Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
LocationMorrison County, Minnesota, United States
Nearest cityLittle Falls, Minnesota
Coordinates45°56′29″N 94°12′36″W / 45.9414°N 94.21°W / 45.9414; -94.21[1]
Area13,540 acres (54.8 km2)
Established1992
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsiteCrane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located in central Minnesota, USA, was established in 1992 to preserve a large, natural wetland complex. It is an essential stop for many species of migrating birds. Located within a large watershed that includes Rice, Skunk and Mud Lakes, Platte and Skunk Rivers, Rice and Buckman Creeks, and sedge meadow wetlands, it harbors one of the largest nesting populations of greater sandhill cranes in Minnesota. Habitats include native tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and wetlands with wild rice stands. With a total authorized acquisition boundary of 13,540 acres (54.8 km2) encompassing this important wetland complex and adjacent uplands, the refuge exists as scattered parcels totaling about 2,000 acres (8.1 km2). Existing ownership lies in Little Falls and Agram townships in Morrison County.

The refuge is the base for the Federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Morrison County, which focuses on restoring drained wetlands through voluntary agreements with landowners.

References

  1. ^ "Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (FWS)". Protected Planet. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2024.


Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.