Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Encyclopedia
Located on the Columbia River
, 10 miles (16.1 km) east of Vancouver, Washington
, the 1049 acres (4.2 km²) Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge consists of historic riverine flood plain habitat, semi-permanent wetland
s, cottonwood-dominated riparian corridors, pastures, and remnant stands of Oregon white oak.
The refuge lies partly within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and has been designated as the location for a "Gateway to the Gorge" visitor center. This facility is currently in the planning stage with a portion of the construction funds already secured.
The Washington Department of Transportation has estimated that this facility may be used by as many as 100,000 visitors annually, providing the Service with one of the best outreach opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. The refuge also serves as the operational headquarter for the 329 acres (1.3 km²) Pierce National Wildlife Refuge
.
Columbia River
The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. state of Washington, then turns west to form most of the border between Washington and the state...
, 10 miles (16.1 km) east of Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver is a city on the north bank of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington. Incorporated in 1857, it is the fourth largest city in the state with a 2010 census population of 161,791 as of April 1, 2010...
, the 1049 acres (4.2 km²) Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge consists of historic riverine flood plain habitat, semi-permanent wetland
Wetland
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorised by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions....
s, cottonwood-dominated riparian corridors, pastures, and remnant stands of Oregon white oak.
The refuge lies partly within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and has been designated as the location for a "Gateway to the Gorge" visitor center. This facility is currently in the planning stage with a portion of the construction funds already secured.
The Washington Department of Transportation has estimated that this facility may be used by as many as 100,000 visitors annually, providing the Service with one of the best outreach opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. The refuge also serves as the operational headquarter for the 329 acres (1.3 km²) Pierce National Wildlife Refuge
Pierce National Wildlife Refuge
Pierce National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwest Washington within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It encompasses wetlands and uplands along the north shore of the Columbia River west of the town of North Bonneville...
.