Lamesteer NWR is situated on the prairie in the east central portion of Montana in Wibaux County, 20 miles southeast of Wibaux, MT; 160 miles south of Medicine Lake NWR.

The refuge lies in the Missouri Slope region of the prairie that was unaffected by the last glacial period 10,000 years ago. The topography is gently rolling hills with very few lakes or wetlands. The soils are generally poor and the shortgrass prairie vegetation consists of native grasses, forbs and cactus.

The semi-arid climate is typical of the western Great Plains with warm summers, cold winters, and marked variations in seasonal precipitation. As an easement refuge the Service has no control of the upland. Only water rights, water management and facilities maintenance rights are covered by the easement on the 110 acre wetland.

The impoundment is the only permanent water for many miles and provides nesting habitat for waterfowl, and a water source for migrating birds and resident wildlife. Pumping for irrigation from the impoundment is allowed when surplus water is available.

Visitor Opportunities

The only rights the Service has an the refuge are water rights and water management. All access is controlled by the landowners and is usually closed to public access.

F. Management Programs

No active management occurs on the refuge, resource values are maintained by natural processes. The refuge is monitored to ensure that these values have not been compromised.