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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.

Visit Us

National Wildlife Refuge System lands offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife the refuge supports by viewing and photographing scenes and wildlife from roads adjacent to the refuge.

Wilderness areas are wild, undeveloped, federally protected areas where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat, enjoy adventure and unmechanized recreation, or just relish solitude. Visitor access to the Refuge is limited to protect wildlife and its habitat. Pelicans and other bird species nest on the Refuge from April through September and are easily disturbed. These birds nest on islands which provide them the vital privacy and security needed to successfully reproduce and raise young. Visitors should the refuge manager to request access to the Chase Lake Wilderness Area prior to entry for any activity not specifically identified on this site. 

Activities

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for the American white pelican and other migratory birds. Designated as a Wilderness Area in 1975, visitor activities on the Refuge are limited. The most prominent public uses at this Refuge are hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Hunting
Wildlife watching
Photography

Other Facilities in the Complex

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Eastern North Dakota Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wetland management districts or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges or wetland management districts. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, and fire, are centrally located and support all stations within the complex. 

Two sharptailed grouse displaying on a lek
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge
Located near Pingree, North Dakota, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge protects large areas of mixed-grass prairie habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed deer, dozens of species of butterflies, and many other forms of wildlife. Much of the Refuge is grassland hills and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Pingree,ND
Thunderstorm over prairie wetlands in North Dakota
Chase Lake Wetland Management District
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...
National Wildlife Refuge
Woodworth,ND
Waterfowl on a pond in the Prairie Pothole Region
Arrowwood Wetland Management District
Arrowwood Wetland Management District was established in 1961 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the District helps conserve wildlife on more than 35,000 acres of land in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region. These pristine...
National Wildlife Refuge
Pingree,ND
Drake blue-winged teal swimming on the water
Valley City Wetland Management District
Valley City Wetland Management District (Valley City WMD ) helps conserve wildlife habitat on more than 89,000 acres that benefit migratory birds, wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities for people. The Prairie Pothole Region is named for its many small wetlands that resemble potholes;...
National Wildlife Refuge
Valley City,ND
pair of northern shovelers wading in shallow water
Devils Lake Wetland Management District
Covering eight counties in northeastern North Dakota, the Devils Lake Wetland Management District helps protect more than 258,000 acres of wetland and grassland habitat. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, the District lands and waters benefit numerous migratory birds and resident...
National Wildlife Refuge
Devils Lake,ND
A group of 4 ruddy turnstones standing on a rock at the waters edge.
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established to develop and manage a system of wetlands and grasslands unique to the Red River Valley of North Dakota. The Refuge contains an intermittent stream and pools of water that flows into the Turtle River, a tributary of the Red River. Located...
National Wildlife Refuge
Devils Lake,ND
lesser scaup taking off from the water
Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge
Located in North Dakota, Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge serves as a waterfowl concentration point during spring and fall migrations, when tens of thousands of ducks and geese using the Refuge and surrounding lands. Large numbers of wading and marsh birds are also present during the summer...
National Wildlife Refuge
Devils Lake,ND
Bison with calf
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
Since 1904, White Horse Hill National Game Preserve has played an important role in the conservation of American bison. In addition to the highly visible bison, elk and prairie dogs the game preserve helps to conserve, visitors also can find numerous other species of land animals and more than 214...
National Wildlife Refuge
St. Michael,ND
large flock of snow geese
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge
Supplied with water from the meandering Wild Rice River, the large wetlands at Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge attract hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl during spring and fall migration. The amazing flights of thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds are visible on the...
National Wildlife Refuge
Cayuga,ND
Three ring-necked ducks swimming along brown cattails; two drakes, one hen
Tewaukon Wetland Management District
Tewaukon Wetland Management District lies on the western edge of the northern tallgrass prairie and within the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region. The Prairie Pothole Region is named for its many small wetlands that resemble potholes. Located in southeastern North Dakota, the District helps...
National Wildlife Refuge
Cayuga,ND

Rules and Policies

Help protect valuable wildlife habitat by adhering to the rules and regulations established for this Refuge. 

Locations

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge
(701) 752-4218
5924 19th Street SEWoodworth,ND58496-9360
Hours
Office Hours
Mon-Fri, Except Federal Holidays
7:30 am - 4 pm
Refuge Hours
Open Daily
Hours Vary Based on Activity - Consult Refuge Manager