Pauley Family Waterfowl Production Area

The Pauley Family Waterfowl Production Area is located near the Watonwan and Blue Earth County border. From Madelia, go east on Watonwan County Highway 9 for approximately 4 miles. Continue East on Blue Earth County Highway 30 for approximately two miles. Head north on township road 410 for approximately 2 miles. This new growing unit is approximately 310 acres. 

In 2016, Minnesota Valley Trust acquired the original 160 acre Pauley tract. Restoration work commenced the following year but encountered setbacks delaying the final restoration of the parcel. Ultimately, restoration was completed and this unit is a particualrily good example of properly restored habitat with excellent grass/plant diversity and a very healthy forb population. Further  restoration will be conducted on an on-going basis to maintain the excellent health of this unit. Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. partnered with Minnesota Valley Trust with funding for restoration efforts on this parcel.

In 2021 the US Fish & Wildlife Service acquired the Belgard tract of the Pauley Family WPA utilizing Duck Stamp dollars. Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. applying for and was awarded a CPL restoration grant for the restoration of this parcel. Due to residual herbicide, wetland work and planting was delayed by one year. In the interum, an annual cover crop was planted in 2022. Wetland reconstruction and grass and forb planting will is planned for 2023. Partners on this include Key Cities Conservation Club, Nicollet Conservation Club & Garden City Rod & Gun Club.

Ultimately, this growing unit will offer several large and small wetland restorations along with a generous amount of native grass and forb habitat.

Belgard Tract images below. West side, NW Corner, NE Corner & East side in order.