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Public Comment Opportunity: Draft Rights‑of‑Way Compatibility Determination

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 Mountain‑Prairie 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 Mountain-Prairie Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from April 1 to May 1, 2026. Comments, questions, concerns, or a request for a hard copy can be sent to: MountainPrairieNWRS@fws.gov.

We are also seeking public review and comment on the Draft Compatibility Determination (CD) for Fishing at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. This draft document re-evaluates and replaces the 1994 CD for fishing. Fishing has occurred on the refuge since 1994. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 14‑day public comment period from April 24 to May 8, 2026. Comments, questions, concerns, or a request for a hard copy can be sent to: MountainPrairieNWRS@fws.gov.

Buffalo Lake was created with the building of Umbarger Dam in 1938 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1958, the 7,664 acres were transferred to the Department of Interior and in 1959, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established. Although the lake is dry, visitors can enjoy many wildlife dependent activities such as wildlife watching and photography, environmental interpretation and education, hiking, camping and picnicking.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the auto tour road, watching wildlife, hiking, camping and picnicking. 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Visitors can see many bird species including neotropical migrants such as warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, and sparrows that pass through each spring and fall. Black-tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl, Cassin’s and lark sparrows, and bald and golden eagle can be seen on the refuge in the grasslands. Snakes, horned lizards, and ornate box turtles are present.