Aquatic Management Areas (AMAs)

Fishing is a key component of Minnesota's tourism industry, providing $1.3-$2.8 billion annually in direct expenditures to the state's economy. Minnesota has approximately 1.5 million licensed anglers. The demand for shoreline property is high, and riparian areas are rapidly being developed. As part of the Outdoor Recreation Program, Fisheries', Acquisition of riparian parcels called Aquatic Management Areas (AMAs) ensures that:

• Critical fish and wildlife habitats will be conserved;
• Non-boat public access to water resources will always be available; and
• Habitat development on previously disturbed areas can take place.

Acquisition of AMAs is a critical step towards maintaining MinnesotaÂ’s reputation for providing excellent fishing opportunities and an outstanding quality of life for those who visit and live here.

Private conservation efforts are on the increase

Long-time property owners are looking for ways to insure that their lake or streamshore property remains in a natural state and is not developed. In order to accomplish this, they are willing to donate all or a portion of the value of their property to the state. Fisheries acquisition dollars allow the completion of many of these transactions.

Preserving shoreland habitat is a critical key towards maintaining Minnesota's cleanwater heritage

Goals for the fisheries acquisition program

• Conserve important fish spawning and rearing areas
• Provide non-boat angler access on lakes
• Provide angling corridors on trout and warmwater streams
• Conserve critical shoreline habitat for all fish and wildlife species
• Preserve examples of healthy shoreline habitats as maps for future restoration of disturbed sites

Acquisition opportunities for riparian habitat

• Fee title acquisition
• Permanent easement acquisition
• Partial land donations, resulting in an equivalent amount of RIM-Critical Habitat Match (CHM) dollars being applied towards the remaining value
• Cash donations for specific parcels, which in turn generate an equivalent amount of RIM-CHM dollars for the same parcel
• Full donation of property, resulting in an equivalent amount of RIM-CHM dollars going towards future acquisition of AMAs

Partners

• Private contributors
• Land owners
• Lake organizations
• Municipalities
• Watershed organizations
• Counties

Long-Range Plan

A diverse group of stakeholders developed short and long-term directions and goals for the acquisition of Aquatic Management areas (AMAs). The challenges were great and the group sorted through a multitude of factors ranging from climate change, demographics, Natural Heritage features, public access, species richness, alternative protection, and much more. In the end they decided to use an Ecological Section approach similar to the WMA long-range plan.

Following the direction of the committee, a model was developed that approximates statewide needs for shoreline protection. It identified greatest needs in the Central Lakes, Transition (prairie to forested), North Shore trout, and SE Bluffland trout areas of the state. Some individual recommendations were adjusted due to variables not fully accounted for in the model.

The committee acknowledged that a holistic approach is needed for shoreline protection, including acquisition, best management practices, shoreland regulations and incentives, zoning ordinances, conservation development and technical guidance for lakeshore owners. Permanent protection through acquisition continues to be an essential component in preserving the cleanwater legacy that Minnesota's citizens and visitors are used to experiencing. Aquatic management areas continue to provide a critical foundation for shoreland protection and management while providing public access to Minnesotans who fish, hunt, observe wildlife, and recreate on the state's waters.

Complete AMA Aquisition Report  (57 pages | 1 MB)