Timber Rattlesnake and Bluff Prairie Species at Risk

Within this bluffland landscape, prairies occur on steep slopes facing south or southwest and on the broader ridge tops, where before European settlement, frequent fires maintained the prairies. These prairies are habitat for the timber rattlesnake, three other at-risk snake species (racer, bullsnake, and hognose snake) and numerous at-risk plant species. The timber rattlesnake is a state threatened species occurring exclusively in the southeastern Minnesota counties of Goodhue, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona.

Utilizing timber rattlesnake survey data and other habitat assessment tools, priority focus areas (not shown on the above map) were identified within these counties. Proposed LIP project sites must be within the priority focus areas, include bluff prairie habitat, have timber rattlesnakes present on the site or hold a significant possibility of harboring timber rattlesnakes, or function as a buffer against threats to timber rattlesnake habitat.

If timber rattlesnakes exist on or adjacent to your property and you are interested in habitat enhancement projects, please contact Jaime Edwards to determine if your site is within a focus area. Eligible practices include but are not limited to woody encroachment management, invasive species control, and prescribed burns.

The Timber Rattlesnake, Bluff Prairie Species At Risk initiative is funded with a United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Landowner Incentive Program Grant, with matching funds provided by Minnesota DNR. LIP is a competitive program and applications for habitat projects are evaluated and selected based on program criteria and available funding.