What We Do

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.  

Mallards Landing on Wetland
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Management and Conservation

Grassland
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Refuges deploy a host of scientifically sound management tools to address biological challenges. These tools span active water management to wilderness character monitoring, all aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach to benefit both wildlife and people.

Our Services

Grazing opportunities on the Waterfowl Production Areas
Cooperative Agriculture Opportunities at Sand Lake Wetland Management District

Sand Lake Wetland Management District in Columbia, SD, has grazing opportunities on Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge and 30 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in seven counties of north-eastern South Dakota. The grazing units range in size from approximately 25 to 1,732 acres...

Service
Agriculture
Farmer/Rancher
Farmer/Rancher
Dozens of waterfowl flying over a grassy wetland
Wetland Easements

In the United States, the Prairie Pothole Region is located within the northern Great Plains in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Characterized by thousands of shallow wetlands known as potholes, the Prairie Pothole Region provides habitat for globally...

Service
Consultation and Technical Assistance
Financial Assistance
Land Management and Conservation Assistance
A beautiful green grassland with white flowers in bloom under a partly cloudy sky
Grassland Easements

In the United States, the Prairie Pothole Region is located within the northern Great Plains in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Characterized by thousands of shallow, glacially formed wetlands known as potholes, the Prairie Pothole Region provides habitat for...

Service
Consultation and Technical Assistance
Financial Assistance

Our Projects and Research

Science sets the foundation for how fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats are managed at Sand Lake. In cooperation with other researchers, universities and science-based organizations we have created a broad-based platform in our ecological research to implement management strategies that are best suitable for entire landscapes and ecosystems, rather than a single species.

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex helps visitors enjoy the District and understand and obey wildlife and resource protection laws. Officers also play a key role in the successful management of the district and maintaining high quality visitor experiences.

Laws and Regulations

There are many activities to enjoy while visiting Sand Lake Wetland Management District, but to minimize disturbance to wildlife and to ensure visitor safety there are certain rules and regulations to follow while visiting.