The Complex consists of Lake Andes and Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuges.
Lake Andes NWR was established in 1936 and consists of 938 acres of fee title lands and a 4,700-acre easement.
Karl Mundt NWR was established in 1974 for bald eagle protection and is closed to the public. It currently consists of 780 acres of fee title lands and a 305-acre easement.
The Complex provides for life requirements of threatened and endangered species - particularly the bald eagle. Maintenance of natural diversity of the prairie ecosystem is a major goal.
The area hosts migrant waterfowl populations, which can be measured by the tens of thousands during peak fall and spring migration periods. The bald eagle has an obvious presence during those periods. The Karl Mundt Unit serves as an invaluable roost area for eagles - numbers of which may approach 200 during harsh winters.