Make A Difference

Refuge Stewards

Even though Franz Lake NWR is closed it does not mean you can not get involved to help conserve habitat and wildlife in the area. The best way to get involved is to help the Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards, whose mission is to support the three refuges in the Columbia Gorge.

About the Complex

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex is comprised of four National Wildlife Refuges in southwestern Washington State – Ridgefield, Steigerwald Lake, Pierce, and Franz Lake.

Franz Lake is managed as part of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.

In the News

Welcome Officer Ryan Wagner!

We are very excited to welcome a new member of our Refuge team, Senior Wildlife Officer Ryan Wagner. Ryan will be supporting Refuges in the Portland area including Franz Lake NWR. He brings a thorough knowledge of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with local, county, state, and federal agencies as well as experience in working on and around Urban National Wildlife Refuges. Staff, volunteers, and community partners are very excited to work with Ryan to protect the natural resources in our beautiful and famous Columbia River Gorge.