5397001
Public Review and Comment on Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Midwest Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov

Litchfield Wetland Management District was established in 1978 to acquire, restore, and manage habitat for waterfowl production and other migratory birds. The district manages waterfowl production areas and Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge tracts, within a seven county area in south-central Minnesota. These federal public lands encompass about 38,000 acres of land dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation. In addition to managing land for public use, the district protects more than 13,000 acres of privately-owned wetland and grassland habitat, purchased as permanent easements to restore and protect wildlife habitat.

Visit Us

Indian grass in Minnesota tallgrass prairie on Prairie Storm waterfowl production area.
Image Details

Litchfield Wetland Management District provides a number of great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The tallgrass prairies and wetlands host a diversity of plant and animal species and make for some great wildlife observation areas as well as other recreational activities. Some of these activities include hunting, fishing, environmental education, and photography.

Litchfield Wetland Management District manages four Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge tracts. These tracts are not visible on our website map. Use the link below to see the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge map. 

See Refuge Map

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Currently, our maps are under construction and we are working on improving the accuracy of our content. If you have any questions please contact us. Thank you for your patience!

Location and Contact Information

      What We Do

      Services
      A beautiful green grassland with white flowers in bloom under a partly cloudy sky
      Grassland Easements

      In the United States, the Prairie Pothole Region is located within the northern Great Plains in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Characterized by thousands of shallow, glacially formed wetlands known as potholes, the Prairie Pothole Region provides habitat for...

      Service
      Consultation and Technical Assistance
      Financial Assistance
      Dozens of waterfowl flying over a grassy wetland
      Wetland Easements

      In the United States, the Prairie Pothole Region is located within the northern Great Plains in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Characterized by thousands of shallow wetlands known as potholes, the Prairie Pothole Region provides habitat for globally...

      Service
      Consultation and Technical Assistance
      Financial Assistance
      Land Management and Conservation Assistance
      Silhouette of a person walking with a shotgun on the tundra
      Apply for a Special Use Permit on National Wildlife Refuges

      Some commercial, recreational and research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges only with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are...

      Service
      Communication
      Permits
      Business Owner/Commercial Business
      Educator/Education Facility
      Landowner - Commercial
      Landowner - Individual
      Oil/Gas Company
      Private Land Owners/Managers
      Researcher or Research Facility - Commercial Scientific

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC
      2025-2026 Federal Duck Stamp featuring a pair of spectacled eiders on the ground in grassy area.
      Since 1934, sales from Federal Duck Stamps have raised more than $1.3 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetlands habitat. That makes the Federal Duck Stamp one of the most successful conservation revenue programs in history! Over 98% of the money raised from the sale of Duck Stamps...
      Program
      Falls Church,VA
      Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Nevada Coordinator Susan Abele Meets with Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Member to Conduct a Site Visit at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation
      The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Since 1987, we have helped more than 25,000 landowners to complete more than 40,...
      Program
      A bright orange sky with a setting sun with a pond and vegetation in the foreground
      Realty implements the Refuge System’s mission by collaborating with states, local governments, and landowners to conserve wildlife habitat and expand opportunities for public recreation, including hunting and fishing. Realty also includes cartography, land surveying, and permitting of rights-of-way.
      Program
      Falls Church,VA
      A law enforcement officer standing in his truck in a desert setting looking through binoculars
      Guided by the founding principles of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, federal wildlife officers protect wildlife and habitat and make refuges safe places for staff and visitors; conserve America’s natural resources; and seek to exemplify...
      Program
      A firefighter is silhouetted in the dark walking along a fireline with orange flames in the background
      Fire is a natural and essential component of many ecosystems. When managed properly, it serves as an effective tool for maintaining and restoring ecological balance. By integrating fire into land management practices, we’re supporting biodiversity and sustaining resilient ecosystems for wildlife...
      Program

      Our Species

      3 Mallards in a Minnesota Wetland
      Image Details

      Litchfield Wetland Management District contains diverse native habitats that range from native forest in the northeast to the tallgrass prairie in the south and west. This diverse habitat also translates over to a diversity of plants and animals. In particular, the district remains a critical waterfowl production and migration area.