Prior to November 4, 2000, Colgate was incorporated as a village, and was restructured as a hamlet under the jurisdiction of the RM of Lomond No.
[2] It is a protected area for birds totalling 116.42 km2 (44.95 sq mi).
The site consists of native grasslands, Neptune Lake,[3] and rivers in the Souris River watershed, such as Jewel Creek and Long Creek.
Birds important to the area include the ferruginous hawk and burrowing owl.
The grasslands are partially protected by the RM of Lomond's Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) and are classified as a Wildlife Management Unit.