Established in 1911, this 46,460 acre Refuge consists of approximately 20,000 acres of open water surrounded by upland habitat of bunchgrass, low sagebrush, and juniper. Small rocky islands in the lake provide nesting sites for the American white pelican, double-crested cormorant, and other colonial nesting birds. The upland areas serve as habitat for pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and sage grouse. Except for limited waterfowl hunting and pronghorn antelope hunting during the regular California State seasons, the Refuge is closed to public access to protect fragile habitats and to reduce disturbance to wildlife. The Clear Lake reservoir is the primary source of water for the agricultural program of the eastern half of the Klamath Basin with water levels regulated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Refuge Objectives:

• Maintain habitat for endangered, threatened and sensitive species.
  
• Provide and enhance habitat for fall and spring migrant waterfowl.
  
• Protect native habitats and wildlife representative of the natural biological diversity of the Klamath Basin.
  
• Integrate the maintenance of productive wetland habitats and sustainable agriculture.
  
• Provide high quality wildlife-dependent visitor services.
  

Significant Species:

• American white pelican
  
• Double-crested cormorant
  
• Pronghorn antelope
  
• Mule deer
  
• Sage grouse
  
• Lost River sucker
  
• Shortnose sucker
  

Current Issues of Concern:

• Loss of wetlands. The Klamath Basin has lost 80% of its original wetlands
  
• Water quantity during drought years (balancing wildlife needs with basin agricultural demands). Water rights adjudication.
  
• Protection of significant cultural resource values.
  

Public Use:

• Closed to general entry
  
• Wildlife observation from road
  
• Limited hunting
  

Fun Fact:
Clear Lake Refuge contains one of the only two remaining white pelican colonies in California. Average production is 1,400 pelican fledglings each year!

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