Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District
Midwest Region

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Small Wetlands Program

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Contact Us

Phone: 218-8474431
V/TTY: 800-877-8339
Address:
26624 North Tower Road
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Most WPAs are open to such public uses as hiking, bird watching, hunting, and recreational trapping of fur-bearers. Your financial support through the purchase of duck stamps, will assure the continuation of our outdoor heritage.

Establishing WPAs is only one way you can contribute to the survival of North America's migratory birds. Even though current Minnesota legislation provides some wetland protection, many privately owned marshes remain in jeopardy. Each year hundreds of wetlands on private land are restored. If you are interested in restoring drained wetlands in Becker, Clay, Norman, Mahnomen or Polk counties in Minnesota, contact the Detroit Lakes WMD.

Please Act Responsibly

In addition to wetlands, grassland vegetation (for nesting use) is also critical to waterfowl. Parking in designated areas limits damage to this critical vegetation and reduces travel lanes for predators (red fox, skunk, and raccoon) preying on ground-nesting birds. All outdoor enthusiasts, including berry pickers, bird watchers and hikers, should use the same parking areas as hunters.

Photo of a pink lady slipper - Photo credit:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Shawn May
Pink lady slipper – Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Shawn May

Please review the regulations found on this site and honor the WPA boundary. Straying onto private land without permission can harm relationships with our private landowner neighbors. Positive, constructive relationships with these neighbors play an important role in the well-being of wildlife.

Act responsibly; rules and regulations do not miraculously "create" good hunting ethics. If one WPA is saturated with hunters, try another. Never hesitate to stop hunting short of a limit. Concentrate on taking only drakes; increasing hen numbers improve the prospect of higher waterfowl production for years to come. Report violators! They are detrimental to all and are a threat to the future of hunting. Pick up your empty shotshells as you enjoy your hunt. Return often, and bring a friend, to enjoy the outdoor wonders WPAs offer to everyone.

Drawing of a duck and ducklings - Credit:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service


Last updated: July 9, 2008