Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

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.

Upland habitat management is geared toward providing tall and dense nesting cover on a high percentage of uplands for nesting birds, especially waterfowl.  Rejuvenation of decadent grasslands and the control of invasive plant species are accomplished through an active management program of grazing, prescribed burning, haying, farming, reseeding, invasive plant control, and habitat monitoring.  Grasslands are categorized as dense nesting cover, introduced cool season grasses, and seeded native grasses. Vegetative 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 differs greatly between the three habitat types resulting in different management objectives.

The grassland vegetation of the northern Great Plains evolved under periodic disturbance and defoliation from bison and fire. This periodic disturbance is what made the prairie healthy and a place of enormous diversity for thousands of years. Fire in grassland ecosystems is essential for maintaining healthy vegetation in grasslands, wetlands, and some woodlands for wildlife habitat.  Refuge staff conduct prescribed fire management treatments on selected units of the refuge replicating historic wildfire events that benefit prairie landscapes. Domestic cattle are used in prescribed grazing treatments on selected refuge units to also improve grasslands, control invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species and increase plant diversity.

Wetland management is largely dependent on flows of the James River. High springtime flows generally result in adequate filling of Mud Lake and Sand Lake and these pools can be maintained at a full pool elevation. Periodic drawdowns are very beneficial to wetland management and are attempted when lower flows permit. The refuge has large concentrations of over water nesting species such as Franklin’s gulls, White-faced ibis, black-crowned night heron, eared grebe, western grebe and Forster’s terns.

Standardized ground and aerial wildlife surveys and vegetation surveys are conducted throughout the year to inventory populations and document habitat use.  Units are evaluated by how well they met habitat and wildlife use objectives.

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