Maple River Wildlife Management Area

The Maple River Wildlife Management Area is located approximately 2 miles east and 2.5 miles south of Good Thunder on County Road 10. The Maple River WMA & nearby Treanor addition now consist of approximately 430 acres of varied terrain and cover.

In 1993, Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. – Blue Earth County Chapter purchased the 40 acres “Doering” tract for $43,700.  The money used to purchase the parcel included funds from Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. as well as general acquisition and RIM dollars from the MN Department of Natural Resources.

In 1994 another acquisition was made from the Klages family for $121,500.  This purchase utilized funds from Minnesota Pheasants, Minnesota Waterfowl Association, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Key City Conservation Club, Garden City Rod & Gun Club, Pintail Sportsman’s Club as well as general acquisition and RIM dollars from the MN Department of Natural Resources.  During the summer of 2002 funds from Ducks Unlimited were used to install a structure to maintain a more stable level of water in the management area.

Minnesota Pheasants, Inc – Blue Earth County Chapter also planted approximately 500 eastern red cedar trees on the southeast side of the Maple River WMA.

In 2002, Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. – Blue Earth County Chapter purchased the “Treanor” tract, an additional 117 acre parcel adjacent to the Maple River WMA.  Total cost for this acquisition was approximately $191,000. The Maple River WMA & Treanor addition provide approximately 430 acres of varied terrain and cover.

In 2010, Minnesota Pheasants Inc. – Blue Earth County Chapter received a Conservation Partners Legacy Grant for restoration work on the Maple River WMA.

In 2011, volunteer tree removal and a prescribed burn was performed in the spring.  In July, approximately 25 acres was replanted with native grass and forbs vital for nesting and brood rearing habitat for upland birds.

In 2012, a significant number of volunteer trees and brush, not addressed in earlier efforts, was undertaken utilizing a Conservation Partners Legacy Grant. Volunteer trees and brush were removed and treated in the fall.

This expanding complex will continue to receive maintenance and habitat improvement.