Important Bird Area.
In northeastern Clay Co. 3.5 miles west along U.S. 18 out of Ruthven, take N-14 about four miles north to 310th. Follow 310th east (right) more than one half mile to a T-intersection at the lake. The road here parallels the lake shore in either direction about one half mile.

One of Iowa's most historic prairie pothole wetland areas, Dewey's Pasture WMA is a National Natural Landmark. Its abundant marshes, shallow lakes and extensive grasslands offer significant nesting, feeding and migration staging habitatfor waterfowl, shorebirds and others. Cryptic marshbirds nest on the marhes, and uplands offer nesting habitat for a number of declining neotropical migrants. It also is a candidate for future DNR designation as a nationally significant Bird Conservation Area.

From US Highway 18 between Spncer and Emmetsburg, turn north on County Highway N18 approximately 1/2 mile west of Ruthven. N18 passes Barriger Slough, Lost Island Lake and bisects the center of the Dewey's Pasture-Smith's Slough-Trumbell Lake wetlands complex. There are numerours parking areas, turn-offs and other places for easy observation of birds.