Welcome To Bandon Visitors Guide 2010

• Wildlife Refuges: Look But Don't Touch

Published: Thursday, May 21st, 2009 Wildlife Refuges: Look But DonŐt Touch Bandon's coastal rocks and islands, with their scenic beauty and majestic grandeur - all part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge - are closed to public access to help conserve sensitive and easily disturbed wildlife for the enjoyment and benefit of America's current and future generations.

These stunning coastal rocks are critical nesting habitat for tens of thousands of seabirds every year from April through August. In addition, this nationally designated wilderness area is used by thousands of breeding seals and sea lions.

To gain an appreciation for the abundant wildlife of our coastal islands, visit the Coquille Point Unit of the refuge where, on weekends during the spring and summer, Shoreline Education for Awareness has wildlife interpreters on site with spotting scopes to help you get a closer look.
Paved, accessible walking trails and interpretive panels are readily accessible along the headland. Two sets of stairs lead you down to the beach for a closer look.

Help protect wildlife by remembering to keep your distance (at least 50 yards from all seals and sea lions), and never climb the rocks or islands.

In contrast to the power and stateliness of the coastal rocks are the mudflats and forested wetlands of the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - located in the Coquille River estuary.

The estuary is habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including mammals such as river otter, mink and black-tailed deer, as well as numerous bird species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Canada goose and great blue heron.

Access and parking are available at an overlook on the west side of Riverside Drive. This overlook includes an accessible boardwalk and deck, peaceful bench and a short stairway leading to the marsh.

The refuge's other unit lies slightly northeast in a mixture of uplands, forested wetlands and historic estuary that was converted into pastureland decades ago. Starting in 2009-2010, this unit will be the site of the largest tidal marsh restoration project ever to be attempted in Oregon.

An easily accessible observation deck and parking area allow you to view the refuge. To visit the overlook, turn east onto North Bank Lane just north of Bullards Bridge, which is located about two miles north of Bandon on U.S. Highway 101.

These National Wildlife refuges, part of a national network, are managed for the public by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information, visit http://www.fws.gov.

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