DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
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
recommendation
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 thi...
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