Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Three Arch National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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| Location | Tillamook County, Oregon, United States |
| Nearest city | Oceanside, Oregon |
| Area | 15.00 acres (6.07 ha) |
| Established | October 14, 1907 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Three Arch Rocks NWR |
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is a special place off the northern Oregon Coast. It is found in Tillamook County, in the northwestern part of Oregon. This refuge is one of six such areas along the Oregon coast. It was the very first National Wildlife Refuge created west of the Mississippi River. In 1970, this area was also named a wilderness area. It is one of the smallest wilderness areas in the United States.
What is Three Arch Rocks?
Three Arch Rocks is made up of three large and six small rocky islands. These islands cover about 15 acres (6 ha) of land. They are located about half a mile (1 km) offshore from Oceanside. Even though it is one of the smallest wilderness areas in the U.S., it is very important. It is home to the biggest group of breeding tufted puffins. It also has the largest group of common murres south of Alaska. This refuge is also the only place in northern Oregon where threatened Steller sea lions have their pups.
History of the Refuge
The refuge was created by President Theodore Roosevelt. Two young people who loved nature, William L. Finley and Herman Bohlman, convinced him. They had studied and photographed Three Arch Rocks from Oceanside starting in 1901.
They saw that people were harming the wildlife. Some hunters were killing many sea lions for their skin and oil. Other people were shooting seabirds just for fun. At that time, seabird eggs were also very valuable. This led to many eggs being taken, which made bird populations smaller.
Finley and Bohlman suggested creating a wildlife refuge. They wanted to protect the animals and help their populations grow again. President Roosevelt agreed and declared Three Arch Rocks a National Wildlife Refuge in 1907. Later, in 1970, the United States Congress officially named the refuge a wilderness area. In 1994, a rare sighting happened here. A group of 2 or 3 North Pacific right whales, which are very endangered, were seen near the rocks.
Protecting Wildlife
The Three Arch Rocks Refuge has protected Oregon's largest seabird nesting area since October 14, 1907. More than 230,000 birds make their homes here. The entire Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex protects over a million nesting seabirds. These birds include common murres, tufted puffins, cormorants, and storm-petrels.
Visiting the Area
The islands themselves are closed to visitors. Boats must stay at least 500 ft (150 m) away during summer. Airplanes must fly at least 2,000 ft (600 m) above the refuge. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages and protects this special area.
