Refuges and Waterfowl Production Areas are vitally important. They provide food, water, cover, and space for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and plants. These lands are managed to benefit endangered species, migratory birds and other wildlife and to provide places for people to understand and enjoy wildlife. Special Places to Visit Within the Madison Wetland Management District Coteau Prairie Waterfowl Production Area - prairie grasses, wildflowers, wetlands and wildlife abound here. Drive 19 miles east of Watertown on Highway 212.
Area is on north side of highway.
Crystal Springs Prairie - Four square miles of prairie and marsh provided jointly by The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and the District. Drive 6 miles east of Altamont, then 3 miles south. Located on campus at South Dakota State University in Brookings. Public wetlands area dedicated to the memory of Paul Errington, outstanding biologist and writer whose boyhood days were spent in this area. Drive 10 miles west of Brookings on Highway 14 and then 10 miles north on county road.