Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937. Its primary purpose was to be a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is located in northwestern Minnesota in the aspen parkland transitional zone between the tallgrass prairie to the west and the coniferous forest to the east. Open water and freshwater marshes occupy 37,400 acres of the refuge. Extensive areas of trees, shrubs and grasses are found on an additional 24,100 upland acres. The refuge is a total of 61,500 acres of wildlife habitat. In 1976, 4,000 acres in the northcentral portion of the refuge were designated as wilderness and are managed under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This area is one of the most westerly extensions of black spruce-tamarack bogs in Minnesota. The refuge is a designated as a Globally Important Bird Area and is a key breeding ground for 17 species of ducks in addition to being an important migration rest stop for waterfowl. The refuge is home to two resident packs of gray wolves as well as moose, nesting bald eagles and in the past had been noted for hosting one of the largest Franklin’s Gull colony in the United States.