Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge
| Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge | |
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IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
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View of the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, looking out over the valley of the Illinois River from State Highway 14. The Park Range is in the background.
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| Location | Jackson County, Colorado, United States |
| Nearest city | Walden |
| Coordinates | 40°37′23″N 106°16′28″W / 40.62306°N 106.27444°WCoordinates: 40°37′23″N 106°16′28″W / 40.62306°N 106.27444°W |
| Area | 24,804 acres (100.38 km2) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge |
The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is a United States National Wildlife Refuge located in north central Colorado. It is part of the national forest which manages a protection for its flora and fauna. The refuge is located in North Park in central Jackson County south of the town of Walden. The refuge was established in 1967 to furnish waterfowl with a suitable place to nest and rear their young. It was created in part to offset losses of nesting habitat in the prairie wetland region of the Midwest. It is located in the valley of the Illinois River, a tributary of the North Platte River. It is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The dry climate of the area (at an elevation of approximately 8800 feet) requires the diversion of water from the Illinois River through a complex system of ditches to irrigate wetland meadows and fill water fowl brood ponds. Periodic burning, irrigation and various grazing systems are management tools used on the refuge meadows to maintain vegetative vigor for nesting purposes. Manipulation of water levels in the shallow ponds is intended to assure adequate aquatic vegetation for food and escape cover. The ponds also produce many insects and other invertebrates (protein) needed by most female waterfowl for successful egg laying. These insects also serve as an essential food item for the growth of ducklings and goslings during the summer months.
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