Watonwan Waterfowl Production Area

The Watonwan Waterfowl Production Area is located approximately 3 miles east of Madelia on Watonwan County Road 9 then approximately 1/4 mile east on Blue Earth County Road 30.

Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. – Blue Earth County Chapter has provided funding for restoration on this unit.

This 279 acre waterfowl production area includes a combination of oak savanna, native grasses and forbs and prairie wetland habitat. This unit boast some of the highest forb concentrations in Blue Earth County and is home to many pollinators and a large variety of song birds. The area has also been home to a pair of breeding Eagles for several years. A large variety of waterfowl & shore birds can be found in the wetland component – such as these Egrets below.

Sandhill Cranes, once a rarity, are becoming more prevalent due to increased favorable habitat in the County.

Early summer flooding of 2018 impacted this unit. The Watonwan River veers quite close to the unit and when it overflows it’s banks the area can be effected. Images below.

As part of periodic maintenance, the US Fish & Wildlife performed partial spring prescribed burn on portions of the Watonwan WPA in 2019.

As part of continued periodic maintenance, the US Fish & Wildlife performed a prescribed burn on approximately 90% of the Watonwan WPA in 2024 – (next two photos).