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.
Trails
Auto-Tour Route
A 6-mile self-guided auto tour route will take you through a variety of habitats on the western side of the Refuge, providing excellent opportunities to view and photograph waterfowl and other water birds, white-tailed prairie dogs and pronghorn.
Overlooks
There are three ADA compliant overlooks to facilitate viewing wildlife and habitats at a distance. The Brocker Overlook located off Highway 14, the Allard Overlook located on the Refuge Headquarters’ entrance road and the Owl Ridge Overlook located on Jackson County Road 32 near the Refuge Headquarters.
Viewing Blind
An ADA compliant waterfowl viewing and hunting blind is located at Fox Pond on the Refuge back entrance road where you can view waterfowl and shorebirds.