National Wildlife Refuges are managed to protect endangered plants and animals, to provide for the needs of migratory birds, to preserve a natural diversity and to furnish places for people to understand and enjoy wildlife. 

Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge contains a 4,700 acre lake, plus the Owens Bay and Andes Creek Units, 832 and 410 acres respectively. These lands and waters are vitally important to the nation’s migratory bird populations – waterbirds and songbirds nest here in great numbers. During spring and fall migrations, clouds of waterfowl and shorebirds darken the sky.