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Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Welcome to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge located near Brigham City, Utah. This refuge, located in the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem. is a very popular birdwatching destination in northern Utah.
Refuge History: Before the arrival of European settlers the type of marsh that makes up Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge covered a vast expanse of the Bear River Delta. Early Explorer John Fremong described it as "The waterfowl made a noise like distant thunder . . . as the whole scene animated with waterfowl." When European settlers did arrive, irrigation canals for farms began reducing the marshes and by 1920 only 3,000 acres of the original 45,000 remained and alkali poisoning killed millions of birds.
Local citizens and sportsmen became concerned about the future of the land as well as the future of hunting opportunities and began lobbying congress for a National Wildlife Refuge in the Bear River Delta. In 1928, their wish was granted and work began to restore the region's wetlands. Today, there are over 25,000 acres of marshes.
In 1983, the Great Salt Lake flooded and took a devastating toll on the marshes plants and animals. It was not until 1989 that the waters receded to the point where restoration work could begin. But the restoration has been a great success.
Flora and Fauna: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, located on both the Pacific and Central Flyways helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the refuge boundaries include wheatgrass, iodinebushes, and saltbrush. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include great blue herons, tundra swans, and many others. Please treat their home with respect.
For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts a 12 mile auto tour route, a fishing pier, and so much more. Come on out and explore.
Location:
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Brigham City, Utah United States
41.409776, -112.296753