Welcome to Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge! This area of South Dakota is in the heart of the prairie–pothole region of the northern Great Plains and plays a major role for migratory birds associated with the Central Flyway. Located in north-central South Dakota, these lands and waters are vitally important to the nation’s migratory bird populations. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge was designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy and a Wetland of International Importance.
Compatibility Determination - Rights-of-way and Rights to Access

The Draft Compatibility Determination for construction to replace the HWY 16 Bridge and the placement of riprap at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is available for public review and comment from March 18 to April 1.  Any comments may be submitted in writing to refuge manager Shilo Comeau at shilo_comeau@fws.gov or to 39650 Sand Lake Drive, Columbia, SD 57433.

Draft Compatibility Determination - HWY 16 Bridge Replacement

Visit Us

This 21,498-acre refuge includes Sand Lake, a 11,450-acre lake created by the last ice age. Each spring and fall, thousands of waterfowl and other waterbirds migrate through this region, taking advantage of the food found in the nutrient-laden wetlands. The wetland management district wetland management district
A wetland management district is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office that manages waterfowl production areas in one or more counties. Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Service acquires waterfowl production areas under the authority of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, primarily using funds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. The Refuge System’s 38 wetland management districts comprise thousands of waterfowl production areas – almost all in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Northern Great Plains.

Learn more about wetland management district
, which includes 8 north central South Dakota counties, is comprised of 43,000 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas. Since waterfowl production area waterfowl production area
Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands within the National Wildlife Refuge System that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. Virtually all waterfowl production areas are in the Prairie Pothole Region states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Learn more about waterfowl production area
lands are purchased with outdoor enthusiasts' dollars, they are managed so that the public may use them for a variety of activities. These include hunting, hiking, photography, wildlife observation, outdoor education, and interpretation.

Location and Contact Information

      Sand Lake NWR Conditions & Migration Report

      3/22/2024 Sand Lake NWR area Migration Report:

      After 100% opening up in the last week, Sand Lake is again frozen and with below freezing temps forecasted for the next 7-days, it appears that it will be staying that way for a while.  We also have 3" of fresh snow on the ground with up to 20" coming later this weekend.

      Constant flocks of waterfowl heading south have been heard and seen for the past 24 hours.

      We will provide an updated migration report when conditions start to change, which may be 10 days or more.


       


       

      About Us

      The marshes and open water impoundments of the refuge are surrounded by prairie grasslands, cultivated fields, and scattered woodlands along the James River. The wetlands, marshes, open lakes, and grasslands of the refuge are home to more than 266 bird species, 40 mammal species, and a variety of fishes, reptiles, and amphibians. Fall migrations of snow geese may reach peaks of 500,000 individuals, whereas the spring migration has been documented at more than 1.2 million. In addition, more than 123 different bird species nest and raise their young on the refuge.

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge serves as a breeding and resting ground for migratory birds of all types. Providing quality habitat helps the refuge meet these needs. 

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.

      Projects and Research