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.
John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge (Seier NWR) is offering 1 grazing unit to the highest bidder for the Spring 2026 season. Grazing descriptions, requirements, and maps can be found in the bid packet. Cooperators are responsible for following all terms and conditions identified in the requirements and regulations.
Permittees will be selected based on receipt of sealed high bid. Sealed bids are due at the Fort Niobrara NWR Refuge office no later than 3:00 pm CST, March 2, 2026. Bids may also be mailed to the refuge office, 39983 Refuge Road Valentine NE 69201.
Please call or email the Refuge Manager Katie Schober (402) 281-3140, Katie_Schober@fws.gov or stop by our office if you would like a bid packet or have any questions about the units or bidding process.
Visit Us
John and Louise Seier NWR is located about 25 miles south of Bassett, Nebraska, off of Highway 183.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge is administered through the Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Complex at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.
The Refuge is made up of grassland and wetland habitats. Two creeks run through the Refuge; Bloody Creek and Skull Creek. Bloody Creek, a smaller stream that runs only during high precipitation, cuts across the Refuge for 1.25 miles. Skull Creek, a larger stream that runs throughout the year, flows across one-half mile of the western portion of the Refuge, and empties into the Calamus River. A variety of wildlife, small and large game species, such as white-tailed deer, prairie grouse and wild turkeys, as well as many other species of birds call the Refuge home.
What We Do
Refuge staff utilize a variety of management techniques to maintain, restore and enhance plant and wildlife habitats. Refuge staff carefully consider all management techniques and employ them in the most efficient and sound manner possible. Prescribed burning, mowing, grazing, and native plant seeding are some of the techniques that may be used to help restore native plant communities.
Wildlife and vegetation surveys are conducted on the Refuge throughout the year to inventory populations and document habitat use. Units are evaluated by how well they meet the habitat and wildlife use objectives set for the Refuge.
