Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge in 2015
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 Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | South Harbor Township, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota |
| Nearest city | Wahkon, Minnesota |
| Area | 0.57 acres (2,300 m2) |
| Established | May 14, 1915 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge |
The Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in central Minnesota. It is a very small area, only about half an acre, which is like a small park. This refuge is made up of two tiny islands in the middle of Mille Lacs Lake. It is actually the smallest National Wildlife Refuge in the whole United States.
Contents
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area of land or water. It is set aside to help keep wild animals and their homes safe. These refuges are managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Their main goal is to protect different kinds of wildlife.
Why Was It Created?
The Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge was started a long time ago, on May 14, 1915. It was created to protect birds that come to these islands to lay their eggs and raise their young. These islands are perfect breeding spots for many bird species.
Important Birds: Common Terns
The islands in the refuge are very important for a bird called the common tern. These islands are one of only four places in Minnesota where common terns build their nests. Common terns are a threatened species in Minnesota. This means their numbers are getting low, and they need special protection to survive.
Other Birds You Might See
Many other native birds also use the refuge for breeding. These include ring-billed gulls and herring gulls. You might also spot double-crested cormorants. These birds all rely on the safe environment of the islands.
Visiting the Refuge
The islands of the Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge can only be reached by boat. To keep the birds safe, visitors are asked not to land on the islands. Instead, you can watch the birds from your boat. This way, the birds are not disturbed while they are nesting and raising their chicks.
Who Manages the Refuge?
The Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is looked after by the team at the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. They work to make sure the islands remain a safe home for the birds.
