Rep. Dean Simpson (R-Perham) and Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls) announced the acquisition by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of the Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The purchase was facilitated by The Trust for Public Land (TPL) land conservation organization in partnership with the DNR, the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA), the Environmental Trust Fund through the Habitat Corridor Project, Critical Habitat License plate funds through the Reinvest In Minnesota Match Program, the Clean Water Legacy Act and state bonding money.
"This is good news for all the parties involved," Nornes said. "This valuable piece of fish and wildlife habitat is now under state ownership and protection. This ensures that this local natural resource will be available for the public to enjoy for generations to come."
The 59-acre parcel ties together two parts of the existing Dead Lake WMA and includes 3,600 feet of pristine shoreline. In addition to those state and non-profit organizations who assisted in funding, the DNR's attainment deal was supported by both Otter Tail County and the Dead Lake Association.
"The DNR's acquisition of the Dead Lake WMA protects the state's investment in the existing WMA lands by ensuring this area will remain critical fish and wildlife habitat," Simpson said. "The preservation and conservation of Dead Lake and the surrounding wetland area has received a great deal of support locally and by state agencies and government, illustrating that the plan is in everyone's best interests."
The acquisition would not have been possible without the support of the national Trust for Public Land organization, which will now assist with determining conservation priorities and the next steps to promote the practice of conservation and its public benefits.
