Wetlands

The refuge area includes large expanses of sedge meadow wetland and encompasses two shallow open-water wetlands, Rice and Skunk Lakes. These shallow lakes are located at the confluence of the Platte River, Skunk River, Rice Creek, and Buckman Creek.

This abundance of wetland habitat provides habitat for scores of wetland-dependent birds. One of the most notable inhabitants of the area is the greater sandhill crane, a bird that had all but disappeared from Minnesota at the turn of the century. The refuge area is one of the most important breeding areas for these cranes in Central Minnesota, supporting over 30 nesting pairs. In addition, hundreds of cranes stage here during fall migration.

Waterfowl are generally abundant and include most species of ducks and geese found in the Prairie Pothole Region of Minnesota. The most common nesting species are Canada goose, mallard, blue-winged teal, and wood duck. During spring and fall migration, thousands of ducks are present on Rice and Skunk lakes and their surrounding wetlands. Notable concentrations of American wigeon, gadwall, mallard, blue-winged teal, northern pintail, northern shoveler, canvasback, redhead, green-winged teal, and mergansers have been documented.

Bald eagles, a Federally threatened species, are commonly sighted during spring and fall migration periods on Rice and Skunk lakes. An active bald eagle nest exists within the refuge acquisition boundary. Other wetland-dependent birds found in the area include great blue heron, American bittern, common loon, double-crested cormorant, common snipe, sora, sedge wren, and northern harrier.

This wetland complex is also important for wetland-dependent amphibians, mammals and reptiles. Muskrat, beaver, river otter, raccoon, and mink are common in refuge area wetland habitats.

Twenty-one species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded on the area including wetland species such as tiger salamander, green frog, northern leopard frog, western chorus frog, and spring peeper. Also found in area wetlands are one State-listed threatened species, the Blanding's Turtle; and one State-listed species of special concern, the snapping turtle.

Surveys on area wetlands and lakes have confirmed over 40 species of fish, including common game fish species such as northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. A large population of carp and other roughfish also exists. Little Rock Creek, located on the south end of the refuge acquisition area, is a State-designated trout stream.