Metro Wildlife Management Areas

Problem to be AddressedThroughout Minnesota, the MN DNR Division of Wildlife has identified wildlife habitat complexes, however many are only partially completed and not able to sustain viable populations of targeted species. Regional and state wildlife acquisition staff identified high priority DNR acquisitions, but have not yet been able, for a variety of reasons, to protect these sites. Scope of WorkThe priorities have been ranked by DNR wildlife management personnel and then vetted through statewide acquisition meetings held by DNR and attended by conservation partners. The parcels listed in this proposal comprise high priorities for DNR and our conservation partners. Although these priorities have been identified on a biologically important basis, it is our intention to also communicate long-term visions for wildlife habitat with local communities to establish a shared vision for conservation outcomes that will positively impact local economic vitality. Current TrendsFluctuations in real estate markets have opened an opportunity to work with these willing sellers in to potentially protect wildlife habitat for a better value than has been seen in the recent past. This can create a mutually beneficial strategy - to protect ecologically important sites while also allowing willing sellers to liquidate marginal land. Selling non-productive lands benefits wildlife and benefits the landowner. Another timely opportunity exists to improve stakeholder communication between wildlife professionals and communities toward a comprehensive vision for how wildlife habitat can be integrated with existing and future local community goals in these areas.