Over the years more territory was purchased from several landowners, and today the refuge covers over 7,000 acres.

[3] It is on the western edge of the Great Basin and includes many types of habitat, such as seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands, wet meadows, riparian zones, sagebrush steppe, reservoir, and cropland.

It is a staging area and wetland breeding habitat for migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway, such as waterfowl and the sandhill crane.

[3] The functions of the refuge include preservation and conservation of habitat and flora and fauna, and recreation and public services such as hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife observation and photography, and education.

[2][3] Management activities in the local habitat include grazing and crop cultivation, prescribed burning, and water manipulation.