Copalis National Wildlife Refuge

Copalis National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
View to Copalis Rock from Roosevelt Beach
View of Copalis Rock from Roosevelt Beach
Map showing the location of Copalis National Wildlife Refuge
Location Grays Harbor County, Washington
Nearest city Aberdeen
Coordinates 47°23′59″N 124°19′50″W / 47.3998039°N 124.3304646°W / 47.3998039; -124.3304646[1]Coordinates: 47°23′59″N 124°19′50″W / 47.3998039°N 124.3304646°W / 47.3998039; -124.3304646[1]
Area 60.8 acres (24.6 ha)[2]
Established 1907 (1907)
Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website Copalis National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the refuge

Copalis National Wildlife Refuge is the southernmost of the three refuges (along with Flattery Rocks and Quillayute Needles) which make up the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, a group of 870 islands, rocks, and reefs extending for more than 100 miles along Washington's coast from Cape Flattery to Copalis Beach. These islands are protected from human disturbance, yet are close to abundant ocean food sources.[3]

They are a vital sanctuary where 14 species of seabirds nest and raise their young. During migration the total populations of seabirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds may exceed a million birds. Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and whales may also be seen around the islands.[3]

The refuge is within the boundary of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Olympic National Park and is also incorporated into the Washington Islands Wilderness. The three agencies cooperate on research programs and other issues that may have impacts on the resources.[3]

History

The refuge was originally created as Copalis Rock Reservation on October 23, 1907, by an executive order from Theodore Roosevelt. It encompassed the islands off the Washington coast between latitudes 47° 08′ North, and 47° 29′ North.[4] It was renamed by a presidential proclamation on July 25, 1940.[5]

See also

  • Map of the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex
  • Quinault Canyon

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

  1. 1 2 "Copalis National Wildlife Refuge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ "Annual Report of Lands as of September 30, 2013" (PDF). United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
  3. 1 2 3 "Copalis National Wildlife Refuge Profile". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  4. ↑ Executive Order 704, October 23, 1907.
  5. ↑ Proclamation 2416, July 25, 1940. Mentioned in the citations in the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act.
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