Much of the project area is used for wildlife habitat development by Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources. Many lakes in vicinity.

Much of the project area is used for wildlife habitat development by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  Many lakes in vicinity.

Orwell Lake

Welcome to the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, where we care for
almost 50,000 acres of wildlife habitat scattered across five counties in
western Minnesota.

Situated on the eastern edge of North America's prairie pothole landscape,
also known as the duck factory, we strive to preserve, restore, and manage
wetlands and prairies for nesting waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and
swans. You can enjoy many types of outdoor recreation here through the seasons
while you observe wildlife, like bird watching, hiking, nature photography,
snowshoeing and hunting. The best place for most visitors to start their
adventure is at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.

From district lands, witness some of the highest densities of breeding
waterfowl in Minnesota. Freshwater prairie wetlands and the associated
northern tallgrass prairie join to form a zone of transition with the eastern
hardwood forest. This blend of habitats supports an impressive diversity of
more than 293 bird species. Established in 1962, the district is home to 223
management units called waterfowl production areas, most of which are open to
the public.

The district is also home to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, the only
residential environmental education facility of the National Wildlife Refuge
System, and to the internationally recognized Prairie Science Class
partnership with Fergus Falls Public Schools. Located on Townsend Waterfowl
Production Area, the center provides environmental education, interpretation
and outdoor recreation opportunities for many regional schools as well and
walk-in visitors.

On a larger geographic scale, the district is situated on the eastern edge of
North America’s Prairie Pothole Region, also known as the duck factory. About
118 million acres in size, this landscape produces more than 50% of the
continent’s waterfowl due to its matrix of having the historically highest
density of wetlands and associated upland prairie. Wetlands of varying sizes
and depths skirted by short, mixed and tallgrass prairies are places unlike
any other. They still provide nesting habitat for a rich variety of dabbling
and diving ducks despite a massive conversion of the grassland biome to
agriculture. Here, trumpeter swans glide gracefully across the water as their
haunting calls echo under an expansive sky and the earthy smell of wetland
reeds and clean water drift through the air.

Our objectives include developing and managing habitat for waterfowl
production, including habitat for native plants and animals, especially
prairie songbirds. Staff also assist private landowners with restoration of
wetlands and grasslands.

Welcome to the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, where we care for almost 50,000 acres of wildlife habitat scattered across five counties in western Minnesota. Situated on the eastern edge of North America's prairie pothole landscape, also known as the duck factory, we strive to preserve, restore, and manage wetlands and prairies for nesting waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. You can enjoy many types of outdoor recreation here through the seasons while you observe wildlife, like bird watching, hiking, nature photography, snowshoeing and hunting. The best place for most visitors to start their adventure is at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.  From district lands, witness some of the highest densities of breeding waterfowl in Minnesota. Freshwater prairie wetlands and the associated northern tallgrass prairie join to form a zone of transition with the eastern hardwood forest. This blend of habitats supports an impressive diversity of more than 293 bird species. Established in 1962, the district is home to 223 management units called waterfowl production areas, most of which are open to the public.The district is also home to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, the only residential environmental education facility of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and to the internationally recognized Prairie Science Class partnership with Fergus Falls Public Schools. Located on Townsend Waterfowl Production Area, the center provides environmental education, interpretation and outdoor recreation opportunities for many regional schools as well and walk-in visitors.On a larger geographic scale, the district is situated on the eastern edge of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region, also known as the duck factory. About 118 million acres in size, this landscape produces more than 50% of the continent’s waterfowl due to its matrix of having the historically highest density of wetlands and associated upland prairie. Wetlands of varying sizes and depths skirted by short, mixed and tallgrass prairies are places unlike any other. They still provide nesting habitat for a rich variety of dabbling and diving ducks despite a massive conversion of the grassland biome to agriculture. Here, trumpeter swans glide gracefully across the water as their haunting calls echo under an expansive sky and the earthy smell of wetland reeds and clean water drift through the air.Our objectives include developing and managing habitat for waterfowl production, including habitat for native plants and animals, especially prairie songbirds. Staff also assist private landowners with restoration of wetlands and grasslands.

A view from the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, a part of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District

Orwell Lake

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Fergus Falls Wetland Management District