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This refuge, located 50 miles north of Sacramento and five miles south of Sutter, preserves critical waterfowl wintering habitat.
More than 80 percent of the 2,600-acre refuge is within the Sutter floodwater bypass, formed by two large levees. When floodwaters fill the bypass, the refuge can be under as much as 12 feet of water.
The valley is an extensive agricultural area that historically has attracted millions of wintering ducks and geese. Lands that surround the refuge are mostly irrigated rice land, with some wheat, truck crops and orchards.
As Central Valley wetlands were developed, migrating waterfowl have become increasingly dependent on the refuges of the Sacramento Valley.
The refuge typically supports wintering populations exceeding 200,000 ducks and 100,000 geese. As a result, the marsh management program is one of the most intensive in the refuge system.
Refuge staff focus on preserving a natural diversity and abundance of plants and wildlife.
Wetlands cover about 77 percent of the total refuge acreage.
Waterfowl and pheasant hunting is permitted on the refuge.
The refuge is closed to the public except during hunting season.
Wildlife viewing can be conducted from tall levees adjacent to the refuge, and from a public road that crosses the refuge.
From Yuba City, travel south on Hwy. 99E approximately six miles to Oswald Road. Turn west and proceed 5.5 miles to Schlag Road. Travel north on Schlag Road for about one-eighth of a mile, turn west onto Hughes Road, which bisects the refuge.
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