Trio of parcels provides access to wetland and prairie landscapes
Three recent strategic acquisitions by Pheasants Forever in Minnesota have expanded on existing public land complexes. The acquisitions add to more than 500 completed projects open to public use in the state since the organization’s founding in 1982, providing quality wildlife habitat and places for conservationists to experience the outdoors.
The parcels have been conveyed as either Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). In addition to Pheasants Forever chapters, partners and members contributing through the Build a Wildlife Area® program, major funding for the projects was acquired through Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
“We know that larger complexes have exponential benefits for wildlife,” Minnesota Public Lands Manager Jake Granfors said. “By making important additions to existing areas we can improve access, expand habitat and stitch together complexes that really make a difference for all prairie species.”
Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy through the protection of high-quality upland habitat provides solutions for the nation’s most complex sustainability issues, including improved soil health, water stewardship and rural economic development, while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail and associated wildlife.
High Island Wildlife Management Area
This 207-acre property in Sibley County borders High Island Creek, with more than 3,000 feet of creek footage. It is also 1.5 miles from High Island Lake, a 1,655-acre shallow lake. The project adds to an existing 169-acre Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), creating a large habitat complex within 3-5 miles of existing public lands. The project is close to the existing Baker’s Lake WMA, High Island WPA, Hahn Lake WPA and Penn WPA and WMA, forming a large complex of restored upland habitat. Plans for the property include wetland restoration and prairie seeding.
The purchase was funded by Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Sibley County Pheasants Forever chapter and a donation from the seller.
Prairie Marshes Wildlife Management Area Addition
This project is a 40-acre inholding that adds to the Prairie Marshes Wildlife Management Area, a restored wetland and upland habitat complex about 10 miles southwest of Marshall. Pheasants Forever acquired and restored another 177-acre addition four years ago. Combined with this most recent addition, the WMA has nearly doubled in size for a total of 593 acres.
The Prairie Marshes WMA contains high-quality native prairie and is home to several rare plant species. This addition expands existing habitat and provides better public access to the entire complex. Funding was provided from the Lyon County Pheasants Forever Chapter, a donation from the seller, and the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Bjur Waterfowl Production Area Addition
Located in Kandiyohi County about 14 miles south and east of Willmar, this project adds 21 acres to the existing 40-acre Bjur WPA. This addition adds to the existing area and allows for better access for both the public and USFWS crews. The area has numerous permanently protected properties. Funding for the project came primarily through Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund.