Ninepipe

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuges Public Use Opportunities This blue goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, is the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Welcome Located in the Mission Valley of northwestern Montana, Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) were each established in 1921 “as a refuge and breeding ground for native birds.” These Refuges, located on Tribal land within the Flathead Indian Reservation, are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System – a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving wildlife and habitat for people today and generations to come. The Service works with neighboring land managers, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP), to manage these Refuges as part of a larger wetland and upland vegetation community. The rolling terrain and interspersed small wetlands of the Mission Valley were created by pre-historic glacial activity. These wetlands are called kettles, and were formed from melting glacial ice and are of enormous value to many wildlife species. Within this rich and productive environment, these Refuges provide unique benefits to wildlife by being among the few places in the valley where wildlife protection and conservation are the driving priorities. Ninepipe and Pablo NWRs support an abundance of species and offer remarkable birding opportunities. Enjoy a walk on a short interpretive trail at Ninepipe NWR (see map) and learn about Refuge habitats and the animals that live there. With the Mission Mountains to the east providing a dramatic backdrop, look for flocks of trumpeter swans, great blue heron rookeries, bald eagle and osprey nests, Forster’s tern colonies, snowy owls in the winter, and much more. Please take advantage of the outstanding opportunities available for wildlife observation, photography, fishing, and environmental education. Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are also permitted on these Refuges, but please be mindful of regulations and closed areas, and comply with all posted signs. Visit our website for current updates and more detailed information. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range Refuge Regulations To help protect wildlife and wildlife habitat and ensure your safety, we ask that you please follow the regulations listed in this leaflet. ■ Ninepipe and Pablo NWRs are open to public use from sunrise to sunset, except during seasonal closures. ■ Pets must be on a leash and under control at all times. ■ Use of boats, float tubes, and any other floatation device is prohibited. ■ Leaving or dumping litter, any dead animal, or fish or fish entrails on Refuge land is prohibited. ■ Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with Refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific Refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32). ■ Fireworks are prohibited. ■ Collection or disturbance of natural objects, such as, plants, animals, feathers, antlers, or rocks and minerals is not permitted without a special use permit. Call the Refuge headquarters for more information. ■ Fires are prohibited. ■ Off-road travel (including vehicle travel on ice) is not permitted. ■ Possession or consumption of alcohol by persons under 21 years is prohibited. ■ Possession of a controlled substance is prohibited (50 CFR 27.82). ■ Drug paraphernalia, including any instrument that facilitates the consumption of a controlled substance, is prohibited. Closures Closures and access limitations are necessary for visitor safety and to protect nesting birds. See the reverse side of this sheet for further information about when and where area closures will occur. ■ Ninepipe and Pablo NWRs are CLOSED to ALL hunting and trapping, by both members and non-members of the CSKT. ■ Both Refuges are closed to ALL public use during waterfowl hunting season. ■ Be aware there may be special closures due to low water, or other unforeseen events. ■ Certain areas on each Refuge are designated as closed during breeding seasons to allow birds to nest and rest. ■ Off-shore islands are closed to public use at all times in order to limit disturbance to migratory birds. Hunting on Lands Adjacent to the Refuges ■ For hunting on lands adjacent to Refuge land, consult the Flathead Indian Reservation Fishing, Bird Hunting, and Recreation Regulations of the CSKT and the MTFWP. Obtain a copy of the Regulations or more information by contacting the Tribal Fish and Game staff at 406 / 883 2888 or MTFWP staff at 406 / 752 5501. ■ If you hunt on land adjacent to Refuge land, plan your shots to ensure that game does not fall within Refuge boundaries. If your game does fall within the boundary, you must contact Refuge law enforcement staff at 406 / 883 7301, before attempting retrieval. Fishing on Refuge Land Fishing is permitted on both Refuges in accordance with the Flathead Indian Reservation Fishing, Bird Hunting, and Recreation Regulations of the CSKT and the MTFWP. ■ All anglers must have in their immediate possession a Flathead Reservation Use and Conservation Permit with a Flathead Reservation Fishing Stamp or CSKT Tribal Identification Card. Permit vendors are listed in the regulations. ■ Upon the request of a law enforcement officer, an angler must show the required Flathead Reservation Use and Conservation Permit with a Flathead Reservation Fishing Stamp or CSKT Tribal Identification Card. ■ Daily bag and possession limits, licensing requirements, and general information are found in the Flathead Indian Reservation Fishing, Bird Hunting, and Recreation Regulations. ■ The use of lead or lead-based lures or sinkers is prohibited. ■ The Ninepipe Family Fishing Pond is located on MTFWP land west of Highway 93, adjacent to Ninepipe NWR. This pond is open to anglers of all ages, but those who are 15 years and older must release any fish caught. Accessibility Information Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. Dial 711 for a free connection to the State relay service for TTY and voice calls to and from the speech and hearing impaired. For information or to address accessibility needs, please contact the Refuge staff at 406 / 644 2211, or the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. 0 .5 Reservoir Road 1 Kilometers Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuge boundary Back Road 93 Ninepipe family fishing pond Interpretive trail Pablo NWR Entire Refuge is Open North and east shorelines are open (see map) March 1 to July 14 Nesting Area closed; everything else open (see map) North and east shorelines are open (see map) Entire Refuge is Open North and east shorelines are open (see map) July 15 to the day before waterfowl hunting season opens (late Sept.) From the first day to the last day of waterfowl hunting season (late Sept. to early Jan.) Entire Refuge is Closed (through travel along public access roads is permitted) Entire Refuge is Closed Both Refuges are CLOSED to ALL hunting and trapping year-round. ** For exact dates regarding hunting and fishing seasons, annually consult the Flathead Indian Reservation Fishing, Bird Hunting, and Recreation Regulations of the CSKT and the MTFWP. * To National Bison Range Ninepipe NWR Kicking Horse Reservoir 93 Kicking Horse Rd Charlo Charlo Nesting Area Closed March 1 − July 14 Eagle Pass Rd National Bison Range Olsen Road Gunlock Rd N 0 0 1 Ninepipe NWR 212 Ninepipe Reservoir Ninepipe Lane Ronan Kicking Horse Reservoir To Ronan 212 Logan Road Ninepipe NWR 93 Lower Crow Reservoir Duck Rd Access and Seasonal Closures* From the day after waterfowl hunting season closes (early Jan.) to the last day of Feb. Pablo Round Butte Road Piedalue Road Light Road To Ninepipe NWR and National Bison Range Ninepipe Road Skyline Drive t Clos o r y B i r d S an c t u a ry ed Ye ar R o und Riv MTFWP viewing area Glover Road gr a 35 Pablo NWR Parking area Pablo Reservoir Dates ** F lat he a d Entrance gate Pablo NWR Flathead Lake Polson Area closed to public access Reservoir Road Mi to Kalispell National Wildlife Refuges To Polson er 1 Miles Back Road .5 1 1.5 Miles 1.5 Kilometers Leon Fish Hatchery N Kerns 0 Skyline Drive Caffrey Road St. Ignatius 200 to Missoula McDonald Lake Rd National Bison Range Complex 58355 Bison Range Road Moiese, MT 59824 406 / 644 2211 406 / 644 2661 fax bisonrange@fws.gov http://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range Emergency contact: 911 After hours law enforcement contact: Lake County Sheriff’s Office 406 / 883 7301 For State relay service TTY / Voice: 711 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov For Refuge Information 1 800 / 344 WILD January 2014