Shell Lake National Wildlife Refuge

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. 

Management and Conservation

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed burning, also known as controlled burning is primarily used to stop the spread of woody vegetation that has increased over the years without the aid of fire suppression. The many clumps of aspen trees now on the Refuge are a perfect example of this encroachment. Prescribed burning also helps control the spread of non-native plant species such as noxious weeds.



Refuge staff must keep up on fire qualifications in order to be certified to conduct controlled burns. Safety is key when planning for a prescribed fire. Typically, the number of staff/personnel and weather play major factors in planning and executing a controlled burn.

Livestock Grazing

The livestock rotational grazing system replicates the historic effects of bison. This intensive, short duration system is directed primarily at reducing the exotic cool season, sod-forming grasses (e.g. smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass) while increasing the vigor of native grasses.



As bison herds diminished, the composition of grassland plants and animal species changed dramatically. Grazing cattle have replaced the bison and their grazing action stimulates the growth of native grasses. Over time, livestock grazing is slowly restoring and sustaining native prairie grassland species and the unique mix of animals that rely on this habitat.

Noxious Weed Control

Noxious weeds spread quickly and inhibiting them from further spread is an expensive undertaking. Leafy spurge is perhaps the most difficult of all exotic plants on the Refuge. It requires treatment beyond fire and grazing to control. Current techniques include introducing spurge-eating flea beetles, limited herbicide application, and mowing.