The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Mountain‑Prairie Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Mountain-Prairie Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from April 1 to May 1, 2026. Comments, questions, concerns, or a request for a hard copy can be sent to: MountainPrairieNWRS@fws.gov.
We are also seeking public review and comment on the Draft Compatibility Determination (CD) for Fishing at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. This draft document re-evaluates and replaces the 1994 CD for fishing. Fishing has occurred on the refuge since 1994. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 14‑day public comment period from April 24 to May 8, 2026. Comments, questions, concerns, or a request for a hard copy can be sent to: MountainPrairieNWRS@fws.gov.
Visit Us
Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge is managed out of the Crosby Wetland Management District Headquarters. The refuge is open to deer and upland game bird hunting (specific regulations apply), photography, and wildlife viewing.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The prairies of northwest North Dakota are home to an abundance of wildlife. Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge lies within the Prairie Pothole Region, otherwise known as the “Duck Factory of North America". A vast expanse of grassland dotted with numerous small wetlands creates a highly productive area for waterfowl production. Despite the widespread land conversion, approximately 50 percent of North America’s breeding waterfowl population is still produced within the Prairie Pothole Region. The refuge was established primarily to protect this waterfowl breeding and nesting habitat.
What We Do
The Crosby Wetland Management District manages land in Divide, Burke and Williams counties, North Dakota for the benefit of migratory and resident wildlife. This includes monitoring and actively managing land, maintaining cooperative agreements with private landowners, administration of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland and grassland easements, and coordination with partners and stakeholders.
