Fergus Falls WMD |
The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is one of five wetland districts managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in western Minnesota. The District was established in 1962 and includes Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Wadena and Wilkin Counties. It manages 215 Waterfowl Productions Areas totaling 44,600 acres and is also responsible for the enforcement of over 1,192 easements that protect wildlife habitat on private land. The District emphasizes waterfowl production and ensures the preservation of habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered native species, and resident wildlife. It also provides opportunities for the public to hunt, fish, observe and photograph wildlife, and it strives to increase public understanding and appreciation of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem. The District also includes the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, which is an environmental education facility that focuses on the ecology of the Prairie Pothole Region of North America.
The landscape of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is dotted with thousands of small wetlands, or "prairie potholes," created by glaciers. Prior to settlement, this area was a paradise for waterfowl, prairie chickens, whooping cranes, bison, wolves and other prairie wildlife. Agricultural changes to the landscape included the loss of most native prairie and the drainage of over 80 percent of the small wetlands. The area remains a critical waterfowl production and migration area - the highest waterfowl nesting density in Minnesota was recorded here (3.5 nests/acre).
The following quote is from 1887 and is descriptive of the Fergus Falls District as settlers began to move west. The quote was excerpted from the book, "Wildfowling in Dakota: 1873-1903" by Harold F. Duebbert, who permitted the use of this quote:
"The country lying between Dalton and Moorhead, Minn., is a vast plain, fenceless for miles, and without a tree to break the monotony of the scene except those found in the vicinity of lakes or seen along streams. . . The "railroad" runs through a fine game section of the Northwest. Prairie chickens, ducks, and geese are present everywhere; on both sides of the track prairie chickens were seen rising out of the grass in large and small flocks; while ducks were almost constantly upon the wing."
18965 County Highway 82
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone: (218) 739-2291
Fax: (218) 739-9534
Kevin Brennan (Wetland Manager)
E-Mail: Kevin_Brennan@fws.gov
Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals may reach the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District through 
Minnesota's State Relay System by dialing:
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711
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1-800-627-3529 (voice, TTY, ASCII)
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