The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District was established in 1962 with the initiation of the Accelerated Small Wetlands Acquisition Program. It includes the counties of Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Wadena and Wilkin.
Historically, this portion of western Minnesota was a broad, sweeping grassland known as the Northern Tallgrass Prairie. Interspersed throughout this open landscape was an abundance of wetlands in every shape and size imaginable. This prairie pothole country was a literal duck factory - producing mallards, blue-winged teal, canvasbacks, and other waterfowl by the millions. The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District boasts some of the highest densities of breeding waterfowl in Minnesota.
The mission of the district is to identify, protect, and restore the tallgrass prairie/wetland ecosystem and associated habitats and to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education. For this purpose, the district currently manages 215 waterfowl production areas (WPAs) totaling 43,962 acres, and 1,101 acres of perpetual easements protecting 21,909 acres of wetlands on private land. Forty-six perpetual wildlife habitat easements covering 3,350 acres of native and non-native habitats on private land have also been obtained.
The district office is located in Fergus Falls, 3 miles east of I-94. Take exit 57 (State highway 210 East). The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center is located 1 mile east of I-94, on State Highway 210 East (exit 57).