Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

5292706

Public Comment Period Open

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public comment on draft Compatibility Determination for plant gathering (seed collection) at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing the availability of a draft compatibility determination for public review and comment, proposing both non-commercial and commercial plant gathering on Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Public comments on the draft will be accepted for 15 days, from July 21, 2025 to August 4, 2025.

Plant gathering is the collection of plants, plant parts, or plant products. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with other federal agencies and partners to implement the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration to increase the supply of locally adapted native plant species needed to restore healthy, resilient, and adaptive ecosystems. Seeds may be collected from Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge for non-commercial or commercial uses, including long-term storage, research, development, production to increase seed supply, and ecological restoration activities. Native seed collections, including efforts at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, would contribute to native plant materials development and would help to ensure successful restoration of working landscapes and wildlife habitat after natural disasters and other damage.

The draft compatibility determination is available for review on the refuge website's library by clicking here. Printed copies of the draft are available for review in Ruby Valley, NV at the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

For questions and comments about the draft, send an email to [email protected].

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies at the southern end of Ruby Valley in northeast Nevada. Flanked on the west by the rugged and scenic Ruby Mountains, it is one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48 states. The refuge encompasses 40,048 acres of marsh, meadows, grasslands, and brush covered upland habitats. The Ruby Valley is at an elevation of about 6,000 feet.

Important Announcements

The Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open daily, year-round, from 1 hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Please note that biology work with airboats may be conducted during new moon nights of the summer months.
Harrison Pass is not maintained year-round, so may be better to use Secret Pass (I-80 exit 321 for Halleck open) to access the refuge in the winter and/or when there is adverse weather. Please drive carefully!
Part of the Auto Tour Route (Long Dike Road between Unit 13 and Unit 20) is closed to vehicles until further notice to protect breeding waterfowl.
June 15 - July 31: South of Brown Dike (South Marsh) only, motorless boats and boats with battery powered electric motors are permitted. Gas motors must be removed from all boats.
ORUVs: Off-road vehicles are prohibited on all refuge roads east of Ruby Valley Road (County Road).
The Visitor Center is open M - F, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, excluding federal holidays. However, we are a small staff and may temporarily close the Visitor Center if we are needed in the field.
Contact us: Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 775-779-2237 with any questions.

ducks flying over water with snow capped mountains in the background

Ruby Lake Boating, Hunting, and Fishing Brochure

Recreate responsibly while visiting Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Location and Contact Information

About Us

Ruby Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as “a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.��

History

Ruby Valley is rich in history. Evidence of prehistoric people who roamed throughout northeastern Nevada can be found all along the west side of the refuge, in the Ruby Mountains. The numerous springs in and around the refuge provide abundant food sources including game animals, seeds, nuts, and roots.

Learn More About Us