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Map Satellite This refuge is divided into three tracts, all within 2 kilometers (1 mile) of each other. While there is some natural riparian vegetation along the South Fork of the Pit River and some freshwater marsh in and about some of the ponds, most of the area is under cultivation.
Large concentrations of waterfowl occur during the spring and fall, the greatest number being present in the fall. Mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera, gadwall, Anas strepera, pintail, Anas acuta, and widgeon, Mareca americana, are the most common. Sandhill cranes, Grus canadensis, are found here and a few nest on the refuge. The species list includes over 100 birds.
Pronghorn antelope, Antilocapra americana, badger, Taxidea taxus, and mink, Mustela vison, are among the 20-plus species of mammals that may be observed on the refuge.
The entire area lies on Quaternary lake deposits or alluvium.
Integrity: Prior to its establishment as a refuge in 1960, the area was operated as a cattle ranch, with some grain crops grown. The area is now managed for wildlife. There are buildings and roads.
Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreation, fishing, hunting.
July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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