Habitat & Conservation  |  10/29/2024

Pheasants Forever Adds 420 Acres to Minnesota's Prairie Landscape


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Four recent land acquisitions expand upland habitat in The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Several habitat complexes in Minnesota have recently expanded through key Pheasants Forever acquisitions, adding to the prairie mosaic of publicly accessible grasslands in the state. The new parcels now support quality habitat, wildlife corridors, and rural economies in western Minnesota. 

“Through partnerships and support, we’re able to continue the work of acquiring and restoring parcels that deliver our habitat mission in Minnesota,” said Minnesota state coordinator, Sabin Adams. “After identifying properties ideal for restoration and expanding existing complexes, we can really make an impact for many prairie species through quality, expansive habitat,” Adams said. 

Wendland WPA 

This 278-acre tract is located next to the existing 243-acre Beyer WPA in Lac Qui Parle County. Several surrounding wetland and habitat easements create a complex including the existing wetlands and the possibility for prime upland habitat. The parcel is one mile from the South Dakota border and 4.5 miles Southwest of the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Major donations from the Justin Pearson Foundation and Pleasureland RV Center aided with the purchase of this tract.

Beyer WPA Addition

Located just .15 miles north of the Wendland WPA, this 26.5-acre semi-permanent wetland is an important component to the surrounding habitat areas. In addition to the WPA, there are four wetland easements and a habitat easement within one mile of the property. This addition will provide permanent protection to an area of prime waterfowl habitat. 

Wolf Lake WPA Addition

This 80-acre addition expands the existing 407-acre WPA in Cottonwood County. It is nestled between existing WPA habitat and several Reinvestment in Minnesota and Wetland Reserve Program easements. Tree and fence removal and upland habitat seeding have been completed by Pheasants Forever on the site. The property is just outside of the city limits of Windom, offering residents easy access to experience a restored tallgrass prairie and wetland area. 

Svor WPA Addition

This 39-acre addition in Swift County adds to a growing complex of prairie and waterfowl habitat and is the seventh property acquired and conveyed as public hunting land by Pheasants Forever in the immediate area. The parcel connects two existing areas of the 780-acre Svor WPA which abuts the Loen and Tollifson WPAs with more than 1,000 acres in total. The large complex protects important grassland and wetland habitat harboring many uncommon species and is northeast of Benson. 

These projects were made possible, in part, with Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund administered by the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Additional support was provided by Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever chapters, partners and members who contribute to the organization’s Build a Wildlife Area® program. 

Build a Wildlife Area® is Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s permanent habitat protection program delivering strategic, fee-title acquisitions to conserve habitat and increase public hunting access. The program strives to create functional landscapes supporting wild, sustainable populations of upland birds and other wildlife, while providing ancillary benefits to natural resources and communities. Since 1982, the program has permanently protected more than 236,000 acres of publicly accessible habitat in 16 states. 

By permanently protecting high-quality habitat, Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy also provides solutions for rural economic development and the nation’s most complex sustainability issues including improved biodiversity, soil health, and water stewardship— while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail, and associated wildlife.

Picture caption: A portion of the 278-acre Wendland Waterfowl Production Area, an addition to the existing Beyer WPA. (Pheasants Forever Photo)