Pheasants Forever, partners add 1,300 acres to Carp Swamp WMA in Minnesota

Baudette, Minn. — Officials, supporters, and area residents gathered earlier this month to dedicate the Paschke Family Tract addition to the Carp Swamp Wildlife Management Area in far northern Minnesota. The 1,300-acre property was purchased by Pheasants Forever through the Build a Wildlife Area program and was recently conveyed to the Minnesota DNR.

“In terms of total acres, this is one of the larger projects we’ve ever done. It’s an amazing property that will support important species and provide recreation opportunities for the public, fitting squarely within our mission of public lands acquisition,” said Sabin Adams, Minnesota state PF coordinator.

The existing Carp Swamp WMA covers nearly 14,000 acres. It adjoins Lake of the Woods State Forest and the Carp Ruffed Grouse Management Area. The property is home to a known sharp-tailed grouse lek.

“It’s truly amazing what can be accomplished when people are committed and dedicated to a cause. Take that commitment and add in some strong partnerships, and we have the Paschke Tract. This is really a great day,” said Mike Chalich, Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society president, during the May 3 event.

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Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Adams, Chalich, Minnesota DNR Northwest Region Wildlife Manager Blane Klemek, and retired DNR area wildlife manager Scott Laudenslager.

Pheasants Forever will be working with the DNR to restore 27 acres of existing cropland to a diverse mix of grasses and forbs on the north unit this summer. During the winter, plans are to remove 622 acres of brush over both the north and south units of the acquisition. Some of the cut brush will be used to fill approximately 2,000 feet of ditching.

In addition to Pheasants Forever, the project was supported by the Paschke family, the Minnesota DNR, the Outdoor Heritage Fund administered by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society, and Safari Club International.