Kroschel Wildlife Management Area

Less than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, east-central Minnesota is a beloved destination for outdoor recreation. Through our Minnesota’s Rivers program, Trust for Public Land is working with conservation partners to protect important landscapes within the St. Croix River watershed, while expanding access to the outdoors for nearby communities.

Spanning 7,760 square miles across Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Croix River watershed is anchored by the nation’s first Wild and Scenic River. While the river itself is protected, much of the surrounding landscape is not—more than 75% of the watershed’s forest habitat remains vulnerable to development and fragmentation.

In March 2026, we partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect 315 acres as an addition to the Kroschel Wildlife Management Area, which abuts the Snake River State Forest. The land includes wetlands, aspen woodlands, and lowland habitat that support wildlife like deer, bear, grouse, and turkeys, while creating a more connected network of public land.

This conserved land will offer new opportunities for hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing, along with improved access to the WMA. By protecting this place today, we’re ensuring the St. Croix remains a landscape where people and nature can thrive—now and for generations to come.