Tallgrass prairies are uniquely Midwestern. These ecosystems are ideal for wildlife grazing and recreational activities such as hunting and hiking, making them a top priority for protection. Nearly 20 grassroots conservation partners have united to protect and restore this habitat in southern Minnesota.

The grassland ecosystems in Martin County, Minnesota, are converted to non-prairie uses — typically for development or agricultural uses — more frequently than in any other county in the Midwest. But these abundant, grassy landscapes hold immense potential for restoration and have been a conservation priority across the state.

Why It Matters

This conservation partnership has added thousands of acres to Martin County’s state wildlife management areas — no small feat in an area of southern Minnesota dominated by agriculture. In fact, less than 2% of the county is protected, publicly accessible land. With a goal of continuing to expand wildlife management areas across the county, the partnership will create additional protected habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates $16.7 billion annually in consumer spending in Minnesota, directly contributing about 140,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Our Role

Nearly 20 partners — ranging from government agencies to local hunting clubs — have made it their mission to protect remaining grasslands and wetlands for public access in Martin County. Since no one does partnership better than The Conservation Fund, we were well equipped to help lead this effort.

In 2016, the Martin County conservation partners convened to identify acquisition and restoration sites that would be the most strategic for conservation. Projects with the highest return on investment are often the most significant for wildlife, and the most affordable. Partners’ goals ranged from game and non-game wildlife habitat conservation and native prairie restoration to seed harvesting and flood mitigation. Our targeted approach and diverse partnerships resulted in a unique protect-restore-donate conservation process that follows this trajectory:

• Identify restorable wetland and grassland sites that are a priority for conservation
• Garner support from local officials and landowners
• Acquire the land for future protection
• Rehabilitate the protected properties by planting native grasslands and restoring wetlands
• Donate the land to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for inclusion in public wildlife management areas

The partnership was honored to receive the Outdoor News’ 2020 Outdoor Leaders award. Local donors and grant funds are critical to ongoing conservation in Martin County. The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund, among others, has been an essential supporter of this effort.