About Us
Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge was established on June 12, 1939 through Executive Order 8155 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt “as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife”. The Refuge is located in the Prairie Pothole Region which resulted from glaciation over 10,000 years ago. The movement of glaciers across this region created the vast wetland and grassland areas. Turtle Creek, a major feature in the Turtle Creek Watershed, runs through the center of the Refuge on its way to the Missouri River. The topography is relatively flat to gently rolling, with over half of the Refuge being wetland habitat. The wetlands are rich with life for most of the year, especially during migration, and support numerous migratory bird species as stopover and breeding areas.
Our Mission
Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established to serve a 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 purpose.
Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge was established “…for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” Located in the Central Flyway, the Refuge historically served as a foundation for the restoration of the nearly extirpated giant Canada goose population.
Managers strive to restore mixed-grass prairie and provide quality migratory stopover and breeding habitat for birds of conservation concern. Opportunities are also provided vor visitors to help foster a greater understanding and appreciation of conservation and restoration within an agricultural landscape.
Our History
Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge was established through Executive Order 8155 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt “... as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” on July 12, 1939. The area was recognized for it's location in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and importance for breeding migratory birds, composition of native prairie, planted grasslands, and wetlands.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge part of the Audubon Wetland Management District. The District manages an array of private and fee-title land held by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
