DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Approval Of Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources Addition To Gores Pool #3 State Wildlife Management Area
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acquisition of a 63.5-acre property in Ravenna Township as an addition to the Gores Pool #3 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) as required by state statute.
SUMMARY
The DNR is considering the acquisition of a 63.5-acre property in Ravenna Township as an addition to their existing Gores Pool #3 WMA, consisting of more than 7,102 acres. The subject property is privately owned and located within the WMA boundary. The DNR has negotiated with the willing seller to acquire the property that cannot otherwise be developed.
The acquisition of the property will preserve habitat for wildlife species and will enable wildlife management, while providing outdoor recreational opportunities to the residents of many nearby cities and towns. The property will become part of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation system, available for dispersed wildlife-based recreation such as hunting, trapping, birdwatching, and hiking.
The final step in adding this parcel to Minnesota’s public land system is receiving approval from the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. Per Minn. Stat. § 97A.145, subd. 2 (Wetlands for Wildlife), the DNR must notify the local County Board and town officers where the subject property is located of the proposed acquisition. The County Board needs to approve or disapprove the acquisition by March 24, 2026. The DNR is working with a willing seller and is not seeking any county staff time or budget assistance with their project.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve the DNR’s addition of the 63.5-acre property in Ravenna Township to the Gores Pool #3 WMA.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There is no fiscal impact to this project as this approval is administrative-only and does not commit to any monetary or staff support to the project.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wishes to acquire a 63.5-acre property in Ravenna Township as an addition to their existing Gores Pool #3 Wildlife Management Area, legally described as:
Government Lot 1, Government Lot 2, and Government Lot 3, all in Section 5, Township 114 North, Range 16 West, Dakota County, Minnesota
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WHEREAS, by Minn. Stat. § 97A.145, subd. 2, the DNR must receive County Board approval to establish or add to a state Wildlife Management Area; and
WHEREAS, the DNR has secured all necessary acquisition funding for acquiring the subject property and will be responsible for payment in lieu of taxes for the property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources acquisition of the 63.5-acre property as an addition to the Gores Pool #3 Wildlife Management Area.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: DNR Cover Letter
Attachment: WMA Boundary Map
Attachment: WMA Acquisition Map
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stwora
Author: Eddie Buell