North Platte National Wildlife Refuge in western Nebraska, about 8 miles northwest of Scottsbluff, spans 5,047 acres in four separate sections around lakes and reservoirs managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, including Lake Minatare. Known as one of Nebraska’s most important protected wildlife areas, it is especially significant for birdlife: about 200,000 ducks, Canada geese, herons, and other waterfowl stop here during fall migration, and more than 200 bird species have been recorded since 1975. The refuge also contains Nebraska’s longest continuously used bald eagle nesting site and supports diverse mammals and popular sport fishing waters.