Fact Sheet

• Established: September 4, 1935 by Executive Order as a Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

• Located in Stutsman County, along sixteen miles of the James River.

• Established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.

• 15,934 acres total: 7,030 acres of native grasslands, 3,282 acres of seeded grasslands, 300 acres of croplands, 1,038 acres of wetlands, 500 acres of woodlands, and 3,541 acres of managed wetlands.

• Arrowwood Lake named for Native Americans who traveled here to obtain wood for arrow shafts.

• Administrative center for the Arrowwood NWR, Arrowwood WMD, Chase Lake WMD, Chase Lake NWR, Chase Lake Prairie Project, and Valley City WMD.

Natural History

• Landscape formed by glacial action.

• One physiographic region: Drift Prairie.

• Three natural lakes and one marsh.

• The James River system runs southward through the Refuge creating an important migration pathway and riparian zone.

• Mixed grass prairie region: transition area between the tall grass and short grass prairies.

• Prior to settlement, bison, antelope, wolves, prairie grouse, waterfowl and many other species of wetland or grassland dependent wildlife thrived.

• Landscape changes as a result of European immigrants reduced the number of wetlands and acres of native grassland.

• Remaining wealth of grasslands and wetlands continue to produce large numbers of waterfowl.

Station Objectives

• Optimize waterfowl production and provide a resting place during migration.

• Preserve and protect native grasslands.

• Provide and maintain quality upland and wetland habitat capable of supporting healthy migratory bird populations.

• Provide opportunities for quality wildlife dependent recreation.

• Provide opportunities for environmental education.

Management Tools

• Grassland restoration using grazing, haying, fire, rest, and cultivation/re-seeding.

• Noxious weed control using mowing/haying, grazing, biological control agents and herbicides.

• Water level management of impoundments to provide optimum levels for nesting and migrating waterfowl.

• GIS/GPS hardware and software used intensively in management programs.

• Law enforcement of public use activities and hunting.

• Surveillance and management of Avian Botulism and other wildlife disease problems.

Public Use Opportunities

• Upland game bird, big game and fox hunting.

• Fishing, including wintertime fishing for perch, northern pike and some walleye.

• Warbler Woodland Watchable Wildlife Area.

• Wildlife observation and photography: Nature Trail, Auto Tour Route, and Sharp-tailed grouse observation blind.

• Environmental education.

• Volunteer opportunities.

Financial Impact to Local Communities

• 14,500 Annual Visitors.

• Cooperative haying and grazing agreements with landowners.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service