The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking people interested in the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area to share their perspectives about future management at the WMA.
The Lac qui Parle WMA master plan was last updated in 1997, and it is important for this update to reflect current public values and attitudes about how the land should be managed.
The updated master plan will be used to guide management of the Lac qui Parle WMA’s prairies and grasslands, wetlands, lakes, brushlands, shrubs and forests. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the WMA throughout the next 10 years.
Public input opportunities
An online questionnaire is available on the Engage with DNR website through Wednesday,, Nov. 8. The purpose of the online questionnaire is to help generate ideas and identify potential planning issues and opportunities specific to Lac qui Parle WMA as the DNR begins the planning process. In addition to the English version, the questionnaire is available in Hmong and in Spanish.
The DNR will also host an online open house about the update from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, that will include a brief informational overview on Lac qui Parle WMA and the planning process, time for questions and answers, and an opportunity for participants to offer input. Registration will not be required and more information is available on the Minnesota DNR website.
Written comments may also be submitted by emailing [email protected] or sending mail to Lac qui Parle WMA, 14047 20th St. NW, Watson, MN 56295.
Additional public input opportunities will be available in the spring of 2024 as a draft plan is developed including draft goals, objectives and strategies.
About the WMA
Lac qui Parle WMA’s 33,500 acres comprise the largest contiguous block of public land in west-central Minnesota and include a state game refuge, a wildlife sanctuary, a waterfowl feeding and resting area, a duck sanctuary and a controlled hunting zone. The WMA is popular destination for anglers, hunters, trappers, and bird and wildlife watchers alike.
The WMA was instrumental in the restoration of Canada geese back to Minnesota. In 2012, the National Audubon Society named the Lac qui Parle WMA and surrounding landscape as one of Minnesota’s Globally Significant Important Birds Areas. More information about the WMA is available on the Minnesota DNR website.