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.
Management and Conservation
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. At this refuge, our conservation toolbox includes: water management, haying, grazing, fire management, 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 management, inventory and monitoring, recreation management and planning.
It’s no small task to meet the needs of all the different species of wildlife that use and live on the habitats of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge managers try to focus resources and efforts primarily on native migratory birds. Fortunately, other species of wildlife benefit from the food and shelter produced through habitat management techniques used for migratory birds. Livestock grazing and periodic prescribed fire help remove dead plant material to produce taller, thicker grasses and wildflowers for improved nesting habitat and encourage native plants to out-compete weeds and nonnative grasses.
Water management along the Wild Rice River has become necessary in some cases due to the changes in the surrounding watershed including increased water flow and volume because of wetland drainage across the landscape. These areas are managed as a flow-through system to keep the water from getting too deep and becoming unusable by most ducks and shorebirds.
Our Services
Visitor Center
Step inside our visitor center during normal business hours to learn more about our specific refuge. View the beautiful exhibits of native habitats and the wildlife that use them. Indoor restrooms are available for public use when the visitor center is open.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available inside the visitor center during normal business hours. Outdoor restrooms are available to visitors after hours and located throughout the Refuge. Restroom facilities are available at the parking area at west end of Sprague Lake, along North Lake road, and along the Prairie Lake auto tour.
Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. Officers help visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. They work closely with state and local government offices to enforce Federal, State, and Refuge hunting regulations that protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities. Other law enforcement duties include patrolling closed areas or wilderness areas, maintaining good relationships with neighboring landowners, maintaining refuge boundaries, and participating in public events.
Laws and Regulations
Management actions on national wildlife refuges are bound by many mandates including laws and executive orders.