Minnesota - United States Fish and Wildlife Service · U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Service Facilities in Minnesota Office/Program Page Map of Facilities in Minnesota 2 Introduction

1

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Midwest RegionMinnesota Offices and ActivitiesM

inn

esot

aM

inn

esot

aM

inn

esot

aM

inn

esot

aM

inn

esot

a

2

Table ofContents


Service Facilities in Minnesota

Office/Program PageMap of Facilities in Minnesota 2Introduction 3Midwest Regional Highlights 4Midwest Regional Offices Map 5Highlights of Activities in Minnesota 6Agassiz NWR 7Big Stone NWR 8Glacial Ridge NWR 9Hamden Slough NWR 10Minnesota Valley NWR 11Northern Tallgrass Prairie NWR 12Rice Lake NWR 13Rydell NWR 14Sherburne NWR 15Tamarac NWR 16Upper Mississippi River NWFR

Headquarters 17Upper Mississippi River NWFR

Winona District 18Detroit Lakes WMD 19Fergus Falls WMD 20Litchfield WMD 21Morris WMD 22Windom WMD 23Minnesota Private Lands Office 24Twin Cities ESFO 25Fisheries Conservation 26Duluth LE 27Minneapolis Wildlife Inspection

Program 28St. Paul LE 29Regional Office 30Minnesota NAWMP 31Minnesota Federal Assistance 32Minnesota Migratory Bird

Conservation 33

Map Legend

3



Introduction

Quick Facts The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceis the principal federal agencyresponsible for conserving, protect-ing, and enhancing fish, wildlife, andplants and their habitats for thecontinuing benefit of the Americanpeople.

The vast majority of fish and wild-life habitat is on lands not owned bythe federal government. Partner-ships with Native American tribes,state and local governments, non-government organizations andprivate citizens are critical to theService fulfilling our mission. Pro-grams such as Partners for Fish andWildlife, Partners in Flight, theCoastal Program, and partnershipactivities with individuals are theprimary mechanisms for assisting involuntary habitat restoration onnon-Service lands and fosteringconservation practices throughoutthe Region.

The Service manages the 95 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge Sys-tem that consists of 545 NationalWildlife Refuges and thousands ofsmall wetlands and other specialmanagement areas. The Servicealso carries out its mission throughthe 81 ecological services field sta-tions, 69 national fish hatcheries,and 63 fish and wildlife managementoffices located nationwide.

The agency enforces federal wildlifelaws, manages migratory birdpopulations, restores nationallysignificant fisheries, conserves and

restores fish and wildlife habitat suchas wetlands, administers the Endan-gered Species Act, and helps foreigngovernments with their conservationefforts. The Service also administers anumber of grant programs that pro-mote the restoration of fish and wild-life resources and their habitat ontribal and private lands.

The Service also oversees the FederalAssistance program that distributesfederal excise taxes on fishing andhunting equipment to state naturalresource agencies. This program is acornerstone of the nation’s wildlifemanagement efforts, funding fish andwildlife restoration, boating access,hunter education, shooting ranges andrelated projects across America.

Approximately 7,500 people areemployed by the Service at facilitiesacross the United States. It is adecentralized organization with aheadquarters office in Washington,D.C., seven geographic regionaloffices, and nearly 700 field units.

• 545 nationalwildlife refuges• 96 million acres offish and wildlifehabitat• 81 ecologicalservices field stations• 69 national fishhatcheries• 63 fish and wildlifemanagement offices• 7,500 employees

4


Midwest Regional Highlights

Quick Facts The Region is Committed to• Expanded partnerships offeringinnovative opportunities to enhancethe Region’s fish and wildlife re-sources• Healthy fish and wildlife trustspecies populations and habitats tosupport them• Providing the public with qualityhunting, fishing, wildlife watching,and other wildlife-dependent recre-ational opportunities on Servicelands• An organization dedicated toemployee excellence, reflecting thenation’s rich diversity, and providingquality service to and decision-making for the resources for whichwe have trust responsibility (migra-tory birds, threatened and endan-gered species, interjurisdictionalfish).

Regional Programs and Offices• 55 National Wildlife Refuges,including the newest – Glacial Ridgein northwest Minnesota• 12 Wetland Management Districts• More than 300,000 acres in water-fowl production areas• 6 National Fish Hatcheries• 6 Fishery Resources Offices• 2 Sea Lamprey Control Stations• 8 Private Lands Offices• 9 Ecological Services offices• 18 Law Enforcement offices

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota,Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin

• Employment: 1,088people• Acres Managed:1.29 million• The Fiscal Year2006 Budget forRegional Serviceactivities totaled $86million• More than 7.7million people visitedRefuges throughoutRegion 3 to hunt, fish,participate in interpre-tive programs, andview wildlife• More than 150,000school children partici-pated in Serviceeducational programs• 130,655 acres ofwetlands restored• 483 miles ofstreams restored• 105,747 acres ofupland habitat restored

Federal Assistance ProgramIn Fiscal Year 2006, the Region’sFederal Assistance Office managed$153 million to help strengthen sportfish and wildlife restoration programsthroughout the eight-state region.

Fiscal Year 2006 Federal AssistanceProgram Grants by State

(In Millions)

Wisconsin, 19, 13%

Ohio, 18, 12%

Missouri, 18, 12%

Minnesota, 24, 14%

Michigan, 31, 19%

Iowa, 13, 9%

Indiana, 12, 8%

Illinois, 19, 13%

5


Midwest Regional OfficesIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota,Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin

Map Legend

6

Fish and Wildlife Service Highlights


Minnesota

Quick Facts Federal Assistance to State Fish andWildlife Programs• In 2006 Minnesota received: - $12.8 million for sport fish restora-tion - $7 million for wildlife restorationand hunter education

Waterfowl Production AreasIncorporated into the refuge systemin 1966, nearly 95 percent ofwaterfowl production areas arelocated in the prairie wetlands or“potholes” of the Dakotas, Minnesota,Montana and Wisconsin. If wetlandsin this vast prairie pothole regionwere not saved from drainage,hundreds of species of migratorybirds would have been seriouslythreatened or become extinct.

Although waterfowl productionareas, easements, and NationalWildlife Refuges account for less than2 percent of the landscape in theprairie pothole region states, theyare responsible for producing nearly23 percent of this area’s waterfowl.That is why working with privatelandowners through voluntarypartnerships to enhance wetlands isso critical to protecting waterfowl.

By law, waterfowl production areasare open to hunting, fishing, andtrapping. Other important wildlife-dependent uses include wildlifeobservation, photography, andenvironmental education.

MinnesotaState Facts

• The Service employs441 people in Minne-sota, and about half ofthose are at the Re-gional Office at Ft.Snelling.• The Fiscal Year 2006Resource Managementbudget for Serviceactivities in Minnesotatotaled $40.6 million• 13 National WildlifeRefuges totaling morethan 214,000 acres• Eight WetlandManagement Districtstotaling more than267,000 acres• In 2004, more than4.4 million peoplevisited national wildliferefuges and wetlanddistricts in Minnesota tohunt, fish, participate ininterpretive programsand view wildlife

Protecting Endangered SpeciesThe Twin Cities Ecological ServicesField Office works to conserve andprotect the 16 federally listedendangered, threatened or candidatespecies in Minnesota. Actions to savethese species from extinction result inimproved water quality, preservationand restoration of natural areas, cleanup of contaminants, and restoration ofdegraded rivers and streams.

The Service leads recovery work forthe winged mapleleaf, an endangeredspecies considered to be one of therarest freshwater mussels in NorthAmerica. The Twin Cities EcologicalServices Field Office works withresearchers from the University ofMinnesota, Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources, USGS, the LaCrosse Fishery Resource Office, andNational Park Service. Recentaccomplishments include identifyingchannel catfish and blue catfish assuitable hosts, undertaking riverstudies to ensure artificialpropagation and reintroductionfollows the mussels’ natural cycle, andmonitoring range expansion ofinvasive zebra mussels.

7

National Wildlife Refuge


Agassiz

Quick Facts Natural History• First drainage district organizedto convert the marshes into arableland in 1909• Approximately $1 million hadbeen spent on the drainage systemby 1933• Tax assessments forced the statelegislature to absorb the drainagetaxes and authorize the land to bepurchased as a wildlife refuge• The refuge lies in the bed of glacialLake Agassiz in a transition zonebetween coniferous forests and theprairie pothole region• Supports 287 species of birds and49 species of mammals

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for resident wild-life• Protect endangered and threat-ened species• Provide for biodiversity• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education• Conduct research

HighlightThe refuge is engaged in researchthat is unlocking the natural historysecrets of American and least bit-terns, moose and timber wolves

Priorities• Construct trails, observation areasand environmental education facili-ties

Refuge Facts• Established: 1937• Acres: 61,500 (4,000in wilderness)• Refuge name changedfrom Mud Lake Migra-tory Waterfowl Refuge in1961• Maintains a residentmoose herd

Financial Impact ofRefuge

• Eleven person staff• 20,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$1.5 million

Refuge LocationThe refuge is located 12miles north of Thief RiverFalls and 11 miles easton County Road 7

• Active land management withemphasis on open landscape manage-ment focus area• Develop and implement manage-ment plans and provide protection for5,400 acres of easements within therefuge’s seven-county managementdistrict• Repair ditch 11

Public Use Opportunities• Wildlife observation• Environmental education• Auto tour route• Hunting (big game)• Two hiking trails• Visitor center

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Margaret Anderson22996 - 290th Street NortheastMiddle River, MN 56737

Phone: 218-449-4115Fax: 218-449-3241TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/agassiz

8

National Wildlife Refuge andWetland Management District

Big Stone

Quick Facts


Natural History• Refuge consists of wetlands andgrasslands located in the tallgrassprairie life zone• Contains more than 6,000 acres ofgrassland, including large tracts ofnative prairie• Major waterfowl production andmigration area• Maintains the only population ofball cactus in Minnesota• Refuge serves as a wintering areafor as many as 1,200 whitetail deer• Unique features include the lichencovered granite outcrops for whichthe refuge was named• Maintains a population of reintro-duced river otters

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for residentwildlife• Protect endangered and threat-ened species• Provide for biodiversity• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education

Highlight• The refuge is engaged in shore-bird research focused on increasingour knowledge of their length ofstay on fall migration sites and thevalue of temporary/seasonal wet-lands

Refuge Facts• Established: 1975• Acres: 11,521• Part of the Big Stone-Whetstone River Projectof Minnesota and SouthDakota• Land originallypurchased by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineersand transferred to theService


• Nine person staff• 30,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$1.8 million

Refuge LocationThe refuge is locatedthree miles southeast ofOrtonville, Minnesota,on Highway 7

Priorities• Construct a new visitor center• Construct entrance roads, ap-proaches, parking lots and installculverts where needed on all Water-fowl Production Areas• Expand the biological program andthe refuge’s ability to restore de-graded habitats

Public Use Opportunities• Hiking• Hunting and fishing• Environmental education• Wildlife observation• Auto tour route

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Alice Hanley44843 County Road 19Odessa, MN 56276

Phone: 320-273-2191Fax: 320-273-2231TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/bigstone

9

National Wildlife RefugeGlacial Ridge

Quick Facts


Refuge Facts• Established Oct. 12,2004• Acres: 2,300• Authorized 37,756acres• Twenty-sixcooperating agencies,led by The NatureConservancy andPolk CountyCommissioners,provided the catalystfor this prairierestoration project,culminating in theestablishment of the545th National WildlifeRefuge


• Currently managedwith the four-personstaff of Rydell NWR

Refuge LocationThe refuge is located 6miles west of Mentor,Minnesota

Natural History• Beach ridges formed from GlacialLake Agassiz, vegetated with truetallgrass prairie is the heart and soulof the refuge. The ultimaterestoration of 8,000 acres of wetlandsand 15,000 acres of prairie willcomplement the existing 5,000 acresof untilled native prairie.• The return of the greater prairiechicken will be the star of success

Refuge Objectives• Strive to maintain diversity andincrease abundance of waterfowl andother migratory bird species depen-dent of prairie wetland and grass-land habitats• Conserve, manage, and restorethe diversity and viability of nativefish, wildlife and plant populationsassociated with tallgrass prairie andprairie wetlands• Work in partnership with others torestore or enhance native tallgrassprairie, prairie wetlands and uniqueplant communities• Restore, enhance, and protectwater quality and quantity thatapproach natural hydrologicfunctions• Provide for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses by thepublic, emphasizing increasedunderstanding of the northerntallgrass prairie ecosystem and themission of the National WildlifeRefuge System

Public Use Opportunities• Wildlife observation andphotography highlighted by greaterprairie chicken, and migratingwaterfowl and sandhill cranes• Environmental education andinterpretation• Hunting

Future Public Use Opportunities• Walking, biking and cross countryski trails• Interpretation of historic PembinaOxcart Trail• Observation Platforms• Interpretive center• Deer, migratory bird and uplandgame hunts for youth and personswith disabilities

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Dave Bennett17788 349th St. SEErskine, MN 56535-9253

Phone: 218-687-2229Fax: 218-687-2225TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]

10

National Wildlife Refuge


Hamden Slough

Quick Facts Natural History• Refuge consists of rolling hills,grassland and small wetlands• Located in a transitional zonebetween flat tallgrass prairies androlling hardwoods• Restoration efforts have attracteda very high concentration of water-fowl and shorebirds

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for residentwildlife• Restore prairie wetland ecosys-tem of native grass and wetlands• Serve as educational model forland and water stewardship• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education

Highlight• The refuge was designated anImportant Bird Area by the Minne-sota Audubon Society, one of onlyeight sites selected in the state

Priorities• Conduct first youth waterfowland muzzleloader deer hunts on therefuge• Improve prairie chicken viewingopportunities• Improve shorebird nesting sites

Refuge Facts• Established: 1989• Acres: currently 3,170• Authorized 5,944acres• Inter-agency teamcompleting private landhabitat improvementsadjacent to refuge• The refuge is theculmination of a 50-yeareffort to protect andrestore the area


• Two-person staff• 5,400 visitors annually• FY 2006 Budget:$245,000

Refuge OfficeLocation

The refuge office islocated one mile north-east of Audubon, Minne-sota on 210th Street

Public Use Opportunities• Hiking• Environmental education• Wildlife observation

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Michael Murphy21212 - 210th StreetAudubon, MN 56511

Phone: 218-439-6319Fax: 218-439-6907TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/hamdenslough

11

National Wildlife Refuge ComplexMinnesota Valley

Quick Facts


Natural History• The refuge is a greenbelt of largemarsh areas bordered by grainterminals, highways, residentialareas, office buildings and fields• Minnesota Valley NWR and theMinnesota State Trail and Recre-ation Area are located along 72-miles of the Minnesota River fromFt. Snelling to Le Sueur• Refuge lands are scattered ineight separate units• Minnesota River Valley is a majormigration corridor for waterfowl,songbirds and raptors

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for residentwildlife• Protect endangered and threat-ened species• Provide for biodiversity• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education

Highlight• Nearly 11,000 inner-city schoolchil-dren participate in the refuge’seducational programs each year

Priorities• Install and maintain recreationaland interpretive facilities for200,000 yearly visitors• Rehabilitate deteriorated and non-functioning interpretive exhibits• Further develop environmentaleducation programs

Refuge Facts• Established: 1976• Acres: 12,000• Planning to expand to24,000 acres• The refuge wasestablished as a result ofthe effort of a localcitizen group• Includes a visitor/education center featur-ing an 8,000-square footexhibit space, a 125-seatauditorium, two multi-purpose classrooms, abookstore and an obser-vation deck• The refuge alsomanages a 5,400 acrewetland managementdistrict


• 21-person staff• 200,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$2.9 million


The refuge office islocated near the intersec-tion of Interstate 494 and34th Avenue inBloomington, Minnesota

Public Use Opportunities• Hunting and fishing• Environmental education andinterpretation• Wildlife observation and photogra-phy

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Patricia Martinkovic3815 American Blvd. EastBloomington, MN 55425

Phone: 952-854-5900Fax: 612-725-3279TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/minnesotavalley

12

National Wildlife RefugeNorthern Tallgrass Prairie

Quick Facts


Natural History• Native prairie was originallyNorth America’s largest ecosystem,but today it is one of the rarest andmost fragmented• Many believe the prairie ecosys-tem is functionally extinct• More than 99.5 percent of theoriginal tallgrass prairie in Minne-sota and Iowa is gone• Fragmentation of the prairieecosystem has led to the reductionof numerous migratory songbirds,other wildlife, plants and insects• 243 bird species rely on the re-maining prairies of Minnesota andIowa — 152 of these species breedwithin the refuge• Estimates suggest that over 1,850different species of insects live inone square meter of tallgrass prairie

Refuge Objectives• Conserve, restore, manage andenhance the fragmented northerntallgrass prairie and aspen parklandecosystems, and their associatednative fish and wildlife populationsin project area• Develop partnerships with land-owners, communities, educationalinstitutions, local and state govern-ments and non-profit groups thatwill permanently protect ournation’s biological and culturalprairie heritage

Highlight• In Minnesota and Iowa therewere originally 25 million acres oftallgrass prairie habitat. Currently,less than one percent of this prairieremains. The refuge’s goal is to

Refuge Facts• Established: 1998• Authorized Acres:77,000• Establishing Legisla-tion: Fish and WildlifeAct of 1956


• Units are managed byexisting Service person-nel located at Minnesotaand Iowa field offices• FY 2006 land acquisi-tion budget: $497,000

Refuge LocationThe refuge is located inscattered tracts acrossIowa and Minnesota.The refuge is adminis-tered from the Big StoneNWR headquarters.

permanently preserve 75,000 acres ofthis endangered habitat in these twostates in perpetuity.

Priorities• Restore and manage prairie land-scapes in Minnesota and Iowa• Provide advisory services to otheragencies, local governments, and non-government organizations in mattersrelating to prairie ecology and man-agement• Coordinate watershed managementplanning

Public Use Opportunities• Provide quality, priority wildlife-dependent recreational activities

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Alice Hanley44843 County Road 19Odessa, MN 56276

Phone: 320-273-2191Fax: 320-273-2231TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/northerntallgrassprairie

13

National Wildlife RefugeRice Lake

Quick Facts


Natural History• Abundant natural food, particu-larly wild rice, have attracted wild-life to the area for centuries• The refuge is noted for fall concen-trations of more than 100,000 ring-necked ducks• Refuge history centers around the4,500-acre Rice Lake• Native Americans continue theirtraditional gathering of wild ricefrom the lake• Abundant songbird populationsthrive in the diverse refuge habitat

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for resident wild-life• Protect endangered and threat-ened species• Provide for biodiversity• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education

Highlight• 250,000 to 500,000 ring-neckedducks migrate to Rice Lake eachyear to feed on wild rice

Priorities• Begin development of refugecomprehensive conservation plan• Begin long-term white pinerestoration project• Maintenance and upkeep of inter-pretive kiosks, interpretive trailsand public use facilities

Refuge Facts• Established: 1935• Acres: 18,281• Administers MilleLacs NWR (.5 acre) andSandstone Unit (2,045acres)• Early development ofthe refuge was accom-plished through aresident CivilianConservation CorpsCamp


• Five person staff• 23,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$679,000

Refuge LocationThe refuge is locatedfive miles south ofMcGregor, Minnesota,on Highway 65

• Establishment of an environmentaleducation program• Public recognition and expansion ofrefuge friends group

Public Use Opportunities• Hiking and cross-country skiing• Hunting and fishing• Wildlife observation• Auto tour route

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Walt Ford36289 State Highway 65McGregor, MN 55760

Phone: 218-768-2402Fax: 218-768-3040TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/ricelake

14

National Wildlife RefugeRydell

Quick Facts


Natural History• Refuge is a combination of maple/basswood/oak forest, wetlands,tallgrass prairie and bogs• At least 19 old farmsteads makeup the refuge lands. Five partial logbuildings remain.• 600 acres of prairie have beenrestored

Highlight• Rydell NWR provides an annualdeer hunt for people with disabilitieswhich accommodates nearly 20hunters

Refuge Objectives• Provide nesting, feeding andresting habitat for waterfowl andother migratory woodland andgrassland birds• Serve as a regional destination forenvironmental education opportuni-ties• Provide woodland and prairiehabitat for resident wildlife• Provide opportunities for wildlifeobservation and outdoor recreation

Priorities• Increase administrative capabili-ties to accommodate the refuge’srapid growth• Continue to upgrade and improvepublic use facilities including parkinglots, interpretive kiosks and inter-pretive trails• Repair and upgrade bunkhouse

Refuge Facts• Established: 1992• Acres: 2,120• Refuge Friends groupreceived “Group pf theYear” award fromNational Friends Asso-ciation in 2000


• Four-person staff• FY 2006 Budget:$412,000• More than 7,800visitors a year

Refuge LocationThe refuge is locatedthree miles west ofErskine on US 2, thentwo miles south oncounty 210

Public Use Opportunities• Environmental education andinterpretation• Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing• Wildlife observation and photogra-phy• Electric golf carts available for thedisabled• Seven miles of trails, five of thoseare blacktop accessible• Visitor center with bookstore

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Dave Bennett17788 349th St. SEErskine, MN 56535-9253

Phone: 218-687-2229Fax: 218-687-2225TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/rydell

15

National Wildlife RefugeSherburne

Quick Facts


Natural History• Refuge lies in the transition zoneof deciduous hardwood forest andtallgrass prairie• Located in the St. Francis RiverValley, which is known as one of thefinest wildlife areas in the state• Historic wetland, oak savannahabitat was degraded by settlementpractices of fire suppression andfarming• Management emphasizes restor-ing the native habitat• Important waterfowl area• Bald eagles and sandhill cranesnest on the refuge

Highlight• Visit the 7.3-mile Prairie’s EdgeWildlife Drive and discover theprairie, oak savanna and wetlandhabitats that support an astoundingarray of wildlife just as it may havebeen 150 years ago when the firstsettlers came to the area

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for residentwildlife• Protect endangered and threat-ened species• Provide for biodiversity throughoak savanna restoration• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education

Refuge Facts• Established: 1965• Acres: 30,700• Administers CraneMeadows NWR• Supported by a largevolunteer program


• 12-person permanentstaff, five seasonal• 120,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$1,649,000

Refuge LocationThe refuge is located fivemiles west ofZimmerman, Minnesota

Priorities• Improve and maintain public usefacilities and services to provide aquality experience to nearly 120,000visitors a year• Pursue the necessary funding forconstruction of a new visitor center• Provide additional services di-rected toward wildlife observation,hunting, environmental education andnature photography

Public Use Opportunities• Hiking and cross-country skiing• Hunting and fishing• Environmental education andinterpretation• Wildlife observation and photography• Auto tour route

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Anne Sittauer17076 293rd AvenueZimmerman, MN 55398Phone: 763-389-3323Fax: 763-389-3493TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/sherburne

16

National Wildlife RefugeTamarac

Quick Facts


Natural History• Refuge lies within the transitionzone of deciduous hardwood forest,coniferous forests and tallgrassprairie• Refuge has tremendous wildlifediversity due to the varied habitat• Waterfowl, bald eagles, loons,bear, trumpeter swans, deer, fishand songbirds reside in the refuge• One of two refuges in Minnesotawith resident gray wolf packs• Many refuge lakes and riverscontain large beds of wild rice

Highlight• The refuge serves as a reintro-duction and reproduction site fortrumpeter swans in Minnesota.Each year the refuge raises morethan 40 cygnets to flight stage.

Refuge Objectives• Provide resting, nesting andfeeding habitat for waterfowl andother migratory birds• Provide habitat for residentwildlife• Provide public opportunities foroutdoor recreation and environmen-tal education

Priorities• Develop a landscape level com-prehensive wildlife habitat manage-ment plan• Expand partnership work withfederal, state, tribal and local agen-cies, NGOs and other interestedparties to further wildlife manage-ment and outreach goals in theregion

Refuge Facts• Established: 1938• Acres: 42,724 (2,180wilderness acres)• The majority of therefuge was logged of redand white pine between1890-1922• The north half of therefuge lies within theoriginal White EarthIndian Reservationboundary• White Earth Tribalmembers retain wild riceharvest and trappingprivileges• Early refuge develop-ment was started by aCivilian ConservationCorps Camp in the late1930’s and furtherenhanced in the 1960’sby a Job Corps Center


• Nine person staff• 35,000 visitors annu-ally• FY 2006 Budget:$903,000

Refuge LocationThe refuge is located sixmiles east of DetroitLakes, Minnesota, onHighway 34 and ninemiles north on Highway29

• Continue upgrading visitor facili-ties to promote visitation and enrichrefuge experiences• Expand biological control programto combat invasive species such asspotted knapweed and leafy spurge

Public Use Opportunities• Hiking, hunting and fishing• Environmental education• Wildlife photography• Auto tour route• Visitor center

Contacting the RefugeRefuge Manager: Barbara Boyle35704 County Highway 26Rochert, MN 56578

Phone: 218-847-2641Fax: 218-847-9141TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/tamarac

17

National Wildlife and Fish RefugeHeadquarters

Upper Mississippi River

Quick Facts


Natural History• Scenic river area with broadpools, braided channels, islands andbluffs rising several hundred feet• Critical migratory bird corridorfor waterfowl, songbirds and rap-tors• Thousands of tundra swans arepresent during migration• Over 160 active bald eagle nestsand more than 4,000 nests in 13heron rookeries• Refuge and river support manyfish species valuable for both com-mercial and recreational fishing• National Scenic Byways on bothsides of the refuge• 50 percent of the world’s canvas-back ducks stop on the refuge• 40 percent of the continent’swaterfowl use the Mississippi Riverflyway during migration

Refuge Objectives• Protect and preserve one ofAmerica’s premier fish and wildlifeareas• Provide habitat for migratorybirds, fish, plants, resident wildlifeand endangered species• Provide interpretation, environ-mental education and wildlife-dependent public use opportunities• Conserve a diversity of plant life

Refuge Facts• Established: 1924• Acres: nearly 240,000• Refuge covers 261miles of the MississippiRiver Valley fromWabasha, Minn., to RockIsland, Ill., and is dividedinto four districts• The refuge includesland owned by both theU.S. Fish and WildlifeService and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineersin 19 counties acrossfour states


• Seven-person staff atRefuge Headquarters• 3.5 million visitorsannually (refuge-wide)• FY 2006 budget:$793,000 (headquarters)and $5 million (refuge-wide)• Mississippi Riverannually contributes anestimated $1 billion inrecreational benefits tothe region


The refuge office islocated in downtownWinona, Minnesota

Public Use Opportunities• Hunting, trapping and fishing• Environmental education• Wildlife observation• Boating and camping

Contacting the RefugeComplex Manager: Don Hultman51 East 4th Street, Room 101Winona, MN 55987

Phone: 507-452-4232Fax: 507-452-0851TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/uppermississippiriver

18

National Wildlife and Fish RefugeWinona District

Upper Mississippi River

Quick Facts


Natural History• Scenic river area with broadpools, braided channels, islands andbluffs rising several hundred feet• Critical migratory bird corridorfor waterfowl, songbirds and rap-tors• Hundreds of bald eagles andthousands of tundra swans arepresent during migration• More than 16 active bald eaglenests and up to four active heronrookeries exist on or near the dis-trict• Refuge and river support manyfish species valuable for both com-mercial and recreational fishing

Refuge Objectives• Protect and preserve one ofAmerica’s premier fish and wildlifeareas• Provide habitat for migratorybirds, fish, plants and residentwildlife• Protect and enhance habitat forendangered species• Provide interpretation, environ-mental education and wildlife-oriented recreational public useopportunities• Conserve a diversity of plant life

Highlight• The Winona District features thenewly-completed Spring Lakehabitat project located in lower Pool5 consisting of a 500-acre islandcomplex containing a diversity ofhabitats to benefit fish and wildlife

District Facts• Established: 1924• Acres: 32,000• The district covers 50river miles from north ofNelson, Wis., south toTrempealeau, Wis• District covers Naviga-tion Pools 6, 5A, 5 andLower Pool 4


• Seven person staff• 3,000,000 visitorsannually (refuge-wide)• Mississippi Riverannually contributes anestimated $1 billion inrecreational benefits tothe region• Commercial fishingindustry• FY 2006 Budget:$690,378


The refuge office islocated in downtownWinona, Minnesota

including turtles, marsh birds andwaterfowl

Priorities• Construct maintenance shop andoffice complex• Stabilize and restore banks alongthe refuge’s 50-mile river corridor• Continue to improve interpreta-tion, environmental education andwildlife-oriented recreational publicuse facilities and services

Public Use Opportunities• Hunting, trapping and fishing• Environmental education• Wildlife observation, photography

Contacting the DistrictDistrict Manager: Mary Stefanski51 East 4th Street, Room 203Winona, MN 55987

Phone: 507-454-7351Fax: 507-457-3473TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/uppermississippiriver

19

Wetland Management DistrictDetroit Lakes

Quick Facts


Natural History• Landscape dotted with thousandsof small wetlands or “prairie pot-holes,” created by glaciers• Prior to settlement, this area wasa paradise for waterfowl, whoopingcranes, bison, wolves and otherprairie wildlife• Agriculture changes to the land-scape included the loss of mostnative prairie and the drainage ofover 80 percent of the small wet-lands• The area remains a critical water-fowl production and migration area

District Objectives• Acquire, develop and managehabitat for waterfowl production• Provide habitat for native plantsand animals, especially prairiesongbirds• Assist private landowners withrestoration of wetlands and grass-lands• Provide wildlife-dependent recre-ation and education

Highlight• The District is actively involvedwith the water management issuesof the Red River Basin. Districtstaff members are integral partici-pants in the multi-partner efforts toaddress flood damages, water qual-ity protection and improvement, andnatural resources enhancementthroughout the Red River Basin.

District Facts• Established: 1968• Waterfowl ProductionAreas: 163 units totaling40,678 acres• Wetland Easements:326 totaling 12,200 acres• Counties in district:Becker, Clay, Mahnomen,Norman and Polk

Financial Impact• 29,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$1.3 million• 11 person staff

District OfficeLocation

The district office islocated two miles northof Detroit Lakes, Minn.,via Hwy 59, then 1-1/2miles east on TowerRoad

Priorities• Acquire and restore strategicallylocated parcels to leverage benefitsfor wildlife and flood damage reduc-tion• Strategically manage units withintheir landscape context to mazimizehabitat effectiveness• Construct an office and public usefacility to adequately serve theexisting staff and visiting public withan emphasis on area students

Public Use Opportunities• Trapping, hunting, and fishing• Wildlife observation• Interpretation• Environmental education• Volunteer Programs

Contacting the DistrictDistrict Manager: Scott Kahan26624 North Tower RoadDetroit Lakes, MN 56501-7959

Phone: 218-847-4431Fax: 218-847-4156TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/detroitlakes

20

Wetland Management DistrictFergus Falls

Quick Facts


Natural History• Landscape dotted with thousandsof small wetlands or “prairie pot-holes,” created by glaciers• Prior to settlement, this area wasa paradise for waterfowl, prairiechickens, whooping cranes, bison,wolves and other prairie wildlife• Agriculture changes to the land-scape included the loss of mostnative prairie and the drainage ofover 80 percent of the small wet-lands• The area remains a critical water-fowl production and migration area -the highest nesting density in Min-nesota was recorded here (3.5 nestsper acre)


Priorities• Restoring and rehabilitatingprairie wetland complexes to en-hance waterfowl production andmigration habitat• Expanding the prairie scienceclass at the Prairie Wetlands Learn-ing Center

District Facts• Established: 1962• Waterfowl ProductionAreas: 215 units totaling43,962 acres• Wetland easements:1,142 totaling 23,935acres• Grassland easements:8 totaling 797 acres• FmHA easements: 30totaling 2,567 acres• District also managesa 243-acre tract of theNorthern Tallgrass PrairieNWR• Counties in district:Otter Tail, Grant, Dou-glas, Wilkins andWadena

Financial Impact• 50,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$2.5 million• Staff: 19 permanent;11 temporary


The district office islocated 3/4 mile east ofFergus Falls, Minn., onState Highway 210

Public Use Opportunities• Trapping and hunting• Wildlife observation• Environmental education

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center• Built through a cooperative effortbetween the city of Fergus Falls, thestate of Minnesota and the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service• Promotes wetland and prairiestewardship• Provides day and residential envi-ronmental education programs forstudents

Contacting the DistrictDistrict Manager: Kevin Brennan21932 State Highway 210 EastFergus Falls, MN 56537

Phone: 218-739-2291Fax: 218-739-9534TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/fergusfallswetland

21

Wetland Management DistrictLitchfield

Quick Facts


Natural History• Landscape dotted with thousandsof small wetlands or “prairie pot-holes,” created by glaciers• Prior to settlement, this area wasa paradise for waterfowl, prairiechickens, whooping cranes, bison,wolves and other prairie wildlife• Agriculture changes to the land-scape included the loss of mostnative prairie and the drainage ofover 70 percent of the small wet-lands• The area remains a critical water-fowl production and migration area

District Objectives• Acquire, develop and managehabitat for waterfowl productionand other migratory birds• Provide habitat for native plantsand animals, especially endangeredspecies• Assist private landowners withrestoration of wetlands and grass-lands• Provide wildlife-dependent recre-ation and education

Highlight• The District contains diversenative habitats, from native forest inthe northeast to the tallgrass prairiein the south and west, with thetransition zone in between.

Priorities• Improve and expand capability toestablish and maintain high qualitywildlife habitat by restoring crop-land and low quality grasslands tonative grasslands

District Facts• Established: 1978• Waterfowl ProductionAreas: 151 units totaling34,332 acres• Easements: 501totaling 11,969 acres• Counties in district:Kandiyohi, McLeod,Meeker, Renville,Stearns, Todd and Wright

Financial Impact• 100,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$1.4 million• Staff: 14


The district office islocated 3 miles south ofLitchfield, Minn., on615th Avenue

• Improve the quality of nativegrasslands through the increasedplanting of forbs and the removal ofwoody vegetation

Public Use Opportunities• Trapping• Hunting• Wildlife observation• Interpretation• Environmental education• Wildlife photography

Contacting the DistrictDistrict Manager: Scott Glup22274 615th AvenueLitchfield, MN 55355

Phone: 320-693-2849Fax: 320-693-7207TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/litchfieldwetland

22

Wetland Management DistrictMorris

Quick Facts


Natural History• Landscape dotted with thousandsof small wetlands or “prairie pot-holes,” created by glaciers• Prior to settlement, this area wasa paradise for waterfowl, prairiechickens, whooping cranes, bison,wolves and other prairie wildlife• Agriculture changes to the land-scape included the loss of mostnative prairie and the drainage ofover 50 percent of the small wet-lands• The area remains a critical water-fowl production and migration area -the highest nesting density in Min-nesota was recorded here (3.5 nestsper acre)


Highlight• In 2002, the Morris WMD, DucksUnlimited, area landowners, BigStone County, Ortonville Elemen-tary and the Upper MinnesotaWatershed District partnered torestore a 400-acre wetland on theCentennial WPA. The basin floodedthis year, hosting thousands ofmigratory birds.

District Facts• Established: 1964• Waterfowl ProductionAreas: 246 units totaling51,332 acres• Wetland Easements:646 totaling 21,117acres• Habitat Easements(wetland and upland): 52totaling 3,965 acres• FmHA easements: 4totaling 243 acres• District also managesfour tracts totaling 243acres of the NorthernTallgrass Prairie NWR• Counties in district:Big Stone, Lac Qui Parle,Pope, Stevens, Swift,Traverse, Yellow Medi-cine and Chippewa

Financial Impact• 47,000 visitorsannually• FY 2006 Budget:$1.4 million• Staff: 14


The district office islocated 3.3 miles east ofMorris, Minnesota

Priorities• Promote greater Service identitythough increased environmental educa-tion and interpretation programs• Continue to foster growth of theMorris Friends group• Continue involvement with theDNR, The Nature Conservancy, Min-nesota Prairie Chicken Society andPheasants Forever in an effort to re-establish a greater prairie chickenpopulation in southwestern Minnesota

Public Use Opportunities• Hunting• Wildlife observation• Interpretation• Environmental education

Contacting the DistrictDistrict Manager: Steve Delehanty43875 230th St.Morris, MN 56267

Phone: 320-589-1001Fax: 320-589- 2624TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/morris

23

Wetland Management DistrictWindom

Quick Facts


Natural History• Landscape dotted with thousandsof small wetlands or “prairie pot-holes,” created by glaciers• Prior to settlement, this area was aparadise for waterfowl, prairie chick-ens, whooping cranes, bison, wolvesand other prairie wildlife• Agriculture changes to the land-scape included the loss of most nativeprairie and the drainage of over 50percent of the small wetlands• The area remains a critical water-fowl production and migration area

District Objectives• Acquire, develop and managehabitat for waterfowl production• Provide habitat for native plantsand animals, especially prairie song-birds• Assist private landowners withrestoration of wetlands and grass-lands• Provide wildlife-dependent recre-ation and education• Assist the state with the HeronLake Restoration Project

Highlight• 800-acre Touch the Sky prairiebecame a reality due to the coopera-tive efforts of Rock County, LuverneChamber of Commerce, The NatureConservancy, Brandenburg Founda-tion and the Fish and Wildlife Service

Priorities• Pursue funding to construct andstaff shop/storage building on WolfLake WPA• Continue to develop partnerships

District Facts• Established: 1990• Waterfowl ProductionAreas: 63 units totaling12,863 acres• Northern TallgrassPrairie NWR: 740 acres• Wetland/Habitateasements: 54 totaling1,504 acres• Counties in district:Cottonwood, Jackson,Faribault, Freeborn,Martin, Murray, Nobles,Pipestone, Watonwan,Brown, Redwood andRock

Financial Impact• 24,000 visitorsannually• Staff: Eight• FY 2006 Budget:$1.2 million


The district office islocated one mile east ofWindom, Minn., onCounty Highway 17

with other agencies and private land-owners to improve wildlife habitat insouthwestern Minnesota• Increase protection and developmentof waterfowl production habitatthrough fee title and easement program• Increase Service identity througheducation and outreach

Public Use Opportunities• Hunting• Wildlife observation• Interpretation and environmentaleducation• Visitor Center and environmentaleducation facility co-located with Dis-trict Headquarters

Contacting the DistrictDistrict Manager: Mark Vaniman49663 County Road 17Windom, MN 56101-3026

Phone: 507-831-2220Fax: 507-831-5524TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/windom

24

Private Lands Office


Minnesota

Quick Facts

Program Benefits• Increased wildlife abundance• Enhanced wildlife diversity• Improved soil, water and air qual-ity• Increased recreational opportuni-ties• Broad coalition of partnershipssupporting voluntary habitat resto-ration on private lands

Contacting the OfficeSheldon MyerchinMinnesota Private Lands Coordinator434 Great Oak DriveSt. Cloud, MN 56387

Phone: 800-814-6290Fax: 320-253-0710TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/partners

Wetland Restorations(1987-2006)

• 15,601 sites• 65,771 acres

Upland Restorations(1987 - 2006)

• 1,003 sites• 34,073 acres

Overview of the Program• Working with others to restoreand enhance fish and wildlife habitaton private lands• Restoring habitat for migratorybirds, threatened and endangeredspecies, interjurisdictional fish andother wildlife• Restoring habitat within thewatersheds of our national wildliferefuges• Voluntary participation

Opportunities on Private Lands• Wetland restoration• Native prairie restoration• Stream restoration• Migratory bird habitat• Endangered species habitat• Invasive species control

Partner Involvement• Private landowners• Nonprofit organizations• Corporations• Local, state and federal agencies• Tribal governments

25

Ecological Services Field Office


Twin Cities, Minnesota

Our HistoryFor over 60 years Ecological Ser-vices has protected and restoredfish, wildlife, plants and their habi-tats. Our roots trace back to theRiver Basins Program that reviewedFederal water developmentprojects. Since 1945, EcologicalServices’ responsibilities haveexpanded to include reviews of mostFederal construction projects,endangered species, environmentalcontaminants, and a variety ofconservation partnerships andgrants.

Project PlanningThrough early and wise planning wework to conserve fish and wildlifeand their habitats by minimizing theimpact of Federal constructionprojects. Besides traditional Corpsof Engineers’ projects and permits,we work on energy developmentprojects (hydro and wind power),highway projects, and proposedactivities in National Forests.

Environmental ContaminantsThe Environmental Contaminantsprogram is the only program in theFederal Government solelyresponsible for evaluating the im-pact of environmental contaminantson fish and wildlife. We work toprevent, reduce and eliminate theadverse effects of environmentalcontaminants.

Threatened and Endangered SpeciesOur responsibilities under theEndangered Species Act includeconserving declining species before

Quick FactsMinnesota is home to 16federally listedthreatened, endangered,or candidate species,including the gray wolf,piping plover, Topekashiner, winged mapleleaf(mussel), and Minnesotadwarf trout lily. For moreinformation about theseand other rare anddeclining Minnesotaspecies, please see ourwebsite athttp://midwest.fws.gov/endangered

HighlightTwin Cities Field Officehas collaborated with theCorps of Engineers; theStates of Minnesota,Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois,and Missouri; the GenoaNational Fish Hatchery,and the LaCrosse FisheryResource office topropagate, translocate,and reintroduce theendangered Higgins eye,a freshwater mussel.These activities werenecessary to save thespecies after thedevastating introductionof zebra mussels to theUpper Mississippi in the1990’s.

listing is necessary, adding species tothe list of threatened andendangered species, working torecover listed species, and workingwith other Federal agencies to ensurethat their projects do not irreparablyharm listed species.

GrantsWe administer a number ofEndangered Species Act grants toprovide funding to States, Tribes,organizations, and individuals forlisted species conservation activities.

PartnershipsWe work to restore habitat on privatelands through the Partners for Fishand Wildlife Program. We work withothers to restore Great Lakes coastalhabitats through our CoastalProgram.

Contacting the Field OfficeSupervisor: Tony Sullins4101 East 80th StreetBloomington, MN 55425Phone: 612-725-3548Fax: 612-725-3609TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/TwinCities

26

Fisheries Conservation


Minnesota

Quick Facts

Ashland Office FactsOffice Facts

• Established: 1972• FY 2006 Budget:$615,000• Staff: eight permanent

Geographic AreaServed

• Lake Superior water-shed• Tribal lands andwaters in Wisconsin,Minnesota and Michigan• National wildliferefuges and nationalparks in Wisconsin,Minnesota and Michigan

La Crosse Office Facts• Established: 1981• FY 2006 Budget:$784,000• Staff: eight permanent

Geographic AreaServed

• Illinois, Iowa, Minne-sota and Wisconsin• Mississippi Riverbordering the UpperMississippi River Na-tional Wildlife and FishRefuge to Rock Island,Illinois• Illinois Waterway

Providing Fisheries Services toMinnesotaAlthough there is no fishery officelocated in Minnesota, service in thestate is provided by the AshlandFishery Resources Office and the LaCrosse Fishery Resources Office.

Ashland Fishery Resources OfficeAreas Served• Lake Superior• Waters included in the Treaties of1836, 1837, 1842 and 1854• National Parks, National WildlifeRefuges and National Forests• Private lands in eight counties ofnorthern Minnesota

Activity Highlights• Conservation of native lake trout,brook trout and lake sturgeon• Aquatic habitat and wetland restora-tion• Technical assistance to 14 tribalgovernments and 3 treaty authorities• Surveillance and control of Eurasianruffe• Upper Great Lakes Coastal Pro-gram administration

Contacting the Ashland OfficeProject Leader: Mark Brouder2800 Lake Shore Drive EastAshland, WI 54806

Phone: 715-682-6185Fax: 715-682-8899TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/ashland

La Crosse Fishery Resources OfficeAreas Served• Mississippi River

Activity Highlights• Restoring fish and mussels, includinglake sturgeon, Topeka shiner, wingedmapleleaf mussel and Higgins eyepearlymussel• Restoring fish habitat and fish pas-sage• Combating aquatic invasive species

Contacting the La Crosse OfficeProject Leader: Pam Thiel555 Lester AvenueOnalaska, WI 54650

Phone: 608-783-8431Fax: 608-783-8450TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/lacrossefisheries

27

Law Enforcement Field Office


Duluth

Quick Facts Law Enforcement Priorities• Investigate violations that have asignificant impact on wild populationsof federally protected species, suchas those violations involving commer-cial exploitation and/or habitat de-struction and modification• Investigate violations that involvewild populations of species protectedby state or foreign laws, with empha-sis on interstate and foreign commer-cial exploitation• Provide support and assistance toenforcement activities on Servicelands, such as National WildlifeRefuges, and to other federal agen-cies on lands they manage• Promote awareness of, and sup-port for, federal wildlife laws and therole of law enforcement in protectingour wildlife resources and heritage

Laws Enforced• Migratory Bird Treaty Act• Duck Stamp Act• Bald and Golden Eagle ProtectionAct• National Wildlife Refuge Act• Lacey Act• Airborne Hunting Act• Endangered Species Act• Marine Mammal Protection Act• Archaeological Resource Protec-tion Act• African Elephant ConservationAct• Wild Bird Conservation Act

Office Facts• Established: 1971• Staff: one SpecialAgent• The Duluth FieldOffice is administered bythe St. Paul, Minn.,Resident Agent in ChargeOffice

Law EnforcementObjectives

• Protect and conservenative and foreignwildlife through theenforcement of federallaws• Promote and encour-age voluntary compliancewith federal wildlifelaws through publiceducation and thecreation of a deterrenteffect

Contacting the Office228 Federal Building515 West 1st StreetDuluth, MN 55802

Phone: 218-720-5357Fax: 218-720-5358TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)http://midwest.fws.gov

28

Wildlife Inspection OfficeMinneapolis

Quick Facts


Law Enforcement Briefs• Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport isboth a non-designated and borderport of entry for the import andexport of wildlife• The airport is the 10th largest inthe United States in terms of airlineoperations and the 13th largest interms of the number of passengersusing the facility• Approximately 800,000 arrivinginternational passengers are pro-cessed annually through the port• The airport is a significant port ofentry for United States residentsreturning from hunting trips intoCanada

Laws Enforced• Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species(CITES)• Endangered Species Act• African Elephant ConservationAct• Lacey Act• Wild Bird Conservation Act• Marine Mammal Protection Act• Bald and Golden Eagle ProtectionAct• Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Office Facts• Established: 1986• Staff: one WildlifeInspector• In addition to theairport, the inspectionprogram is responsiblefor seven land borderports with Canada• The MinneapolisWildlife Inspectionprogram is administeredby the Chicago WildlifeInspection Office


• Protect and conservenative and foreignwildlife through theenforcement of federallaws• Promote and encour-age voluntary compliancewith federal wildlife lawsthrough public educationand the creation of adeterrent effect

Contacting the Office7150 Humphrey Dr. Suite 2186Minneapolis, MN 55450

Phone: 612-726-6302Fax: 612-726-6303TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)http://midwest.fws.gov

29

Law EnforcementResident Agent in Charge Office

St. Paul

Quick Facts


Law Enforcement Priorities• Investigate violations that have asignificant impact on wild popula-tions of federally protected species,such as those violations involvingcommercial exploitation and/orhabitat destruction and modification• Investigate violations that involvewild populations of species protectedby state or foreign laws, with empha-sis on interstate and foreign commer-cial exploitation• Provide support and assistance toenforcement activities on Servicelands, such as National WildlifeRefuges, and to other federal agen-cies on lands they manage• Promote awareness of, and sup-port for, federal wildlife laws and therole of law enforcement in protectingour wildlife resources and heritage

Laws Enforced• Migratory Bird Treaty Act• Duck Stamp Act• Bald and Golden Eagle ProtectionAct• National Wildlife Refuge Act• Lacey Act• Airborne Hunting Act• Endangered Species Act• Marine Mammal Protection Act• Archaeological Resource Protec-tion Act• African Elephant ConservationAct• Wild Bird Conservation Act

Office Facts• Established: 1989• Staff: three SpecialAgents; one LE SupportAssistant• The St. Paul RACOffice also administersthe following LawEnforcement Field Officesin Minnesota, Wisconsinand Iowa: - Duluth, Minnesota - Green Bay, Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin - Onalaska, Wisconsin - Des Moines, Iowa


• Protect and conservenative and foreignwildlife through theenforcement of federallaws• Promote and encour-age voluntary compliancewith federal wildlifelaws through publiceducation and thecreation of a deterrenteffect

Contacting the OfficeResident Agent in Charge:Patrick C. Lund445 Etna Street, Suite 61St. Paul, MN 55106

Phone: 651-778-8360Fax: 651-778-8672TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov

30

Regional OfficeMidwest Region

Quick Facts


PurposeThe Regional Office provides acentral headquarters to facilitatepartnership, administrative, budget-ary, operational, personnel andpolicy execution between the Na-tional Office in Washington, D.C.,and field offices located throughoutthe region.

OrganizationThe Region is managed by theRegional Director with the assis-tance of a Deputy Regional Director,six Program Assistant RegionalDirectors (Budget and Administra-tion, Ecological Services, ExternalAffairs, Fisheries, Migratory Birdsand State Programs, and the Na-

Office Facts• Regional Office Staff:150• Entire Regional Staff:1,088• FY 2006 RegionalBudget: $86 million

Assistant RegionalDirectors

Administration: Christopher Jensen

Ecological Services: Wendi Weber

External Affairs: Jason Holm

Fisheries: Gerry Jackson

Law Enforcement: Mary Jane Lavin

Migratory Birds andState Programs: John Chrisitan

National Wildlife RefugeSystem: Nita Fuller

Special Assistant(Science) Teresa Woods

OfficesAdministration 612-713-5306Information Technology Management 612-713-5115Contracting 612-713-5200Diversity/Civil Rights 612-713-5380Ecological Services 612-713-5350Engineering 612-713-5250External Affairs 612-713-5360Federal Assistance 612-713-5130Finance 612-713-5240Fisheries 612-713-5111Law Enforcement 612-713-5320Human Resources 612-713-5230Refuges and Wildlife 612-713-5400Safety 612-713-5236Solicitor 612-713-7100State Programs and Migratory Birds 612-713-5326

tional Wildlife Refuge System), aSpecial Agent in Charge of LawEnforcement and a Special Assistantto the Regional Director for Partner-ships.

Contacting the officeRegional Director: Robyn ThorsonE-mail: [email protected] Regional Director: CharlesWooleyE-mail: [email protected] Federal Building1 Federal DriveFt. Snelling, MN 55111Phone: 612-713-5302Fax: 612-713-5284TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)http://midwest.fws.gov

31

North American WaterfowlManagement Plan


Minnesota

Quick Facts State ContactRay NorrgardMinnesota Department of NaturalResources500 Lafayette Road, Box 7St. Paul, MN 55155Phone: 651/259-5227Fax: 651/297-4961Email:[email protected]

About the Plan• An international agreementsigned in 1986• Goal: return waterfowl popula-tions to levels of the mid 1970’s• Achieve goal by restoring andprotecting wetland and grasslandhabitat• Includes 13 habitat joint venturesand three species joint ventures inthe U.S., Canada and Mexico

Partner Involvement• Private landowners• Nonprofit organizations• Corporations• Local, state and federal govern-ment agencies• Tribal governments

Minnesota ProjectsWetland and grassland restorationswithin:• Northern Tallgrass Prairie, phaseIII• Great River Corridor• Centennial Pothole Venture• Comprehensive Bird Conserva-tion — Red River of the NorthWatershed• Federal, state and county lands

HabitatAccomplishments

• Over 165,000 acres ofhabitat protected,restored and enhanced• Seeded retiredcropland to nativegrasses• Protected floodplainand stream habitat

Financial Assistance• Matching dollars frompartners totaling over$58.9 million• North AmericanWetland ConservationAct grants; 44 grantstotaling over $18.7million

• Private lands statewide throughvoluntary participation

Public Benefits• Increased recreational opportuni-ties• Enhanced wildlife diversity• Improved community relations• Enhanced floodwater storage• Improved water quality• Broad coalition of partnershipssupporting voluntary wetland preser-vation

Contacting the ProgramJoint Venture CoordinatorBarbara PardoBHW Federal Building1 Federal DriveFt. Snelling, MN 55111-4056

Phone: 612-713-5433Fax: 612-713-5393TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/NAWMP

32

Federal Assistance


MinnesotaQuick Facts

How the Dollars are Administered• The goal of the Federal AssistanceProgram is to work with States toconserve, protect, and enhance fish,wildlife, their habitats and the hunt-ing, sportfishing, and recreationalboating opportunities they provide.• In fiscal year 2006 total grant fundsin the Midwest Region exceeded $153million. Minnesota received $23million. These monies were distrib-uted through programs such as:Sportfish and Wildlife Restoration,Coastal Wetlands Program, Land-owner Incentive Program, Section 6of the Endangered Species Act,Boating Infrastructure Grant Pro-gram, State Wildlife Grants and theClean Vessel Act Program.

Where the Money Comes FromFunding for most Federal Assistanceprograms comes from federal excisetaxes paid by hunters, anglers, andboaters on hunting and fishing equip-

MN Anglers andHunters Spent

• 29 million daysangling• 1.2 billion dollars intotal fishing expenditures• 8.6 million dayshunting• Over 600 milliondollars in total huntingexpenditures

MN Licensed Anglersand Hunters

• Over 1.3 millionlicensed anglers• 582,000 licensedhunters

United States• Over 82 million U.S.residents 16 years oldand older fished, hunted,or wildlife watched in2001.

• Sportspersons spent atotal of $70 billion in2001—$36 billion onfishing, $21 billion onhunting, and $14 billionon items used for bothhunting and fishing (thesum of expenditurestotals $71 billion due torounding).http://fa.r9.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html

Where Can I FindMore Information

Detailed grant informa-tion is available at ourpublic website—faims.fws.gov.

ment, a portion of the federal fuel tax,and import duties on fishing tackle andpleasure boats.

What the Money Can be Used ForFish and wildlife research, habitatenhancement, assistance to privatelandowners, environmental review ofpublic projects, land acquisition, opera-tion and maintenance of lands andfacilities, boating and angler accessimprovements, comprehensive plan-ning for fish and wildlife resources, andhunter and aquatic education.

Contacting the ProgramChief: Bob BryantBHW Federal Building1 Federal DriveFt. Snelling, MN 55111-4056Phone: 612-713-5130Fax: 612-713-5290TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov

Fiscal Year 2006 Funds Granted to the State Through Federal Assistance Programs(in thousands)

National Coastal Wetlands Grants, 0, 0%

Clean Vessel Act, 55, 0%

Landowner Incentive Program - Tier II, 725, 3%

Landowner Incentive Program - Tier I, 180, 1%

Aquatic Education, 379, 2%

Endangered Species Grants, 40, 0%

State Wildlife Grants - Apportioned, 2,457, 10%

Hunter Education - Sect. 10 Enhanced, 200, 1%

Wildlife Restoration, 6,833, 29%

Hunter Education - Sect. 4c, 0, 0%

Boating Access, 3,497, 15%

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, 200, 1%

Sport Fish Restoration, 8,887, 38%

33

Migratory Bird Conservation


Minnesota

Quick Facts Inventory and Monitoring• Waterfowl Breeding Pair Survey• Four Square-Mile Breeding DuckSurvey• Resident Canada goose breedingpopulation survey• Woodcock Singing Ground Sur-vey• Mourning Dove Call Count Sur-vey• Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey• Waterfowl Banding Program• Great Lakes Colonial WaterbirdSurvey• Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas

Research• Golden-winged warbler researchat Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge• Delineation of restorable wetlandsin the prairie pothole region• Identification of sites well suitedfor conservation provisions of theFarm Bill• Study of post-fledgling habitat useof early-successional forests bysongbirds

Management Wetland and grassland protec-tion, restoration and enhancement Bottomland hardwood restora-tion Develop hunting regulations Issue migratory bird permits Integrated bird conservationplanning at the state and BirdConservation Region levels

Outreach• International Migratory Bird Day• Junior Duck Stamp Contest• Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

Partnerships• Minnesota Department of NaturalResources• Minnesota Cooperative Fish andWildlife Research Unit (U.S.G.S.)• University of Minnesota• Ducks Unlimited• Partners in Flight• North American Waterfowl Man-agement Plan• U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan• North American Waterbird Conser-vation Plan• Audubon Minnesota

Contacting the ProgramChief: Steve WildsUSFWS Division of Migratory Birds1 Federal DriveFt. Snelling, MN 55111-4056

Phone: 612-713-5480Fax: 612-713-5393TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)E-mail: [email protected]://midwest.fws.gov/midwestbird

• 1.4 million birdwatching participants

• 140 million birdwatching days

• More than 87,000 duckhunters

• More than 142,000Federal Duck Stampssold (2002-2003)

• One Important BirdAreas on U.S. Fish andWildlife Service lands inMinnesota: MinnesotaValley NWR

34

35

36

This publication is available online at: http://midwest.fws.gov/maps/minnesota.pdf

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service isavailable to all individuals regardless of physical or mental disability. For more information please contact the U.S.Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240

Federal Relay Number: 1 800/877-8339

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strives for a work force that reflects the cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity ofthe Nation, including people with disabilities.

Produced and printed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, Office of External Affairs, in accordance withGovernment Printing Office Standards and Regulations.

Available in alternate formats upon request.

Minnesota State Briefing BookJanuary 2007

U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceMidwest Regional OfficeBHW Federal Building1 Federal DriveFt. Snelling, MN 55111

612-713-5360http://midwest.fws.gov

Minnesota - United States Fish and Wildlife Service · U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Service Facilities in Minnesota Office/Program Page Map of Facilities in Minnesota 2 Introduction

Documents