How does Vermillion Highlands, a modified wildlife management area (WMA), differ from a traditional WMA?
Wildlife Management Areas are part of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation system and are established to protect those lands and waters that have a high potential for wildlife production, public hunting, trapping, fishing, and other compatible recreational uses. They are the backbone to DNR’s wildlife management efforts in Minnesota and are key to protecting wildlife habitat for future generations, providing citizens with opportunities for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching, and promoting important wildlife-based tourism in the state. Vermillion Highlands has been designated as a modified WMA. As such, it is managed by a unique joint effort, including representation from the University, DNR and Dakota County, so that research, recreation and wildlife management activities can take place simultaneously on the property. Vermillion Highlands is the state’s first and only modified WMA.
