The area gained status as a National Wildlife Refuge during the 1930s as a project by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

These islands were ideal nesting conditions as they were (1) Predator controlled; (2) Surrounded by open water; (3) highly vegetated with low shrubs and leafy spurge.

Unfortunately the islands were not maintained due to costs, and now are rarely used by nesting waterfowl because they fail to deter predators.

[2] The hunting program offers deer, turkey, pheasant, gray partridge, sharp-tailed grouse, cottontail, snowshoe hare, and fox.

[2] The scenic byway is a route that travels through 14 miles of the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge.