| Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
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  | |
| Location | Skamania County,Washington |
| Nearest city | Washougal |
| Coordinates | 45°36′18″N122°04′42″W / 45.6051177°N 122.0784186°W /45.6051177; -122.0784186[1] |
| Area | 551.73 acres (223.28 ha)[2] |
| Established | 1990 (1990)[3] |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestWashington state, within theColumbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The refuge provides a variety of habitats includingriparianwetlands,Columbia River riparian corridor blocks, transitionalwoodlands from lower elevationwillows, andcottonwoods to mid-elevation old-growthfir andcedar with associated nativeunderstoryshrubs, open meadows, and numerous streams and seeps.[4]
Franz and Arthur lakes contain healthy stands ofwapato (Sagittaria latifolia), which provide an important wintering habitat fortundra swans and otherwaterfowl. As many as 1,000 wintering tundra swans have been observed on Franz Lake. Other common waterfowl includewestern Canada geese,mallards,northern pintails,gadwalls,green-winged teal,northern shovelers,canvasbacks,ring-necked ducks, andAmerican wigeon. The refuge also provides abundant habitat forwading birds such asgreat blue herons andrails, as well as songbirds that use grass/sedge meadows,cattail ponds, willow thickets, and riparian forests. Other wildlife commonly observed on the refuge includegulls,band-tailed pigeons,red-tailed hawks,crows,killdeer,western painted turtles,Pacific tree frogs,western toads,garter snakes, andCalifornia ground squirrels.[4]
Several springs and seeps on the refuge have been identified as critical brood areas forCoho salmon and other juvenilesalmonids. The refuge may be viewed from an overlook located off-refuge alongState Highway 14. Arranged group tours are also available.[4]
This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of theUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service.
