It’s probably the best bird watching spot that’s also close to the Portland-Vancouver metro area. But like it or not, change is coming to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Along the auto tour in the River S unit at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
According to the Columbian, refuge managers have come up with four alternatives for their new 15-year management plan. The preferred alternative calls for closing some of the hunting areas near the refuge’s popular auto tour in the River S unit. In exchange, hunters would be allowed on nearby Bachelor Island which is currently off limits to the public. Wildlife watchers would benefit from a new hiking trail. Comments are being taken until April 10th.
Meanwhile, the refuge is looking at plans to find a new location for a bridge into the auto tour. The current one has safety issues. Sadly, the auto tour has been closed for the month of April, right in the middle of the prime bird watching season, so the old wooden bridge can be upgraded.
