Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Explained

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Iucn Category:IV
Map:USA
Relief:1
Map Width:300
Location:Morrison County, Minnesota, United States
Nearest City:Little Falls, Minnesota
Coordinates:45.9414°N -94.21°W
Area:13540acres
Established:1992
Governing Body:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website:Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located in central Minnesota, USA, was established in 1992 to preserve a large, natural wetland complex. It is an essential stop for many species of migrating birds. Located within a large watershed that includes Rice, Skunk and Mud Lakes, Platte and Skunk Rivers, Rice and Buckman Creeks, and sedge meadow wetlands, it harbors one of the largest nesting populations of greater sandhill cranes in Minnesota. Habitats include native tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and wetlands with wild rice stands. With a total authorized acquisition boundary of 13540acres encompassing this important wetland complex and adjacent uplands, the refuge exists as scattered parcels totaling about 2000acres. Existing ownership lies in Little Falls and Agram townships in Morrison County.

The refuge is the base for the Federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Morrison County, which focuses on restoring drained wetlands through voluntary agreements with landowners.