Fish and Wildlife Service, South Dakota.
Huron Wetland Management District was created on May 31, 1992. The district was established encompassing lands that were previously under the management of both the Lake Andes and Sand Lake Wetland Management Districts. The Huron Wetland Management District covers eight counties in east-central South Dakota and is headquartered in the town of Huron, South Dakota. The District consists of 59 waterfowl production areas, totaling 17,683 fee owned acres, in Beadle, Sanborn, Jerauld, Hand, Hyde, Hughes, Sully, and Buffalo counties. The topography in the eastern counties of the district is relatively flat. The landscape transitions, as you move further south and west, to the Missouri Coteau slope. The Missouri Coteau is the rolling hills that were formed by glacial till as glaciers receded after the ice ages. The District lies in the midst of the world renowned prairie pothole region. The prairie pothole region is named for the millions of depressional wetlands dispersed throughout the landscape. Millions of waterfowl and shorebirds travel through and nest in the prairie pothole region.
The waterfowl production areas are a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. National wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas are vitally important to wildlife and people. These lands are managed to provide habitat for endangered species, migratory birds, and other wildlife They also provide places for people to hunt, fish, learn about, and enjoy wildlife. Waterfowl production areas are open to many public activities year-round. Access to waterfowl production areas is by foot travel only or vehicles in the designated parking areas. Visitors to waterfowl production areas can expect to find a rich variety of plant and animal life. Waterfowl production areas are not open for overnight camping.
The District staff also works with private landowners to administer the wetland easement and grassland easement programs. The Huron Wetland Management District easement program consists of 308,909 acres of wetlands and grassland that are permanently protected. Each year the number of acres protected grows with the help of willing landowners who sign their lands into easements.
The Huron WMD office is headquartered in Huron, South Dakota, which is located in the east-central portion of South Dakota. From I-90, follow Highway 37 north to Huron (approx. 50 miles). Highway 37 changes into Dakota Avenue once you are in the Huron city limits. Follow Dakota Avenue to Fourth Street SW and turn west. The District office is located in the Federal Building on the south side of the street. Please contact the District staff for directions to individual WPAs.