Minnesota announces 5,000 new acres of wildlife management areas

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Monday that it has designated an additional 5,000 acres of land as wildlife management areas (WMA), bringing the state’s total acreage of WMAs to 1.3 million.

“State taxpayers get a great deal for dollars that are spent on WMA acquisitions,” DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said. “That’s because conservation-minded groups and individuals who partner with the DNR add a tremendous amount of local expertise and financial muscle that stretches public funding much further.”

The new WMA land is spread throughout 22 counties and was acquired with the help of 10 partner organizations. The announcement encompasses the creation of three new WMAs -- Rush Creek Woods, Sanborn Lake and Gruven -- and the expansion of 26 existing ones.

“We are grateful for the help of partners in acquiring these critical lands for future generations of hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy,” Landwehr said. “Both the DNR and partners can simultaneously apply for Legacy funding for land acquisition, resulting in more dollars being spent for this purpose. Simply put, the DNR cannot do it alone.”