Sungina Wildlife Management Area

Just outside the City of Lonsdale in Rice County, Trust for Public Land partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect 200 acres of grassland, forest, and wetland habitat as a new wildlife management area (WMA). Sungina WMA is a green oasis that opens the door for more people to experience the outdoors close to home.

Located within an hour’s drive of over half of Minnesota’s population, the property offers rare public access in a region where more than 95 percent of the land is privately owned. Sungina WMA provides the public with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, and outdoor education—making it a valuable resource for nearby communities and visitors alike.

Beyond recreation, the project supports clean water, climate resilience, and the restoration of native prairie and wetland habitat. As part of our Cannon River Watershed Program, our efforts here contribute to a growing network of protected lands that improve ecosystem health while expanding access to nature for future generations.

Funding support comes in part from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created through the 2008 Legacy Amendment—an investment by Minnesotans in the landscapes that sustain and inspire them.