Big Stone Wetland Management District

The National Wildlife Refuge System is guided by a policy of wildlife first, but it also encourages providing wildlife-dependent recreation at suitable levels. Refuge regulations set the boundaries for visitor activities, and enforcing those regulations plays an important role in helping the wetland management district wetland management district
A wetland management district is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office that manages waterfowl production areas in one or more counties. Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Service acquires waterfowl production areas under the authority of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, primarily using funds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. The Refuge System’s 38 wetland management districts comprise thousands of waterfowl production areas – almost all in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Northern Great Plains.

Learn more about wetland management district fulfill its purposes, as well as the mission of the agency. Formerly, enforcement duties were carried out by refuge staff with training and collateral responsibilities in law enforcement. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now relies on full-time law enforcement officers that provide services to one or more unit within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Law enforcement issues may be referred to the Wildlife Crimes tip line at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477). Staff will be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week through the tip line.