Southeast Blufflands

The distinctive “driftless” region of southeast Minnesota is characterized by forests and prairies threaded by wandering trout streams and the Mississippi, Root, Whitewater, Zumbro, and Cannon rivers. Although this blufflands region is rich in wildlife habitat and recreation potential, only 5 percent is protected and open for public use. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Minnesota Land Trust, The Trust for Public Land is working to create and expand conservation areas in the blufflands, to protect important wildlife habitat, and to improve access to recreation across this singular region. A couple of program successes include the new Yucatan Wildlife Management Area and the Maple Creek Additions to Choice Wildlife Management Area, which are located south of Rushford near the Root River. The Southeast Blufflands is a subprogram of our Minnesota’s Rivers program.