DNR presents Lasard Anderson Wildlife Management Area expansion; Rough Grouse Society funds 118-acre addition

Bob Schmidt, wildlife manager with the state Department of Natural Resources, told the Koochiching County Board that the Lasard Anderson parcel originally conveyed to DNR (about 293 acres) will be joined by a newly acquired 118-acre parcel, bringing the Wildlife Management Area to just over 400 acres. "We're adding a 118 acres...and so that'll make the WMA over, a little over 400 acres," Schmidt said.

Scott Johnson, representing the Rough Grouse Society, said the additional parcel was acquired using Outdoor Heritage Fund dollars matched by the society and will be conveyed to DNR. Johnson explained the funding and conservation rationale: "The source of the funding is for the purchase is primarily outdoor heritage fund, but it's matched by the Rough Grouse Society's contributions." The presenters said the expanded WMA will include timber and brush management, prescribed burning, hunter walking trails, and a parking area at the end of Township Road 121 with an ADA-accessible fishing pier. Schmidt estimated the property includes nearly two miles of river frontage and described habitat-management goals such as creating a mosaic of brush and varied age classes of timber.

Commissioners and residents asked about a construction timeline and naming opportunities for trails. Schmidt said the pier timeline is "next summer probably" and that staff would follow up with relatives of the former private landowners about trail names. The board did not take a separate vote on the acquisition at the meeting; presenters said the Rough Grouse Society holds a purchase agreement and intends to convey the tract to the state.