Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

The Refuge Manager
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
866 S. Main
Brigham City, UT 84302

Multitudes of Waterfowl
Surrounded by arid desertlands, it's little wonder the Bear River marshes have been an historical waterfowl oasis. Explorer John C. Fremont witnessed such a concentration of flocks that he wrote "the waterfowl made a noise like thunder... as the whole scene was animated with waterfowl."

In recognition of the area's importance to waterfowl and as a measure to help control the avian botulism that periodically decimated waterfowl numbers, the marshes were given refuge status in 1928. Dikes and water control structures were built for more efficient water control enabling the Refuge to furnish waterfowl with excellent food and cover even during drier periods.

The abundance of bird life, including 200 observed species, 60 of which nested on the Refuge, gained world-wide attention for the marshes. People from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries made over 30,000 visits annually. It was a place for observing individual birds or witnessing spectacular concentrations in natural surroundings.