Acres added to Gordon W. Yeager Wildlife Management Area in Southeastern Minnesota

Rochester, Minn. – Trust for Public Land (TPL), in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Pheasants Forever, announced the addition of 40 acres to the Gordon W. Yeager Wildlife Management Area (WMA), expanding protected lands of the entire WMA to a total of 407 acres.

This addition enhances both wildlife habitat and public access to outdoor recreation in the Driftless Area of Southeastern Minnesota. The Driftless Area escaped glaciation, resulting in a distinctive terrain of cold-water trout streams, cliffs, forests, oak savannas, and prairies.

This diverse ecosystem supports over 180 species of rare plants and animals and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including trout fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, and wildlife observation. Despite the area’s ecological and recreational importance, only 5% of the Driftless Area is open to public access. 

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The newly acquired 40 acres is located less than a mile from Rochester and the rolling hardwood forest terrain with grassland blufftops offers wildlife habitat for deer, turkey, and other species while providing opportunities for public hunting and hiking. 

“This addition to the Gordon W. Yeager WMA represents a vital step forward in conserving the Driftless Area’s unique landscapes and wildlife,” said Sophie Vorhoff, Minnesota State Director for Trust for Public Land. “By protecting this land and expanding public access, we’re not only safeguarding critical habitat from fragmentation but also enriching opportunities for outdoor recreation and supporting the local economy.” 

The project addresses critical challenges facing the Driftless Area, including habitat fragmentation, water quality degradation, and erosion caused by rural development and agricultural expansion. Rochester and La Crosse’s rapid growth has increased pressure on these irreplaceable landscapes, making conservation efforts more urgent. 

DNR will manage this new acreage as part of the WMA going forward, which will be open for public recreation including hunting, fishing, and hiking. 

“We’re grateful to Trust for Public Land for their hard work to convey this new property to Minnesota DNR,” said Gretchen Miller, DNR Central Region wildlife manager. “This 40-acre addition fills in an important gap in the existing WMA property and creates a more contiguous habitat and additional public land access.”   

The acquisition was made possible by funding from the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund, established through the 2008 Legacy Amendment. This dedicated sales tax provides crucial support for the preservation of Minnesota’s environment and natural heritage. Trust for Public Land played a leading role in advocating for the passage of the Legacy Amendment, ensuring long-term investment in the state’s treasured landscapes.