What We Do

Morris Wetland Management District includes 255 waterfowl production areas - small parcels of wetlands and grasslands - scattered throughout an eight-county area and encompassing over 56,000 total acres. Like other wetland management districts in the prairie states, the goal of the district is to restore and protect enough wetland and grassland habitat to meet the needs of prairie wildlife, particularly breeding waterfowl, as well as provide places for public recreation.

Waterfowl Production Areas were created by an amendment to the Federal Duck Stamp Act in 1958. Scientists realized that these small pockets of habitat were vital to breeding waterfowl. This amendment gave the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service permission to purchase small wetlands. Your purchase of a Federal Duck Stamp provides funds to acquire, oversee and manage waterfowl production areas and easements.

The district covers Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Yellow Medicine counties in western Minnesota. The district purchases land from willing sellers, manages scattered waterfowl production areas and works with private landowners interested in improving their land for wildlife. The district also protects land through the purchase of permanent conservation easements from willing landowners to protect wetlands and grasslands on private property throughout the district.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Every national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.

Wetland management districts emphasize waterfowl production and ensure the preservation of habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered native species and resident wildlife. Wetland management districts also provide opportunities for the public to hunt, fish, observe and photograph wildlife and increase public understanding and appreciation of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem.

Waterfowl Production Areas

Waterfowl production areas are scattered parcels of federal land dedicated to providing breeding and migration habitat for ducks and other birds. Most WPAs include numerous shallow wetlands surrounded by grasslands. Many prairie ducks build their nests in dry grassy areas rather than in the marsh so it is important that WPAs include both grasslands and wetlands. The more acres of grass available for hiding a nest, the more likely it is that the eggs in a duck nest will hatch rather than being destroyed by predators. Of course, much more than ducks benefit from WPAs. The same blend of marsh and grass so critical for breeding ducks also provides ideal habitat for many other wildlife species.