About Us

Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Refuge serves as an important migration corridor for waterfowl and shorebirds. Up to 22 species of shorebirds have been sighted on the Refuge during the month of July. 

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.

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. 

Other Facilities in this Complex

Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Eastern North Dakota Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wetland management districts or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges or wetland management districts. Support staff may include administrative personnel, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, and fire staff that are centrally located and support all stations within the complex. 

Two sharptailed grouse displaying on a lek
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a large group of big white birds with large yellow bills and throat pouches gather in green foliage.
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Thunderstorm over prairie wetlands in North Dakota
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pair of northern shovelers wading in shallow water
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lesser scaup taking off from the water
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large flock of snow geese
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Three ring-necked ducks swimming along brown cattails; two drakes, one hen
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Drake blue-winged teal swimming on the water
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Bison with calf
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