Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 560 refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the National Wildlife Refuge System-a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving wildlife and habitat for people today and for generations to come.

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 by Franklin D. Roosevelt as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Refuge provides fish and wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities, conserves endangered species, and protects cultural and natural resources.
NEWS RELEASE

Drawdown of Lake Ilo

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge

July 17, 2023

DUNN CENTER, N.D. - In 1936, an earthen dam was constructed by the Works Progress Administration near the confluence of Spring and Murphy creeks, creating Lake Ilo. Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge, located one mile west of Dunn Center, North Dakota, was later established in 1939 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The lake also supports large concentrations of waterfowl during the spring and fall migrations every year.

In 2020, as part of a routine inspection, staff and engineers documented seepage occurring on the downstream side of the dam. In an effort to mitigate seepage, and to relieve pressure off the dam, the Refuge will release excess water during summer rainfall events. This will maintain lake elevation targets and is in the interest of public safety for those located downstream. Refuge manager Kathy Baer may be contacted at 701-442-5474 ext. 114 or kathy_baer@fws.gov for additional information.

Visit Us

Lake Ilo NWR
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National wildlife refuges are wonderful places to connect with the natural world. We invite you to enjoy wildlife observation, photography, hiking, and fishing opportunities on the Refuge.

Lake Ilo Park is located on the north shore of Lake Ilo and provides visitors with picnic tables, charcoal grills, litter receptacles, and a restroom.

Lake Ilo NWR Visitor Information Brochure

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Wetland Easement Brochure CowSpread
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      Explore the history behind Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge from the first peoples’ use of the area, to dam construction, and its modern use as fish and wildlife habitat.

      What We Do

      Bluestem Seed Collection
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      Collecting Big Bluestem seeds for propagation

      The primary purpose of Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge is to provide nesting and brood-rearing habitat for waterfowl. However, Refuge staff use a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, enhance, or recover habitat for all wildlife on the Refuge. Refuge staff carefully use management tools such as livestock grazing, prescribed burning, noxious weed control, mowing, seeding, and water management. Sometimes, sensitive areas are closed to the public so that the land can recover more quickly.

      Our Organization

      Audubon NWR Visitor Center
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      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With over 565 refuges and 38 wetland management districts spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC

      Our Species

      Blue-winged Teal
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      The Refuge has 4,034 acres of native prairie, planted grasslands, and wetland habitat. These habitats provide a home for 227 bird, 36 mammal, 6 reptile, 3 amphibian, and 11 fish species.