Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge | |
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IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Location | Orange County, California, United States |
Nearest city | Seal Beach, California |
Coordinates | 33°44′16″N 118°04′27″W / 33.73772°N 118.07422°W[1] |
Area | 911 acres (3.69 km2) |
Established | 1972 |
Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
Website | Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge |
Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge encompassing 965 acres (3.91 km2) located in the California coastal community of Seal Beach. Although it is located in Orange County it is included as part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It was established in 1972.
The refuge is a collaboration between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Navy.[2] It serves as a critical habitat and winter stopover for many birds along the Pacific Flyway. Among the birds found at the refuge are great blue herons and the three endangered bird species: California clapper rail, California least tern, and Belding's Savannah sparrow.[3][4]
The refuge is located within Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Public access in the refuge is limited or restricted to once-a month tour (last Saturday of each month) as it is located within an active military base.[5]