In general, wetlands within the district are larger and deeper than those found in western Minnesota. Because of the rolling topography, wetlands here are not as easily drained. The primary threats to these wetlands are water quality degradation and loss of adjacent upland habitat needed to support healthy wildlife populations. The St. Croix Wetland Management District's staff identify, acquire, restore and manage high-quality wetlands and surrounding prairie habitat for waterfowl, other migratory birds, endangered species and resident wildlife. Because the district is in the tallgrass prairie/forest transition zone, a wide variety of wildlife inhabits the district's waterfowl production areas. In addition to waterfowl and grassland birds, white-tailed deer, red fox, black bear, badgers and ring-necked pheasants are relatively abundant.