A close up view of a pollinator planting shows a variety of yellow, pink, and purple flowers.
Seeking Acquisitions!

We are seeking landowners in southwest Minnesota interested in entering our grassland and wetland easement programs.

We are also seeking landowners interested in selling their property to become either a Waterfowl Production Area or National Wildlife Refuge. If interested in either an easement or selling, please contact our office!

Big Stone Wetland Management District covers two counties in southwest Minnesota, Lincoln and Lyon counties. Our staff manages all federal lands, easements and private land projects in both of these two counties.

Latest News

A ground view of a prairie with purple and yellow flowers
Wildlife Management
Waterfowl Production Areas
Small wetlands/grassland units conserve more than 3 million acres of habitat. Waterfowl production areas are administratively organized into 38 wetland management districts with individual districts often spanning many counties.
A small pond surrounded by leafy green vegetation, a few standing dead trees and verdant forest
Wildlife Management
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
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Visit Us

From the many waterfowl production areas within Big Stone Wetland Management District, to the many varied units within Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, we offer you ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Location and Contact Information

      Two student volunteers holding invasive species.
      Invasive Species Strike Team Applications Being Accepted

      Applications for an invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       strike team (four positions) to help with invasive species management on refuge lands in west-central Minnesota are now being accepted. Interested applicants may find more details and apply through SCA (*When you use this link you are leaving the USFWS web sites. DOI and the bureaus do not guarantee that outside Web sites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act*).

      We also are looking for volunteers! Download more details.

      Our Species

      Big Stone Wetland Management District includes species including the Dakota skipper, grasshopper sparrow and upland sandpiper, native to the area. Stop in for a visit and see what other species may make an appearance.