Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (also called Ouray National Waterfowl Refuge) is a wildlife refuge in central Uintah County, Utah in the northeastern part of the state. It is part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, located two miles northeast of the village of Ouray, 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the town of Randlett, and 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Vernal.[1]

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
LocationUintah County, Utah, United States
Nearest cityOuray, Utah
Coordinates40°09′N 109°37′W / 40.150°N 109.617°W / 40.150; -109.617
Area11,987 acres (48.51 km2)
Established1960
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Websitewww.fws.gov/refuge/ouray/

Established in 1960, it straddles the Green River for 12 miles (19 km), and covers 11,987 acres (48.51 km2). A portion of the refuge (3,800 acres [1,500 ha]) is leased from the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation.[2] The refuge was created for the use of both local and migratory birds, and with funds provided by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps.[3]

The site of the refuge also holds the Ouray National Fish Hatchery, which was established in 1996 to help hatch razorback suckers, humpback chubs, Colorado pikeminnows and Bonytail chubs.[4]

Precipitation is less than 7 inches (180 mm) per annum.[5]

References

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