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
The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located 1 mile west of Kenmare, North Dakota, off Ward County Road 1. A large entrance sign is situated at the junction of County Roads 1 and 1A. Kenmare is located 50 miles northwest of Minot on U.S. Highway 52.
There is a small visitor center with wildlife displays that feature bird mounts, antler sheds, furs, and interactive displays. There is also an observation deck equipped with binoculars for viewing waterfowl and other wildlife. The observation deck provides a great vantage point for taking photographs.
Activities
The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge provides visitor opportunities for five of the six priority public uses identified in the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act Improvement Act of 1997. These include wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation, and hunting. Fishing is not allowed, as there is no sustainable fishery population.
Trails
The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge maintains two hiking trails for public use, as well as informal mowed hiking trails at Tasker’s Coulee. There is something available for everyone to enjoy, offering countless opportunities to enjoy migrating and breeding waterfowl, among other wildlife, and experience breathtaking views of the Des Lacs river valley.
- Canada Goose Nature Trail is a 7.5 mile scenic trail adjacent to the southern end of Upper Des lacs Lake. The trail provides great viewing opportunities for migrating and breeding waterfowl. It is open to hiking, bicycling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
- Munch’s Coulee is a designated National Recreation Trail National Recreation Trail
A National Recreation Trail is a land-based or water-based trail that provides an outdoor recreation opportunity on federal, state, tribal or local public land. National Recreation Trails were established by the National Trails System Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-543), which authorized creation of a national trails system composed of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails. Whereas National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails may be designated only by an act of Congress, National Recreation Trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance.
Learn more about National Recreation Trail that is 1-¼-miles long. The first one quarter mile of the trail is level, hard-surfaced, and wheelchair accessible. The next 1-mile trail segment is mowed grass with some steep slopes, and provides breathtaking views of Lower Des Lacs Lake. The upland portion of the trail offers one of the best places on the Refuge to view native wildflowers and grasses.