Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Southwest Region
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Welcome To Pahranagat NWR

Native American Petroglyphs

USFWS Photo

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, established August 16, 1963, is located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas in Lincoln County, Nevada. Located within the Pacific Flyway, Pahranagat NWR was established to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl. Pahranagat's lakes and marshes are a rare sight in this part of Nevada.

Pahranagat's water originates from large springs to the north of the refuge and is managed to obtain the most value for wildlife. Various types of wetland habitats support many plants favored as food by over 230 species of migratory birds and other resident wildlife. The refuge has four main water impoundments: North Marsh, Upper and Lower Pahranagat Lakes, and the Middle Marsh.

Numerous recreational opportunities are available at Pahranagat. Wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting are all popular activities enjoyed by refuge visitors. Bird watching is also a popular activity, with a bird list available at the refuge or online. Camping and picnicking are permitted along the east shoreline of the Upper Lake. An active volunteer program provides additional opportunities to enjoy the refuge.

News Releases

  • August 10, 2012 - PAHRANAGAT NWR: Leopard frogs go to school
  • April 11, 2012 - It’s time for another Carp Rodeo at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
  • February 6, 2012 - Public Invited to the Great Backyard Bird Count at Pahranagat NWR
       
    News Release Archives: 2011 / 2010
       

    Hot Refuge Topics

  • ACTION: The public comment period is closed on the Draft Environmental Assessment (2.4 MB PDF) for the proposed construction and operation of a new administrative office/visitor contact station at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge in Lincoln County, Nevada. Any future action on this proposed project (e.g., Finding of No Significant Impact) is forthcoming. For more information contact Amy LaVoie, Refuge Manager at (775) 725-3417 or by email.
       
  • Let's Explore After Dark - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites the public to the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on Saturday, September 22, 2012, for a fun and educational evening of exploring the world of nocturnal animals.

    “Let's Explore After Dark!” begins at 7 p.m. at the Pahranagat NWR campground, three miles south of Alamo, and will conclude at 8:30p.m. Refuge naturalists will lead searches for scorpions and owls while teaching about their amazing nighttime abilities. People of all ages are welcome, but space is limited. Please register ahead of time by calling 702-343-2402, or emailing Timothy Parker
       
  • March 5, 2012 - Finding of No Significant Impact and Final Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon Ecosystem Restoration (1.2MB PDF)
       
       
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the reopening of the campground at Upper Pahranagat Lake on the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.
    The campground reopened at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
       
       
    Last updated: October 23, 2012