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Public Review and Comment on Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access

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 Midwest 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 Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov

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Photo of Holmes Lake WPA showing full potential of wetland restoration.
Holmes Lake WPA Draft Environmental Assessment Public Comment Period

The USFWS Windom Wetland Management District is seeking comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Holmes Lake Waterfowl Production Area, Martin Co., Minnesota, regarding the proposed restoration of a 121-acre shallow lake. This draft EA will be available for public review and comment for 60 days from April 15, 2026 to June 14, 2026. Please follow this link to review the Draft EA.

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A close up view of a pollinator planting shows a variety of yellow, pink, and purple flowers.
Seeking Acquisitions!

The Windom Wetland Management District is seeking landowners in southwest Minnesota interested in entering our grassland and wetland easement programs.

We are also seeking landowners interested in selling their property to become the next Waterfowl Production Area or National Wildlife Refuge! If interested in either an easement or selling, please contact Jon Beyer at 507-831-2220 ext 2.

Windom Wetland Management District was established in 1990 for the purpose of increasing waterfowl production and to preserve habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered native species and resident wildlife. The district manages approximately 17,000 acres of federal owned waterfowl production areas across a 13 county area in southern Minnesota - lands dedicated to wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation. District staff also administer the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, which provides technical and financial assistance to restore or improve wildlife habitat on private land.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges and wetland management districts offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Come visit for excellent photography and wildlife observation, hunting and fishing and educational opportunities. Return often, and bring a friend, to enjoy the outdoor wonders that district lands offer.

Location and Contact Information

      What We Do

      Our Organization

      Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Nevada Coordinator Susan Abele Meets with Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Member to Conduct a Site Visit at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation
      The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Since 1987, we have helped more than 25,000 landowners to complete more than 40,...
      Program

      Our Species

      Windom Wetland Management District provides an array of habitats to suit the needs of both migratory birds and resident wildlife. Exploring the prairies and wetlands at different times of the year will reward you with a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. The prairie potholes provide important resting and feeding stopovers for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds as well as nesting habitat for a variety of marsh birds. Prairies provide nesting cover for grassland birds which have been rapidly declining in recent years. Resident wildlife such as red foxes, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, wild turkeys and ring-necked pheasants utilize a variety of habitats on the district and can be seen year round.