Fisheries Public Input/Wildlife Public Input

The Whitewater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the eighth largest WMA in Minnesota, and one of the largest remaining contiguous expanses of habitat in southeast Minnesota. It contains a high proportion of the state’s special concern, threatened, and endangered species and has one of the highest diversities of rare/unique native plant communities of state-owned land in Minnesota. Its proximity to major urban areas, including Rochester and the Twin Cities, also makes it a significant recreation destination for all types of users.

The last management plan for Whitewater WMA was written in 1977 and was intended to cover the period from 1977-1986. Significant planning of various management activities has occurred since that time, and there have been important advances in management approaches and technology for tracking management activities that put overall habitat management into a larger landscape context. This is the first formal updating of the master plan since 1977. Significant changes in this plan reflect a greater emphasis on restoring and enhancing native plant communities, changes in wildlife and public use of the area, new challenges like invasive species, changing user groups, changing climate, and new approaches to farming on the Whitewater WMA.

Please take this opportunity to review and provide your input on the draft plan, posted on the DNR's Whitewater WMA website. Following this public review period, the DNR will revise the plan to address input received and release a final version of the plan.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources desires your feedback about the Fisheries Regulations Booklet and opening and closing dates for some fishing seasons.  This questionnaire is designed to help us gather information that will help us better serve you, Minnesota anglers.