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Tewaukon
National Wildlife Refuge
A red prairie lily grows tall among the green and golden brown grasses of the tallgrass prairie.
9754 143 ½ Ave. S.E.
Cayuga, ND   58013
E-mail: tewaukon@fws.gov
Phone Number: 701-724-3598
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://tewaukon.fws.gov
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge protects northern tallgrass prairie, one of the most threatened ecosystems in North America.
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  Overview
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in southeastern North Dakota along the western edge of the northern tallgrass prairie. The Wild Rice River flows through the Refuge and then into Lake Tewaukon. Established in 1945, the 8,363-acre Refuge is located in the Prairie Pothole Region, one of the most biologically productive areas on earth.


Getting There . . .
Tewaukon NWR is located about 5 miles south of Cayuga, North Dakota. From North Dakota Highway 11 turn south on Sargent County Road 12. The visitor center is on the east side of the road.


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These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use.

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Wildlife and Habitat
Remnants of the once vast tallgrass prairie are still found on hillsides, around wetlands, and on small isolated tracts on the Refuge.

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History
Rich bird and animal life associated with the many lakes and marshes made the Lake Tewaukon area a heavily used hunting and living site for Paleo-Indians.

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    Recreation and Education Opportunities
Environmental Education
Fishing
Hunting
Interpretation
Photography
Wildlife Observation
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Managment Activities

Before Euro-American settlement, prairie fires and bison were common on the prairie. Today, prescribed fire and short-term grazing are used to maintain prairie grasses and wildflowers, reduce and control non-native plants, and slow the invasion of grasslands by shrubs and trees. Keeping grasslands healthy is important for ground-nesting birds, grassland butterflies, and other prairie wildlife.

Water levels are manipulated in 38 wetlands along the Wild Rice River. These wetlands provide nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland species.