About Us

Sustained high water levels have drastically changed the character of the Refuge over the past 20 years. Previously, the Refuge consisted of approximately 6,000 acres of shallow wetlands and 6,000 acres of grasslands. The shallow wetlands provided quality habitat for waterfowl and a variety of waterbirds, while uplands provided nesting cover. The Refuge was also an important for ducks and geese when they molted their feathers. Due to significant rising water levels on the interconnected Devils Lake, the Refuge is now almost entirely open water with less than 500 acres of upland habitat. That said, Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge still provides habitat for many species of migrating birds as they make their journey north and south each year.

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

Lake Alice 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
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge
Located near Pingree, North Dakota, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge protects large areas of mixed-grass prairie habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed deer, dozens of species of butterflies, and many other forms of wildlife. Much of the Refuge is grassland hills and...
National Wildlife Refuge
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Waterfowl on a pond in the Prairie Pothole Region
Arrowwood Wetland Management District
Arrowwood Wetland Management District was established in 1961 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the District helps conserve wildlife on more than 35,000 acres of land in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region. These pristine...
National Wildlife Refuge
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a large group of big white birds with large yellow bills and throat pouches gather in green foliage.
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge
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National Wildlife Refuge
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Thunderstorm over prairie wetlands in North Dakota
Chase Lake Wetland Management District
Chase Lake Wetland Management District is located in the famous "Prairie Pothole Region," an area with many small wetlands and a key area for breeding waterfowl in North America. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the District helps protect more than 140,00 acres of wetland and...
National Wildlife Refuge
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pair of northern shovelers wading in shallow water
Devils Lake Wetland Management District
Covering eight counties in northeastern North Dakota, the Devils Lake Wetland Management District helps protect more than 258,000 acres of wetland and grassland habitat. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, the District lands and waters benefit numerous migratory birds and resident...
National Wildlife Refuge
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A group of 4 ruddy turnstones standing on a rock at the waters edge.
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established to develop and manage a system of wetlands and grasslands unique to the Red River Valley of North Dakota. The Refuge contains an intermittent stream and pools of water that flows into the Turtle River, a tributary of the Red River. Located...
National Wildlife Refuge
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large flock of snow geese
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge
Supplied with water from the meandering Wild Rice River, the large wetlands at Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge attract hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl during spring and fall migration. The amazing flights of thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds are visible on the...
National Wildlife Refuge
Cayuga,ND
Three ring-necked ducks swimming along brown cattails; two drakes, one hen
Tewaukon Wetland Management District
Tewaukon Wetland Management District lies on the western edge of the northern tallgrass prairie and within the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region. The Prairie Pothole Region is named for its many small wetlands that resemble potholes. Located in southeastern North Dakota, the District helps...
National Wildlife Refuge
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Drake blue-winged teal swimming on the water
Valley City Wetland Management District
Valley City Wetland Management District (Valley City WMD ) helps conserve wildlife habitat on more than 89,000 acres that benefit migratory birds, wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities for people. The Prairie Pothole Region is named for its many small wetlands that resemble potholes;...
National Wildlife Refuge
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Bison with calf
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
Since 1904, White Horse Hill National Game Preserve has played an important role in the conservation of American bison. In addition to the highly visible bison, elk and prairie dogs the game preserve helps to conserve, visitors also can find numerous other species of land animals and more than 214...
National Wildlife Refuge
St. Michael,ND