Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

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. [ [http://www.fws.gov/refuges/generalInterest/GlacialRidgeNWR.html NWRS - Glacial Ridge NWR ] ] The creation of the refuge was spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy, and the initial endowment of convert|2300|acre|km2 of land was donated by the Conservancy. In light of its planned final size of convert|37756|acre|km2|0, it is described by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as "the largest tallgrass prairie and wetland restoration project in U.S. history." [ [http://www.fws.gov/refuges/generalInterest/GlacialRidgeNWR.html NWRS - Glacial Ridge NWR ] ]

Infobox Protected area
name = Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
iucn_category =


caption =
base_width =
locator_x = 145
locator_y = 35
location =
nearest_city = Crookston, Minnesota
coords = coord|47|42|N|96|21|W|region:US-MN_type:forest|display=inline,title
locmapin=Minnesota
area = convert|37756|acre|km2|0 (Planned)
established = October 12, 2004
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body =
world_heritage_site =

Location

The Glacial Ridge NWR is located six miles (10 km) west of Mentor, Minnesota, or about twelve miles (19 km) east of Crookston, Minnesota.

Description

From its original area of convert|2300|acre|km2|0, the refuge is slated to grow to at least convert|37756|acre|km2|0. Of this planned area convert|5000|acre|km2|0 previously existed in an unplowed state, and a further convert|8000|acre|km2|0 has been seeded with native prairie grasses. In addition, more than 100 wetlands have been restored. [ [http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/minnesota/preserves/art6943.html The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota - Glacial Ridge Project ] ] The restoration of native tallgrass prairie is ongoing, and will require years of effort.

Purpose

According to the webpage maintained on behalf of the refuge, the following five items are the main objectives of the refuge: [ [http://www.fws.gov/midwest/GlacialRidge/ Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge ] ]

*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

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. [ [http://www.fws.gov/midwest/GlacialRidge/ Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge ] ] Hunting is permitted within the boundaries of the refuge.

References