Waterfowl Identification Guide Comprehensive Conservation Plan Phone: 218-8474431 |
Waterfowl Production Areas
"Jewels on the Prairie"
The Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District is one of five wetland districts managed by the 
United States Fish and Wildlife Service in western Minnesota. The Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District manages hundreds of federally owned Waterfowl Productions Areas (WPAs) in Becker, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman and Polk Counties. These "jewels on the prairie" are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a system of lands where wildlife comes first. It's not just wildlife that love Waterfowl Production Areas, these lands are open to certain types of wildlife dependent recreation. If you are able to visit a WPA, we hope you will enjoy your time spent on these unique lands developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem.
Private Lands – "Cooperative Partnerships for Landscape Conservation"
The District also oversees thousands of acres of conservation easements on privately owned lands. Together, Waterfowl Production Areas and conservation easements provide critically important habitat for waterfowl, and a host of other prairie wetland dependant wildlife. In addition, our "Partners for Wildlife" program offers landowners technical assistance and funding for habitat restoration projects on private lands.
National Wildlife Refuges – "Preserving Unique Habitats"
Besides Waterfowl Production Areas, other federally owned lands are located in Becker and Polk counties. Four separate stations are each responsible for preserving unique habitats within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Tamarac and Rydell are each managed by staff on site, whereas Glacial Ridge and Hamden Slough are managed by other offices.
Tamarac NWR is located in eastern Becker county and was established to serve as a breeding ground and sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife. In 1938, an Executive Order established the nearly 43,000 acre refuge.
Rydell NWR is located in central Polk county and provides woodland and prairie habitat for resident wildlife. The Rydell refuge was established in 1992, and is over 2100 acres in size. Glacial Ridge NWR is the nation's 545th national wildlife refuge and was created in 2004. Located in north central Polk county, the refuge will eventually cover 35,000 acres, advancing the largest tallgrass prairie and wetland restoration project in U.S. history. Additions to the refuge, estimated to be $3-$4 million over the next decade, will come from fees generated by Federal Duck Stamps. Glacial Ridge is currently managed by the staff at Rydell NWR.
Hamden Slough NWR is located in western Becker county and was established in 1989. Originally authorized to be 5,944 acres, there are currently 3,170 acres that have been purchased and restored. Restoration efforts have attracted a very high concentration of waterfowl and shorebirds, and the refuge was designated an Important Bird Area by the Minnesota Audubon Society. Hamden Slough is managed by the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District, which is located only 5 miles to the east.
Quick Links:
Looking for a Waterfowl Production Area near you? Want to cross that bird off your life list, or just get out and enjoy our prairies? Check out our District Maps, and Bird List.
Have a question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Landowners wanting to learn about voluntary opportunities for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide technical assistance and funding to restore habitat on their properties should check out our Partners for Wildlife Program.
Want a quick overview? Check out our District Facts.
