Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA

Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA featured image

In 2020, The Trust for Public Land permanently protected 214 acres of land along the Cannon River and the Cannon Valley Trail in Red Wing, Minnesota. 205 acres were conveyed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to be an addition to the Cannon River Turtle Preserve Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). Bisected by the Cannon River as it nears its confluence with the Mississippi River, the land is primarily floodplain forest, yet also contains steep topography and a calcareous fen, one of Minnesota’s rare geologic features. In addition, the property abuts the Cannon Valley Trail, a beautiful 19.7 miles trail connecting the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing. The 9 acres of the property that are south of the trail was conveyed to the Cannon Valley Trail and is a critical element to their Cultural Heritage Park concept plans. The property has great scenic views and natural beauty, and will provide opportunities for wildlife-based recreation including hiking, hunting, fishing, bird-watching, general nature observation and will also be a refuge for trail users.
 
This project was partially funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Trust for Public Land helped lead the campaign to establish the Outdoor Heritage Fund as part of the 2008 Legacy Referendum that provides dedicated sales tax funding for the environment.
 
Learn more about other projects around the Cannon River.

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