January 8th, 2019
Where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse. Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk. Please read this important message about the closure of National Wildlife Refuge System facilities during the shutdown.
For more information, please visit the Department of Interior webpage at https://www.doi.gov/shutdown
The Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center and the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve are not affected for visitors.
March 21st, 2018

Victoria Touchstone Named the 2018 National Wildlife Refuge System
Employee of the Year
March 21, 2018
Washington, D.C. The National Wildlife Refuge Association has named Victoria Touchstone as our 2018 National Wildlife Refuge System Employee of the Year. Ms. Touchstone is a Refuge Planner for the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex in southern California, and has developed and implemented critical projects that have not only benefited wildlife populations,but also created greater public access for the community.
In her sixteen years with the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Ms. Touchstone has completed multiple major habitat restoration projects, has drafted and finalized four major Comprehensive Conservations Plans for four different refuges, and expanded public access. “Ms. Touchstone’s personal dedication to conserving habitats and protecting wildlife at the San Diego Refuge Complex exemplifies her commitment to her community and to the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Geoffrey Haskett, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “But her commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond her role with the Refuge System as she rescues wildlife and uses her backyard as a refuge.”
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