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Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest remaining
tidal salt marsh within the Coquille River estuary. Located
near the mouth of the Coquille River, it is an oasis for migrating
shorebirds, waterfowl, coho salmon, and threatened and endangered species including Bald Eagle and California Brown Pelican.
The refuge encompasses 889 acres and is composed of two units: Bandon Marsh and Ni-les'tun. Salt marsh
restoration projects (schedule for 2010) on the Ni-les'tun Unit will benefit fish and wildlife species
and protect cultural resources.
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Wildlife, Habitats and Visitor Opportunities
Bandon Marsh Unit
The expansive mudflats at the Bandon Marsh Unit are teeming with a motley assortment of clams, crabs, worms, and shrimp, which provide a nourishing meal for migrating shorebirds. The refuge is renowned for its excellent shorebird viewing opportunities. Birdwatchers visiting in the spring or fall can expect to see thousands of Western and Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Red Phalarope, Whimbrel, Dunlin and those rarities like Ruff.
Waterfowl, herons and falcons can also be viewed from the Bandon Marsh observation deck located on the west side of Riverside Drive. Other public use opportunities include environmental education, photography, and clamming. The viewing area includes an accessible elevated viewing platform, a small parking area, and stairs leading to the mudflats. The marsh and observation deck are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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Ni-les'tun Unit
This Unit was established to protect and restore intertidal marsh, freshwater marsh and riparian areas that are habitat for migratory birds and anadromous fish (e.g., salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout).
An overlook area is underlain by a historic Coquille (Ko-kwell) Indian campsite. The Coquille Indian Tribe and students of Southern Oregon University archeologically investigated the site and now the 4,500-year-old site is protected.
The Refuge is planning a marsh restoration for this unit where an influx of saltwater and freshwater will allow re-establishment of mudflats and marsh plants, and interconnecting tidal channels will bisect the wildlife habitat south of the overlook deck. As the land returns to a rich functioning intertidal marsh, flocks of seasonally driven migratory birds and young fish will use the restored habitat. A draft Environmental Assessment is now available for public review and comment. Comments are due by May 13, 2009.
The Ni-les’tun Unit Overlook is provided to give visitors the opportunity to view wildlife and changes in the habitat as the area is restored to intertidal marsh.
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Hunting
Hunting is allowed on Bandon Marsh NWR west of Highway 101 and north of Bandon
city limits. Hunters must comply with all state and federal regulations. The current Oregon Game Bird Regulations (1.8 MB) are published
by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Federal Regulations may be found in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20 (www.gpoaccess.gov). Please
view the hunt map (172 KB) showing the open and closed areas.
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Coquille Point
While in Bandon don't miss an additional visitor opportunity available at Coquille Point, a mainland unit of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This is an excellent place to explore the beach and observe wildlife, particularly seabirds and harbor seals. A paved trail winds over the headland and offers interpretive panels on wildife and Native American history.
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Directions
Bandon Marsh Unit: From US Highway 101 just north of Bandon, turn west onto Riverside Drive and park in the refuge parking lot on the west side of the road.
Ni-les'tun Unit: From US Highway 101 just north of Bandon take Fahy Creek Road east to North Bank Lane. The parking lot and observation deck are on the south side of North Bank Lane.
Download a PDF map of Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (2.9 MB).
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South Coast Refuge Office
PO Box 99 / 83673 North Bank Lane
Bandon, OR 97411
Phone 541-347-1470
Fax 541-347-9376
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