Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Phone: 952-854-5900 |
Overview
 Photo Credit - FWS |
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District
The Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District (WMD) is a fourteen-county district located in east central Minnesota. It
includes portions of the Minnesota, Cannon, and Mississippi river watersheds.
The Service works to protect the area's natural landscape through private lands habitat restorations, acquisition of waterfowl production areas (WPAs), and management of FmHA conservation easements. Since 1990, the Service has acquired 4,255 acres of WPAs and approximately 1,898 easement acres. Private land restoration projects total 7,011 acres of wetland in 1,227 basins and 4,849 acres of native prairie on 223 sites.
For more information on WMDs through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service please click on the following link, http://www.fws.gov/refuges/smallwetlands/.
The district office is co-located with the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at the Rapids Lake Education and Visitors Center in Carver, MN. From Hwy 169 in Jordan, proceed north 3.5 miles on CR9 across the Minnesota River (where it becomes CR11) to Carver Highlands Drive, turn right and drive to the end of the road. From westbound Hwy. 212 in the Chaska area, exit on Jonathan Carver Parkway (County Road 11) and turn south. Proceed 2.5 miles, continuing on CR 11 by turning left (CR 40 proceeds straight at this point). Proceed 1.9 miles and turn left on Carver Highlands Drive, continuing east to the end of the road.
Wildlife and Habitat
Pre-settlement habitats in this area included prairie potholes, tall-grass prairie, oak savanna, river-bottom hardwoods and big woods (maple/basswood complex).
Currently, the predominant use is agriculture and urban development in that portion of the district that lies in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. District staff works to restore wetland habitat on WPAs in the district.
The major breeding species of waterfowl in the district are mallards, blue-winged teal, and wood ducks. Breeding by redheads, ruddy ducks, canvasbacks, hooded mergansers, and gadwalls has also been confirmed.
Although waterfowl is a primary management concern, a myriad of other bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian and insect species are benefitted by the district's restoration and protection activities.
History
Since 1990, Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District has provided a tremendous benefit to the landscape, the associated plants and wildlife and the people who live and recreate in the district.
Since its creation, the district has restored 1,567 wetland basins totaling 8,000 acres; planted 261 grassland sites totaling 5,000 acres of native prairie; acquired 4,255 acres on 25 waterfowl production areas; and established 1,898 acres of habitat easements with 47 private landowners. A great deal of time has also been spent making landowner contacts and advising them on the best practices and programs available to enhance their properties for wildlife.
Recreation and Education Opportunities
Environmental Education
School groups may use waterfowl production areas for self-guided environmental education activities and field trips. Schools should note there is a hunting season and, for safety purposes, limit their visits during this time.
Fishing
Waterfowl production areas are open to public fishing. Anglers must follow State regulations.
Hunting
Waterfowl production areas are open to hunting pursuant to state regulations unless otherwise posted.
Interpretation
The public may use waterfowl production areas for self-guided hikes. The public should take precaution during hunting season and wear blaze orange.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
The public may use waterfowl production areas to observe and photograph wildlife. All activity is self-guided. The public should take precaution during hunting season and wear blaze orange.
Hours
District Headquarters (Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge) - Open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Refuge Visitor Center - Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday - Sunday. Waterfowl Production Areas - Open daily, dawn to dusk (year-round).
Entrance Fees
There is no entrance fee. Parking is availabe at the WPAs in either the designated parking lots and/or adjacent roads.
Management Activities
Habitat management focuses on enhancing the WPAs to provide habitat for nesting and migrating waterfowl. The main goal is maintaining diverse, healthy grasslands adjacent to wetlands with emergent vegetation. This is accomplished by several management tools: wetland and grassland restoration, prescribed burning, and pest plant control.
Previously drained areas and/or croplands are restored to wetlands and planted to warm season grasses on the WPAs and on private lands, via the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. To increase healthy native vegetation, managers conduct controlled burns and mow non-native species.
Waterfowl populations are monitored on both district lands and private lands each spring by conducting breeding pair counts.
Through the Partners for Wildlife Program, district staff is able to bring together various groups with different interests, all of whom share the goal of restoring, maintaining and protecting wildlife habitat. Having multiple stakeholders on these projects creates a sense of ownership and provides the needed impetus to complete it, protect it and continue the work in other areas.
