About Us

Flowering Big Bluestem
Image Details

Established in 1960, the District manages both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-owned waterfowl production areas as well as wetland and grassland easements on private lands in Ransom, Richland, and Sargent counties. The District protects northern tallgrass prairie, one of the most threatened ecosystems in North America. Migratory birds associated with both the Central Flyway and Mississippi Flyway come together at the in this area, leading to a diverse mix of bird species. Grassland and wetland habitats in the District provide food, water, shelter, and space for a variety of wildlife species, ranging from inconspicuous butterflies to large, elegant tundra swans.

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.

The mission of Tewaukon Wetland Management District is to preserve, restore, and enhance lands of the tallgrass prairie wetland ecosystem capable of supporting habitat for migratory birds and other native wildlife for the benefit of present and future generations.

Other Facilities in this Complex

Tewaukon Wetland Management District 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. Districts and 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
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of North America's largest nesting colonies of American white pelicans - nearly one-third of the continental population of these birds nest at this Refuge. The nesting colony fluctuates year to year anywhere from 4,000 to 35,000 birds.
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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lesser scaup taking off from the water
Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge
Located in North Dakota, Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge serves as a waterfowl concentration point during spring and fall migrations, when tens of thousands of ducks and geese using the Refuge and surrounding lands. Large numbers of wading and marsh birds are also present during the summer...
National Wildlife Refuge
Devils Lake,ND
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
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...
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