Dakota Lake NWR is a easement refuge on the James River in Dickey County, North Dakota. Land within the refuge boundaries is privately owned, Kulm WMD has an easement which allows the USFWS to limit access to the area. The main feature of the refuge is a dam which creates an impoundment named Dakota Lake. Land use on the refuge consists of farmland, hay land and pastureland. There are a number of other wetlands along with shelter belts and farm steads scattered around the refuge. The refuge functions as a resting area for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland related species. This area is used heavily during the spring and fall by snow geese as a resting and feeding area. Dakota Lake is also important to resident species of wildlife as well.