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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.

Chase Lake Wetland Management District is located in the famous "Prairie Pothole Region," an area with many small wetlands and a key area for breeding waterfowl in North America. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the District helps protect more than 140,00 acres of wetland and grassland habitat in North Dakota, benefitting numerous species of migratory birds and resident wildlife.
Image of washed out road crossing
Road Closure

Due to unsafe road conditions, the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge Pass road is closed until further notice. This Stutsman County, Chase Lake township road is also known as 48½ Ave SE and 49th Ave SE. A road closed sign has been placed at the intersection of 24th Street SE and 48½ Ave SE. Contact the Chase Lake Wetland Management District at 701-752-4218 for further information.

Visit Us

The District includes 136 waterfowl production areas, totaling 44,000 acres. Waterfowl production areas provide both the grasslands and wetlands needed by waterfowl for breeding, nesting, and rearing broods. The waterfowl production areas also provide high quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography. 

Location and Contact Information

      Compatibility Determination Posted for Public Review

      A Draft Compatibility Determination is now available for public review through July 10, 2025 for the renewal of a 50 year Right of Way Permit for an existing natural gas pipeline that crosses several federal properties in eastern North Dakota. For more information or to provide comments please contact Paul Halko at 701-285-3341 extension 102 or email at paul_halko@fws.gov.

      About Us

      Chase Lake Wetland Management District is dedicated to the conservation and management of both wetland and upland habitats essential to migratory birds. U.S. Fish and Wildlife manages habitat on Service-owned waterfowl production areas. WPAs are open to the public. In addition, the District protects more than 95,000 acres of wetland and grassland habitats protected through various private land easement programs. 

      What We Do

      U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees use a variety of tools and tactics to manage for healthy wetland and grassland habitats on Service-owned lands. The habitat management tools include prescribed burning, mowing, grazing, and leaving the land idle for a period of time. Staff also work with private landowners who have easements on their lands to ensure the wetland and grassland easements remain intact and provide habitat for the species that migrate through and reside in the area.

      Our Species

      Famous for their role in conserving waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's wetland management districts are an ecological treasure for waterfowl, other migratory birds, and resident wildlife.