Keystone Woods WMA: Your Input Needed to Protect Vital Habitat

Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a crucial conservation site in Washington County, offering a rare opportunity to preserve Minnesota’s grasslands. Spanning 1,820 acres, this recently acquired public land opened to visitors in September 2024 and has already proven to be a haven for birdlife. With over 169 species recorded on eBird—including Short-Eared Owls, Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Dickcissel, Rough-Legged Hawks, Kestrels, Harriers, Ibises, Trumpeter Swans, and many varieties of sparrows, shorebirds, and waterbirds—Keystone Woods WMA is a vital habitat that deserves our protection.

Why Your Voice Matters

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently gathering public input on how Keystone Woods WMA should be managed. While the DNR has been receptive to conservation efforts, there is a pressing concern: dog training groups have requested permission to allow off-leash dog training during the critical bird breeding season (April 15 - July 15). This activity, previously allowed when the land was privately owned, poses a significant risk to nesting birds and conflicts with the DNR’s standard wildlife protection policies. Read more about this issue

What You Can Do

Sustainable Stillwater MN, in partnership with the Saint Paul Bird Alliance, Land of Lakes Bird Alliance, and Urban Bird Collective, urges community members to take action. The DNR is hosting an online survey to gather public feedback, and it is essential that bird lovers, conservationists, and concerned citizens make their voices heard.

Take the DNR’s survey here

The survey closes on March 2, 2025—take 5 minutes today to stand up for Minnesota’s wildlife!

Additional Resources

• DNR Keystone Website

• Star Tribune Article on Keystone

If you have questions or concerns about this matter, please contact Allison McGinnis at allison@sustainablestillwatermn.org.

Protecting Keystone Woods WMA means safeguarding one of our state’s most valuable natural resources. Let’s ensure this habitat remains a sanctuary for birds and wildlife for generations to come. Fill out the survey today and help shape the future of Keystone Woods WMA!