About Us

This 4,318-acre Refuge contains three large wetlands which are filled by Cedar Creek. Halfbreed Lake is a productive 248 acre semi-permanent wetland that has a good interspersion of open water and emergent vegetation. The other two wetlands, Grass Lake (375 acres) and Goose Lake (220 acres), are shallower and less permanent, but sustain highly productive stands of submergent vegetation. Western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and greasewood provide upland cover for nesting birds.

Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most productive migratory bird areas in central Montana. When water is present, the refuge is used in abundance by a diversity of migratory birds, both during migration and for nesting. The peak of waterfowl migration occurs typically in April and October. Over 500 Canada Geese have been known to congregate here in July and August after molting. In 1997, Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA). An IBA is a site that is exceptionally important - even essential - for bird conservation. The Refuge was designated based on the number of water birds, shorebirds, and wading birds present each year.

This Refuge is closed to all public uses as it is intended as a sanctuary for all wildlife, free from disturbance by human activities.

Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of four satellite national wildlife refuges in central Montana that are part of the Charles M. Russell Complex. Satellite refuges are unstaffed national wildlife refuges. Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed by staff of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Lewistown, Montana.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Our History

Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established on May 19, 1942 by President Franklin D Roosevelt when he signed Executive Order 9167. This order established the refuge and a boundary “as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” although it did not convey any lands. It was initially managed as a flowage and refuge easement. In 1987, the Service purchased 3,246 acres in fee title, which included most of the original easement lands. The refuge now consists of 3,246 acres in refuge fee title, 640 acres of state land where the Service has acquired the grazing lease, and 400 acres of private land that is still covered by the original Refuge easement.

Other Facilities in this Complex

This refuge is managed as part of the Charles M. Russell Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location.  Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about 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. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.