Martin County DNR WMA Acquisition Phase 3
This program continues a partnership to restore diverse prairie and wetland habitat in areas adjacent to existing DNR Wildlife Management Areas. Parcels are identified by working with the representatives of local government, Windom Area DNR, Ducks Unlimited (DU), The Conservation Fund (TCF), and the Fox Lake Conservation League. Wetland restoration and additional grasslands are needed to make our WMA's sustainable. We will use the real estate expertise of TCF, wetland and grassland restoration expertise of DU, and the local efforts of the Fox Lake Conservation League to ensure success of this conservation effort.
Selective project sites were targeted by the habitat need and land availability in areas adjacent to existing WMA's, existing habitat and lands already protected from development or other land use change. Work is designed to provide the most habitat value. The landscape will be restored as close as possible to conditions that existed prior to its conversion to agricultural production. Wetlands will be restored without the disruption of the natural drainage system. Native vegetation will be restored with a diverse range of species suitable to the landscape.
$3,650,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements to acquire lands in fee and restore and enhance strategic prairie grassland, wetland, and other wildlife habitat in Martin County for wildlife management under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8. Of this amount, $3,002,000 is to Fox Lake Conservation League Inc., $554,000 is to Ducks Unlimited, and $94,000 is to The Conservation Fund. A list of proposed acquisitions must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Key core parcels are protected for fish, game and other wildlife - Expanding the existing WMA's in Martin County is important. We need larger grassland/wetland complexes so we are targeting properties next to our current WMA's..