Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

Infobox_protected_area | name = Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge
iucn_category = IV

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caption =
locator_x = 120
locator_y = 52
location = South Dakota, USA
nearest_city = Martin, SD
lat_degrees = 43
lat_minutes = 5
lat_seconds = 56
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 101
long_minutes = 35
long_seconds = 10
long_direction = W
area = 16,410 acres (66.4 km²)
established = August 26, 1935
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge is located in the U.S. state of South Dakota and includes 16,410 acres (66.4 km²). Early conservation work to protect the refuge was performed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930's. A combination of wetlands, meadows and small stands of planted trees in the upland sections provide habitat for a wide variety of species. Much of the refuge has a series of low dikes that help to maintain some areas in a prolonged wetland state, increasing wildlife habitat, especially for migratory bird species. The refuge borders the Nebraska Sandhills country on the north and the sandhills provide water runoff well into the early summer. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSince the late 1950's, 281 distinct species of birds have been sighted at the refuge. During the Spring and Fall migratory periods, as many as 29,000 ducks and 37,000 geese have been observed. Between 80 and 100 Trumpeter swans spend the winter at the refuge, and Ring-necked pheasants, though an introduced species, are abundant. The endangered Whooping crane as well as the threatened Bald eagle are the endangered and threatened bird species that have been recorded in the district.
Red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, Northern harrier, American kestrel, Great horned owl as well as less frequent sightings of Golden eagles have been documented as raptors known to frequent the district.

Various mammal species also thrive here, including the Pronghorn, White-tailed deer, Mule deer, coyote, and badger and are relatively common.

Fish species such as the Yellow perch, Northern pike and a variety of smaller non game fish species thrive in the abundant ponds and waterways, providing a major source of food for many of the migratory bird species. The refuge allows fishing and hunting in limited areas and in season.

Bear Butte National Wildlife Refuge

Bear Butte National Wildlife refuge is managed from Lacreek NWR and is not open to the public. Located near Sturgis, South Dakota, Bear Butte NWR is also partly managed by the state of South Dakota.

External links

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