J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District
Quick Facts
J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District
North Dakota
(701) 768-2548
Map DirectionsThings To Do
Overview
J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District (WMD) is located in north-central North Dakota. The District covers 6,543 square miles in Renville, Bottineau, Rolette, McHenry, and Pierce Counties. Within the District, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages 27,332 acres of Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs), 127,100 acres of wetland easements, 15,231 acres of grassland easements, 6,500 acres of FMHA conservation easements, and 7,910 acres of National Wildlife Easement Refuges. The majority of the District is glacial drift prairie but also covers portions of the glacial Souris plain, glacial Lake Cando, the Missouri River Coteau, and the Turtle Mountains. Many shallow lakes and small potholes are found in this geological formation. Uncleared uplands in the Turtle Mountains are made up of green ash, burr oak, aspen, and various shrubs. The Souris Lake Plain contains the largest relatively unfragmented tract (about 1 million acres) of northern mixed-grass prairie in North Dakota. This area contains some of the highest quality waterfowl habitat in the prairie pothole region (180 nesting duck pairs per square mile) and a high concentration of Bird Conservation Areas. One hundred forty-eight migratory bird species breed within the area. The North Dakota Natural Heritage Inventory has identified 19 rare animal and 35 rare plant species within the Souris Lake Plain. WPAs are open to hunting, trapping, and fishing in accordance with applicable Federal and state laws, except where otherwise posted. WPAs are also open to wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and environmental education activities. All motor vehicles, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, are prohibited unless specifically allowed by posted signs.
Activities
Boating
Amenities include boat launching / canoeing and kayaking.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted on WPAs in accordance with state fishing seasons and regulations. Several of the National Wildlife Easement Refuge lakes are popular among anglers, including Cottonwood Lake in southern McHenry County and Buffalo Lake in southeastern Pierce County. During a series of wet years, fishing can be excellent for northern pike and walleye.
Hunting
WPAs are open to hunting of deer, waterfowl, grouse, partridge, pheasnt, wild turkey, crows, doves, snipe, woodcock, tree squirrels, and many furbearers in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Contact the District Manager for more information.
Directions
Driving
The District office is located within the J. Clark Salyer NWR Complex headquarters located 2 miles north of Upham and can be reached by turning off U.S. Highway 2 at Towner, North Dakota, and proceeding 26 miles north on State Highway 14.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(701) 768-2548Links
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