What We Do
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.
To maintain, enhance and recover habitat and wildlife, Refuge staff employ a variety of carefully considered habitat management techniques and apply them as effectively and efficiently as possible. To ensure a balanced conservation approach that benefits both wildlife and people, certain techniques are employed such as water management and habitat monitoring.
Water levels are carefully monitored and controlled to encourage desired plant growth for wildlife forage and cover. Sensitive areas may be closed to the public so that the land can recover more quickly. Prescribed fire, mowing, experimental bio-control insect releases, and seeding of native plants are also some of the techniques used to help native plant communities recover on national wildlife refuges. Ground and aerial wildlife and vegetation surveys may be conducted throughout the year to inventory populations and document habitat use. Units are evaluated by how well they are meeting habitat and wildlife use objectives. Historically, much of the land that is now on the North Platte NWR was over-grazed for decades. Proper grazing, more rest, and the use of prescribed fire have slowly improved the health of the grasslands and provided more food and cover for wildlife.
Since the majority of the Refuge is an overlay on Bureau of Reclamation, irrigation projects and water management is not always possible. Refuge water rights are junior to the primary purpose of these impoundments for irrigation. However, migrating waterfowl and other water birds use these waters extensively. The American Bird Conservancy designated Lake Minatare as a "globally significant" wintering area for waterfowl.
Management and Conservation
Refuge management is guided by a document called a “comprehensive conservation plan” (CCP). These plans outline the goals, objectives, and strategies for improving Refuge habitats, including what types of habitat we will provide, partnership opportunities, and management actions needed to achieve desired conditions.
For almost a century, the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System had been managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under a variety of laws. On October 9, 1997, President Clinton signed the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Act was passed to ensure that the Refuge System is managed as a national system of related lands, waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources.
The passage of this Act gave guidance to the Secretary of the Interior for the overall management of the Refuge System. The Act's main components include:
- a strong and singular wildlife conservation Mission for the Refuge System;
- a requirement to maintain the biological integrity, diversity and environmental health of the Refuge System;
- a new process for determining compatible uses on refuges;
- a recognition that wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation, when determined to be compatible, are legitimate and appropriate public uses of the Refuge System;
- that these compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses are the priority general public uses of the Refuge System
Laws and Regulations
There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do and enjoy on the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. When in doubt about rules or regulations regarding a specific activity, please check with the Refuge office before participating in that activity. Be safe and have fun!