Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Location	Montana, USA
Nearest city	Billings, MT
Coordinates	47°41′0″N 107°11′0″W
Area	1,100,000 acres (4,450 km²)
Established	1936
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Map of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Fort Peck Reservoir and at 1,100,000 acres (4,450 km²) is the largest refuge in Montana, United States. Created in 1936, the refuge was named after famed painter of the American West, Charles M. Russell. Extending for a distance of 125 miles (200 km) along the shores of Fort Peck Reservoir and the Missouri River, the refuge is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The refuge is administered from offices in Lewistown, Montana.

245,000 acres (991 km²) of the refuge are part of the reservoir formed by the Missouri River impounded behind Fort Peck Dam which was built to provide irrigation, flood control and improve plant and animal species protection. The shores of the reservoir are host to grassy prairies, badlands and forest zones which provide an excellent blend for biodiversity. Consequently, the largest population of bighorn sheep outside the Rocky Mountains exist in the refuge. Elk, pronghorn, prairie dog, mule deer, coyote, porcupine and approximately 235 species of birds are also found here.

The UL Bend Wilderness is located in the western sections within the refuge while the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is located along the western boundary of the refuge. The refuge land is spread into portions of six counties along the river; from west to east they are Fergus, Phillips, Petroleum, Garfield, Valley, and McCone counties.

U.S. Highway 191 provides access to the western sections of the refuge, but Montana Highway 24 passes along the eastern boundary, allowing better access to wildlife stations.

External links

• "Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://cmr.fws.gov/. Retrieved 2006-08-16. 
• "Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Profile". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=61520. Retrieved 2011-08-10.