Western Rivers Conservancy began securing critical portions of land adjacent to the 74,000-acre Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in 2008. The first acquisition, a 696-acre property, was conveyed to the USFWS in 2010.  Both properties acquired will enhance the offerings of the Refuge, by contributing diverse wetland habitat, including open water and sheltered grasslands. The lands also conserve feeding, nesting and rearing areas for a tremendous array of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, egrets, avocets, tundra swan, American Pelican and black-necked stilts. 

“Bear River is an important river for this region, both as a treasure to the community and as a stopover for millions of birds. We are extremely pleased to be able to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and grow this Refuge” said Willis Yarberry, Western Rivers Conservancy’s Director of the Interior West.

The combined 1,276 acres that have been added to the Refuge over the last three years, both near the entrance and the James Hansen Wildlife Education Center, will expand opportunities for the community to engage in environmental education, bird watching and welcoming visitors from across Utah and the world.

WRC and the USFWS have worked in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and Friends of the Bear River Refuge. Critical support for this project has been provided by the Stephen Bechtel Fund, Intermountain West Joint Venture, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and Union Pacific Foundation.

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Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect outstanding river ecosystems in the western United States. WRC acquires land to conserve critical habitat, provide public access for compatible use and enjoyment, and cooperate with other agencies and organizations to secure the health of whole ecosystems. www.westernrivers.org

Photography: Please contact Jennifer McCormick, Communication Manager, at  jmccormick@westernrivers.org or 503-241-0151.