BAUDETTE, Minn. - May 27, 2025 – Officials, supporters and area residents recently gathered to dedicate the Paschke Family Tract addition to the Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The 1,300-acre property was purchased by Pheasants Forever (PF) through the Build a Wildlife Area® program and was recently conveyed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“In terms of total acres this is one of the larger projects we’ve ever done,” said Sabin Adams, PF’s Minnesota state coordinator. “It’s an amazing property that will support important species and provide recreation opportunities for the public, fitting squarely within our mission of public lands acquisition.”
The existing Carp Swamp WMA covers nearly 14,000 acres. The parcel adjoins Lake of the Woods state forest, the Carp Ruffed Grouse Management Area and is home to a known sharp-tailed grouse lek.
“It's truly amazing what can be accomplished when people are committed and dedicated to a cause. Take that commitment and add in some strong partnerships, and we have the Paschke Tract. This was really a great day,” said Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society’s President, Mike Chalich.
Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Adams, Chalich, Minnesota DNR northwest regional wildlife manager Blane Klemek and retired DNR area wildlife manager Scott Laudenslager.
Pheasants Forever will be working with the DNR to restore 27 acres of existing cropland to a diverse mix of grasses and forbs on the north unit this summer. During the winter, plans are to remove 622 acres of brush over both the north and south units of the acquisition. Some of the cut brush will be used to fill approximately 2,000 feet of ditching.
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.
In addition to Pheasants Forever, the project was supported by the Paschke family, the Minnesota DNR, The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society and Safari Club International.
Media contact
Dave Schwarz, Minnesota Outreach Coordinator
dschwarz@pheasantsforever.org
Photo Caption: A portion of the Paschke Family Tract, an addition to the Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA), is pictured in this aerial view. The tract was officially dedicated on May 3, 2025, and adds more than 1,300 acres to the WMA. (Photo courtesy of Pheasants Forever)