Description - Since President Theodore Roosevelt
designated Florida’s Pelican Island as
the first wildlife refuge in 1903, this
network of protected lands has grown
to encompass more than 540 wildlife
refuges and more than 36,000 fee and
easement waterfowl production areas.
Refuges are special places where the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its
partners restore, protect, and manage
habitat for America’s wildlife.
Today, there is at least one wildlife
refuge in each of the 50 states, and
one within an hour’s drive of most
major U.S. cities.
Attractions
- Most of the National Wildlife Refuges in Texas are centered around water, many along the Gulf Coast. Some refuges such as the Balcones Canyonlands and Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuges preserve specific habitat types for which may be at risk of disappearance. All offer unique natural attractions to the visitor.
Recreation - Although recreation is not the primary mission of the National Wildlife Refuges, most of the refuges listed here offer opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing and enjoying nature. Some of the refuges offer trails and even scenic drives. Many of the refuges offer fishing and hunting opportunities within the designated seasons. Climate - Texas is a huge state with varying climates but generally the climate could be said to be primarily hot and humid in the summer months and mild to cool in the winter. Western Texas receives very little rainfall with the exception of the higher elevations. This is the driest area of the state having a relative humidity of 50 percent and an annual rainfall average of eight inches. Northern Texas is infamous for its quickly changing weather. This is the area of the state that receives remarkable tornadoes and hailstorms. This is also the only region of the state to accumulate snow. An average of 15 inches falls each year along with 20 inches of rain. Eastern Texas experiences hot and humid summers. Temperatures in the metro areas of Fort Worth and Dallas often reach 100 degrees in July and August. This makes for a dangerously high heat and uncomfortable for traveling. Winters are pleasant in this region, where the temperatures rarely dip below 32 degrees. Average rainfall in eastern Texas reaches 25 inches or more. Location -
Texas lies in the south-central United States. A number of National Wildlife Refuges are somewhat concentrated along the Gulf Coast but they do exist throughout the state.
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