Nearest city Forks Established 1907 | Area 51 ha | |
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Location Clallam County, Washington Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge Address Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA Management United States Fish and Wildlife Service Similar Shi Shi Beach, Lost Resort, Hobuck Beach Resort, Cape Flattery Lighthouse, Makah Tribal Marina | ||
Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is the northernmost of the three refuges (along with Quillayute Needles and Copalis) which make up the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, a group of 870 islands, rocks, and reefs extending for more than 100 miles along Washington's coast from Cape Flattery to Copalis Beach. These islands are protected from human disturbance, yet are close to abundant ocean food sources. They are closed to the public, with wildlife observation only from boats and the mainland, and a 200-yard buffer zone surrounding each island.
They are a vital sanctuary where 14 species of seabirds nest and raise their young. During migration the total populations of seabirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds may exceed a million birds. Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and whales may also be seen around the islands.
The refuge is within the boundary of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Olympic National Park, and is also incorporated into the Washington Islands Wilderness. The three agencies cooperate on research programs and other issues that may have impacts on the resources.
History
The refuge was originally created as Flattery Rocks Reservation on October 23, 1907, by an executive order from Theodore Roosevelt. It encompassed the islands off the Washington coast between latitudes 48° 02′ North and 48° 23′ North. It was renamed by a presidential proclamation on July 25, 1940.