What We Do
The district has acquired more than 54,000 acres of land and placed various types of easements on more than 36,500 additional acres in order to preserve a variety of native habitat types historically found throughout west-central Minnesota. Because healthy prairie habitats can’t exist without periodic disturbance, and due to the effects of past human manipulation, our lands need to be managed to improve or maintain habitat conditions. Some of the management techniques we use on the district include: prescribed fire, grassland restoration, wetland restoration, woody plant control, haying, sedimentation reduction, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species control, grazing and water level manipulation.
Management and Conservation
Farming, grazing, and haying are used as upland restoration and management tools. Cooperators for these commercial uses are selected via a bidding system annually. If interested, contact JB Bright (jb_bright@fws.gov) to get on the mailing list for notification of bid opportunities.
Law Enforcement
The law enforcement officer at Morris Wetland Management District helps visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. He works closely with state and local government offices to enforce Federal and state hunting regulations. These regulations protect migratory birds, other game species and non-game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities.
Questions regarding law enforcement or violations on the district should be directed to Refuge Law Enforcement Officer Brett Bowser at 320-288-3419.
To report a wildlife violation, call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (844-397-8477).
Laws and Regulations
Welcome to your wetland management district wetland management district
A wetland management district is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office that manages waterfowl production areas in one or more counties. Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Service acquires waterfowl production areas under the authority of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, primarily using funds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. The Refuge System’s 38 wetland management districts comprise thousands of waterfowl production areas – almost all in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Northern Great Plains.
Learn more about wetland management district . District lands are open every day for you to discover new places to hunt, fish, take pictures, watch wildlife, pick wild edibles (for personal use), trap, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and canoe. Each district has specific regulations that pertain to it. To ensure your safety and protect wildlife and habitat, please be sure to review the district regulations before visiting.