Kulm WMD The Kulm Wetland Management District (WMD) is a four county area located in south central North Dakota (Dickey, LaMoure, Logan and McIntosh Counties). The eastern third of the WMD is located in the drift prairie physiographic region, a gently undulating landscape. It contains the James River, a valuable migration pathway for many species of migratory birds. The drift prairie was historically a transition area between tall grass prairie to the east and shorter grasses to the west. Presently it is intensively farmed with only a few scattered tracts of grassland remaining. Wetlands in the drift prairie, while historically numerous, tend to be shallower and have been easily drained. The Missouri Coteau occupies the middle half of the WMD. The Coteau is a glacial end moraine. It has a very hilly character. Wetland density in the coteau is extremely high, exceeding 50 wetlands per square mile in some areas. The mixed grass prairie of the coteau is the most productive waterfowl nesting area in the United States. This area is primarily grassland used for raising cattle, with some areas of crop land. Numerous species of ground nesting and marsh birds depend on the coteau's grasslands and wetlands for breeding, nesting and rearing broods.
Lake Alice NWR Lake Alice NWR is located in Ramsey and Towner Counties in northeastern North Dakota, approximately 18 miles northwest of the city of Devils Lake. Lake Alice is home to the second largest Franklyn's Gull colony in the world. Lake Alice NWR lies within the Devils Lake Watershed, a closed drainage system. It is an area of glacial drift and lacustrine plains, formed by continental ice sheets during the latter part of the Wisconsin glaciation. Three watersheds converge at Lake Alice on this journey toward Devils Lake. The Mauvais Coulee originates about 45 miles north of Lake Alice and gathers 700 square miles of drainage area. The St. Joe and Calio Coulees contribute run-off from 250 square miles.Fifteen wetland enhancement projects will be constructed on Lake Alice NWR funded through a North American Wetland Conservation Act Grant. These wetlands projects will provide wildlife habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife species and provide flood water storage in the spring in the Devils Lake Watershed.
Lake Elsie NWR A large lake surrounded by cabins. Swimming, boating, jet skiing, and, water skiing are some of the recreation conducted on the lake. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only controls the water level and the hunting on this easement refuge.
Lake Ilo NWR Lake Ilo NWR is located near the center of Dunn County in west central North Dakota. The refuge habitat is made up of native prairie, planted grasslands and wetlands. The uplands are characterized by gently sloping hills and terraces with creeks and an occasional slough. The average rainfall of 16.8 inches supports a prairie environment with a climate of hot dry summers, occasional thunderstorms and cold winters. The most important feature of the refuge is Lake Ilo. Lake Ilo water resources provide habitat for nesting and migrating waterfowl and neo-tropical birds. In addition, many native species of plants and animals are part of the protected habitat on the refuge. These biological resources provide opportunities for environmental education, interpretation and wildlife/wildlands oriented recreation for visitors. Visitors are welcome to enjoy wildlife by way of refuge roads, hiking trails, fishing opportunities and use of the refuge park. Fishing and picnicking are the main public use.Lake Ilo has a rich archeology history extending back to prehistoric times. The public may view artifacts and interpretive materials as revealed by recent archeological studies.
Lake Metigoshe State Park Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the United States and Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The park is located along a state-designated scenic byway. The small lakes within the park provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming. A multitude of trails attract hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. Three year-round cabins with kitchens, gas fireplaces and bathrooms can be rented by the night or week, and group dormitories and a kitchen and dining hall facility are also available. The park rents both canoes and cross-country ski equipment.
Lake Nettie NWR Lake Nettie NWR is located in west central North Dakota approximately eight miles north and 4.5 west of the community of Turtle Lake. Historically, the area was glaciated pothole country. Today, natural runoff in the spring causes habitat flooding and maintains water levels in Mud Lake marshes which are part of the flow through Turtle Creek drainage. Additional open water habitat is provided by the 400 acre Lake Nettie which is a closed basin, semi-saline and highly productive of sag pondweed. Local natural and man-made drainage supplies water to Lake Nettie and the adjoining, privately owned Little Crooked Lake.The refuge's wetland complex of 1,285 acres produces and supports many waterfowl and other species of birds and mammals. Nettie's proximity to Lake Audubon (5 miles to the east) makes both refuges more significant as migrational rest areas. The refuge provides a site for educational classroom studies. Summer programs for continuing education for teachers have been conducted in recent years. About 1984, eighteen islands were constructed in Mud Lake by Ducks Unlimited to provide predator free nesting sites for water birds. Nettie is important because of it's large native grassland and wetland base and it's potential for management.
