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Established in 1992, the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a newly established refuge consisting of many small tracts of nationally-significant wetlands. The refuge currently covers about 1,500 acres out of a planned total of 10,000. Public recreation opportunities, including a three-mile wheelchair accessible trail, are available on a limited basis.
The refuge harbors one of the largest nesting populations of greater sandhill cranes in Minnesota. Unique habitats include native tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and wetlands with dense stands of wild rice.
The refuge also serves as the base for an aggressive private lands program in Morrison County focusing on restoring drained wetlands through voluntary agreements.
Acquisition of land for Crane Meadows is continuing as funding is appropriated.
Mammals include beaver, fox, muskrat, coyote, and the occasional deer.
For information about wildlife viewing opportunities for groups, call the refuge office.
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