Windom Wetland Management District facts for kids
The Windom Wetland Management District is a special place in southwestern Minnesota that helps protect and manage important natural areas. It looks after places called Waterfowl Production Areas, makes sure rules about wetlands are followed, and helps landowners take care of their land. This district covers 12 counties: Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan.
Most of the land in these counties is used for farming, especially growing crops in rows. This kind of farming has caused many wetlands to be drained, and it has also led to problems with water quality. But because there are still old wetland areas and old drainage systems that need fixing, there are lots of chances to bring these wetlands back to life!
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Protecting Wetlands and Prairies
The Windom Wetland Management District works hard to bring back and protect important natural areas.
Restoring Wetlands
District staff work closely with people who own land to restore and protect damaged or very important natural spaces. Between 1990 and 2006, the District helped restore 690 wetlands. These wetlands cover about 8,433 acres (3,413 ha) of land, both on public and private property, across the twelve counties it manages.
Saving Prairies
During the same time (1990-2006), the District also worked to restore or protect 1,991 acres (806 ha) of original prairie and native grasslands at 73 different locations. These efforts are very important because less than one-tenth of one percent of the original Tallgrass Prairie still exists today.
Heron Lake: A Big Restoration Project
Heron Lake in Jackson County is a large, shallow prairie lake, about 6,400-acre (2,600 ha) in size. This lake has faced several challenges, which are common for lakes in the area. It has too many nutrients from farm runoff, too many "rough fish" (fish that can harm the lake's health), and not enough water plants.
The Windom Wetland Management District is an active partner in a big project to help restore Heron Lake and the 472-square-mile (1,220 km2) area of land that drains into it, called its watershed. This project involves many different groups working together to make the lake healthy again.
Exploring Waterfowl Production Areas
Hunters and people who love wildlife can visit one of 65 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). These areas cover nearly 14,000 acres (57 km2) and offer many chances for outdoor activities.
At the Wolf Lake WPA, there's a walking trail about 3/4 of a mile long that was finished in 2006. It's right next to the main office and a special center where visitors can learn about nature. This center is a great place for local schools and the public to learn about the environment.
Touch the Sky Prairie
The Windom Wetland Management District also helps manage a special part of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. This part is called Touch the Sky Prairie. It's a nearly 800-acre (320 ha) area dedicated to helping save the native tallgrass prairie.
Touch the Sky Prairie is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) north and 3 miles (4.8 km) west of the city of Luverne in Rock County, Minnesota. It's a vital place for preserving a very rare and important ecosystem.
