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| Washington
Wildlife Areas
Whatcom Wildlife Area |
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Lake Terrell Unit Four dairy farms were purchased in the late 1940s to preserve waterfowl habitat, and provide opportunities for consumptive and appreciative public recreation. To restore these lands for waterfowl, the Department dammed Terrell Creek, creating shallow 500-acre Lake Terrell, six to nine feet deep. Approximately 75 percent of this drainage basin is farmland, while 25 percent is second growth forest or fallow. This area provides the first major resting and feeding area that waterfowl from the North (Canada) find on their migration south along the Pacific Flyway. It is used by an abundant diversity of migrating and wintering waterfowl – ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds. With Puget Sound’s continuous population growth and development, Lake Terrell has become an even more critical feeding area for numerous wintering waterfowl.
At present, about 55 acres are farmed annually to produce winter food for waterfowl and upland game. Wild rice has been planted in the lakebed for several years now and is producing seed annually. Several artificial islands, constructed to attract nesting waterfowl, have been used extensively by Canada geese. The adjacent fields are excellent brooding areas for goslings. Wintering trumpeter and tundra swans also use the lake as a night roost area. Pen-raised pheasants are released weekly in the fall, (late September through November). Duck blinds have been constructed on some of the artificial islands, and the lake has been developed with boat launches and other amenities. Presently there are 26 hunting blinds available for use. Blinds may be used for wildlife observation before and after waterfowl hunting season. Other recreational opportunities include: deer and rabbit hunting, pheasant hunting, fishing, dog training, an archery target range, bird watching and boating. Although Terrell Creek was originally dammed to create an impoundment and restore wetland habitat for waterfowl, the resulting water body also provides ideal habitat for a number of introduced fish species. Lake Terrell has become one of the destination largemouth bass fishing venues in Western Washington.
Directions:
From I-5 exit 262 head west on Main Street through downtown Ferndale
for 1.8 miles. Main Street becomes Mt. View Road. Follow 3.3 miles to
Lake Terrell Road. Turn right onto Lake Terrell Road .7 miles to Headquarters,
5975 Lake Terrell Road, Ferndale, WA 98248. |
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