Event is part of celebrations recognizing the 75th anniversary of wildlife management areas in Minnesota
Anyone can learn about prairie ecology, restoration and management with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff at a Tuesday, Aug. 18 event touring both Long Lake and Shetek Inlet wildlife management areas in Lyon and Murray counties.
The DNR is celebrating 75 years of WMAs in Minnesota in 2026, and events like this aim to get people onto these public lands to see all they have to offer.
“Wildlife management areas are slices of paradise to hunters and those that enjoy wild places and wildlife,” said Bill Schuna, DNR area wildlife supervisor.
The event is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. The public is invited to meet at a parking area at Murray County Road 30 and Lyon County Road 14, near the line between the two counties. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for the outdoors, as well as sunscreen and insect repellant, and bring liquids to stay hydrated.
Guests will see two different prairies in the restoration stage, and DNR staff will have implements there to demonstrate how the prairies were planted, along with education on site preparation, timing, etc. Those in attendance will also get a look at potential wetland restorations. Staff will also discuss future management of the sites to maintain wildlife habitat.
“We want attendees to gain an understanding of what it takes to go from bare ground to a diverse, healthy prairie and wetland complex,” Schuna said. “These WMAs in particular represent an opportunity to protect, in perpetuity, a large contiguous parcel of habitat that will help protect both Long Lake and downstream waters that empty into Lake Shetek.”
RSVPs are preferred but not required. To RSVP, reach out to Bill Schuna, DNR area wildlife manager, at [email protected] or leave a message at 507-233-1257.
Minnesota WMAs
Minnesota’s WMAs provide access to 1,521 public wildlife areas encompassing 1.39 million acres of field, forest and wetlands across Minnesota. Developed specifically for public use, these habitat-rich areas provide havens for wildlife and recreational opportunities for people.
On Sept. 17, 1951, the Save the Wetlands program began in Minnesota with an initial budget of $50,000. On Jan. 12, 1954, former Minnesota DNR Supervisor of Game Richard Dorer established the Save Minnesota’s Wetlands Fund, which allowed private donations to finance wetland purchases.
See more WMA history, learn about the diverse experiences and habitats on Minnesota’s WMAs, and use the WMA Finder tool at the Minnesota DNR WMA webpage.