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U.S. Fish and Wildlife official highlights Crane Meadows refuge, wild rice and youth programs
Summary
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service project leader described Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge as the county's largest federal property, outlined habitat management and public programs, and said the refuge administers 21 conservation easements in Morrison County.
Bill Peterson, project leader for the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Complex, briefed the Morrison County Board of Commissioners on Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which he said is the largest federal property in Morrison County.
"Crane Meadows is the largest federal property in Morrison County. It's 2,150 acres. And the refuge was established in 1992 to help protect the Rice And Skunk Lake watersheds and shorelines," Peterson said. He described sedge-meadow and oak-savanna habitat management, an annual prescribed-burning program that treats about 15% of the refuge each year, and habitat work timed to protect wild rice stands.
Peterson explained wild rice is sensitive to water clarity and mid-summer water-level fluctuations; sedge meadows act as natural sponges that reduce spikes in runoff and help maintain clear conditions needed for rice to germinate and grow. He said the refuge runs youth and disability-access programs, including a disabled-hunter deer hunt and a May 10 bird-hike open to the public.
Peterson also noted the Fish and Wildlife Service administers 21 perpetual conservation easements in Morrison County dating to voluntary agreements of the 1980s and 1990s; landowners retain many use rights including grazing and hunting when compatible with habitat goals.
Why it matters: Crane Meadows supports locally uncommon oak-savanna habitat, migratory birds and recreational access; refuge programs involve schools and community groups and affect land-use and conservation easements within the county.
Board members asked about public access (Peterson said sunrise-to-sunset) and confirmed cross-country-skiing and hiking opportunities when conditions permit. Peterson invited county officials to contact him with questions and said he plans to provide periodic updates to the board.
