Upcoming Habitat Restoration Project in Clifton and Rolling Hills to Benefit Local Wildlife and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Next month, a habitat restoration project will start at the Clifton and Rolling Hills wildlife management areas in Lyon County, east of Marshall. This project is a joint effort between Pheasants Forever and the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The plan is to remove trees and brush that have overgrown and damaged the prairie habitat. Over two years, trees, including cottonwoods and non-native species like Russian olive, Siberian elm, and buckthorn, will be cut and burned.

The goal of removing the trees is to help the prairie and grassland ecosystem. It will improve the habitat for pheasants, waterfowl, and other species that rely on grasslands. Bees and butterflies, important pollinators, will also benefit. Troy Dale, the assistant wildlife manager for the Marshall area, highlighted the need for careful tree and brush removal.

In 2017, wildlife staff planted native shrubs and trees over 5.5 acres to help birds, pollinators, and deer. The upcoming improvements should make the area better for hunters, hikers, and bird watchers. For more information, contact the Marshall area DNR wildlife office or email Troy Dale.

The project is part of Pheasants Forever's Enhanced Public Lands Program and the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. It's funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund, established after the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment was passed in November 2008. This increased sales tax by a small amount, with one-third of the revenue going to the fund. The fund's purpose is to restore and protect wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitats for fish and wildlife.

The Clifton and Rolling Hills WMAs are open all year, providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife watching. More details about the project are available on the Minnesota DNR website.

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