Trust for Public Land and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Protect 200 Acres for New Sungina Wildlife Management Area
Lonsdale, Minn. — Trust for Public Land and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the permanent protection of 200 acres of grassland, forest, and wetland habitat just outside the City of Lonsdale in Rice County. The newly established Sungina Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will offer residents and visitors a green oasis to explore the outdoors, connect with nature, and enjoy recreation close to home.
Located within an hour drive of more than half of Minnesota’s population, the Sungina WMA provides much-needed public access in a region where over 95 percent of land is privately owned. With rapid development expanding across southern Minnesota, protecting remaining natural areas like Sungina WMA is critical to ensuring that wildlife habitat, clean water, and outdoor spaces remain part of the landscape.
“Access to nature is essential for the health, happiness, and resilience of our communities,” said Sophie Harris Vorhoff, Minnesota State Director for Trust for Public Land. “Through this partnership with the Minnesota DNR, we’re ensuring that more Minnesotans—today and for generations to come—can enjoy the beauty and benefits of the outdoors close to home.”
“Demand for public outdoor recreation lands is high and fish and wildlife-based tourism is important for local economies,” said Jeanine Vorland, Minnesota DNR area wildlife supervisor.
In addition to expanding recreation access, the acquisition and preservation of the property plays a vital role in supporting clean water, enabling restoration of native prairie and wetland habitat, and improving climate resilience. Protection of Sungina WMA advances Trust for Public Land’s Cannon River Watershed Program, which is building a network of conserved lands that strengthen ecosystem health across southern Minnesota.
Funding for the project was provided in part by the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created through Minnesota’s 2008 Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment—a historic investment by Minnesotans in the natural places that sustain and inspire them.
About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $111 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
