Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
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Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was created on October 12, 2004, the 545th National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. Its creation was the result of cooperation between at least 30 agencies or governmental entities.[1] The creation of the refuge was spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy, and the initial endowment of 2,300 acres of land was donated by the Conservancy. In light of its planned final size of 37,756 acres (153 km²), it is described by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as "the largest tallgrass prairie and wetland restoration project in U.S. history." [2]
| Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Crookston, Minnesota |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 37,756 acres (153 km²) (Planned) |
| Established | October 12, 2004 |
Contents |
[edit] Location
The Glacial Ridge NWR is located six miles west of Mentor, Minnesota, or about twelve miles (19 km) east of Crookston, Minnesota.
[edit] Description
From its original area of 2,300 acres (9 km²), the refuge is slated to grow to at least 37,756 acres (153 km²). Of this planned area 5,000 acres (20 km²) previously existed in an unplowed state, and a further 8,000 acres (32 km²) has been seeded with native prairie grasses. In addition, more than 100 wetlands have been restored. [3] The restoration of native tallgrass prairie is ongoing, and will require years of effort.
[edit] Purpose
According to the webpage maintained on behalf of the refuge, the following five items are the main objectives of the refuge: [4]
- Strive to maintain diversity and increase abundance of waterfowl and other migratory bird species dependent of prairie wetland and grassland habitats
- Conserve, manage, and restore the diversity and viability of native fish, wildlife and plant populations associated with tallgrass prairie and prairie wetlands
- Work in partnership with others to restore or enhance native tallgrass prairie, prairie wetlands and unique plant communities
- Restore, enhance, and protect water quality and quantity that approach natural hydrologic functions
- Provide for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses by the public, emphasizing increased understanding of the northern tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System
[edit] Wildlife
Whitetail deer, moose, grouse, and pheasants are present within the NWR. It is also expected to become a major nesting and breeding area for waterfowl. The return of the greater prairie chicken is one of the goals of the refuge. [5] Hunting is permitted within the boundaries of the refuge.
