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May 22, 2008

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Contact Information:

Lee Metcalf
Box 247
115 West 3rd Street
Suite 107
Stevensville, MT 59870

(406) 777-5552
(406) 777-4344 Fax

Email: leemetcalf@fws.gov 

Web Site:
http://leemetcalf.fws.gov 

Map Print Out

Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Bitterroot River in the scenic and historic Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. Surrounded by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain Ranges, the refuge offers spectacular viewing opportunities of the landscape and wildlife.

The refuge was established in 1963 to provide habitats for migratory birds and a variety of wildlife. The refuge's 2,800 aces is home to 235 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, and 17 species of reptiles and amphibians. Common wildlife sightings on the refuge include white-tailed seer, muskrats, bald eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and neotropical birds.

 A chain of ponds, created by water structures, attracts a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.

www.friendsofleemetcalf.com 

Click here for Print Out Metcalf Refuge map

Visitor Opportunities:

The refuge provides opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and interpretation.

There are over two miles of nature trails in the refuge's Wildlife Viewing Area. The trails meander through meadows and river bottom woodlands along the Bitterroot River.

The Wildlife Viewing Area includes a half-mile wheelchair accessible path, which leads to the Bitterroot River. A county road (Wildfowl Lane) stretches through the refuge providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape and abundant opportunities to view wildlife on the refuge.

Driving Directions:

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located 25 miles south of Missoula, Montana and 2 miles north of Stevensville. From I-90, take U.S. Highway 93 south about 30 miles to Stevensville. At the Stevensville cut-off road (Rt. 269), turn east. travel 1 mile to Eastside Highway (Rt. 203) and turn east. travel ¼ mile to Wildfowl Lane and turn north. the Refuge is 2 miles from this intersection.

The refuge headquarters is located in the town of Stevensville. from Main Street, turn west on 3rd Street. The headquarters is located in the Kohl Office Building (Suite 107) behind the Valley Drug Store. Maps are available at the Refuge office or at the Stevensville Main Street Association. 

Fact Sheet:

Size: 2,797 acres
Location: Stevensville, Montana. 25 miles south of Missoula in Ravalli County
Annual visitation: 155,000 visitors, 2,500 students.
Habitat: 600 acres of wetlands (13 major impoundments), 945 acres of uplands (including 240 acres of cropland), and 1255 acres of forested lands, both ponderosa parklands and black cottonwood riparian areas.
Wildlife: 235 species of birds (112 breeders), 41 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians.
     *only documented successful nesting pair of Bald Eagles in the Bitterroot valley
     *Great Blue Heron and Double-crested Cormorant rookeries
Lewis and Clark: The expedition traveled through this area on September 9, 1805.
Visitor Services: Wildlife observation, wildlife photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and interpretation programs. The Wildlife Viewing Area provides 2½ miles of hiking trails, with a ½ mile accessible trail. Self-guided auto drive along county road provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape and abundant opportunities to view wildlife on the refuge. Hunting opportunities include waterfowl and archery deer. The refuge coordinates and hosts the annual community festival "Migration Mania" which celebrates the return of migratory birds. The Refuge is an outdoor classroom for a variety of educational opportunities. Staff is available for field trips and classroom visits throughout the year. Educator workshops are hosted yearly on a variety of topics.
Research: 1) mist netting - 9 years of data, 2) biological control of knapweed, 3) determining local preferences for bat houses in western Montana, 4) distribution and life history of frogs and toads on the refuge, 5) distribution of butterfly species and host plants on the refuge, 6) environmental history of the Bitterroot Valley based on analysis of sediment cores from oxbow lakes.