Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

In full view of the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge lies along the Bitterroot River 25 miles south of Missoula, Montana, east of Highway 93 and just north of Stevensville. It's a place for wildlife and man alike.

The Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge provides a unique opportunity to witness the relationship between tree-nesting geese and osprey. Although refuge management has emphasized support for waterfowl, many other species of wildlife have benefited, the most significant being the osprey. Prior to the construction of the ponds, no osprey nested on the refuge. Today, there are about 20 active nests. Usually, this efficient fisherman builds its nest in the tops of dead trees. The Canada geese in this area also occupy these nests, hence the description, "tree-nesting geese." This nesting phenomenon was noted by Lewis and Clark along the Missouri River and only occurs in a few areas in the west. The geese move into the nests prior to the ospreys' return in early April. With mock aerial attacks, ospreys make a valiant effort to force the squatters off. Usually, the geese sit tight until the goslings have hatched and jumped from the nest. Meanwhile, some ospreys abandon their harassment efforts and build new nests, while others impatiently wait for the geese to depart.

Mallards, teal, and the shy wood duck are the most abundant duck nesters, with widgeon, pintail, redhead, and scaup nesting in lesser numbers. Along the wooded river corridor, song birds, such as yellow warblers and yellowthroats, nest, bringing the valley to life with territorial calls. During migration, you also may see tundra swans and peregrine falcons. Pheasants and whitetail deer are bountiful, sharing the refuge with mink, coyote, skunk, muskrat, beaver, and other mammals. Bear, elk, and moose are seen periodically.

History
Before white men arrived, the Flathead Indians were attracted to this fertile valley with its pleasant climate. They gathered and ate the starchy roots of the succulent bitterroot plant. The small pink blooms of this plant prompted the naming of the Bitterroot River and Mountains and earned further prominence by becoming the Montana state flower.

Not long after Lewis and Clark passed through, ranchers and farmers homesteaded the area. Fort Owen, the first white settlement in the Northwest, is within two miles of the refuge. Father DeSmet, a Catholic missionary, established St. Mary's Mission in this area in 1841. The original mission and historic artifacts can be viewed in the town of Stevensville.

As civilization encroached on this fertile area, agriculture and commercial hunting caused wildlife to decline. Undisturbed habitat for wildlife and the development of a favorable environment for waterfowl production was needed. In 1963 the refuge was established and named Ravalli National Wildlife Refuge. Although tiny by refuge standards (2,800 acres) it has become a successful effort and a valuable addition to the 488 refuges in the United States. Its natural scenic beauty is a bonus for everyone.

In 1978 the name of the refuge was changed from Ravalli to Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge honoring the conservation efforts of the late senator. His contribution to preserving and revitalizing Montana's natural environment cannot adequately be measured. He was a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and was instrumental in acquiring land for several refuges. He served the public for almost half his life; Senator of Montana from 1961 to 1978 preceded by eight years in the House of Representatives, six years as Associate Justice of Montana's Supreme Court, and four years of service in the Second World War. Lee Metcalf Refuge will commemorate the Senator's lifelong commitment to the conservation effort.

Visiting the Refuge
The refuge is a delightful area for observing and photographing wildlife. Due to its small size, public access is limited. A county road, Wildfowl Lane traverses the southern half of the refuge. Deer, coyotes, waterfowl and raptors can all be observed from this road. A picnic area, 140 acres in size, is located along this road and is open year-round during daylight hours. There are foot trails providing access to the river, tables, and two interpretive trails. Fishing is allowed in this area, but not on refuge ponds. A seasonal hiking trail with photographic/viewing blinds is open July 15-September 15. Remember the refuge was established for the wildlife, please be sensitive to their needs. For example, if you see osprey tending their young on the nest, please don't get so close as to alarm them. Hatchlings need the constant attention of the mother not only to feed them, but to protect them from the sun. They are born naked and helpless and can die within an hour if exposed.

Public hunting for deer and waterfowl is permitted in portions of the refuge subject to federal and state regulations. One waterfowl blind and two deer hunter access points are wheelchair accessible. For more information on hunting opportunities contact the refuge manager.

Refuge Manager
Third & Main St
P.O. Box 257
Stevensville, MT 59870
406-777-5552