around 70miles north of metropolitan Sacramento.

Geography

The 4507acres refuge primarily consists of intensively managed wetland impoundments, with some grassland and riparian habitats.

Natural history

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge typically supports wintering populations of more than 200,000 ducks and 50,000 geese.

Wetland impoundments are intensively managed to provide optimal habitat for the dense concentration of wintering waterfowl, as well as habitat for resident wildlife and spring/summer migrants.

The grassland habitat supports several populations of endangered and sensitive species of plants. The refuge is a stronghold for populations of the endangered palmate-bracted bird's beak and the threatened giant garter snake. About 35,000 visitors come to the refuge each year for wildlife viewing and 4,000 come to hunt waterfowl and pheasant.

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=81621 FWS.gov: Colusa National Wildlife Refuge Profile