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 Midwest 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 Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. The Howard Creek, Fern Ridge and Pine Creek units are open to upland game and white-tailed deer hunting in accordance with state regulations. If you enjoy wildlife observation or photography these units are also open to those uses. The Fern Ridge unit is the only unit that is open to fishing.
Location and Contact Information
Our Species
Algific (cold air) talus (loose rock) slopes occur in the karst region of portions of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. These areas are referred to as the “Driftless Area” because they escaped the last glacial event about 12,000 years ago. These steep slopes and cliffs remain cool throughout the year and are home to rare species of plants and animals such as the Iowa Pleistocene snail and northern monkshood.