Important Bird Areas (IBA)

Habitat loss remains the greatest threat to bird populations around the world, across America, and right here in Minnesota where 20% of our bird species are at risk. Minnesota Important Bird Areas will help solve this problem! Audubon Minnesota  and the Nongame Wildlife Program have launched this innovative program aimed at conserving critical bird habitats.

How Does it Work?

Important Bird Areas are voluntary and non-regulatory, and part of an international conservation effort. The program relies on participation of private landowners, public land managers, and community member to identify, monitor, and conserve sites, which are chosen for their biological value.

• Identifies the most essential habitats for birds and designates Important Bird Areas in Minnesota
• Monitors these areas for changes to birds and their habitats
• Conserves these areas for long-term protection of birds

Minnesota Important Bird Areas (IBA)

• Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge IBA
• Avon Hills IBA
• Arden Hills - Ramsey Open Space IBA
• Big Bog IBA
• Buffalo River State Park IBA
• Camp Ripley-Pillsbury Lake Alexander IBA
• Felton Prairie Complex IBA
• Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge IBA
• Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve IBA
• Itasca State Park IBA
• Kittson - Roseau Aspen Parkland IBA
• Lac Qui Parle IBA
• Lake of the Woods IBA
• Lower Minnesota River Valley IBA
• McGregor IBA
• Minneapolis Chain of Lakes IBM
• Middle St. Croix River IBA
• Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve IBA
• North Metro Mississippi River IBA
• Northland Arboretum IBA
• North Shore Peregrine Falcon Eyries IBA
• St. Croix River - Greater Wild River IBA
• Sax-Zim Bog IBA
• Sherburne NWR IBA
• Springbrook Nature Center IBA
• Twin Cities Mississippi River IBA
• Upper Minnesota River IBA
• Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge IBA
• Whitewater Valley IBA