DNR adds land to Inver Grove Heights nature preserve

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DNR adds land to Inver Grove Heights nature preserve
(Released January 27, 2011)


A 66-acre parcel of wooded bluffs and Mississippi River shoreline in one of the most pristine parts of the Twin Cities has been permanently protected and added to a state nature preserve, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Located in Inver Grove Heights, the land adds to previously protected parcels within the 330-acre Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), a complex open to the public for recreational activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.

Only 20 minutes south of downtown St. Paul, the SNA is part of a 1,300-acre area - most of it privately owned - that features remnants of rare native plant communities, important wildlife habitat and breathtaking river vistas. Biologists consider it a critical link in the Mississippi River flyway, which is used by an estimated 40 percent of waterfowl and hundreds of other bird species for spring and fall migrations.

“This addition to the Pine Bend Bluffs SNA protects important habitat and river frontage,” said SNA program Supervisor Peggy Booth. “It’s particularly valuable because it connects two other parcels in the SNA, providing a larger contiguous block of habitat.”

DNR purchased the land from longtime residents Ruth and Butch Rechtzigel with $725,000 in state bonding money. In addition, Dakota County, through the Farmland and Natural Areas Program, and Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR), a nonprofit conservation organization, each contributed $50,000. FMR staff first contacted the couple about the ecological values of their land 10 years ago and the organization was able to raise private donations to secure final protection of the property.

“We’re happy to have been able to contribute to the protection of this unique area,” said FMR’s conservation director, Tom Lewanski. “And we’re very grateful to the Rechtzigels, who have cherished the nature and beauty of this land for decades and decided to share that with future generations.”

SNAs are established to preserve in an undisturbed natural state those lands and waters with natural features of exceptional scientific value. SNAs contain rare species, native plant communities and geological features of statewide significance.

As part of the state’s outdoor recreation system, SNAs are open for public use, education, and research. Started in 1969, the DNR’s SNA program currently administers more than 150 natural areas throughout the state encompassing over 184,000 acres.

Unique among other SNAs, the Pine Bend Bluffs agreement allows for a portion of Dakota County’s planned 19.5-mile Mississippi River Regional Trail from South St. Paul to Hastings to pass through the property.