Fire Restriction Order (Stage 2)
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions coupled with extremely dry vegetation conditions in northwestern Colorado, a fire ban is effective Thursday, August 7th, 2025.
PROHIBITED: The use of anything that produces an open flame that is not liquid-fueled or gas-fueled. Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, wood-burning stove, tiki torches, and fire pits not allowed including developed picnic and camping areas. Parking or driving a motor vehicle off established roads or parking areas. Carrying, possessing, or discharging fireworks or explosives, per standard regulations. Target shooting, per standard regulations. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle. Operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor.
These restrictions will be enforced by federal law enforcement.
Location and Contact Information
Please Be Aware! Shed antler hunting is not allowed on the Refuge. Collection of animal parts, plants, historic artifacts, fossils, minerals, etc. is illegal. If you find anything, leave it for other visitors to enjoy as well. Contact Refuge staff if you have any questions.
About Us
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1956 by by Public Land Order to provide sanctuary for migratory birds, conserve endangered and threatened species, and offer wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. The Refuge encompasses a wide variety of habitat types from upland sage steppe and pinyon/juniper forests to wetlands and wet meadows. Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge provides valuable habitat for birds to rest and feed as they migrate each spring and fall, and forage for elk and mule deer that browse the uplands and grasslands each winter. Bald eagles and ospreys nest in the cottonwoods and nesting platforms along the Green River.
The Browns Park area also has a rich history. Fremont Indians lived and hunted in the valley and marked stones with petroglyphs. Later on, the Shoshone and mountain men would gather for a winter rendezvous and trade goods. Eventually, cattle and sheep ranchers moved into the area and started homesteads. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch would help the ranchers when they needed to avoid law enforcement officers.
