About Us
On May 10, 1939, Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Florence Lake Refuge is located in northern Burleigh County approximately 45 miles northwest of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge and has almost 1,000 acres of virgin native mixed-grass prairie and a 132-acre meandered lake. Surrounded by native prairie, Florence Lake provides breeding and migration habitat for a diverse array of migratory birds. This high-quality prairie habitat attracts grassland birds including grassland passerines that are sought by birders visiting the region.
The Refuge draws in significant numbers of waterfowl during the fall migration and plays an important role as a migratory bird nesting area. Florence Lake attracts up to 80-100 duck pairs per square mile during the spring breeding season. Resident and migratory wildlife species, including sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge, white-tailed deer, and coyotes also utilize the Refuge.
Our Mission
Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and waters. All activities on those acres are reviewed for compatibility with this statutory purpose.
Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established through Executive Order No. 8119 “… as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” and “...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” (Migratory Bird Conservation Act.)
Our History
On May 10, 1939, Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt "...as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife...". The Refuge is managed to provide optimum habitat for migratory birds.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge is administered by Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge as an unstaffed satellite refuge.
