NORTH DAKOTA’S IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROGRAM

The prairie pothole ecosystem of the Dakotas is an astoundingly productive region for breeding waterfowl. It also provides exceptional breeding and migration habitat for over 300 other bird species. It is therefore very exciting to be in the process of launching an Important Bird Areas program in North Dakota. With Audubon North Dakota taking the lead, a Technical Committee is being formulated, with leadership from grassland bird specialists at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. They will adapt general IBA criteria [that include: (1)State-listed endangered or threatened species; (2)Other high priority species such as WatchList species; (3)Representative, rare, and/or unique natural habitats; (4)Areas of high abundance or diversity; and (5)Long-term monitoring/research sites of importance] specifically to North Dakota. In addition, a statewide educational effort specifically on IBAs is currently underway. This is directed to Audubon chapters, regionalized birding clubs, agencies and other non-profit organizations and individuals that will be involved in the site nomination process, once the Technical Committee and criteria are finalized. The IBA sites described below will serve as model sites for this process.

Touring the IBA Complex, Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

FEATURED IMPORTANT BIRD AREA
Name: Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Des Lacs NWR and Appam Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) Important Bird Area Complex
State: North Dakota
Counties: Burke, Ward, and Williams Counties
Nearest Community: Stanley, Kenmare, and Appam, North Dakota

Site Description: The Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is located in Burke County 18 miles north of Stanley, North Dakota on State Hwy 8. The refuge covers 26,900 acres of rolling topography on the Missouri Coteau of northwestern ND. Lostwood was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is the largest contiguous block of prairie pothole habitat in federal ownership.
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is located in Ward and Burke Counties, North Dakota. The headquarters are 1 mile west of Kenmare. The refuge stretches more than 19,544 acres from the Canada border to a few miles south of Kenmare, only two miles wide at its widest point.

Appam Lake Waterfowl Production Area is located in Williams County, North Dakota just north of the city of Appam on State Highway 50. Appam Lake WPA is approximately 600 acres in size.

Ornithological Summary: Lostwood NWR is recognized as one of the best places to find good numbers of both WatchListed Baird's Sparrow and Sprague's Pipit, plus Clay-colored (WatchList), Grasshopper, LeConte's and Nelson's sharp-tailed (WatchList) Sparrows. Piping Plovers, other various shorebirds, and 12 species of ducks also nest on the refuge.

The Des Lacs NWR was also established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife in 1935. Six species of grebes nest there along with many ducks and grassland passerines. It is also an important stop over for migrating geese and ducks as well as various shorebirds.

American Avocet and Wilson's Phalaropes at Lostwood NWR, Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Appam Lake Waterfowl Production Area contains prime breeding habitat for endangered Piping Plovers. The wetland management districts mission is to maintain and improve habitat conditions to maximize waterfowl and other wildlife production and maintenance.

Conservation Issues: The Complex's primary purposes have always been the preservation, restoration and creation of migratory bird habitat. A few key programs include: rotational grazing with public cooperators, farming to increase dense nesting cover, haying to rejuvenate the growth of native prairie, and water management to promote good aquatic vegetation, both emergent and submergent. Prescribed fire is used throughout the Complex to prevent brush and tree expansion, to clean up hazardous fuel areas, and to rejuvenate the native stand. These management practices are also combined with rest. Most importantly, the Complex provides resting places for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

To Learn More About Audubon North Dakota's
Important Bird Areas Program

Contact:
Genevieve Thompson
Executive Director
Audubon North Dakota
118 Broadway
Black Building, Suite 802
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 298-3373
gthompson@audubon.org