Information, Rules and Regulations

When visiting Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, look for kiosks in public access areas like trail heads or parking areas. The kiosks will provide you with a site map, rules and regulations for the area, and signs that you should get to know in order to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

The Big Six

In addition to its premier task of conserving wildlife, the Refuge System also manages six wildlife-dependent recreational uses:  wildlife observation, fishing, hunting, photography, environmental education, and interpretation. Public use varies at each site of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Information about the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the Refuge Satellite Properties can be found here:
Know Your Signs

Keep an eye out for blue and white signs showing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge shield or the Blue Goose (the symbol of the national wildlife refuge system.) Here are some signs that you may find on refuge properties:
This sign marks the area closed to public entry.
This sign marks the refuge boundary.
This sign designates the refuge as a trapping area.
This sign identifies refuge fishing areas.
This sign identifies refuge hunting areas.