National Wildlife Refuge System
History of the District
District Fact SheetWetlands
Grasslands
Prescribed Fire
Private Lands
- Easements
Land Acquisition
Law EnforcementWaterfowl Identification Guide
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Phone: 218-8474431
V/TTY: 800-877-8339
Address:
26624 North Tower Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501Contacting the Office:
District Manager: Scott Kahan
e-mail: DetroitLakes@fws.gov or MidwestNews@fws.gov26624 North Tower Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-7959
Phone: 218-847-4431
Fax: 218-847-4156TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)
The District office is located 2 miles north of Detroit Lakes, MN, via Hwy 59, then 1-1/2 miles east on CR131/North Tower Road.
Visit the Wetland Management District profile pageDistrict Facts
Established: 1968
Waterfowl Production Areas: 163 units totaling 40,678 acres
Wetland Easements: 326 totaling 12,200 acres
Counties in district: Becker, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman and Polk
Financial Impact
29,000 visitors annually
FY 2006 Budget: $1.3 million
11 person staff
Natural History
Landscape dotted with thousands of small wetlands or “prairie potholes,” created by glaciers
Prior to settlement, this area was a paradise for waterfowl, whooping cranes, bison, wolves and other prairie wildlife
Agriculture changes to the landscape included the loss of most native prairie and the drainage of over 80 percent of the small wetlands
The area remains a critical waterfowl production and migration area
District Objectives
Acquire, develop and manage habitat for waterfowl production
Provide habitat for native plants and animals, especially prairie songbirds
Assist private landowners with restoration of wetlands and grasslands
Provide wildlife-dependent recreation and education
Highlight
The District is actively involved with the water management issues of the Red River Basin. District staff members are integral participants in the multi-partner efforts to address flood damages, water quality protection and improvement, and natural resources enhancement throughout the Red River Basin.
Priorities
Acquire and restore strategically located parcels to leverage benefits for wildlife and flood damage reduction
Strategically manage units within their landscape context to mazimize habitat effectiveness
Construct an office and public use facility to adequately serve the existing staff and visiting public with an emphasis on area students
Public Use Opportunities
Trapping, hunting, and fishing
Wildlife observation
Interpretation
Environmental education
Volunteer Programs
Last updated:
July 9, 2008
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