Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area is a large area, approximately 78,000 acres along the north and west shores and lake areas of Roosevelt Lake in the vicinity of the confluence with Tonto Creek.
The Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area is managed under a Cooperative Agreement among the Tonto National Forest, the Salt River Project (SRP) and AZGFD. The primary purpose for management of the area is to provide enhanced and safe feeding and loafing habitat for the overwintering Rocky Mountain population of Canada geese. It is a great location for wildlife viewing, camping, boating, hiking, hunting and fishing.
Information
Location
Take Highway 87 north to the junction of Highway 188. Turn right and follow Highway 188 south for 26 miles to the lake.
Plants
Lakeshore vegetation in undisturbed areas is composed of saguaro, mesquite and palo verde.
Birds
Common birds in the area include Gambel’s quail, Clark’s grebe, western grebe, bald eagles, Canada geese, southwestern willow flycatchers other riparian birds and waterfowl.
Mammals
Common mammals in the area include bobcats, mule deer, coyotes, raccoons, desert cottontails and skunk species.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Common reptiles in the area include Gila monsters and several species of garter snakes.
Management
The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not own property at the Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area (RLWA), but rather cooperates with the Tonto National Forest on special management actions within this area.
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