The refuge preserves a moist valley with unique wetlands and uplands at a relatively high elevation in the Allegheny Mountains.

However, the following year the Project was denied a Clean Water Act permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

[4]: Sum-1  APS appealed the Corps' decision all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1988 declined to hear the case, thus clearing the way for creation of the refuge.

White-tailed deer, raccoons, geese, and squirrels are common, and minks, bobcats, black bears, and barred owls can be seen.

Facilitated refuge activities include wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, hiking, environmental education, and nature programs.