The FWS is seeking public review and comment on the proposed opening or expansion of hunting and/or fishing. The public is invited to review the draft documents, including draft plan(s), compatibility determination(s) as appropriate, and environmental compliance documentation. The draft documents are available through the Federal Register docket number: FWS–HQ–NWRS–2026–1223.
The comment period on the proposed hunting and sport fishing regulations across Service-managed lands and waters will stay open for 30-days from May 27 through June 26, 2026. Please submit your comments directly through the Federal Register.
The comment period on the Environmental Assessment for actions at this field station will stay open for 30 days from May 27 through June 27, 2026. Please submit your comments via email to [email protected] with the name of the refuge or hatchery in the subject line.
Visit Us
Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the Audubon Wetland Management District. The Refuge is located in McLean County in central North Dakota, approximately 10 miles east and 6 miles north of Coleharbor, or 19 miles east of Garrison.
The District Headquarters and Visitor Center is located at: 3275 11th St NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531. Please visit the Visitor Center to learn more about this Refuge.
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge - Wetland Management District Headquarters and Visitor Center
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is an important breeding area for migratory birds, and is often credited with producing 50-70% of North American Waterfowl. The Refuge protects critically important nesting grounds for several groups of migratory birds including waterfowl, song birds, wading birds, and secretive marsh birds. In the 1930s and 40s, a sharp decline in many migratory bird species prompted swift action to recover many of these species. Many refuges in the PPR were established through presidential executive orders to protect and enhance migratory bird nesting areas.
What We Do
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.
Our Organization
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With over 565 refuges and 38 wetland management districts spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Our Species
Lake Nettie is a haven for waterfowl and other water birds, with several thousand geese and ducks using the Refuge habitats during spring and fall migration periods.
Numerous resident wildlife can be observed year-round.
