The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20041210071657/http://klamathbasinrefuges.fws.gov:80/tulelake/tulelake.html
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Emblem U.S. Fish & wildlife Service - Pacific Region
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge Tule Lake NWR Upper Klamath NWR Lower Klamath NWR Klamath Marsh NWR Clear Creek NWR Bear Valley NWR
Established 1928
"as a preserve and breeding ground for wild birds and animals." Executive Order
"...dedicated to wildlife conservation...for the major purpose of waterfowl management, but with full consideration to optimum agricultural use that is consistent therewith"
Kuchel Act 1964
white pelicans forage on Tule Lake Mule deer buck pintail drake Fall migration at Tule Lake
Established in 1928, Tule Lake Refuge encompasses 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 Use:
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.
Habitats:
TYPE

ACRES

% OF AREA
Croplands

17,000

44
Open Water 10,557 27
Uplands

8,415

21
Marsh

3,128

8

39,100

100%

bluegoose.gif (1131 bytes)Return to Refuge Home Page