[1] The refuge was formed in 2000 after a 1989 order to gradually close the Jefferson Proving Ground, a World War II era munitions testing facility, which was completed by 1995.

The refuge is located north of the historic firing line and surrounds a 1,000-acre (4 km2) parcel operated by the Indiana Air National Guard.

A zone used for firing tests remains off limit to the public due to the prohibitive cost of cleanup.

[2] Due to the past use of the property as a depleted uranium ordnance testing facility by the United States Army, all visitors must view a safety video and sign an Acknowledgement of Danger form annually prior to entering the refuge.

[5] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.