Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, National wildlife refuge complex in northern California and southern Oregon
The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a protected system in northern California and southern Oregon comprising six separate areas. The landscape consists of freshwater marshes, shallow lakes, and elevated habitats spread across a combined area of roughly 190,000 acres.
The first area was created in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt and was the earliest waterfowl refuge in the United States. It was later expanded to incorporate additional habitats and protect more species.
The refuge areas function as a place where farming communities and conservation work together in daily operations. Visitors notice how irrigation channels and bird habitats coexist across the landscape.
The visitor center in Tulelake provides exhibits and information along with access to walking trails and observation platforms. The best time to visit is during spring and fall migration seasons when millions of birds pass through the area.
The area hosts over a million ducks and geese annually, gathering in concentrations that create an unforgettable sight during peak seasons. This massive bird congregation allows visitors to observe rare species and witness behaviors that are difficult to see elsewhere.
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