Glacial Ridge
National Wildlife Refuge
Contacting the Refuge:
Refuge Manager: Dave Bennett
e-mail: Dave_Bennett@fws.gov or MidwestNews@fws.gov17788 349th St. SE
Erskine, MN 56535
Phone: 218-687-2229
Fax: 218-687-2225
TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)The refuge is located 6 miles west of Mentor, Minnesota
Refuge Facts
Established Oct. 12, 2004
Acres: 2,790
Authorized 37,756 acres
Twenty-six cooperating agencies, led by The Nature Conservancy and Polk County Commissioners, provided the catalyst for this prairie restoration project, culminating in the establishment of the 545th National Wildlife Refuge
Financial Impact of Refuge
Currently managed with the six-person staff of Rydell NWR
Natural History
Beach ridges formed from Glacial Lake Agassiz, vegetated with true tallgrass prairie is the heart and soul of the refuge. The ultimate restoration of 8,000 acres of wetlands and 15,000 acres of prairie will complement the existing 5,000 acres of untilled native prairie.
The return of the greater prairie chicken will be the star of success
Refuge Objectives
Strive to maintain diversity and increase abundance of waterfowl and other migratory bird species dependent of prairie wetland and grassland habitats
Conserve, manage, and restore the diversity and viability of native fish, wildlife and plant populations associated with tallgrass prairie and prairie wetlands
Work in partnership with others to restore or enhance native tallgrass prairie, prairie wetlands and unique plant communities
Restore, enhance, and protect water quality and quantity that approach natural hydrologic functions
Provide for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses by the public, emphasizing increased understanding of the northern tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System
Public Use Opportunities
Wildlife observation and photography highlighted by greater prairie chicken, and migrating waterfowl and sandhill cranes
Prairie Chicken viewing blinds, managed in cooperation with the Crookston Chamber of Commerce
Annual Prairie Appreciation Day event
Environmental education and interpretation
Hunting plan approved in 2004
- Special prairie chicken hunt for people with disabilities initiated in 2008
Future Public Use Opportunities
Walking, biking and cross country ski trails
Prairie interpretive trail and kiosk
Interpretation of historic Pembina Oxcart Trail
Observation Platforms
Buffalo observation area
Interpretive center
Deer, migratory bird and upland game hunts for youth and persons with disabilities
